Sen. Terry Williams

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 317) continues a fossil fuel purchase tax to fund Vermont's Home Weatherization Assistance Program, expanding eligibility to households earning up to 125% of the state median income. It requires the program to prioritize high-energy-use buildings, increase salaries for weatherization staff by 15% annually (2026-2028), and partner with utilities to provide free weatherization services to low-income households. The bill also directs funding toward workforce training programs targeting new recruits, including partnerships with career programs and organizations serving homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals. The tax on heating oil, propane, and other fuels will continue until June 2027, with broader energy taxes ending by 2029.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S.304) establishes a rebuttable presumption that shared parental rights and responsibilities are in a child's best interest after separation or divorce. It directly affects parents in custody cases and courts deciding child welfare, requiring judges to prioritize shared parenting unless harm is likely. Key provisions include defining "parental rights" (covering education, health, and daily care), listing specific factors courts must consider (like parent-child relationships and communication ability), and banning sex-based preferences in custody decisions. The bill aims to encourage ongoing parental involvement while ensuring courts evaluate all relevant circumstances objectively.

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 requires Vermont hospitals to include fentanyl testing in any urine drug screening conducted to diagnose a patient's condition. It directly affects licensed hospitals and their patients, mandating that fentanyl be tested alongside other drugs during standard diagnostic screenings. The bill also prohibits hospitals from sharing fentanyl screening results with law enforcement without a warrant or subpoena, and provides legal immunity for hospitals following this rule. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a study committee to examine the potential for building a new limited-access highway connecting Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to Interstate 87, replacing Vermont Route 22A. The committee, composed of transportation officials, local mayors, and regional planning representatives, will analyze Route 22A's current usage, potential highway routes, estimated costs, and funding options like tolls or public-private partnerships. It must submit a report to the legislature by January 15, 2027, detailing findings and recommendations. The study focuses on economic impacts and alternatives for the primary route from Burlington to I-87, without authorizing construction or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts certain juvenile cases to criminal court, requiring that offenses like firearm use, drug trafficking, or aggravated stalking committed by youth aged 14-22 begin in the Criminal Division instead of the Family Division. It restricts judges from suspending or deferring sentences for repeat offenders (e.g., those with prior escape convictions or three+ felony convictions), mandating written findings if such sentences are granted. The bill also changes how recidivism is calculated, establishes a classification system for repeat violent offenders, and creates a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved individuals. These changes primarily affect juvenile offenders aged 14-22 and repeat offenders with specific prior convictions, altering court jurisdiction and sentencing options.

Maddy summaryS.267 modifies Vermont's land use laws to streamline housing development. It repeals a rule requiring permits for road construction under certain conditions (e.g., roads over 800 feet long), while extending exemptions for housing projects until 2030. Specifically, it exempts accessory dwelling units (like in-law apartments) in single-family homes and small housing projects (75 units or fewer) in designated downtown, neighborhood, or growth areas with adequate infrastructure - until July 1, 2030. These changes primarily affect developers, homeowners, and municipalities by reducing permitting barriers for housing in targeted zones. The bill does not alter zoning requirements but simplifies processes for projects meeting specific criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Vermont family caregiver tax credit for residents who provide care to family members with long-term care needs. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a refundable credit equal to 30% of qualified care expenses, up to $2,500 annually (adjusted for inflation after 2027), for expenses like respite care, adult daycare, and lost wages. To qualify, the care recipient must be a related family member aged 14+ with a medical condition that prevents them from performing two daily activities without help, and they cannot live in a licensed care facility. The credit is reduced for taxpayers with adjusted gross income over $125,000 and excludes expenses already claimed for child/dependent care. Households with eligible caregivers will also see their property tax credit eligibility expanded.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines the process for transferring animals seized in cruelty cases to humane societies by requiring courts to immediately assign custody to approved organizations, with full ownership transfer. It adds a $50 surcharge on individuals convicted of animal cruelty, directing all such funds to the Animal Welfare Fund. The fund will then reimburse costs for caring for seized animals, including mandatory veterinary assessments within 72 hours of seizure. This directly affects animals in cruelty cases, local humane societies, and the state's fund management system.