Rep. Dara Torre

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Vermont Energy Equity Law" (H 753), directly affects residential utility customers in Vermont by preventing forced disconnections under specific circumstances. It requires the Public Utility Commission to adopt rules banning disconnections during extreme heat and mandating that utilities halt disconnections if a physician certifies a health risk from service loss. Utilities must also create plans to reduce involuntary disconnections to the lowest feasible level in their service areas. The law aims to protect vulnerable households while aligning utility operations with state energy policy goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill welcomes the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine USS VERMONT (SSN 792) to the Vermont State House on March 17, 2026, and designates April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT Day in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the submarine's commanding officer and support group as an official acknowledgment. It recognizes the vessel's recent achievements, including its participation in the AUKUS security partnership and its completion of maintenance in Australia. The bill also notes that an information display about the submarine will be shown at the State House the day before the designated USS VERMONT Day.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a 150-member Vermont Citizens’ Assembly composed of randomly selected residents (via sortition) to develop policy recommendations for the state legislature. The Assembly would operate independently for one year (mid-June to mid-November, meeting two weekends monthly), with members receiving a daily wage equal to the median Vermonter’s wage plus reimbursements for expenses. It would address significant public issues chosen annually by the Assembly itself, with recommendations submitted to the Vermont General Assembly. The body would be funded through state appropriations and have its own staff and website. The bill directly affects Vermont residents selected for membership and the General Assembly, which would consider the Assembly’s proposals.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "School Board Appreciation Month" in Vermont. It recognizes the work of locally elected school board members, who manage district budgets and make educational decisions affecting students and communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It serves purely as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge school board service.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.

Maddy summaryHCR 182 is a ceremonial resolution designating February 5, 2026, as "Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day" at the State House. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes Vermont's outdoor recreation economy and assets, including trails, forests, ski areas, and its $2.1 billion economic impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with state agencies like Natural Resources, Forests/Parks, and Tourism. It acknowledges the role of outdoor recreation in Vermont's economy, community well-being, and workforce, without imposing any new requirements.

Maddy summaryH.883 creates a task force to evaluate ways to simplify Vermont's state permitting processes for land use, water, and development projects. The task force will specifically consider making permits more transparent, faster, and easier to navigate, including exploring a single point of entry for all state permits. This bill directly affects Vermont residents, businesses, and developers who interact with state permitting systems. The bill does not make immediate changes but sets up a process to study potential reforms.

Maddy summaryH.863 imposes a $0.30 fee on retail deliveries (like online orders shipped to Vermont) that are subject to sales tax, collected by vendors and listed separately on receipts. It permits municipalities to levy a local tax on gasoline and diesel fuel sales and allocates funds to transportation programs including electric vehicle incentives, public transit coordination, and creating pollinator habitats along roads. The bill also requires public EV charging stations to accept credit cards and provide real-time availability, and mandates a study on electric bicycle safety. These provisions aim to fund infrastructure improvements, support clean energy transitions, and enhance transportation equity.