Rep. Lucy Boyden

Maddy summaryH 760 creates a new "Vermont Green FC" license plate for eligible vehicles (pleasure cars, trucks under 26,001 pounds, and state agency vehicles), requiring a $45 initial fee and $45 annual renewal. The majority of these fees (77% initially, 84% annually) will fund a new Vermont Green FC Special Fund. This fund will provide grants to support environmental justice and Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy, managed by a board including state officials and representatives from the Vermont Green Football Club and the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance.

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.681 requires Vermont school districts to obtain voter approval from the town where a school is located before closing any school serving prekindergarten through 12th grade, or specific grades within that range. The bill mandates a townwide vote for closures or relocations of school facilities, directly affecting school districts and local voters in communities with public schools. It amends state law to override existing school district agreements that might allow board decisions without voter input. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, ensuring community approval is required for school closure decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed malt beverage manufacturers in Vermont to sell directly to businesses holding first- or second-class alcohol licenses (like bars and restaurants), instead of requiring distribution through wholesalers. It sets a hard limit of 5,000 barrels annually for direct sales by any single manufacturer. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and modifies existing licensing rules under Vermont law. The policy specifically targets distribution methods for malt beverages, not other alcoholic products.

Maddy summaryH.647 modifies Vermont's alcohol licensing rules for vinous beverage manufacturers (wine producers). It increases serving limits at fourth-class tasting rooms and retail shops: allowing up to 16 ounces of malt beverages/cider, 12 ounces of wine/RTDs, and limited spirits per customer. The bill also permits manufacturers to operate up to two first-class retail locations directly on their licensed manufacturing property or adjacent owned land. These changes would take effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affect licensed wineries seeking expanded retail operations.

Maddy summaryH.655 modifies Vermont's alcohol licensing rules. It changes the Board of Liquor and Lottery's term length from three to four years, removes hour restrictions for off-premises alcohol sales (like takeout), and requires special event permits to get local commissioners' approval. The bill also eliminates the requirement for solicitors to pay license fees via certified check and cancels a planned 2026 repeal of rules for "retail establishments" (such as stores selling alcohol alongside other goods). These changes directly affect liquor license holders, event organizers, and the Board members. The bill preserves existing rules for retail establishments while updating administrative processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's cannabis laws with key updates to licensing, product definitions, and business requirements. It redefines "hemp products" to exclude substances exceeding 0.3% THC and clarifies that such products are treated as cannabis. The bill requires background checks for cannabis business license applicants and establishes detailed operating rules for businesses, including security, traceability, and advertising standards. These changes directly affect cannabis businesses, hemp product manufacturers, and license holders under Vermont's regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryH 397 updates Vermont's emergency management and flood response systems. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to annually report on mitigation plans to legislative committees and revise the State Emergency Management Plan every five years to cover response coordination, preparedness, and local planning templates. The bill expands grant funding for flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts for flood-affected properties, and mandates new assistance for municipalities to access river monitoring and weather alert systems. It also provides municipalities with greater flexibility to borrow funds for emergency-related expenses and manage unspent budget balances. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and communities in flood-prone areas.

Maddy summaryH 182 proposes to require state licensure for early childhood educators. The bill establishes a new Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators under the Office of Professional Regulation to oversee this licensing process. It defines the scope of practice for educators working with children from birth through eight years old. The bill also creates three distinct licensure levels (Early Childhood Educator I, II, and III), each with specific responsibilities and supervision requirements. Unless exempt, individuals will be prohibited from identifying as early childhood educators without this license.