Rep. Casey Toof

Maddy summaryH 308 would temporarily exempt all building materials and supplies from Vermont's sales and use tax for manufacturers constructing or renovating facilities used exclusively for manufacturing tangible goods. The exemption applies to purchases exceeding $1 million annually over any three consecutive years, reducing construction costs for these businesses. It would take effect July 1, 2025, and sunset on July 1, 2028, reverting to Vermont's previous limited exemption for manufacturing facilities. This change directly affects manufacturers planning facility construction or renovation projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's Use Value Appraisal Program, which helps farmers pay lower property taxes by valuing farmland at its agricultural use value instead of market value. It changes the eligibility requirement to require at least 25% of a farmer's annual income from farming (including a new provision for those earning 25% from raising horses) and reduces the land use change tax rate from 10% to 6% when agricultural land is developed. These changes aim to make the program more accessible to a wider range of agricultural operations, including horse-related businesses. The bill directly affects farmers and landowners seeking to enroll agricultural land in the program or develop previously enrolled land.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates annual open enrollment periods for Vermonters seeking Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap), aligning with federal Medicare Part D enrollment. It prohibits insurers from charging extra fees, penalties, or higher premiums for enrolling after age 65, bans exclusions for preexisting conditions, and allows policyholders to switch to comparable or lower-benefit plans anytime. The changes apply directly to Vermont residents enrolled in or applying for Medicare supplement insurance. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, after passing committee referral on February 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 282 creates a new driver education program for students in Vermont's home study programs, requiring the Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Education Secretary to approve a course for parents or guardians to teach their children. The approved course must cover alcohol/drug effects on driving, motor vehicle insurance laws, and the environmental impact of vehicle idling. Parents teaching the course must not have recent DUI convictions, six or more traffic points in three years, or certain felony convictions. The bill mandates course approval by July 1, 2025, and requires a report comparing driving records of home study students with traditional program students by November 2029.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1,000 income tax deduction for Vermont taxpayers who cover qualified home study program expenses for their dependent children. It directly affects parents or guardians who educate their dependents through home study programs (as defined under Vermont law), provided the child is not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. The deduction covers costs like educational materials, equipment, and software required for home study, but does not include full tuition. The provision applies retroactively to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 254) clarifies court procedures for serving legal documents in civil cases. It requires that when a Vermont court approves alternate service of process (such as publishing a notice or leaving documents at a defendant's home), that order automatically applies to all future service steps in the same case - including post-judgment actions - without needing new court orders. The bill directly affects civil court proceedings where alternate service is used, streamlining the process for plaintiffs and courts. It specifically updates Vermont Rule of Civil Procedure 4(d)(1) and applies to all existing and future cases using such service methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in Vermont by creating an "advanced therapeutic procedures specialty." Qualified optometrists with this specialty may now perform specific procedures, including removing small superficial eye lesions (like chalazia), certain laser treatments (such as for cataracts), and targeted injections for conditions like chalazia or vision testing. The bill also explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing retinal surgeries, corneal transplants, or injections into the back of the eye. Optometrists seeking this specialty must complete additional continuing education hours focused on advanced procedures. The changes aim to clarify and modernize what optometrists can legally provide while maintaining patient safety through defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 29) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Montgomery runner Elinor Purrier St. Pierre on her eighth-place finish in the women's 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including American records and prior Olympic participation, as detailed in the resolution's "whereas" clauses. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Purrier St. Pierre. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct effects, it does not alter laws or affect any constituents beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.