Sen. Chris Mattos

Maddy summaryS.45 protects Vermont farmers from nuisance lawsuits by establishing that agricultural activities are presumed not to be nuisances if conducted responsibly. It directly affects farmers (who gain legal protection) and neighbors (who must first attempt mediation before suing). Key provisions include requiring activities to follow state regulations and "generally accepted practices," mandating mediation before filing suit, and limiting protection if negligence or health impacts occur. The law aims to prevent lawsuits from forcing farms off agricultural land while preserving local farming operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Vermont state agencies to protect the civil rights, medical confidentiality, and personal privacy of residents diagnosed with autism, in response to federal plans for an autism research database. It specifically addresses concerns that the federal database - collecting medical records and wearable device data - could use sensitive health information without explicit consent. The resolution directs agencies to safeguard this data and references Illinois' similar privacy protections for autism-related information. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but calls for proactive privacy safeguards.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 11 (SR 11) is a resolution from the Vermont Senate that acknowledges and supports the historic and productive relationships between the United States, Vermont, and Canada. The resolution formally urges President Trump to remove all tariffs he has imposed on Canadian imports and to refrain from implementing any new tariffs. It also directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state, national, and Canadian officials.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (JRS 15) is a symbolic statement of support for Vermont's transgender and non-binary community, not a new law. It reaffirms Vermont's existing commitments to anti-discrimination protections in areas like employment, housing, and healthcare, as well as its policies allowing gender marker changes on vital records and protecting gender-affirming care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Pride Center of Vermont and Outright Vermont. It does not create new legal obligations or alter current policies.

Maddy summaryVermont's Senate passed Resolution SR 13 to formally object to the arrest and detention of Mohsen Mahdawi, a White River Junction resident and U.S. green card holder with a decade-long permanent residency. The resolution demands that U.S. immigration authorities afford Mahdawi due process and release him immediately, citing his arrest while en route to a citizenship interview without explanation. It directs Vermont's Senate Secretary to send the resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, ICE leadership, and Vermont's congressional delegation. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws but expresses the state's position on this specific case.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the 2024 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It formally recognizes the dedication and accomplishment of 55 named individuals and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored Eagle Scout and the Green Mountain Council.

Maddy summaryHCR 90 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the 2025 Burlington High School girls' basketball team on winning their Division I championship - their first title in 49 years. It expresses the Vermont General Assembly's recognition of the team's achievement and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Burlington High School. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic success. This type of resolution does not affect any laws, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryHCR 91 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the 2025 Burlington High School Seahorses boys' basketball team for winning the Division I championship. It also recognizes the team's coaches and managers for their successful 2024-2025 season.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain forestry vehicles from Vermont's vehicle use tax. It provides full tax exemption for specific equipment used in timber cutting, removal, and processing (like skidders, feller bunchers, and log loaders), and a 50% tax exemption for heavier vehicles used in transportation (such as semi-trailers and trucks over 10,000 pounds). Businesses purchasing these vehicles must certify their use at purchase, and the Department of Motor Vehicles must provide application guidance. The exemptions begin July 1, 2025, and expire July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHCR 77 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Vermont. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges Vermont’s longstanding protections against housing discrimination under its 1987 Fair Housing Act, which covers more categories than federal law. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont Human Rights Commission, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, and Vermont Legal Aid’s Housing Discrimination Law Project. It aims to raise awareness about housing equity during a time when the state’s enforcement agencies are handling increased fair housing complaints. The resolution has no direct impact on residents or housing providers, as it serves only to honor existing protections.