Rep. Theresa Wood

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 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 is a symbolic House resolution (HR 12), not a policy bill. It expresses Vermont's support for Governor Philip B. Scott's statement criticizing federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The resolution specifically endorses the governor's call for halting "Operation Metro Surge" (the federal deployment of ICE/CBP agents), condemning the fatal shooting of a protester, and demanding adherence to constitutional rights. As a resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely conveys legislative support for the governor's position.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends existing restrictions on municipal bylaws (under 24 V.S.A. § 4413) to cover State-funded human services institutions and facilities, as well as facilities regulated by public institutions that provide critical services. It directly affects municipalities by preventing them from imposing local regulations that could disrupt these facilities. The key provision ensures that if such services are interrupted - risking harm to individuals, blocking vital supports, or breaking legally required service continuity - municipal bylaws cannot interfere. This applies to facilities serving essential human services like healthcare, housing, or social support programs. The bill modifies existing law to broaden protections for these infrastructure providers.

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 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 Vermont bill (H.608) allows landowners to legally prohibit hunting and fishing on their property by marking the border with visible purple paint on trees or posts instead of traditional signs. It directly affects private landowners and their authorized agents, who can use this paint method to provide notice without installing physical signage. The bill specifies that purple paint must be clearly visible at or near the property boundary to be valid notice, replacing current requirements for physical "posted" signs. It does not change hunting/fishing laws but simplifies how owners communicate restrictions to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two temporary housing programs for Vermonters in crisis during fiscal years 2027-2028: the Temporary Emergency Housing and Accountability Program (TEHAP) and the Return Home Program (RHP). It directly affects individuals and households without fixed housing or at immediate risk of losing housing within seven days, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or with disabilities. Key provisions include setting strict eligibility criteria, requiring case management services to connect participants with permanent housing and support, transitioning away from hotel/motel reliance toward sustainable options like recovery housing and the Vermont Housing Investment Program (VHIP), and implementing accountability measures for program oversight. The bill mandates a tiered care approach and requires active participant engagement to achieve housing stability.

Maddy summaryH 565 limits security deposits for landlords and mobile home park owners to three months' rent or lot rent, whichever applies. Landlords must hold all security deposits in interest-bearing accounts for tenants' benefit, with accrued interest not counting toward the cap. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, allowing existing deposits above the limit to remain until that date, but requiring them to be moved into interest-bearing accounts within 30 days after July 1, 2026. It directly affects residential tenants, mobile home leaseholders, and their property owners.

Maddy summaryH.91 establishes the Vermont Homeless Emergency Assistance and Responsive Transition to Housing (VHEARTH) Program to replace existing homelessness services. It directly affects Vermonters experiencing homelessness, including children, seniors, and Black residents who face disproportionate homelessness rates (5.6x higher than white residents). Key provisions include ending reliance on hotel/motel stays for shelter, expanding permanent emergency shelters, and requiring regional advisory councils with diverse representation to guide the program. The bill aims to eliminate unsheltered homelessness by 2027 and transition people to permanent housing, using funds previously allocated to the General Assistance Program (phased out by 2027). Note: The bill was vetoed by the Governor on June 11, 2025.