Sen. Russ Ingalls

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 House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 40) designates February 20, 2025, as "NEK Day" at the Vermont State House to ceremonially recognize the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) region. The resolution acknowledges the NEK - comprising Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties - as a distinct rural area with unique natural assets, economic strengths (including outdoor recreation, agriculture, and education), and community challenges. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors the region's identity and contributions through a designated day of recognition at the State House.

Maddy summaryS.78 establishes the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission within the State Treasurer’s office to advance trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Vermont and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 members appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate committee, will promote business partnerships, policy collaboration, and infrastructure investment between the two regions. It may raise funds through donations and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, with appointments required by October 2025. The commission will cease operations on June 30, 2030, and the law takes effect July 1, 2025.

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 House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 12) is a non-binding ceremonial resolution expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Vermont (UVM) men's soccer team for winning their first NCAA Division I men's soccer championship (College Cup) in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's achievement, including their "Cardiac Cats" nickname and championship victory over Marshall University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to UVM Athletics but does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations. It is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends the ambulance agency provider tax for fiscal years 2026-2028, directly relieving ambulance agencies from paying this fee. To offset the lost revenue, the bill requires transferring an equivalent amount from the PILOT Special Fund to the General Fund each year. The suspension applies to all ambulance agencies, while the fund transfer ensures the General Fund maintains its projected revenue level. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and affects state budget allocations without altering ambulance service regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts U.S. military retirement income and survivor benefit income received by Vermont residents from state income tax. It directly affects Vermont veterans and their surviving spouses or dependents who receive these benefits. The bill amends Vermont's tax code to add these income types to the list of exclusions from taxable income under § 5811, specifically adding a new exclusion (vii) for military retirement and survivor benefits. The change takes effect retroactively for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Senator Richard Sears, who passed away in June 2024 at age 81. The document formally acknowledges his career as a state senator, his work as a youth counselor, and his leadership on the Judiciary Committee where he helped advance legislation on civil unions, marriage equality, and juvenile justice. It also notes his personal history, including being adopted as an infant and later establishing a mentoring program for boys in the justice system. The resolution expresses the Senate's sadness at his passing and directs that a copy be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the public service career of Senator Martha Jane Kitchel, recognizing her work in both the Executive Branch and the Vermont Senate. The document highlights her progression from social work to leadership roles in the Department of Social Welfare and later as Secretary of the Agency of Human Services, followed by her legislative service in the Senate. It specifically acknowledges her contributions as Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, where she led budget analysis and supported infrastructure projects like the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. The resolution formally recognizes her two decades of service and her recent announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2024.

Maddy summaryThis legislative document is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors the nearly 40 years of service by former Vermont Senate Dean Richard T. Mazza. The resolution recognizes his long tenure in the Vermont legislature, including his work on transportation committees and his role in chairing the Transportation Committee. It acknowledges his contributions to Vermont infrastructure, preservation efforts, and his promotion of civility within the Senate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former Senator Mazza as an official acknowledgment of his service.