Rep. Mark Higley

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 summaryThis bill sets new conservation targets for Vermont: requiring 30% of the state's land to be conserved by 2030 and 50% by 2050, including public, private, and federal lands. It replaces previous conservation goals with these specific targets and mandates biennial updates to a public land conservation inventory. Key mechanisms include requiring resource mapping of forest blocks and habitat connectors to guide development decisions, and updating rules to minimize forest fragmentation while supporting agricultural and historic land uses. The bill directly affects landowners, developers, and conservation groups by changing how land use permits are reviewed and how conservation progress is tracked. These changes aim to align development with ecological goals under Vermont's Act 250 land use framework.

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 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 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 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.

Maddy summaryHCR 122 is a House concurrent resolution that officially recognizes the week of May 6-12 as National Nurses Week in Vermont. This resolution serves to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of nurses within the state.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, which took place on April 30, 1975. The resolution directs the General Assembly to acknowledge this anniversary and sends copies to the Vermont State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion Department of Vermont, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Vermont.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 92 honors the Federal TRIO Programs in Vermont for their outstanding achievements. These programs support financially disadvantaged students and those aspiring to be the first in their families to attend college, assisting them in pursuing higher education. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Board of Directors of the Vermont Educational Opportunity Programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the 2024 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It formally recognizes the dedication and accomplishment of 55 named individuals and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored Eagle Scout and the Green Mountain Council.