Sen. Bob Norris

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 7-member committee to study the feasibility of building a new nuclear power plant in Vermont. The committee, including representatives from the state utility commission, electric companies, and bipartisan legislators, will examine past nuclear plant closures, legal barriers, and stakeholder input by December 2026. It will produce a report with recommendations for potential legislative action, but the bill itself does not authorize construction or funding. The study is strictly procedural, focusing on gathering information rather than making policy changes.

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.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.51 creates a $1,000-per-child refundable tax credit for residents with children under age 6, regardless of whether they or their children have a federal tax ID number. It also expands the state's earned income tax credit to cover individuals who qualify federally but lack required tax IDs, and adjusts exclusions for Social Security and Civil Service retirement income based on income thresholds (e.g., full exclusion for single filers earning ≤$55,000 or married couples ≤$70,000). The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income families, retirees, and individuals with limited access to federal tax IDs. Signed into law by Governor on June 25, 2025, it modifies Vermont's tax code to broaden eligibility for existing federal credit programs.

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 summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to provide medical debt relief for eligible Vermont residents. It appropriates $1 million to contract with a nonprofit entity to acquire and abolish qualifying medical debts, ensuring these debts are removed from individuals' credit reports. The legislation also prohibits credit reporting agencies, large healthcare facilities, and medical debt collectors from reporting medical debt information. Furthermore, large healthcare facilities are restricted from selling medical debt unless it is to a nonprofit for the express purpose of debt abolition. Finally, the bill clarifies the definition of "behavioral health" in state statutes to avoid stigmatization.

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 summaryBill S 9 establishes a process for individuals to seek and obtain emergency temporary orders against sexual assault outside of regular court hours, including on weekends and holidays. It directs the Court Administrator to create specific procedures for this after-hours access. Key provisions include designating authorized personnel to receive requests and allowing electronic submission of complaints and affidavits. Judicial officers can then review these submissions and issue orders remotely, which can require a defendant to stay away from the plaintiff.

Maddy summaryThis resolution congratulates the 2024 8-10 Colchester All-Star Little League Baseball team for winning the Vermont championship. It acknowledges their achievements and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the team.