Rep. Michael Marcotte

Maddy summaryH.799 creates the Free Degree Promise Program to provide tuition-free associate's degrees at Vermont's Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible high school graduates. It directly affects Vermont students who complete CCV's Early College program (earning 20+ credits) and submit financial aid applications. The program covers tuition/fees after other aid, provides stipends for books and transportation, and includes career advising. Funding comes annually from the Vermont Education Endowment Trust Fund (5% of assets), with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation designated as a recipient. This codifies an existing initiative to reduce student debt and expand access to postsecondary education.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's apprenticeship programs to improve diversity and accessibility. It defines "underserved communities" broadly to include racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents, and others facing systemic barriers. Key requirements include a 5-year strategic plan (starting 2026), annual reports tracking participation by race, gender, age, and occupation, and working groups focused on removing barriers for underrepresented groups. The changes directly affect all Vermont apprenticeship programs, sponsors, and participants, aiming to increase equitable access to skilled trades careers.

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 (H 735) allows the Vermont Real Estate Commission to issue temporary licenses to a broker's legal representative if the broker becomes unable to work due to incapacity (e.g., illness or injury). It directly affects licensed real estate brokers who experience incapacity and their designated legal representatives. The key provision creates a process for the Commission to grant these temporary licenses, enabling the legal representative to handle the broker's pending transactions and duties without requiring a full license application. This avoids delays in closing real estate deals during the broker's temporary inability to work. The bill does not change existing licensing requirements for active brokers.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution authorizes the Green Mountain Boys State educational program to use Vermont's State House facilities on June 25, 2026. It specifically permits the program - run by the American Legion Department of Vermont for 12th graders - to occupy chambers and committee rooms from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., subject to limitations set by the Sergeant at Arms. The resolution does not change any laws or policies but formally grants facility access for a mock legislative session. It directly affects the participating students and the American Legion program organizers. The authorization is limited to the specified date and time, with no additional funding or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryH.665 standardizes terms and procedures for recording liens and property notices in Vermont's land records. It requires claimants (like contractors, farmers, or employees) to file lien notices with their town clerk's office within specific timeframes - 60 days for dairy producers and 180 days for labor/material providers - to make liens legally valid. The bill directly affects town clerks (who must maintain consistent records), property owners (who need clear lien visibility), and those filing liens (who must meet filing deadlines). Key changes include uniform filing locations (town clerk's office for real property) and explicit time limits to protect all parties involved in property transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont's Lottery Board to sell lottery tickets, products, and subscriptions through mobile apps, mobile devices, or the internet, effective July 1, 2026. It requires all such purchases to be initiated and received within Vermont, prohibiting intentional routing outside state lines. The bill also creates confidentiality exemptions under Vermont's Public Records Act for customer financial data, business records, and security systems related to online sales. It mandates public hearings for sales procedures but bypasses standard rulemaking processes for these rules. The policy change directly affects Vermont residents who purchase lottery tickets online and the Lottery Board as the operator.

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 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 summaryH 398 creates the Vermont Disaster Recovery Loan Fund within the Vermont Economic Development Authority. The fund provides loans and financial assistance to businesses, including agricultural and forest product enterprises, after disasters. It requires the Authority to consult with specific state secretaries when considering aid for non-declared disasters, though no consultation is needed for disasters declared by the Governor or President. This bill directly affects Vermont businesses recovering from disaster-related losses.