Rep. Richard Nelson

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "School Board Appreciation Month" in Vermont. It recognizes the work of locally elected school board members, who manage district budgets and make educational decisions affecting students and communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It serves purely as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge school board service.

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 summaryHCR 166 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating The Pick and Shovel, a Newport City retail store, on its 50th anniversary. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions - only symbolic recognition of the store's history and services. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to the business, with no direct impact on residents, laws, or government operations. This is purely a commemorative gesture with no legislative effect.

Maddy summaryH.854 modifies Vermont legislators' pay based on when the regular legislative session ends. It ensures members receive full salary if the session concludes before the first Friday in May. If the session extends beyond that date, members get only expense reimbursement for up to three weeks past May 1, and no pay or reimbursement for longer sessions. This directly affects all Vermont General Assembly members by tying their compensation to session timing rather than calendar dates. The bill amends existing pay statutes to create this incentive structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.868) would require Vermont public schools to phase out ultra-processed foods - like packaged snacks, pre-made meals, and sugary drinks - from school meals and replace them with foods made from scratch using whole, fresh ingredients. It directly affects all Vermont public school food programs, including cafeterias serving students. The key mechanism is establishing new guidelines to gradually eliminate ultra-processed items while increasing the use of unprocessed or minimally processed foods. The bill aims to improve student nutrition by prioritizing fresh, whole foods over highly processed options in school meals.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HCR 175), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Venerable J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne, recognizing his pivotal role in Vermont's marriage equality history. The resolution commemorates his leadership in the landmark 1999 *Baker v. State* case that established marriage equality under the Vermont Constitution, leading to civil unions and later marriage rights. It expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with his family and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont.

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 summaryVermont's Joint Resolution JRH 7 expresses strong support for the existing U.S.-Denmark treaty governing Greenland and opposes any U.S. efforts to secure sovereignty over the island. It specifically references recent statements by President Trump and his administration suggesting potential military action or purchase of Greenland, which Vermont lawmakers characterize as disregarding Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy to President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This non-binding resolution directly addresses U.S. foreign policy toward Greenland and NATO allies, reflecting Vermont's position on current diplomatic tensions. It does not alter laws but formally states the state's opposition to moves that could disrupt the current treaty framework.