Rep. Richard Nelson

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Vermont public schools, colleges, independent schools, and other educational programs from requiring students, staff, or visitors to wear face masks to prevent illness spread. It creates a legal right for individuals harmed by such mandates to sue for damages, including attorney fees. The law also requires the Governor’s emergency health orders to comply with this mask ban. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is currently under review by the Education Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires solar energy project developers to disclose soil types on proposed sites, specifically detailing the acreage of prime farmland and other agricultural soils affected. It mandates the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to be a required party in all solar facility siting cases before Vermont's Public Utility Commission, ensuring agricultural impacts are formally considered. The bill explicitly states that restricting farming on more than five acres for solar projects would constitute an undue burden, prioritizing agricultural land preservation. This directly affects solar developers planning facilities over 500 kilowatts on agricultural land, requiring them to provide detailed soil impact data during permitting.

Maddy summaryH.643 redirects all revenue from Vermont's purchase and use tax to the Transportation Fund instead of the Education Fund, phasing out the education allocation over six years. The bill gradually reduces the annual cap for education funding - from $50 million in 2026 down to $10 million in 2030 - before fully repealing it by 2031. This change directly affects state budget allocations, shifting funds from education to transportation infrastructure without altering the tax itself. The policy change takes effect annually starting July 1, 2026, with full implementation by 2031.

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 401 raises the weekly sales exemption limit for home-based food businesses (cottage food operations) from $125 to a higher amount adjusted for inflation. This change directly affects small-scale home bakers and producers of non-refrigerated foods like baked goods, jams, and dried snacks who currently must pay licensing fees once weekly sales exceed $125. The bill amends licensing fee rules to exempt these operations from fees when annual sales remain below the new threshold. It aims to support small producers by reducing regulatory barriers as economic conditions have changed since the original exemption was set. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law in June 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 151) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on its 50th anniversary. It formally recognizes the company's founding in 1975, growth to over 5,000 employees across 10 states, sustainability initiatives (including EV fleets and the Casella Center for Circular Economy), and community contributions. The resolution has no legislative effect - only directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the company. It directly affects Casella Waste Systems, Inc., as the recipient of this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent state grant program at Vermont's Agency of Agriculture to fund the existing "Vermonters Feeding Vermonters" program operated by Vermont Foodbank. The grant will provide annual funding for Foodbank to directly purchase local produce from Vermont farms and distribute it through food banks, while also offering smaller grants to Foodbank's partners for similar purchases (including culturally preferred foods). Annual reports to legislative committees will track food purchases, farms supported, and distribution sites. The program aims to address food insecurity while supporting Vermont's agricultural economy, contingent on future state funding.

Maddy summaryH.518 proposes to repeal the State Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. If enacted, the Agency of Natural Resources would not be required to establish or implement this program. The bill would also eliminate the requirement for the State Treasurer to assess the cost of greenhouse gas emissions to Vermont and its residents. Any state positions authorized for the program or assessment would be terminated, and appropriated funds would be returned to the General Fund.

Maddy summaryHCR 134 is a House concurrent resolution that honors Cassandra Polhemus for her exemplary leadership as the chief executive officer of the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). It recognizes her achievements, including overseeing VEDA's lending commitments and its response to the pandemic.

Maddy summaryHCR 118 is a House Concurrent Resolution that commends Team Trumie and Truman Compton for their advocacy, community engagement, and efforts to foster public awareness and acceptance of autism. The resolution specifically recognizes their work in raising funds, donating resources, and promoting understanding of autism within the community.