Rep. Tom Burditt

Maddy summaryH.164 would change how Vermont distributes local option tax revenue to municipalities, increasing the share from 70% to 80% for the communities generating that revenue. It also requires that any surplus in the PILOT Special Fund (a fund for payments in lieu of taxes from state-owned properties) be distributed proportionally to the municipalities that contributed to the surplus. The bill directs the Joint Fiscal Office to prepare a report on transitioning to a system where the state retains only the minimal amount needed to administer the fund, aiming to eliminate future surpluses. This bill directly affects all Vermont municipalities receiving local option tax revenue and those contributing to the PILOT Special Fund.

Maddy summaryH.147 establishes the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee to examine whether landowners who allow public recreational trails on their property should receive compensation or benefits. The committee, composed of state officials, trail organizations, landowners, and experts, will review current trail access costs, economic impacts on Vermont, and compensation models used in other states. It must submit a report to the legislature by December 2026 with recommendations on potential compensation systems, trail standards, and new trail development criteria. This bill does not create immediate compensation requirements but mandates a study to inform future policy. The study will be funded with $250,000 in state funds for consultant support.

Maddy summaryH 74 would phase in full exemption of Social Security benefits from Vermont income tax over eight years. Currently, Vermont partially exempts Social Security benefits for lower-income seniors, but this bill raises the income thresholds where full exemption applies - increasing the single filer threshold from $65,000 to $77,000 and married filer threshold from $80,000 to $92,000. The change applies to all Vermont residents receiving Social Security benefits, with full exemption becoming effective by the eighth year. The bill amends Vermont’s tax code (32 V.S.A. § 5830e) to adjust the income-based exclusion rules. It is currently referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Maddy summaryH 69 requires Vermont health care providers to report significant side effects after vaccinations (even if unsure if the vaccine caused them) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The Vermont Department of Health must then annually report to the legislature by January 15, including total adverse reactions, breakdowns by vaccine type/lot/age, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and support for compensation claims under federal law. This report will be posted online and shared with providers. The bill affects health care practitioners administering vaccines and the Department of Health, taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 62 repeals Vermont's Global Warming Solutions Act, specifically removing the Vermont Climate Council and replacing mandatory greenhouse gas reduction requirements with voluntary "goals." It amends state law to change emissions targets from legally binding requirements to non-binding goals, removes the requirement for state agencies to consider emissions in decisions, and repeals the Low Emission Vehicle Rules. These changes would shift climate policy from a structured, mandated approach to a more flexible framework without oversight. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.

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 Vermont bill (H.19) changes the definition of grand larceny to automatically include the theft of any firearm, regardless of its value. Previously, grand larceny required stolen property to exceed $900 in value; this bill removes that threshold specifically for firearms. The key mechanism amends Vermont law to list "a firearm of any value" as a separate basis for grand larceny charges under § 2501(2). This directly affects individuals who steal firearms, subjecting them to the same penalties as other high-value thefts (up to 10 years in prison or $5,000 fine). The law takes effect upon passage.

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.