Rep. Penny Demar

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont hospitals and hospital networks from charging facility fees for certain outpatient services (like routine check-ups using standard medical codes) and telehealth appointments. It requires hospitals to provide patients with written notice of any applicable facility fees before services are delivered. The law specifically targets fees separate from professional medical charges, aiming to reduce unexpected costs for patients. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.842) revises Vermont’s Commission on Public School Employee Health Benefits by reducing its membership from 10 to 9 members, making the Secretary of Education the chair, and limiting alternate members. It requires the Commission to cap the actuarial value of health benefit plans and consider specific factors when making decisions, while adding new dispute resolution options for negotiations. The bill directly affects public school employees and employers in Vermont, as the Commission manages health benefits for school staff. It also mandates that the Secretary of Education contract with a single third-party provider to oversee health savings accounts for school employees.

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Twin Valley High School's Athletic Director and boys' soccer coach Buddy Hayford for achieving 500 career coaching victories. It recognizes his 43-year coaching career, including 10 divisional titles, two state basketball titles, and his status as Vermont's first high school soccer coach to reach 500 wins. This resolution, offered by all House members and sponsoring senators, formally congratulates Hayford and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to him and his school - **it is not a law but a symbolic gesture of appreciation**.

Maddy summaryH.810 requires Vermont's Agency of Transportation to provide municipalities with technical assistance and informational materials by November 2026 to establish weight, height, and width limits for covered bridges. It also directs the agency to help communities implement physical barriers or warning systems to prevent vehicles exceeding these limits from using the bridges, while outlining grant funding opportunities for such measures. The bill increases criminal penalties for violating bridge limits (to enhanced fines) and significantly raises penalties for intentionally damaging covered bridges - up to 10 years imprisonment for arson or injury compared to 5 years under current law. This directly affects municipalities managing covered bridges and drivers operating vehicles on them, focusing on preservation of historic infrastructure through safety standards and stronger enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 165) commemorates Micheline Lemay of Stowe for her leadership in outdoor recreation and mindfulness. It specifically recognizes her work as a co-owner of Rugged Adventures Summer Camp, her personal journey overcoming serious health challenges including cancer, and her "Mansfield Million" ski challenge to ascend Mount Mansfield. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Micheline Lemay, with no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryHCR 172 is a commemorative resolution honoring Jon Gailmor, a Vermont folk singer and former Elmore Town Moderator who died in 2025. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and Elmore residents, recognizing his contributions as a musician who celebrated Vermont through songs like "A Town Meeting Tune" and his 15+ years serving as Elmore's town moderator. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Gailmor’s family and the Elmore Town Clerk. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy impact.

Maddy summaryH.730 updates Vermont's Act 250 land use law by clarifying "Tier 3" rules, which designate high-priority conservation areas (like river corridors and sensitive habitats). It requires the Land Use Review Board to define Tier 3 boundaries, explain why certain resources aren’t protected, and provide written notice to property owners in Tier 2/3 areas about upcoming rule changes. The bill also creates a de minimis construction exception (e.g., sheds under 200 sq. ft.) and temporarily exempts priority housing projects in designated downtown areas from Tier 3 rules until July 2027. These changes directly affect property owners in conservation zones, local municipalities, and developers navigating land use permits.

Maddy summaryH.643 redirects all revenue from Vermont's purchase and use tax to the Transportation Fund instead of the Education Fund, phasing out the education allocation over six years. The bill gradually reduces the annual cap for education funding - from $50 million in 2026 down to $10 million in 2030 - before fully repealing it by 2031. This change directly affects state budget allocations, shifting funds from education to transportation infrastructure without altering the tax itself. The policy change takes effect annually starting July 1, 2026, with full implementation by 2031.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 151) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on its 50th anniversary. It formally recognizes the company's founding in 1975, growth to over 5,000 employees across 10 states, sustainability initiatives (including EV fleets and the Casella Center for Circular Economy), and community contributions. The resolution has no legislative effect - only directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the company. It directly affects Casella Waste Systems, Inc., as the recipient of this symbolic recognition.