Rep. Jim Harrison

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Vermont's legal framework for greenhouse gas emissions by replacing "reduction requirements" with "reduction goals" in state law. It directs state agencies to consider emissions impacts in decisions about equipment, buildings, and programs, and requires the Vermont Climate Council to adopt and update a Climate Action Plan by 2021 (with updates every four years) to outline specific strategies for meeting these goals. The plan must include measurable initiatives, progress tracking, and resilience strategies for communities affected by climate change. These changes clarify the state's commitment to emissions reductions while providing a structured process for implementing and reporting on climate action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Joint Fiscal Office to contract for an electronic roll-call system for the House of Representatives by the 2026 legislative session. Specifically, it mandates the Joint Fiscal Office to issue a request for proposals by June 15, 2025, and select a vendor by August 15, 2025, with the system to be operational before the 2026 session begins. The system will replace paper-based voting records, using funds from the FY26 Capital Construction Act. It directly affects House staff and members who conduct roll-call votes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts U.S. military retirement income and survivor benefit payments from Vermont income tax for eligible residents. It adds these income types to Vermont’s list of excluded income in the tax code (specifically amending 32 V.S.A. § 5811), meaning military retirees and surviving spouses won’t pay state tax on these payments. The change applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It directly affects Vermont taxpayers who receive military retirement or survivor benefits, providing them tax relief on this specific income source.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.39) would repeal Vermont's legal protections for overdose prevention centers (OPCs), removing immunity from drug possession charges and civil liability for users, staff, and operators. Currently, OPCs - safe spaces offering harm reduction services like naloxone and sterile supplies - are shielded from prosecution under state law. The repeal would mean participants and providers could face drug possession charges for activities within these centers, and centers could lose legal protection against civil claims. The bill targets the specific immunity provisions (Section 4256(c)), not the centers themselves, and would take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes consolidating Vermont's school districts to match the state's existing career and technical education (CTE) service regions. It would directly affect Vermont's public school districts by requiring them to align their boundaries with current CTE service areas. The key mechanism involves reorganizing school district structures to eliminate mismatched boundaries, aiming to streamline coordination for career-focused education programs. The bill does not specify funding or new programs, only the structural realignment of districts. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Corrections to partner with local opioid treatment programs to provide medication for opioid use disorder (like buprenorphine or methadone) in correctional facilities. It ensures inmates with opioid use disorder can continue their prescribed medication upon admission and receive at least a 28-day supply upon release to maintain treatment continuity. The law updates existing medical care standards to mandate these partnerships through memorandums of understanding with community treatment providers. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in Vermont facilities who require opioid use disorder treatment, aligning their care with community-based treatment systems. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to improve access to evidence-based treatment during incarceration and transition to community care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 16) repeals Vermont’s Affordable Heat Act, which established the Clean Heat Standard program. It removes requirements for heating fuel providers to meet emissions standards and eliminates two state positions created to administer the program (one at the Public Utility Commission, one at the Department of Public Service). The bill also deletes references to the Clean Heat Standard from tax law, ending the requirement for fuel providers to report to state agencies about compliance. This directly affects heating fuel businesses and state agencies responsible for the Clean Heat Standard program. The repeal takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryH 22 amends Vermont's Public Records Act to require public disclosure of severance pay and benefit extension agreements for employees of state and local public agencies. It removes an exemption that previously kept this information private, making such agreements available for public inspection and copying. Public agencies must annually publish detailed reports by July 1 each year, including employee names, payment amounts, benefit types, agreement duration, and termination reasons. This applies to all benefit extension agreements executed since 2018, with a historical report due by January 15, 2026. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Fair Repair Act, aims to improve access to repair services for agricultural and forestry equipment by ensuring independent repair providers and equipment owners can obtain necessary parts, tools, and documentation. The legislation addresses challenges such as limited availability of authorized repair shops in rural areas, workforce shortages, and restrictions on software-related repairs that may prevent independent technicians from fixing equipment safely and effectively. By establishing clear definitions for key terms and promoting equitable access to repair resources, the bill seeks to extend equipment lifespans, reduce costs for farmers and foresters, and support Vermont's agricultural and forestry sectors. The measure does not mandate specific repair practices but creates a framework to facilitate fair access to the information and components needed for maintenance and repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Aziza Malik, an elementary school teacher in Burlington, on being named the 2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves to formally recognize her achievement and the work of the state's education agency. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Aziza Malik and Champlain Elementary School. This type of bill has no legal effect beyond acknowledging the award and the recipient's contributions to education.