Rep. Kristi Morris

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 bill increases Vermont's minimum wage to $18.60 per hour starting July 1, 2026, based on the state's defined "livable wage" (the hourly rate needed for a full-time worker in shared housing with employer health coverage to cover basic needs). Future annual increases will be set at the smaller of 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) change from the previous year, rounded to the nearest cent. It directly affects all employers in Vermont who pay the minimum wage, including businesses with low-wage workers across sectors like retail, hospitality, and agriculture. The change replaces the current $12.55 minimum wage and aligns future adjustments with inflation data.

Maddy summaryH.732 establishes two new income tax brackets for higher earners in Vermont. Individuals would pay an additional 1% tax on income between $200,000-$400,000 and above $400,000, while married couples filing jointly would pay the extra rate on income between $400,000-$800,000 and above $800,000. The revenue generated would fund an expanded property tax credit specifically for Vermont households with annual income below $115,000. This directly affects high-income taxpayers through new tax rates and low-to-moderate-income households via increased credit support.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 160) honoring Shirley Young Cooper of Springfield, Vermont, on her 100th birthday (November 4, 2025). The resolution formally congratulates her for her life as a Springfield resident, her community service as a poll worker and Red Cross volunteer, and her family legacy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Shirley Cooper, her daughter, and her grandchildren. As a non-binding expression of goodwill with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or regulations.

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 summaryThis bill creates the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award to honor the legacy of Mollie Beattie, former Commissioner of Vermont's Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Annually, the Department's Commissioner will present the award to current or former state employees or partners who advance conservation, public land accessibility, recreational quality, or sustainability of Vermont's public lands. The award commemorates the centennial of Vermont State Parks and recognizes contributions aligned with Beattie's values. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and is purely ceremonial with no new funding or regulations.

Maddy summaryH.518 proposes to repeal the State Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. If enacted, the Agency of Natural Resources would not be required to establish or implement this program. The bill would also eliminate the requirement for the State Treasurer to assess the cost of greenhouse gas emissions to Vermont and its residents. Any state positions authorized for the program or assessment would be terminated, and appropriated funds would be returned to the General Fund.

Maddy summaryThis resolution, HCR 81, honors the life and public service of Brenda Churchill, a former Bakersfield Select Board member and advocate for transgender rights. It extends the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to her family and recognizes her contributions to local and state government, including her work on the Vermont Commission on Women.

Maddy summaryH 86 proposes to establish the Chloride Contamination Reduction Program within the Agency of Natural Resources. This program would educate, train, and certify commercial and municipal salt applicators on best management practices for applying salt or salt alternatives. The goal is to increase efficiency, reduce the amount of salt used, and prevent chloride from entering state waters. Certified applicators who follow these practices would receive a presumption of compliance with water quality laws and limited liability for certain snow and ice-related damages. The bill also requires the Agency to track salt usage, set reduction targets, and report on chloride impacts.