Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky

Maddy summaryVermont's S.104 would replace the current education property tax with an income-based education tax starting in 2027, eventually applying to all residents (homeowners and renters) by 2030. The bill eliminates the homestead property tax but keeps nonhomestead tax on non-residential property, while creating new renter credits against the income tax and adjusting property tax credits to provide broader relief for lower-income households. It also establishes a new top income tax rate to offset revenue losses from these credit changes. The bill is currently in the Finance Committee after its first reading on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S.98) makes several key changes to Vermont's election laws. It requires automatic voter registration when people apply for state services like Reach Ahead (e.g., SNAP), with an option to opt out, and allows 16-year-olds to preregister to vote (voting at 18). It raises campaign finance reporting thresholds from $500 to $1,000 for candidates and political committees, adds penalties for late filings, and mandates employers provide four hours of paid leave for statewide elections. These changes directly affect voters, state agencies, political candidates, and employers across Vermont.

Maddy summaryS 97 creates municipal and regional civilian oversight boards to handle complaints against local law enforcement agencies and officers in Vermont. These boards will independently investigate complaints (in addition to agency investigations), publish public reports, and make recommendations on disciplinary actions for the Vermont Criminal Justice Council to consider. The law mandates that agencies must report certain serious complaints to the oversight boards within seven business days and requires the Council to give deference to the boards' recommendations. The bill also establishes a $500,000 grant program to help municipalities implement these oversight structures. This affects all municipal police departments, sheriff's offices, and regional law enforcement agencies covered by the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Vermont's Attorney General as the primary enforcement authority for specific criminal cases, directly affecting how these cases are handled by state prosecutors. It requires the Attorney General to lead prosecutions in 13 defined categories, including cases involving law enforcement excessive force, crimes by elected officials, multi-county offenses, human trafficking, public assistance fraud, and certain wildlife violations. State's Attorneys may still handle these cases if they stipulate with the Attorney General, but without such agreement, the Attorney General takes primary responsibility. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S 90) prohibits most employers from using credit checks, criminal history inquiries, or drug testing for hiring or employment decisions unless the information has a direct relationship to the specific job duties. It exempts certain roles like financial positions, law enforcement, and jobs involving financial fiduciary responsibilities, but requires employers to demonstrate the direct job connection. The bill also bans retaliation against employees who report violations and imposes civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance. It directly affects all Vermont employers and job applicants by restricting common pre-employment screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens tenant protections in Vermont by banning rental application fees (including background check costs), requiring all leases over 12 months to be in writing with specific details (like rent terms and maintenance responsibilities), and limiting no-cause evictions. It mandates longer notice periods for evictions (60-90 days based on tenancy length), creates a rental registry and Office of Tenant’s Rights Advocate, and adds citizenship/immigration status to housing discrimination protections. Tenants gain the right to counsel in eviction cases and to receive notice if a landlord sells their building, with options to negotiate purchase. The bill directly affects residential renters and landlords across Vermont.

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 requires candidates for Vermont state and county offices to submit a simple "affirmative statement" if they haven't made or received campaign contributions or expenses above reporting thresholds. It also adds penalties for late filings: $10 per day (capped at $1,000 total) after a 5-day grace period to correct missing reports. Candidates must file this statement even when no other reporting is required under existing law. Penalties may be reduced if the candidate demonstrates good cause for the delay. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryS 83 protects Vermont residents from medical debt harming their credit and finances by banning credit bureaus from reporting medical debt on credit reports. It limits interest on medical debt to 1.5%-4% annually (based on Treasury yields) and prohibits wage garnishment or property seizure to collect such debt. The bill applies to hospitals, clinics, and debt collectors, and also stops them from selling or reporting medical debt to credit agencies. It takes effect July 1, 2025, with interest limits applying only to new debt incurred after that date. Patients receiving financial assistance under state law are exempt from all interest and late fees.

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.