Sen. Joe Major

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 154 requires health insurance plans and Vermont's Medicaid program to provide coverage for biomarker testing. This testing analyzes a patient's samples to identify biological characteristics relevant to a disease or condition. Coverage is mandated for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and ongoing monitoring of a patient's disease. Such coverage is required when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence, including FDA approvals, Medicare/Medicaid determinations, or nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. The bill also specifies that coverage should be provided in a way that minimizes disruptions to patient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 5, 2026, as Italian American Day in Vermont to honor the contributions of Italian Americans to the state's history and development. The resolution recognizes the community's role in the marble and granite industries, labor union formation, and various sectors including agriculture, arts, and government. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Christine Stone, likely a representative of the Italian American community. This is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryHCR 216 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Margo Caulfield for her volunteer work in Cavendish, Vermont. It recognizes her leadership managing the Cavendish Historical Society Museum, organizing community events like Green Up Day and the farmers’ market, coordinating disaster response efforts after floods, and distributing emergency preparedness information through "Cavendish Connects." The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a formal expression of appreciation from the Vermont General Assembly. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Margo Caulfield.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 209 is a memorial resolution honoring Matthew T. Birmingham III, a former West Windsor Town Moderator who served for 34 years. The resolution extends the Vermont General Assembly's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to his family and the West Windsor Town Clerk. This procedural resolution does not create policy changes or affect any specific group beyond commemorating his service. It formally recognizes his civic contributions, including his leadership in municipal meetings and community involvement.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House concurrent resolution (HCR 197) formally congratulates the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and extends best wishes for its future work. It specifically acknowledges the YMCA's national history and its local impact in Vermont, noting that the YMCA of Greater Burlington and Meeting Waters YMCA serve 15,000 Vermonters annually. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to these two Vermont branches. As a ceremonial resolution, it contains no new policies, funding, or requirements - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates February 11, 2026, as "Disability Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the work of disability rights groups like the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) and highlights ongoing challenges such as educational disparities and barriers in employment, housing, and transportation faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these issues and the contributions of people with disabilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VCDR.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.310 requires businesses offering subscriptions with indefinite renewal terms to send consumers an annual notification about their right to cancel. This applies to services like streaming or software subscriptions (excluding financial institutions and insurance) and mandates clear notices stating renewal dates, automatic renewal terms, and simple cancellation methods (phone, email, or online). Businesses must provide this notice 30-60 days before renewal dates and ensure cancellation is easy without extra steps. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryS.316 prohibits credit card networks from charging fees on the portion of a transaction that covers tax or gratuity (tip). This directly affects merchants (like restaurants and retailers), payment card networks (such as Visa or Mastercard), and banks that issue credit cards. The bill requires that any credit card fee must be calculated only on the non-tax, non-gratuity amount of a purchase, preventing networks from charging fees on taxed or tipped portions. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and includes civil penalties for violations.