Sen. Alison Clarkson

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 (S.236) modifies Vermont's alcohol licensing rules for vinous beverage manufacturers and fourth-class license holders. It increases the permitted volume of alcoholic beverages that can be served at tasting rooms and retail shops under a fourth-class license (e.g., up to 12 ounces of wine-like beverages per customer). It also allows manufacturers of wine-like beverages to operate up to two retail locations directly on their licensed manufacturing property, provided the locations are on contiguous, owned land. These changes directly affect licensed beverage manufacturers and tasting room operators, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryS.233 allocates $250,000 to establish a two-year pilot program providing neutral advocates for families of K-12 students with disabilities during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. The program will award grants to school districts, parent child centers, and nonprofits to train advocates and offer parent education, aiming to improve school-family collaboration and prevent costly disputes. It requires grantees to provide in-person IEP meeting support and develop strategies for early issue resolution. The Agency of Human Services must report on the pilot's effectiveness by November 2027.

Maddy summaryHCR 157 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Thetford Academy's boys' track and field team for winning their sixth consecutive Division III state championship and setting Vermont records at the 2025 New England Interscholastic Outdoor Track and Field Championship. The resolution specifically recognizes their victory in 10 individual events, relay races, and field events, which earned them 164.5 points - far ahead of the runner-up - and three new state records. The resolution formally directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Thetford Academy as a symbolic gesture of legislative recognition. This is a non-binding, commemorative measure with no policy impact or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 158 is a purely ceremonial resolution congratulating the Thetford Academy Panthers for winning the 2025 Vermont Division III high school baseball championship. It formally recognizes the team's victory over White River Valley in the championship game and acknowledges the players and coaching staff. The resolution has no policy impact or binding effect - it simply expresses the General Assembly's congratulations and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Thetford Academy. No individuals or groups are affected by new requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a scheduled repeal of Vermont's Economic Growth Incentive Program (VEGI), which would have ended the program's eligibility for new applications after January 1, 2027. It directly affects businesses seeking VEGI incentives under 32 V.S.A. chapter 105, subchapter 2 by ensuring the program remains available beyond 2027. The key provision amends prior legislation to delete the January 1, 2027 cutoff date, allowing the Vermont Economic Progress Council to continue approving new incentive applications. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, extending the program's operation without new funding or eligibility changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont towns, cities, and villages to adopt ordinances requiring property owners to clean or repair vacant, blighted, or hazardous premises that threaten public health, safety, or neighborhood appearance. Municipalities must establish rules with proper notice to owners and an administrative appeals process before taking action. If owners fail to comply, the municipality can clean or repair the property and recover costs as a lien on the property - treated like unpaid property taxes. The law applies to properties deemed dangerous, damaging to nearby property, or deteriorating public appearance, with specific procedural safeguards for property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's regional plan map categories for Act 250 Tier 1 development. It redefines "Village areas" to require municipal water/wastewater service or suitable soil for septic, and creates "Transition or infill areas" for redevelopment near existing villages - banning new strip commercial development to protect adjacent economic vitality. The bill also establishes "designated neighborhoods" for planned growth/village areas and transition areas within workforce housing zones, requiring approval similar to existing "designated centers." These changes aim to guide higher-density, mixed-use development while preserving downtown vitality and climate resilience.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S.196) shortens the period during which homeowners can reclaim property after a municipal tax sale and allows the new owner to enter the property during that time to prevent damage, hazards, or deterioration. It directly affects delinquent property owners who owe at least $1,500 in taxes and municipal tax sale purchasers. Key provisions include reducing the redemption window and authorizing purchasers to secure properties against illegal activity, fire risks, or decay during the redemption period. The bill also maintains existing requirements for tax collectors to offer repayment plans before initiating sales and provide multilingual notices.

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.