Rep. Josh Dobrovich

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that allowing children to engage in age-appropriate independent activities - such as walking to school, playing outdoors, or being home alone for reasonable periods - does not constitute neglect. It directly affects parents/guardians and child welfare agencies by updating Vermont’s legal definition of neglect under §4912. The bill adds specific examples of "independent activities" to prevent unnecessary investigations into safe, routine childhood independence. It also requires the Department for Children and Families to update policies and train staff by 2027. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryH.765 expands Vermont's definition of "qualified mental health professional" to include licensed clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychoanalysts, and other specific licensed practitioners (such as advanced practice nurses and psychologists), removing the prior requirement that they must be employed by designated agencies. This directly affects mental health providers who can now qualify under the law for roles like emergency examinations and court testimony. The bill modifies statutes to allow these expanded professionals to perform duties previously restricted to a narrower group, such as applying for emergency warrants and providing expert testimony. It does not change eligibility for patient services but broadens who can provide certain legally defined mental health services.

Maddy summaryH.774 would freeze Vermont's education property tax rates at 2026 levels for the next three years (2027-2029), directly affecting all homeowners and property owners who pay these taxes. The bill requires tax rates to remain at 2026 levels regardless of local budget needs during this period. To ensure education funding stays fully supported, the bill mandates that any shortfall from the frozen rates be covered by redirecting money from the state's General Fund. This policy change provides immediate tax stability for property owners while guaranteeing continued education spending.

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.751 requires telecommunications companies to obtain permits from District Commissions for new facilities, including 5G small cell antennas. It repeals the previous certificate system and mandates specific safety rules: facilities must be at least 2,000 feet from residences, schools, hospitals, and parks; limit radiation to -75 dBm or 0.1 watts ERP; and require annual compliance certifications by licensed engineers. The bill directly affects telecom providers building infrastructure and aims to standardize siting rules for public safety and transparency. Key provisions include visible RF radiation labels on poles and annual monitoring reports for all radiating antennas.

Maddy summaryH.759 proposes replacing Vermont's current complex tax system - including income, sales, property, and estate taxes - with a single flat income tax. It would repeal 12 existing tax types (like education property tax, sales tax, and estate taxes) and simplify tax filing for all Vermont residents and businesses. The bill includes targeted relief for low-income households and rural communities to offset potential regressive impacts, while aiming to fund essential services like education and infrastructure through the new system. This change would affect every Vermont taxpayer subject to income tax, with specific adjustments to taxable income calculations outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryH.756 shortens the notice period landlords must give tenants for termination based on criminal activity, drug use, human trafficking, or violence from 30 days to 7 days. It requires landlords to notify housing authorities within 48 hours when terminating a tenant receiving housing assistance, and to alert law enforcement "as soon as practicable" about suspected human trafficking. The bill also mandates defendants in eviction cases respond to complaints within 5 business days and allows expedited hearings for cases involving suspected criminal activity. Additionally, it increases maximum penalties for human trafficking and drug violations in dwellings to 10 years in prison or $500,000 fines, and creates a landlord assistance program for financial support.

Maddy summaryH.754 establishes stricter penalties for repeat violent offenders, requiring a mandatory minimum three-year prison term (with no parole or early release) for a third felony crime of violence conviction. It increases penalties for assaults against protected professionals (including police, firefighters, healthcare workers, and emergency personnel), with second offenses carrying up to 10 years in prison and aggravated assaults up to seven years. The bill also mandates that victims be notified and allowed to speak at plea hearings or sentencing regarding their views on the crime and restitution. These provisions directly affect defendants convicted of violent crimes, protected professionals, and victims in Vermont criminal cases.

Maddy summaryH 711 would exempt sales of gold or silver bullion and coins purchased for investment from Vermont's sales and use tax, effective July 1, 2026. The bill specifically covers refined gold/silver bullion and coins (like bars or minted coins) used as investment, excluding jewelry, art, or industrial metals. It amends Vermont law to clarify that this exemption promotes investment in precious metals and defines "precious metal bullion or coins" as items valued primarily by their metal content. This change directly affects individuals and investors buying investment-grade gold or silver.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual tax on solar power generation capacity in Vermont from $4 to $16 per kilowatt and redirects half of the new revenue to a newly created Farm Security Special Fund. The fund will provide grants covering up to 50% of uninsured financial losses for farms affected by defined weather events like floods, droughts, or extreme heat. It directly affects solar energy businesses (above 50kW capacity) and Vermont farms experiencing weather-related income loss. The fund will be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, with grants awarded after consultation with a Farm Security Review Board.