Sen. Becca White

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers with 50 or more employees in Vermont to create and implement a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan by January 1, 2026. The plan must include specific measures like telecommuting options, carpool incentives, public transit support, or staggered work hours to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Employers must consult resources such as the Agency of Transportation’s guidance, Go! Vermont, or local transit authorities when developing their plan. It directly affects large employers at their Vermont workplaces, aiming to decrease traffic congestion and vehicle emissions through structured workplace transportation policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 145) would amend Vermont's State Employees Labor Relations Act to explicitly include Assistant Attorneys General as "State employees" eligible for collective bargaining. Currently excluded from this right, Assistant Attorneys General working in State's Attorneys' offices would gain the ability to organize unions and negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions with their employers. The bill achieves this by revising the definition of "State employee" in the law to remove the specific exclusion for Assistant Attorneys General. The change would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain forestry vehicles from Vermont's vehicle use tax. It provides full tax exemption for specific equipment used in timber cutting, removal, and processing (like skidders, feller bunchers, and log loaders), and a 50% tax exemption for heavier vehicles used in transportation (such as semi-trailers and trucks over 10,000 pounds). Businesses purchasing these vehicles must certify their use at purchase, and the Department of Motor Vehicles must provide application guidance. The exemptions begin July 1, 2025, and expire July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHCR 77 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Vermont. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges Vermont’s longstanding protections against housing discrimination under its 1987 Fair Housing Act, which covers more categories than federal law. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont Human Rights Commission, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, and Vermont Legal Aid’s Housing Discrimination Law Project. It aims to raise awareness about housing equity during a time when the state’s enforcement agencies are handling increased fair housing complaints. The resolution has no direct impact on residents or housing providers, as it serves only to honor existing protections.

Maddy summaryS 141 prohibits possessing firearms or dangerous weapons in Vermont state buildings, affecting all visitors, employees, and contractors entering such facilities. Key provisions define "dangerous weapon" (excluding pocket knives under 2.5 inches) and "state building" (excluding privately leased portions), with exceptions for law enforcement, National Guard, and authorized educational activities. Violations carry fines up to $2,000 or 1 year in jail, increasing to $10,000 or 5 years if weapons are used to commit crimes. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, after being referred to the Judiciary Committee on April 3, 2025. It does not apply to authorized activities like training classes or official duties by specific personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources to study packaging waste management by January 2027. The study will examine current recycling rates, barriers to reducing plastic waste, health/environmental impacts of packaging chemicals, and opportunities for reuse programs. It also bans the use of chemical conversion technologies (like breaking down plastic into fuel or oil) for plastic waste disposal in Vermont. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHCR 68 is a ceremonial resolution, not a law, that honors Vermont's manufacturing sector. It designates April 2, 2025, as "Manufacturing Day" for an event at the Vermont State House. The resolution celebrates manufacturing's economic impact - highlighting its $3 billion contribution to Vermont's GDP and 30,000 jobs - while directing the Secretary of State to share the resolution with industry groups like the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center. This is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, solely aimed at recognizing the industry's role.

Maddy summaryS 65 amends Vermont law to require the Public Utility Commission to appoint independent entities (instead of utility-specific programs) to develop and monitor energy efficiency programs for electricity, gas, and thermal energy customers. These entities must prioritize greenhouse gas emissions reductions and equitable access for all Vermont residents and businesses, while meeting air quality standards. The bill establishes an Energy Efficiency Fund funded by a new customer charge (shown separately on bills) and supplemental revenues like ISO-NE capacity savings and carbon credits. It sets specific budget requirements for 2027-2030 and mandates that programs support building energy codes and reduce fossil fuel use. The bill directly affects Vermont utilities, ratepayers, and businesses participating in efficiency programs.

Maddy summaryS 132 requires health care sharing plans operating in Vermont without insurance authorization to submit detailed annual reports to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation starting October 2025. These reports must include participant numbers (individuals, households, employers), financial data (fees collected, reimbursements processed), provider contracts, marketing materials, and third-party relationships. The Commissioner will summarize this information and post it publicly each year. This directly affects non-insurance health sharing organizations serving Vermont residents. The bill creates a transparency mechanism for oversight, not new coverage rules.

Maddy summaryHCR 57 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 25, 2025, as National Medal of Honor Day in Vermont. It formally acknowledges Vermont's historical connection to Medal of Honor recipients, including the youngest recipient, 11-year-old Willie Johnston. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to provide copies to Vermont veterans organizations and the Vermont National Guard Library and Museum. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not create new policies or obligations.