Rep. Chris Morrow

Maddy summaryVermont's H.155 reauthorizes the state's Standard Offer Program, which provides long-term contracts for new renewable energy projects. It sets a 227.5 MW cumulative capacity limit for new projects (primarily solar and wind), with annual capacity increases phased from 5 MW to 20 MW starting in 2013. The program reserves specific portions of annual capacity for utility-owned projects (10-20%) and independent developers, while also allowing exceptions for agricultural methane projects and grid-benefiting installations. This directly affects renewable energy developers and Vermont utilities by creating a structured pathway for new clean energy generation.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Vermont SNAP (food assistance) recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants instead of purchasing groceries. It directly affects SNAP recipients (including seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income households) and restaurants that choose to join the program. Key provisions require restaurants to be licensed, promote locally sourced and culturally diverse food options, and be located in areas with many eligible participants. The bill also authorizes $100,000 for a new coordinator position and $75,000 for restaurant start-up costs, with implementation starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 153) amends Vermont law to expand who can request certified copies of birth and death certificates. It adds aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews to the existing list of eligible family members, which previously included parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close relatives. The change directly affects these extended family members seeking official records for personal, legal, or medical purposes. The amendment to 18 V.S.A. § 5016 takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont internet service providers to offer affordable broadband service to low-income households starting October 2025. It defines "affordable" as 25 Mbps for $15/month (including fees) or 200 Mbps for $20/month, targeting households qualifying for federal Lifeline or Vermont's Home Heating Fuel Assistance Program. Providers must report on service availability, customer eligibility verification, and pricing annually, while the Public Utility Commission will adjust prices for inflation and review speed standards every five years. Small providers serving under 20,000 customers may be exempt if compliance would cause financial hardship.

Maddy summaryH 74 would phase in full exemption of Social Security benefits from Vermont income tax over eight years. Currently, Vermont partially exempts Social Security benefits for lower-income seniors, but this bill raises the income thresholds where full exemption applies - increasing the single filer threshold from $65,000 to $77,000 and married filer threshold from $80,000 to $92,000. The change applies to all Vermont residents receiving Social Security benefits, with full exemption becoming effective by the eighth year. The bill amends Vermont’s tax code (32 V.S.A. § 5830e) to adjust the income-based exclusion rules. It is currently referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Vermont public schools, independent schools, career and technical centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs to ban student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. It also prohibits schools from using social media to communicate with students directly. Exceptions are permitted for students with documented medical needs (requiring physician documentation) or for those using devices as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy aims to reduce distractions and support student well-being, aligning with findings about youth mental health and social media use.