Rep. Jim Masland

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill regulates developers and deployers of automated decision systems (ADS) used in consequential decisions - such as hiring, housing, loan approvals, or healthcare access - to prevent algorithmic discrimination. It requires businesses to clearly inform consumers before using ADS in such decisions, explaining what data is measured, how it is used, and how it influences outcomes. The bill prohibits the use of ADS that result in discriminatory treatment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability. These requirements apply to businesses operating in Vermont that deploy or develop ADS for decisions materially affecting residents' rights, liberties, or welfare.

Maddy summaryH 317 prohibits credit card networks and payment processors from charging merchants fees on the tax or tip portion of a transaction. It requires merchants to report tax and gratuity amounts during payment processing, and if they don't, they may face fees on the full transaction amount. Merchants can correct inaccurate reports within 30 days, and payment networks must refund fees on tax/tip amounts if documentation is provided within 180 days. The law applies to all Vermont merchants accepting credit cards and takes effect July 1, 2025. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction.

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 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 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.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 summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create rules ensuring electric grid upgrade costs are shared fairly among all utility customers. It mandates the PUC adopt initial rules by July 2026 for cost-sharing within each utility's service area, and additional rules by July 2031 for statewide cost-sharing regardless of utility boundaries. These rules aim to distribute grid modernization expenses evenly across all ratepayers in the state. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, directly affecting all Vermont residents and businesses paying electricity bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's electric utilities and VELCO to submit a detailed report and map by 2026, identifying optimal locations for energy storage facilities and flexible energy management solutions. The report must analyze where these investments would best improve grid reliability, affordability, community resilience, and sustainability, using utility data and community health indicators. The Department of Public Service will use this plan to guide grant awards through the Clean Energy Development Board for energy storage projects. The plan must be updated every two years and will inform future climate and energy planning efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources to assess the feasibility of establishing a facility that processes waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam into reusable blocks for recycling. It directs the Secretary to coordinate with waste management companies, haulers, and businesses generating EPS foam waste, and to submit a report by January 15, 2026, with recommendations on location, costs, landfill disposal policies, and public access. The assessment will determine whether such a densifier should be built and how it would operate, but does not mandate the facility or ban EPS foam from landfills. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is currently under review by the Environment Committee.

Maddy summaryH 283 would allow adjacent Vermont municipalities to request delegation of authority from the Secretary of Natural Resources to regulate state waters, specifically to limit or ban wake boats. Municipalities must formally request this delegation, adopt local bylaws or ordinances to enforce the restrictions, and the Secretary would approve based on the public good. This directly affects towns bordering lakes or rivers where wake boat activity is a concern, enabling local control over such regulations rather than state-level management. The bill does not change existing state water use rules but provides a pathway for municipalities to address wake boat impacts through local governance.