Rep. Jim Harrison

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to make housing more affordable by reducing zoning restrictions and regulatory barriers that limit where and how people can build homes. It directly affects local governments, developers, and residents by establishing statewide standards for residential zoning. Key provisions include requiring duplexes and small apartment buildings in areas with municipal water and sewer, limiting parking requirements to one space per unit, and allowing accessory dwelling units under the same rules as single-family homes. The legislation also prohibits deed restrictions that limit dwelling size or parking, requires municipalities to report new zoning rules to the state, and strengthens enforcement of fair housing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an optional income tax that pass-through businesses like S corporations and partnerships can choose to pay instead of having their owners pay individual income tax on the business income. The tax is calculated based on each owner's share of the business income and uses the state's second-highest individual income tax rate. If a business elects to pay this tax, each owner receives a refundable credit equal to 90% of the tax paid, which can reduce their individual income tax liability. The bill also allows owners to claim a credit for similar taxes paid to other states, and it applies retroactively to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone installing solar panels in Vermont to have an approved recycling plan for decommissioned panels. The Public Utility Commission will be responsible for approving these recycling plans and will work with state agencies to establish the necessary procedures. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023, with the installer requirement beginning on July 1, 2024. This measure aims to ensure proper disposal of solar panels while giving the commission authority to oversee the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont's personal income tax rules to increase the income thresholds for exempting Social Security benefits, directly affecting retirees and other Vermont residents who receive Social Security income. It raises the income limits from $50,000 to $57,500 for single filers and from $65,000 to $72,500 for married couples filing jointly, allowing more of their Social Security benefits to be excluded from state taxable income. The legislation also establishes an annual inflation adjustment starting in 2024, which will automatically update these income thresholds each year based on the Consumer Price Index. These changes apply retroactively to the 2023 tax year and will affect anyone filing Vermont state income tax returns who receives federally taxable Social Security benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont General Assembly members to choose between receiving their meals and lodging expenses as a taxable allowance or as a nontaxable reimbursement of actual costs. Under the new provisions, legislators must select their preferred option before each two-year legislative term, and this choice remains in effect unless they notify the Office of Legislative Operations of a change. If members elect reimbursement, they must provide receipts or other documentation to substantiate their actual expenses, while those choosing the allowance receive a fixed daily amount based on federal standards for Montpelier. The bill applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and extends the same expense reimbursement rules to Joint Fiscal Committee members when they attend meetings without receiving regular legislative compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Legislative Apportionment Board to study and recommend changes to the state's redistricting process. The Board must examine how to make the process less partisan and ensure legislative districts better follow the "one person, one vote" principle by comparing Vermont's current system with other states' approaches. The study requires public input through at least two hearings and must be completed by January 15, 2024, with findings and recommendations submitted to government operations committees. The Board will receive administrative and legal support from the Secretary of State's office and members may receive compensation for up to 10 meetings. This procedural measure does not change district boundaries itself but aims to improve how future reapportionment plans are developed.