Sen. Chris Mattos

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize Vermont's Department of Liquor and Lottery to issue up to five annual permits for limited poker tournaments and games, each lasting no more than 72 hours. Operators must pay a $500 fee, undergo criminal background checks, and ensure all participants are over 18. A 35% tax on the net winnings (gross receipts minus payouts to players) would apply, with revenue directed to the state's Education Fund. The bill directly affects poker event organizers, the Department of Liquor and Lottery, and the Education Fund.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S.306) defines 911 call takers, public safety dispatchers, and emergency communications staff as "first responders in communications" for the first time. It requires employers to provide relevant training and extends workers' compensation benefits for PTSD to these dispatchers, presuming PTSD diagnosed during service is job-related unless proven otherwise. The law specifically covers Vermont dispatchers certified by the Vermont Enhanced 911 Board who handle emergency communications. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects all Vermont emergency communications dispatchers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 308) removes income-based limits for excluding U.S. military retirement and survivor benefit income from Vermont income tax. Currently, Vermont taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income (AGI) over $125,000 see partial or no exclusion, but this bill would fully exclude all such military retirement income regardless of income level. It affects Vermont residents receiving military retirement pay, changing the tax treatment from a tiered system to a flat exclusion. The change applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryS.299 amends Vermont law to change how landowners post restrictions on hunting and fishing. It reduces the requirement for landowners to update their posted notices from annually to once every five years, while maintaining the need to record these postings with the town clerk every five years (for a $5 fee). The bill also requires sellers to disclose at the time of property transfer whether the land is posted under these rules. This directly affects landowners who restrict access, sellers, and buyers in real estate transactions. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Vermont's three-acre stormwater discharge permit program. It requires the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to verify each parcel's impervious surface area through on-site visits (not just GIS data) and rank parcels by their impact on water quality. Parcels in the top 10% for water quality impact will need permits, while others will follow a new priority schedule based on severity. The bill also clarifies that failing to obtain a permit when required does not create a legal "cloud on title" affecting property sales or financing. ANR must hold public hearings in each county to explain these changes.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 159) formally congratulates the 2025 Milton High School Yellowjackets boys’ soccer team for winning the Division II state championship. It specifically recognizes their championship victory over Mt. Abraham in overtime at the D.G. Weaver Athletic Complex, as detailed in the resolution’s recitals. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Milton High School as a ceremonial gesture. This is a non-binding, symbolic resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts certain juvenile cases to criminal court, requiring that offenses like firearm use, drug trafficking, or aggravated stalking committed by youth aged 14-22 begin in the Criminal Division instead of the Family Division. It restricts judges from suspending or deferring sentences for repeat offenders (e.g., those with prior escape convictions or three+ felony convictions), mandating written findings if such sentences are granted. The bill also changes how recidivism is calculated, establishes a classification system for repeat violent offenders, and creates a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved individuals. These changes primarily affect juvenile offenders aged 14-22 and repeat offenders with specific prior convictions, altering court jurisdiction and sentencing options.

Maddy summaryS.267 modifies Vermont's land use laws to streamline housing development. It repeals a rule requiring permits for road construction under certain conditions (e.g., roads over 800 feet long), while extending exemptions for housing projects until 2030. Specifically, it exempts accessory dwelling units (like in-law apartments) in single-family homes and small housing projects (75 units or fewer) in designated downtown, neighborhood, or growth areas with adequate infrastructure - until July 1, 2030. These changes primarily affect developers, homeowners, and municipalities by reducing permitting barriers for housing in targeted zones. The bill does not alter zoning requirements but simplifies processes for projects meeting specific criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S.222) creates new survivor and disability benefits for Vermont emergency personnel, including firefighters, EMTs, and certified law enforcement officers. It establishes a Review Board to process claims for survivors (spouses, children, or parents) if an officer dies in the line of duty or from an occupation-related illness, and for disabled personnel with permanent total disability incurred during duty. Benefits are paid directly to eligible survivors or disabled personnel, with decisions made within 60 days by the Board, and appeals possible in Superior Court if denied. The bill applies to those employed by or volunteering with Vermont state, local, or nonprofit emergency services entities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 17) honoring Chrissy Gilhuly for her 7+ years of nonpartisan legislative staff service in the Vermont General Assembly. It recognizes her roles as Supervisor of Committee Services, Joint Fiscal Office Staff Associate, and Senate Operations Manager/Journal Clerk, and extends best wishes as she transitions to a new position at the Agency of Administration. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of her professional contributions.