Rep. Teddy Waszazak

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal immigration authorities to obtain a judicial warrant before entering nonpublic areas of Vermont's schools, healthcare facilities, polling places, public libraries, or childcare centers. It also prohibits Vermont's Department of Corrections from assisting federal immigration enforcement beyond what federal law permits and limits civil arrests in government buildings. The Human Rights Commission must create a model policy for sensitive locations by April 2027, guiding institutions on refusing warrantless access requests. These provisions directly affect federal immigration agents, Vermont schools, healthcare providers, and other sensitive location operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Vermont's minimum wage to $18.60 per hour starting July 1, 2026, based on the state's defined "livable wage" (the hourly rate needed for a full-time worker in shared housing with employer health coverage to cover basic needs). Future annual increases will be set at the smaller of 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) change from the previous year, rounded to the nearest cent. It directly affects all employers in Vermont who pay the minimum wage, including businesses with low-wage workers across sectors like retail, hospitality, and agriculture. The change replaces the current $12.55 minimum wage and aligns future adjustments with inflation data.

Maddy summaryH.747, the "No Secret Police Act," requires all Vermont local, state, and federal law enforcement officers to visibly display their agency name and either their name or badge number during public interactions. It prohibits wearing masks or disguises that conceal identity, except for specific safety-related exceptions like medical masks, fire operations, or declared weather emergencies. Law enforcement agencies must create and publicly post written policies ensuring compliance with these identification standards. The bill aims to promote transparency and trust between officers and the public during routine engagements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont towns and cities to adopt local regulations governing surface water use for public drinking water supplies, but only when the municipality owns all land adjacent to the water source. It specifically applies to public water systems serving the municipality, excludes transboundary lakes or ponds, and allows local ordinances to override state rules from the Secretary of Natural Resources if conflicts arise. The law amends existing state statute (24 V.S.A. § 2291) to add this new municipal power, directly affecting local governments managing drinking water sources within their owned watersheds. This change provides towns with greater control over water use impacting their public water systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to provide financial assistance to Vermont municipalities affected by flooding, covering emergency response costs, temporary housing, and infrastructure repairs while waiting for federal reimbursement. It creates two new programs: a Voluntary Buyout Program offering full market value for flood-prone properties and a Homeowner Assistance Program funding elevation, relocation, or flood-resilient rebuilding of homes. The bill also authorizes state agencies to provide technical support and grants for infrastructure upgrades like bridge modifications, culvert improvements, and stormwater management systems in flood-prone areas. These provisions directly benefit local governments and homeowners in communities vulnerable to flooding.

Maddy summaryH.687 creates an exception to Vermont’s moratorium on approving new independent schools for therapeutic schools changing ownership. It specifies that if a therapeutic approved independent school (as defined in 16 V.S.A. § 828(d)) undergoes an ownership change requiring a new application for initial approval, the moratorium does not apply. The State Board of Education and Agency of Education must process these applications under existing laws. This directly affects therapeutic schools transitioning ownership and ensures their applications are reviewed without the moratorium barrier. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryH.678 creates a pilot program to finance 250 new housing units in Washington and Lamoille Counties using municipal debt. The program would be funded by dedicating 100% of property tax increments from municipal or education properties within those counties. This aims to lower rental costs or make homeownership more affordable for new developments. The bill directly affects residents and developers in these two counties by providing a new funding mechanism for housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont municipalities that have not previously voted on cannabis retail operations to hold a binding vote at the 2026 general election. It applies to cities, towns, and incorporated villages as of July 1, 2026, that have not approved or rejected cannabis retail permits. The vote will use an Australian ballot on a specific question: "Shall licensed cannabis retailers be authorized to operate in this municipality?" A "yes" vote permits cannabis retail operations, while a "no" vote prohibits them, with the option to later rescind the decision under existing law. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place where tobacco products are already banned, such as streets, parks, sidewalks, or public buildings. It directly affects cannabis users who might consume in these areas, aligning cannabis consumption rules with existing tobacco restrictions under Vermont law. The key mechanism defines "public prohibited place" using current tobacco prohibition statutes and amends cannabis laws to enforce this ban, while preserving existing limits on possession (e.g., 1 ounce for adults) and vehicle laws. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not change current rules about cannabis use in vehicles, schools, or private leases.

Maddy summaryH.619 proposes a 3% income tax surcharge on Vermont residents with federal adjusted gross income of $1 million or more, directly affecting high-income earners. The surcharge applies in addition to existing income tax and will automatically adjust for inflation each year to maintain the $1 million threshold. It takes effect retroactively for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. This bill creates a new tax obligation for individuals earning over $1 million annually, with no changes to other tax rates or brackets.