Rep. Tom Stevens

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 summaryH 813 requires approved independent schools receiving public funding to meet the same education quality standards, transparency rules, and accountability measures as Vermont public schools. It mandates these schools to develop annual improvement plans, publicly report student performance data (including graduation rates and cost-per-pupil), maintain safe facilities, employ licensed special educators, follow open meeting and public records laws, and not charge extra fees to publicly funded students. The bill directly affects independent schools that accept state tuition payments, ensuring they operate with comparable standards to public schools. Key provisions include standardized reporting formats, safety regulations, and prohibitions on charging additional fees beyond state funding. This extends Vermont’s public school accountability framework to all schools using public funds.

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 summaryH.704 extends and expands Vermont's Tenant Representation Pilot Program, providing free legal representation to eligible tenants facing eviction in Lamoille and Windsor counties. It targets tenants with household income at or below 120% of the state median, rent consuming 30% or more of income, or expenses exceeding income. The program offers full legal representation specifically for eviction cases (not counterclaims) and requires Vermont Legal Aid to report on outcomes, including resolutions through rental assistance programs. Implementation depends on state funding approval for fiscal year 2025.

Maddy summaryH.638 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences in Vermont through the Department of Health. It defines recovery residences as peer-support living spaces for people recovering from substance use disorders and sets six standards for certification, including meeting safety/sanitation rules, having a complaint process, and maintaining certification via a Vermont-approved organization. Certified residences must annually report data to the Department (e.g., resident numbers, employment changes) and undergo inspections with 10 days' notice. The bill directly affects recovery residences operating in Vermont, requiring them to meet these standards to participate in the program.

Maddy summaryH 106 requires sellers to disclose specific flood risk information to buyers before real estate transactions involving properties in FEMA-mapped flood hazard areas. Sellers must provide details about the property's flood zone classification, access to the official flood map, past flood damage, and flood insurance requirements. Buyers can cancel the contract or seek damages if sellers fail to disclose this information. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to all property sales in designated flood zones within Vermont.

Maddy summaryH 397 updates Vermont's emergency management and flood response systems. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to annually report on mitigation plans to legislative committees and revise the State Emergency Management Plan every five years to cover response coordination, preparedness, and local planning templates. The bill expands grant funding for flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts for flood-affected properties, and mandates new assistance for municipalities to access river monitoring and weather alert systems. It also provides municipalities with greater flexibility to borrow funds for emergency-related expenses and manage unspent budget balances. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and communities in flood-prone areas.

Maddy summaryHCR 106 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Mount Mansfield Union High School Cougars dance team for winning their 10th consecutive Vermont State championship in the hip-hop category. It formally recognizes the team's achievement at the February 2025 championship, where they scored first place overall (259-253) and named the 15 student dancers and five coaches. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, as part of Vermont's tradition of honoring athletic and academic accomplishments. This is a non-binding, symbolic gesture with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 100 is a non-binding ceremonial resolution passed by the Vermont General Assembly to formally congratulate the Mount Mansfield Union High School (MMU) girls' Nordic ski team for winning the 2025 Division I championship. The resolution specifically recognizes the team's victories in both freestyle and classic racing events, highlighting their 23-62 lead over competitors and their 44-120 championship win. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to MMU, honoring the 16 athletes and their coaches for their athletic achievements. This resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official expression of support for the team's accomplishments.

Maddy summaryHCR 108 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Namo Seibert, a Mount Mansfield Union High School senior and four-time Vermont high school girls' golf individual state champion. The resolution formally recognizes her achievement of winning the state title for four consecutive years, starting in ninth grade. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Seibert. As a commemorative measure with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or affect any programs.