Rep. Rebecca Holcombe

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 443) proposes a new tax on residential and commercial properties that remain vacant for extended periods. It directly affects property owners who leave buildings empty, requiring them to pay an additional tax based on the property's value. The key provision creates a specific tax rate for vacant properties, aiming to encourage property use and generate local revenue. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Ways and Means.

Maddy summaryHCR 43 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Vermont General Assembly to formally congratulate the Thetford Academy Panthers boys' indoor track and field team for winning the 2025 Division II championship. The resolution highlights their record-setting performances, including a new 55-meter dash record and multiple event victories, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Thetford Academy. This resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it serves only as a ceremonial recognition of the team's athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryHCR 42 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Kenneth M. Cadow, co-principal of Oxbow Union High School in Norwich and author of the young adult novel *Gather*. The resolution recognizes Cadow’s work in public education, his novel *Gather* (which won the 2024 Kirkus Prize and was selected for Vermont Reads 2024-2025), and its impact in inspiring statewide discussions on housing, food security, and youth empowerment. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s appreciation. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to Cadow and Oxbow Union High School.

Maddy summaryH.426 provides funding for electric vehicle and eBike incentive programs, including $6 million for new plug-in electric vehicle purchases and $150,000 for eBike incentives in fiscal year 2026. It imposes a $0.30 fee on retail deliveries (subject to sales tax) to generate revenue for transportation initiatives and allocates $2.8 million to public transit agencies to maintain service levels. The bill also requires updated transportation standards to include complete streets and green infrastructure, establishes rules for electric vehicle charging equipment installation, and directs evaluations of projects to reduce vehicle miles traveled and emissions. These changes directly affect vehicle buyers, retail delivery vendors, public transit agencies, and municipalities seeking infrastructure funding.

Maddy summaryHCR 48 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont House Representative Curt McCormack of Burlington, who died in September 2024. It recognizes his environmental advocacy (including pioneering work on chlorofluorocarbon limits), transportation leadership (as Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator and House Transportation Committee Chair), and service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This procedural resolution does not create policy changes or affect any constituents.

Maddy summaryH 422 requires groundwater testing at contaminated sites (where hazardous materials were released) to be conducted at Vermont's State Agricultural and Environmental Laboratory, unless the lab cannot perform the tests or private lab testing would save significant costs (approved by the Secretary of Natural Resources). This affects site owners who pay for monitoring and the Secretary of Natural Resources, who must enforce the testing requirement. The bill aims to lower monitoring costs by prioritizing state lab testing, preventing post-closure funds from being exhausted. It applies to sites requiring groundwater monitoring under state law.

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

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 summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryHCR 33 is a ceremonial concurrent resolution honoring Charles Buttrey, a criminal defense attorney and Thetford Academy indoor track coach. It recognizes his 38-year legal career (including work with indigent clients in New Hampshire's public defender program), his personal injury law practice, his role as a track coach (noting his 2025 Division II championship win), and his advocacy for criminal justice reform. The resolution has no legal effect - it simply expresses the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Mr. Buttrey. As a non-substantive honor, it does not create policy or affect any laws.