Rep. Kenneth Goslant

Maddy summaryH.756 shortens the notice period landlords must give tenants for termination based on criminal activity, drug use, human trafficking, or violence from 30 days to 7 days. It requires landlords to notify housing authorities within 48 hours when terminating a tenant receiving housing assistance, and to alert law enforcement "as soon as practicable" about suspected human trafficking. The bill also mandates defendants in eviction cases respond to complaints within 5 business days and allows expedited hearings for cases involving suspected criminal activity. Additionally, it increases maximum penalties for human trafficking and drug violations in dwellings to 10 years in prison or $500,000 fines, and creates a landlord assistance program for financial support.

Maddy summaryH.754 establishes stricter penalties for repeat violent offenders, requiring a mandatory minimum three-year prison term (with no parole or early release) for a third felony crime of violence conviction. It increases penalties for assaults against protected professionals (including police, firefighters, healthcare workers, and emergency personnel), with second offenses carrying up to 10 years in prison and aggravated assaults up to seven years. The bill also mandates that victims be notified and allowed to speak at plea hearings or sentencing regarding their views on the crime and restitution. These provisions directly affect defendants convicted of violent crimes, protected professionals, and victims in Vermont criminal cases.

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 requires Vermont motor vehicle insurance companies to offer a discount to policyholders who complete a state-approved driver safety or defensive driving course. It directly affects Vermont drivers who take such courses and their insurance providers. The key provision mandates that insurers provide this discount as a standard benefit, with the program designed to be revenue neutral for the state. The bill does not change insurance rates for drivers who don't complete the courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Vermont law (15 V.S.A. § 1103(c)(2)(J)) to specify that civil contempt proceedings related to protection orders must follow Rule 16 of the Vermont Rules of Family Proceedings. It directly affects individuals involved in civil protection order cases, including petitioners, respondents, and court staff handling contempt matters. The key change adds a procedural requirement for how courts process contempt violations in these cases, clarifying the legal framework without altering the substance of protection orders. The amendment became law after being signed by the Governor on June 5, 2025.

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.518 proposes to repeal the State Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. If enacted, the Agency of Natural Resources would not be required to establish or implement this program. The bill would also eliminate the requirement for the State Treasurer to assess the cost of greenhouse gas emissions to Vermont and its residents. Any state positions authorized for the program or assessment would be terminated, and appropriated funds would be returned to the General Fund.

Maddy summaryHCR 148 is a House concurrent resolution that commemorates the life and career of distinguished Vermont attorney Richard T. Cassidy of Burlington. The resolution extends condolences from the General Assembly to his family and colleagues and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to them and relevant legal organizations.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution formally recognizes May 2025 as National Tennis Month in Vermont. It acknowledges the sport's history and its promotion by organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Maddy summaryThis resolution, HCR 81, honors the life and public service of Brenda Churchill, a former Bakersfield Select Board member and advocate for transgender rights. It extends the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to her family and recognizes her contributions to local and state government, including her work on the Vermont Commission on Women.