Sen. Terry Williams

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

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 bill repeals Vermont's Affordable Heat Act, which established the Clean Heat Standard program requiring heating fuel businesses to meet emissions targets. It removes the Clean Heat Standard from state law (repealing 30 V.S.A. chapter 94), eliminates a requirement for tax authorities to disclose heating fuel business data to regulators, and abolishes specific government positions supporting the program as of January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects heating fuel businesses, the Public Utility Commission, and the Department of Public Service by ending regulatory requirements and administrative support for the Clean Heat Standard. It takes effect upon passage, though it failed to advance in committee with 12 votes in favor and 18 against.

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 concurrent resolution (HCR 32) formally honors Lucrecia Wonsor for her service as Killington's Town Clerk and Treasurer. It recognizes her career achievements, including certifications, leadership roles in municipal associations, and receiving Vermont's "Town Clerk of the Year" award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Wonsor and Killington's current Town Clerk. It has no policy impact or financial effect - it is a ceremonial tribute to her municipal government service.

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, S.32, provides Vermont residents with developmental disabilities a free permanent fishing license. It directly affects Vermonters certified by a physician as having developmental disabilities, defined per 18 V.S.A. § 9302. The key provision requires submission of a physician-signed statement to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for license issuance. This creates a new category for free licenses, distinct from existing provisions for veterans, the legally blind, or paraplegic residents, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

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 bill (S.5) consolidates Vermont's adult guardianship proceedings into a single Probate Division of the Superior Court, replacing the current split system where some cases go to the Probate Division and others to the Family Division. It directly affects approximately 600 adults with disabilities currently under guardianship in the less protective Family Division, ensuring they receive the same procedural safeguards as those in the Probate Division. Key provisions include requiring annual court reports, court approval for residential changes, guardian ad litem appointments, and de novo appeals - currently only available in the Probate Division. The bill aims to create consistent, fairer protections for all adults under guardianship by eliminating jurisdictional disparities.