Sen. Ginny Lyons

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 summaryS 79 establishes the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee to examine whether private landowners who allow public recreational trails on their property should receive compensation or other benefits. The committee, composed of landowners, trail experts, conservation representatives, and state officials, will review current trail access costs, economic impacts, and compensation practices in other states. It will analyze data on trail-related expenses for landowners and the economic value of trail access to Vermont's communities. The committee must submit a report to the legislature by December 2026, but the bill itself does not create new compensation requirements - only authorizes the study.

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 summaryS 80 establishes Vermont Digital Addictions Awareness Day on the last Saturday in July to raise public awareness about digital addiction, particularly among younger people. The bill directly affects Vermont families and residents by waiving one-day entry fees at all state parks and historic sites on this designated day, encouraging outdoor activities. Key provisions include designating the last Saturday of July as the awareness day (per 1 V.S.A. § 378) and requiring the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to waive park fees on that day (per 10 V.S.A. § 2603(c)(5)), though waivers may be limited to Vermont residents based on department funding. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, with the goal of promoting outdoor engagement as a counter to excessive digital use.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10.1 million from Vermont's Opioid Abatement Special Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support opioid use disorder services. It allocates funds for 26 new outreach staff, Burlington's overdose prevention center, certified recovery residences, syringe services, youth programs, harm reduction at shelters, and training for judges and correctional staff. The funding directly supports individuals with opioid use disorder, homeless populations, youth, and community organizations across Vermont. All allocations require outcome reporting, with annual funding intended unless the Special Fund lacks sufficient funds.

Maddy summaryS 74, the Vermont My Health My Data Act, regulates how businesses collect, share, and sell Vermont residents' health data. It directly affects Vermont residents and any company handling their health information within the state. Key provisions require clear consumer consent before collecting or sharing data (prohibiting deceptive "dark patterns" in terms of use), grant consumers the right to delete their data, and ban selling health data without explicit authorization. The law specifically protects sensitive health information - including reproductive care, gender-affirming treatment, and biometric data - and prohibits tracking near healthcare facilities through geofencing.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Vermont's health equity reporting requirements by reducing the frequency of formal reports from annually to every three years, starting in 2028. The Department of Health must still analyze and publish data on racial/ethnic disparities, language, disability, and other equity factors biannually on its website, but will submit a consolidated report to legislative committees only every three years. It also updates confidentiality rules for cancer and ALS registries, requiring written data-sharing agreements with researchers or other states and mandating institutional review board approvals before sharing identifiable information. These changes directly affect the Department of Health, cancer/ALS registries, and researchers seeking access to health data.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for Vermont state agencies when entering contracts to outsource services previously performed by state employees (called "privatization contracts"). It requires agencies to provide 35 days of notice to employee unions before bidding begins, during which alternatives to outsourcing can be discussed. Contracts must save the state at least 20% in costs compared to using state employees, guarantee private contractors pay at least the average wage for comparable state positions, and provide health insurance benefits equal to those offered to state workers. The bill also mandates quality standards, non-discrimination protections, and a review panel to ensure compliance before contracts are finalized.