Sen. Terry Williams

Maddy summaryS.187 would allow members of Vermont's General Assembly to carry concealed handguns in the State House or on its grounds, provided they have completed a certified firearms safety and training course. This bill specifically amends state law to permit this for legislators who meet the training requirement and carry documentation of their certification. It directly affects sitting members of the Vermont legislature by changing existing restrictions on concealed weapons in the State House. The policy change is limited to authorized legislators and requires proof of training for compliance.

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 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 increases the size limit for solar net metering systems eligible for expedited registration from 15 kilowatts (kW) to 25 kW, directly affecting residential and small commercial customers installing solar systems under this capacity. It requires the Public Utility Commission to update rules to allow 25 kW and smaller ground-mounted solar systems to use a faster approval process. The bill also adjusts setback requirements (minimum distances from property lines and highways) based on system size and adds a 45-day requirement for certificate holders to record facility locations in local land records. These changes streamline approvals for smaller solar projects while maintaining regulatory standards for larger installations.

Maddy summaryHCR 152 is a ceremonial concurrent resolution honoring Silas R. Loomis for his 53 years of service as Castleton's First Constable (1972-2025). It formally commends his municipal public service, including unique motorcycle patrols, community rescues, and roles with sheriff's departments, without creating new laws or policies. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Loomis and Castleton's town clerk. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or affected populations.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (HCR 132) honors the West Rutland High School Golden Horde girls’ basketball team for winning their fourth consecutive Division IV championship. It specifically recognizes their 2025 championship victory, including their 46-21 win in the final game. The resolution, adopted by both the Vermont House and Senate, directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to West Rutland High School. It has no policy or funding impact - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHCR 133 is a ceremonial resolution passed by Vermont's House and Senate to honor West Rutland High School girls' basketball player Peyton Guay. It formally congratulates her on her record-setting high school career - during which she scored 2,279 points (a Vermont girls' basketball record) and helped lead her team to four consecutive Division IV championships - and extends best wishes for her future college basketball career. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Guay. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or alter existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors former Pawlet First Constable David Ricard Sr. for his 22 years of outstanding municipal public service in the Town of Pawlet, including his roles in law enforcement and as West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Chief. The General Assembly adopted this resolution to acknowledge his contributions to civic life in his community.

Maddy summaryHCR 89 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the 2025 Fair Haven Union High School Slaters girls’ basketball team for winning their second consecutive Division II championship. It also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the high school.