Rep. Dave Yacovone

Maddy summaryH 317 prohibits credit card networks and payment processors from charging merchants fees on the tax or tip portion of a transaction. It requires merchants to report tax and gratuity amounts during payment processing, and if they don't, they may face fees on the full transaction amount. Merchants can correct inaccurate reports within 30 days, and payment networks must refund fees on tax/tip amounts if documentation is provided within 180 days. The law applies to all Vermont merchants accepting credit cards and takes effect July 1, 2025. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

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 (H 240) allows Vermont's Governor to temporarily waive water quality permits for dam operators during declared flood emergencies. It directly affects dam operators and the Agency of Natural Resources, authorizing them to lower water levels in dams before a flood to prevent damage to people or property. The key mechanism requires the Governor, after consulting with the Natural Resources Secretary, to determine that lowering water levels will significantly reduce flood risk, while mandating dam operators to minimize environmental harm during the drawdown. The waiver applies only during active emergencies and expires 180 days after the emergency ends.

Maddy summaryH 236 authorizes small hydroelectric facilities (with a proposed capacity of five megawatts or less) to use Vermont's Class B(2) waters, which are currently designated for recreation, fishing, irrigation, and public water sources. The bill requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to amend Vermont's Water Quality Standards by July 1, 2026, to formally include hydroelectric generation as a "suitable use" for Class B(2) waters. It also prohibits denying such projects before 2026 unless the project would impair water quality. This directly affects small hydroelectric developers seeking to use state waters for power generation. The bill makes a specific classification change to existing water quality rules without creating new regulatory requirements.

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.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 12) is a non-binding ceremonial resolution expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Vermont (UVM) men's soccer team for winning their first NCAA Division I men's soccer championship (College Cup) in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's achievement, including their "Cardiac Cats" nickname and championship victory over Marshall University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to UVM Athletics but does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations. It is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 9) formally honors Vermonters involved in creating the Tony Award-winning musical *Hadestown* and Vermont youth theater groups performing teen versions of the show. It specifically recognizes creators like Anaïs Mitchell (Middlebury College alum), Michael Chorney, and Ben T. Matchstick, along with Vermont youth ensembles including Peoples Academy, Very Merry Theatre, and U-32/Montpelier High School productions supported by *Hadestown* creators. The resolution has no legal effect - it is purely ceremonial, celebrating their artistic achievements and community impact without enacting new policy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees.

Maddy summaryH 120 requires Vermont's Secretary of Administration to study and design a long-term care trust fund. The study must examine funding through income-based contributions (starting July 2026 for Vermont residents with taxable income over 150% of the federal poverty level), a two-year payment requirement for benefits, and how the fund would interact with Medicaid. The Secretary must submit a report by January 15, 2026, including proposed legislation to establish the fund. This bill would directly affect Vermont residents who pay into the program and future beneficiaries of long-term care services.