Sen. Wendy Harrison

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 prohibits Vermont municipalities from enacting rules that limit or ban the use of hygienic face masks. It directly affects local governments (cities and towns) and residents by preventing them from adopting mask restrictions through ordinances or other local regulations. The law adds a new provision to state law (24 V.S.A. § 2295a) that overrides any conflicting local charter provisions. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, and currently awaits committee review after its first reading on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryS 84 requires Vermont's State Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to spend at least 80% of the annual budget for print, digital, radio, and television advertising on local news and broadcast organizations. It directly affects all state agencies purchasing advertising, mandating they contract with organizations meeting specific local criteria (e.g., producing original local content, employing dedicated staff, meeting publication frequency standards, and disclosing ownership). The bill exempts tourism-focused ads from the 80% requirement and mandates an annual report to the legislature by June 30 detailing all state advertising spending. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's General Assembly to approve all extensions of leases for State-owned railroad property, shifting authority from the Secretary of Transportation. It directly affects state railroads and their operators, who will need legislative consent for any lease extension beyond the current term. Key provisions mandate that the Secretary notify transportation committees 12 months before lease expiration or extension, and specify that short-term leases (up to six months) may be arranged without immediate approval. The bill amends existing law to ensure legislative oversight of railroad lease renewals, while maintaining existing federal approval requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new enhanced incentive within Vermont's Vermont Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI) specifically for employee-owned businesses. It directly affects qualifying employee-owned businesses (including worker cooperatives and ESOPs) applying for VEGI funding by increasing their share of state funds from 80% to 90% of new revenue growth generated. Key changes include a modified payroll calculation method and a specific definition for "employee-owned business" that aligns with federal tax definitions. The goal is to support these locally controlled businesses, which typically offer higher wages and benefits, by providing a stronger financial incentive for growth. The incentive becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 38 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Clara Robinson, a longtime Jamaica, Vermont community volunteer and leader. It recognizes her decades of service in roles including justice of the peace, school board member, youth group leader, and church trustee, highlighting her dedication to local youth, schools, and community events. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Clara Robinson and the Jamaica Town Clerk. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no policy changes or legislative effect.

Maddy summaryS 80 establishes Vermont Digital Addictions Awareness Day on the last Saturday in July to raise public awareness about digital addiction, particularly among younger people. The bill directly affects Vermont families and residents by waiving one-day entry fees at all state parks and historic sites on this designated day, encouraging outdoor activities. Key provisions include designating the last Saturday of July as the awareness day (per 1 V.S.A. § 378) and requiring the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to waive park fees on that day (per 10 V.S.A. § 2603(c)(5)), though waivers may be limited to Vermont residents based on department funding. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, with the goal of promoting outdoor engagement as a counter to excessive digital use.

Maddy summaryS 54 would repeal Vermont’s laws criminalizing consensual sex work between adults and "indiscriminate sexual intercourse" for hire, while maintaining felony penalties for human trafficking. It directly affects adult sex workers who engage voluntarily, removing criminal penalties for their work. The bill replaces outdated laws (dating to the early 1900s) with a focus on protecting those compelled into sex work through force, fraud, or coercion. The legislation cites research showing criminalization increases health risks and safety threats for sex workers, aligning with a 2018 Johns Hopkins study on the harms of sex work laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10.1 million from Vermont's Opioid Abatement Special Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support opioid use disorder services. It allocates funds for 26 new outreach staff, Burlington's overdose prevention center, certified recovery residences, syringe services, youth programs, harm reduction at shelters, and training for judges and correctional staff. The funding directly supports individuals with opioid use disorder, homeless populations, youth, and community organizations across Vermont. All allocations require outcome reporting, with annual funding intended unless the Special Fund lacks sufficient funds.