Sen. Richard Westman

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 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 bill (S.305) requires Vermont municipalities to allow all housing types, including mobile, modular, and prefabricated homes, in residential zones where conventional housing is permitted - prohibiting bans on these options except for specific safety standards. It also mandates that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) be permitted as a standard use on single-family lots without additional restrictions, ensuring they face the same zoning rules as primary homes. The bill defines "areas served by municipal sewer/water infrastructure" to clarify where new housing can be built, excluding flood zones, industrial areas, and parks without residential growth plans. It includes a minor provision allowing a 20% density bonus for union-labor projects. These changes directly affect local zoning laws, developers, homeowners, and communities seeking to expand housing options.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S.279) allows licensed malt beverage manufacturers in Vermont to sell directly to businesses with first- or second-class licenses (like restaurants and bars), but limits annual direct sales to 5,000 barrels per manufacturer. It also updates the definition of a "caterer’s license" to remove restrictions preventing caterers from serving alcohol at first- or third-class licensed venues. The changes affect malt beverage manufacturers, licensed venues, and caterers by expanding distribution options and clarifying where alcohol can be served at events. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill waives the $30 criminal history record check fee for volunteers working with organizations that provide free home-delivered meals to elderly Vermonters through the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL). It directly affects meal program organizations and their volunteers by removing a $30 fee for background checks required for these volunteers. The key provision adds a new exemption to Vermont law (§ 2063) specifically for "no-cost home-delivered meals for elderly Vermonters" administered in connection with DAIL. The fee waiver applies to all such organizations and their volunteers starting July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S.236) modifies Vermont's alcohol licensing rules for vinous beverage manufacturers and fourth-class license holders. It increases the permitted volume of alcoholic beverages that can be served at tasting rooms and retail shops under a fourth-class license (e.g., up to 12 ounces of wine-like beverages per customer). It also allows manufacturers of wine-like beverages to operate up to two retail locations directly on their licensed manufacturing property, provided the locations are on contiguous, owned land. These changes directly affect licensed beverage manufacturers and tasting room operators, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Vermont Green FC" license plate option for eligible vehicles, including pleasure cars, light trucks under 26,001 pounds, and state agency vehicles. Vehicle owners who choose this plate pay a $45 initial fee and $45 annual renewal fee, with 77% of the initial fee and 84% of renewal fees deposited into a new Vermont Green FC Special Fund. The fund, managed by a board including representatives from the Climate Action Office and outdoor business groups, provides grants to support environmental justice initiatives and Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy. All fees collected directly fund these specific public purposes, with no administrative costs deducted from the grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor vehicle dealers and repair shops to report accurate service and maintenance history - including diagnostic results - to vehicle history databases. It also mandates dealers to disclose all available vehicle history information (like accident records, maintenance logs, and odometer readings) to prospective buyers of used cars. The law directly affects dealers selling used vehicles and repair shops performing service work, ensuring transparency about a vehicle's past. Key provisions include standardized reporting to databases and mandatory disclosure at the point of sale, aiming to improve consumer access to reliable vehicle history data.

Maddy summaryS.221, the "Civics Strengthens Democracy Act," requires all Vermont public school districts to provide civics education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill defines civics as nonpartisan education covering civic knowledge (history, institutions), skills (critical analysis, communication), dispositions (inclusion, civil discourse), and behaviors (voting, community engagement). Key provisions include allowing project-based student assessments, creating recognition for exemplary students/schools (via a "civic seal"), and establishing a dedicated Civics Education Special Fund for funding. This bill directly affects Vermont's K-12 public schools and students by mandating comprehensive civic learning aligned with specific evidence-based teaching methods.