Rep. Dan Noyes

Maddy summaryHCR 200 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the life of Nathan Suter, a Montpelier resident and community leader who died in 2025. It honors his contributions as a cofounder of Root Division, director of the Current art center, track coach at Montpelier schools, and board member of organizations like Migrant Justice and the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Suter’s family, Montpelier High School, and the organizations he supported. This is a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or funding impacts.

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 summaryH.857 prohibits alcohol retailers from displaying alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages together in the same retail space, directly affecting businesses holding alcohol retail licenses. It also allocates funds to the Cannabis Control Board to commission an independent legal analysis of Vermont’s current cannabis advertising regulations. The bill does not change advertising rules but seeks to evaluate the existing legal framework for cannabis advertising. This focuses on clarifying regulatory alignment with health policies rather than implementing new restrictions.

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 summaryThis bill (H.825) simplifies the process for property owners to install wheelchair ramps by removing the requirement to submit a zoning permit application. It directly affects property owners seeking to make accessibility improvements and the municipal panels that review development projects. The key provision requires these panels to allow ramp construction without permits and mandates they receive training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to zoning. This change aims to reduce barriers for accessible home modifications while ensuring local officials understand ADA compliance.

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.682 waives the $30 criminal history background check fee for organizations providing free home-delivered meals to older Vermonters through the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL). It directly affects nonprofit meal delivery programs that rely on volunteers, eliminating a $30 fee per background check they currently pay. The bill amends Vermont law to explicitly exempt these organizations from the standard fee, effective July 1, 2026. This change reduces operational costs for meal programs serving seniors without altering eligibility for volunteer positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Vermont hospitals to use a single independent auditor for their financial statement audits. It directly affects every hospital in Vermont by mandating they no longer choose their own auditors. The Green Mountain Care Board, in consultation with the State Auditor, will select and direct the use of this single auditor. The bill aims to standardize financial oversight across the state's hospital system.

Maddy summaryH.638 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences in Vermont through the Department of Health. It defines recovery residences as peer-support living spaces for people recovering from substance use disorders and sets six standards for certification, including meeting safety/sanitation rules, having a complaint process, and maintaining certification via a Vermont-approved organization. Certified residences must annually report data to the Department (e.g., resident numbers, employment changes) and undergo inspections with 10 days' notice. The bill directly affects recovery residences operating in Vermont, requiring them to meet these standards to participate in the program.