Sen. Russ Ingalls

Maddy summaryHCR 166 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating The Pick and Shovel, a Newport City retail store, on its 50th anniversary. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions - only symbolic recognition of the store's history and services. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to the business, with no direct impact on residents, laws, or government operations. This is purely a commemorative gesture with no legislative effect.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.310 requires businesses offering subscriptions with indefinite renewal terms to send consumers an annual notification about their right to cancel. This applies to services like streaming or software subscriptions (excluding financial institutions and insurance) and mandates clear notices stating renewal dates, automatic renewal terms, and simple cancellation methods (phone, email, or online). Businesses must provide this notice 30-60 days before renewal dates and ensure cancellation is easy without extra steps. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

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.312 changes Vermont's machinery and equipment investment tax credit from nonrefundable to refundable, allowing qualifying businesses to receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability (up to $500,000 annually). It removes previous limits that capped annual credit use at 80% of tax liability and $1 million per year, and extends the credit's expiration from 2030 to 2034. The bill directly affects Vermont businesses making qualifying capital investments in machinery/equipment, as certified by the Vermont Economic Progress Council. To qualify, businesses must report annual job counts, investment levels, and credit usage through the Council and Tax Commissioner.

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 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.

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 12 (SR 12) is a Vermont Senate resolution that reaffirms the friendship between the State of Vermont and Taiwan. It expresses support for enhanced bilateral relations, including potential trade and educational cooperation, and advocates for Taiwan's participation in international organizations. As a resolution, it states the Senate's position rather than enacting new laws.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 92 honors the Federal TRIO Programs in Vermont for their outstanding achievements. These programs support financially disadvantaged students and those aspiring to be the first in their families to attend college, assisting them in pursuing higher education. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Board of Directors of the Vermont Educational Opportunity Programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution congratulates Phoenix Newell, a seventh grader from Lyndonville, for winning two consecutive Vermont State Spelling Bees in 2024 and 2025. It also directs the Secretary of State to send her a copy of the resolution.