Sen. Andrew Perchlik

Maddy summaryVermont's S.263 authorizes municipal law enforcement agencies to use automated traffic law enforcement (ATLE) systems - like speed cameras and noise sensors - in specific locations to improve safety. These systems may be deployed in municipal work zones (when workers are present), areas with high crash or speeding rates, traffic signals, or locations exceeding noise ordinances, but only after engineering analysis confirms safety needs. The bill requires clear signage before enforcement begins, prohibits using ATLE to fix road design flaws, and limits deployment until July 1, 2029. Municipalities must contract with vendors following strict data storage rules, and systems cannot replace traditional policing or address infrastructure issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S.270, establishes a legal right for unit owners in Vermont condominiums, planned communities, and other common interest communities to install and use electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at home. It voids rules that unreasonably block or restrict EVSE installation in units or designated parking spaces, while allowing associations to impose "reasonable restrictions" (e.g., cost or performance-related rules). Associations must process installation requests within 60 days (deeming approval if denied later) and follow the same procedures as for other architectural modifications. Unit owners are responsible for all costs related to installation, maintenance, repairs, and electricity usage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 262) would exempt most passenger cars and light trucks from annual safety and emissions inspections in Vermont, while maintaining annual inspections for trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. It also requires used vehicles sold by dealers to undergo a safety and emissions inspection before sale, with vehicles 16 model years old or newer needing an emissions or OBD inspection. The changes would take effect July 1, 2027, directly affecting Vermont drivers of light vehicles (who would no longer need annual inspections), dealers selling used cars, and heavy truck operators. The bill focuses on simplifying inspection requirements for common vehicles while preserving standards for heavier commercial vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S.256) criminalizes threatening to disclose intimate images without consent to coerce someone into producing more images, engaging in sexual conduct, or providing something of value. It also expands existing voyeurism laws to cover non-consensual disclosure of images showing a person nude or engaged in sexual conduct, extending criminal statute of limitations for such acts and eliminating it for civil lawsuits. Victims can now seek damages for harm caused by intentional disclosure of their intimate images, including recovery for trauma-related disorders. The law directly affects individuals whose private images are exploited and those who threaten or disclose such images without consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals with license suspensions or revocations due to serious speeding violations (such as driving 100+ mph or multiple excess-speed offenses) to obtain a restricted license or certificate. To operate a vehicle during their suspension/revocation period, they must install and maintain an approved aftermarket GPS-based speed-limiting device on their vehicle and pay a $125 application fee. The device must actively prevent speeding above posted limits, and the holder must cover all costs for installation, maintenance, and data retrieval. This applies only to non-commercial vehicles and creates a new "intelligent speed assistance restricted operator’s license" (ROL) with annual renewal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Executive Branch to negotiate remote, in-person, and hybrid work arrangements for State employees through collective bargaining. It amends the State Employees Labor Relations Act to explicitly add "terms and conditions of remote, in-person, and hybrid work standards" as a mandatory subject for bargaining. The change directly affects all permanent and limited-status State employees, ensuring their input on work location policies. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, making work arrangement decisions subject to negotiation rather than unilateral state policy.

Maddy summaryS.167 prohibits Vermont residents from possessing semiautomatic assault weapons, defined as rifles, pistols, or shotguns with specific features (like detachable magazines plus a folding stock, pistol grip, or high-capacity magazine). Violators face up to one year in jail or a $500 fine. The law exempts federal and certified Vermont law enforcement officers, active National Guard members, and certain manually operated or antique firearms. It also excludes weapons that cannot hold more than five rounds in their magazine.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale, use, and application of the herbicide paraquat in Vermont, except when the Secretary of Agriculture authorizes it to address a specific crop threat for which no other herbicide is effective. It defines paraquat by chemical name and CAS number to ensure clear identification. The ban takes effect on July 1, 2026. The law aims to protect public health by preventing exposure to paraquat, which studies link to increased risks of Parkinson's disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and childhood leukemia.

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.