Rep. Teddy Waszazak

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 471) proposes to transfer ownership of the State-owned Randall Meadow property in Waterbury to the town, contingent upon completing engineering modifications to create a deeper floodway on the property. It directly affects the Town of Waterbury, which would gain ownership of the land once the floodway improvements are finished. The key provision requires the State to complete specific engineering work to deepen the floodway before the property transfer can occur. (Note: Full bill text is omitted in the short-form summary provided.)

Maddy summaryH.459 would prevent employers from requiring employees to use parental or family leave benefits for time off due to a work-related injury or illness that is already covered by workers' compensation. This directly affects employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses and might otherwise be forced to exhaust their leave benefits for such absences. The key provision ensures that for compensable work-related injuries or illnesses, employees instead receive workers' compensation benefits, not parental or family leave. The bill aims to clarify that parental and family leave should be reserved for its intended purposes, such as childbirth or caring for a family member, rather than for work-related medical situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 443) proposes a new tax on residential and commercial properties that remain vacant for extended periods. It directly affects property owners who leave buildings empty, requiring them to pay an additional tax based on the property's value. The key provision creates a specific tax rate for vacant properties, aiming to encourage property use and generate local revenue. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Ways and Means.

Maddy summaryH 430 allows Vermont health insurers to adjust individual and small group health insurance premiums based on the policyholder's age and tobacco use, while maintaining strict limits. Insurers may charge up to 3 times more for the oldest age group compared to the youngest, and up to 1.5 times more for tobacco users compared to non-users. Premium changes cannot deviate more than 20% above or below the standard community rate, and total adjustments (including age/tobacco) must stay within a 30% cap. This bill directly affects Vermont residents purchasing individual or small-group health plans, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 48 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont House Representative Curt McCormack of Burlington, who died in September 2024. It recognizes his environmental advocacy (including pioneering work on chlorofluorocarbon limits), transportation leadership (as Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator and House Transportation Committee Chair), and service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This procedural resolution does not create policy changes or affect any constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits six specific artificial dyes (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) in foods and beverages served during the school day in Vermont public schools and approved independent schools. It does not apply to food or beverages sold off-campus or after school hours until midnight. The law will take effect on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources to create a regional plan by January 2025 for managing septage (waste from septic tanks), sludge (treated wastewater solids), and biosolids. The plan must establish regional districts for waste disposal, identify regional acceptance sites at wastewater facilities, address cost-sharing between towns, and handle contaminants like PFAS. It directly affects all Vermont municipalities and wastewater treatment facilities that manage these materials. The plan must include public input and will take effect July 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Environmental Division of the Superior Court to hear housing permit appeals within 30 days of filing and issue decisions within 120 days after the hearing. It directly affects housing developers and municipalities seeking faster resolution on permit disputes under Chapter 117 of state law. The bill adds one new judge and one new law clerk to the Environmental Division, with $300,000 in funding for fiscal year 2026 to support these positions. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, aiming to expedite housing-related legal processes.

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryH 317 prohibits credit card networks and payment processors from charging merchants fees on the tax or tip portion of a transaction. It requires merchants to report tax and gratuity amounts during payment processing, and if they don't, they may face fees on the full transaction amount. Merchants can correct inaccurate reports within 30 days, and payment networks must refund fees on tax/tip amounts if documentation is provided within 180 days. The law applies to all Vermont merchants accepting credit cards and takes effect July 1, 2025. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction.