Rep. Mike Mrowicki

Maddy summaryH 227 creates a two-bed residential peer respite facility in southern Vermont to provide short-term support for people experiencing mental health crises, avoiding hospitalization. The facility will offer two types of stays: one bed for up to four weeks and another for up to two weeks, operated by a provider selected through a state contract. The bill appropriates $515,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund this facility, requiring the Department of Mental Health to contract with an eligible provider by January 1, 2026. It aims to expand access to peer-supported care in southern Vermont, reducing reliance on emergency hospital settings for crisis care. The facility will become operational on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryH 302 requires Vermont health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover specific fertility-related services. It mandates coverage for fertility diagnostic care (all members), fertility treatment for those with infertility (including IVF procedures), and fertility preservation services (all members), while excluding experimental procedures and nonmedical donor/surrogacy costs. The law takes effect for health insurance plans on January 1, 2026, and Medicaid coverage depends on federal approval of a state plan amendment by September 1, 2025. This directly affects Vermont residents with health insurance or Medicaid seeking fertility care.

Maddy summaryH 301 requires social media platforms to verify a user's age before granting membership and access. If the user is a minor, the platform must obtain parental or guardian consent before allowing access. The bill directly affects social media companies operating in Vermont and minors under 18 seeking to use these platforms. It aims to protect minors by implementing age verification and parental consent mechanisms for social media membership.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Vermont's tax treatment for land enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal Program. Landowners who post their land (marking it off-limits to hunting, fishing, or trapping under 10 V.S.A. § 5201) will pay a 25% higher tax rate than agricultural or managed forestland enrolled in the program. The tax increase is calculated as 25% of the difference between the land's use value (taxed at agricultural/farm rates) and its market value. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, directly impacting landowners who post their land and enroll it in this tax program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H.288) provides reduced or waived motor vehicle registration fees for Vermont veterans with honorable discharges. Veterans who provide proof of service (via DD Form 214) qualify for either a 100% fee waiver (once per year) or a 50% reduction on registration fees for specific vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and boats. The exemption applies if the veteran is listed as an owner or co-owner on the registration form. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires veterans to submit documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes strict drinking water standards for harmful PFAS chemicals in Vermont. It requires the state to set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of zero parts per trillion for six specific PFAS chemicals (including PFOA and PFOS), and a limit of 20 parts per trillion for all other testable PFAS combined. These standards apply to all public water systems in Vermont, mandating compliance by July 1, 2026. The rulemaking must be completed by the Secretary of Natural Resources by that date to protect drinking water sources.

Maddy summaryH.287 creates the Vermont Small Nuclear Consortium to study the feasibility of reintroducing nuclear power generation in Vermont, specifically focusing on small modular reactors. The bill requires the Secretary of Administration to convene this group by August 2025, including diverse members like legislators from both parties, environmental representatives, utility companies, and state agencies. The consortium must examine past nuclear plant closures, legal barriers, stakeholder input, and financial resources, then submit a report with recommendations by August 2026. The bill appropriates $23,000 for the consortium’s operations and consultant fees.

Maddy summaryH.292 bans the land application and sale of biosolids, sewage sludge, or similar liquid wastes containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) after testing confirms their presence. It requires mandatory PFAS testing before any land use or sale and prohibits landfill disposal of such materials if PFAS levels exceed Vermont’s hazardous waste standards. The bill directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural landowners using sludge as fertilizer, and waste management companies handling these materials. Key provisions include establishing testing protocols, public disclosure of results, and enforcing the bans for both land application and disposal. These changes aim to prevent PFAS contamination in soil and water from waste products.

Maddy summaryH.297 creates the Free Degree Promise Grant Program to provide free associate’s degrees at Vermont’s Community College of Vermont (CCV) for eligible students. It directly affects Vermont students who completed CCV’s Early College program (earning 20+ credits), require full-time enrollment (12+ credits), and meet income thresholds. The program covers remaining tuition/fees after other aid and provides $500-$1,000 per semester for books/supplies based on household income, with support for up to five semesters or degree completion. This aims to address equity gaps in college access, particularly for low-income, first-generation, and historically underserved students.