Sen. Phil Baruth

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution adjusts the Vermont legislative schedule for March 2025. It directs both the Senate and House to adjourn on Friday, March 14, 2025, and reconvene no later than Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The resolution affects the state legislature's calendar by preventing a weekend break in session during that period. It is a procedural measure with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts new vehicles under 5,000 pounds (weighing 5,000 pounds or less) that are less than two years old from annual safety and emissions inspections. It also completely exempts all trailers and semi-trailers from inspection requirements. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, modifying Vermont's existing vehicle inspection law (23 V.S.A. § 1222) to remove these specific inspection obligations. The bill directly affects owners of new light-duty vehicles and all trailer operators by eliminating a recurring inspection requirement.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 9 extends the temporary rule allowing Vermont senators to participate in sessions remotely via electronic means through January 7, 2026. This procedural resolution amends Rule 9B(b) to update the expiration date of the existing electronic participation policy. It directly affects senators who may choose to join sessions remotely under this temporary rule. The change has no new policy implications - it only prolongs an existing administrative allowance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution extends Vermont's rule allowing electronic committee meetings beyond emergency declarations until January 7, 2026. It directly affects Senate committee operations by permitting virtual meetings without needing a state of emergency during this period. The resolution modifies Permanent Senate Rule 32A to remove the usual emergency-only restriction, ensuring continuity for committee work. Adopted by the Senate on March 11, 2025, it has no direct impact on public policy or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles to update the Periodic Inspection Manual to clarify that cosmetic rust, corrosion, or torn metal on a vehicle (not affecting structural integrity or safety) cannot cause a vehicle to fail its annual safety inspection. It directly affects Vermont vehicle owners (especially owners of older vehicles with minor cosmetic rust), mechanics conducting inspections, and the DMV. Key provisions mandate the DMV to adopt manual amendments by January 1, 2026, including clear distinctions between cosmetic rust and safety-threatening damage, plus visual examples and training for mechanics. The changes aim to prevent unnecessary inspection failures due to non-safety-related cosmetic issues.

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 bill prohibits Vermont municipalities from enacting rules that limit or ban the use of hygienic face masks. It directly affects local governments (cities and towns) and residents by preventing them from adopting mask restrictions through ordinances or other local regulations. The law adds a new provision to state law (24 V.S.A. § 2295a) that overrides any conflicting local charter provisions. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, and currently awaits committee review after its first reading on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis procedural joint resolution (JRS 14) sets the legislative calendar for Vermont's 2025 session. It directs the Senate and House to adjourn on Friday, February 21, 2025, and reconvene no later than Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The resolution affects only the scheduling of the Vermont legislature's sessions, creating a weekend break between adjournment and the next meeting. It does not change laws or impact any citizens or organizations.

Maddy summaryS.78 establishes the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission within the State Treasurer’s office to advance trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Vermont and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 members appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate committee, will promote business partnerships, policy collaboration, and infrastructure investment between the two regions. It may raise funds through donations and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, with appointments required by October 2025. The commission will cease operations on June 30, 2030, and the law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution schedules a joint meeting of Vermont's Senate and House of Representatives for February 20, 2025, to elect a Sergeant at Arms and three trustees for the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College. If all positions aren't filled on that date, the legislature will reconvene daily (excluding weekends) until the elections are completed. The bill does not create new policy but sets the procedural timeline for these specific appointments.