Rep. Chris Pritchard

Maddy summaryHCR 177 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Twin Valley High School's Athletic Director and boys' soccer coach Buddy Hayford for achieving 500 career coaching victories. It recognizes his 43-year coaching career, including 10 divisional titles, two state basketball titles, and his status as Vermont's first high school soccer coach to reach 500 wins. This resolution, offered by all House members and sponsoring senators, formally congratulates Hayford and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to him and his school - **it is not a law but a symbolic gesture of appreciation**.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 184) celebrates the successful restoration of wild turkeys in Vermont, commemorating the 1969 effort led by wildlife biologist Bill Drake. It specifically honors the release of 17 turkeys (5 toms, 12 hens) in Pawlet, which established the population now thriving statewide. The resolution recognizes this as a conservation milestone made possible through federal wildlife funding and local landowner cooperation, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Pawlet Historical Society. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect and does not alter laws or directly affect any individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.825) simplifies the process for property owners to install wheelchair ramps by removing the requirement to submit a zoning permit application. It directly affects property owners seeking to make accessibility improvements and the municipal panels that review development projects. The key provision requires these panels to allow ramp construction without permits and mandates they receive training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to zoning. This change aims to reduce barriers for accessible home modifications while ensuring local officials understand ADA compliance.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 165) commemorates Micheline Lemay of Stowe for her leadership in outdoor recreation and mindfulness. It specifically recognizes her work as a co-owner of Rugged Adventures Summer Camp, her personal journey overcoming serious health challenges including cancer, and her "Mansfield Million" ski challenge to ascend Mount Mansfield. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Micheline Lemay, with no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryH.774 would freeze Vermont's education property tax rates at 2026 levels for the next three years (2027-2029), directly affecting all homeowners and property owners who pay these taxes. The bill requires tax rates to remain at 2026 levels regardless of local budget needs during this period. To ensure education funding stays fully supported, the bill mandates that any shortfall from the frozen rates be covered by redirecting money from the state's General Fund. This policy change provides immediate tax stability for property owners while guaranteeing continued education spending.

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 summaryThis bill allows doctors to administer psychiatric medication without a patient's consent during emergency mental health crises under strict conditions. It requires physicians to inform patients about the medication details, risks, and their right to refuse before administration, and confirms that less restrictive alternatives were considered. The medication can be given for up to 72 hours initially, with court review required within 5 business days if continued treatment is needed, and no more than 10 days without a court order. The bill applies directly to patients in mental health emergencies and the hospitals or facilities treating them, mandating detailed documentation and limiting emergency use to unavoidable situations.

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 (H.719) allows Vermont hospitals and health systems to collaborate on initiatives like cost containment, improving rural healthcare access, or advancing state health goals without facing antitrust lawsuits, provided they follow a state approval process. It directly affects rural and community hospitals, health systems, and the Agency of Human Services, which must review and approve all proposed collaborations. Key mechanisms include requiring Secretary of Human Services approval before discussions begin, mandating that initiatives align with state health policy, and permitting shared data on costs and quality during approved collaborations. The state agency will also monitor these partnerships through quarterly reporting requirements.