Sen. Ruth Hardy

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Agency of Human Services in Vermont to work with its department commissioners and relevant stakeholders to explore ways to restructure and improve the agency. The agency must provide a progress update to the state legislature by February 1, 2025, and submit final recommendations by November 1, 2025. The law takes effect on May 28, 2024, and focuses on examining options for reenvisioning the agency's operations rather than implementing specific changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to Vermont's state constitution that guarantees equal treatment under the law regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. The amendment would require the government to ensure all people receive equal protection and prohibit denying rights based on these characteristics. It also explicitly allows for measures designed to help groups that have historically faced discrimination. If voters approve this change in the 2026 election, it would become part of the state's founding legal document.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new policies and procedures for Vermont's public libraries and school libraries to ensure compliance with free speech principles, civil rights laws, and the state's diverse population. It requires library boards to adopt material selection and reconsideration policies that reflect diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs while protecting intellectual freedom. The legislation also clarifies confidentiality rules for library records, expands protections against criminal threats at public libraries, and updates the role of the Department of Libraries to include developing model policies and professional development programs for librarians.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary Vermont Sister State Program Working Group to develop a state program that would create partnerships between Vermont and other countries or provinces. The Working Group includes representatives from state agencies such as Commerce, Education, and Agriculture, along with leaders from the Vermont Arts Council and Council on World Affairs. The group will study existing sister state programs, gather stakeholder input, and make recommendations on how to fund, administer, and structure the program, with goals including fostering cultural exchange, supporting immigrant communities, and maintaining connections with military and aid organizations. The Working Group must submit an initial report by February 2025 and a final report with recommendations by November 2025, and it will dissolve on March 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis legislative document is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors the nearly 40 years of service by former Vermont Senate Dean Richard T. Mazza. The resolution recognizes his long tenure in the Vermont legislature, including his work on transportation committees and his role in chairing the Transportation Committee. It acknowledges his contributions to Vermont infrastructure, preservation efforts, and his promotion of civility within the Senate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former Senator Mazza as an official acknowledgment of his service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Senator Robert A. Starr of the Orleans District for his decades of distinguished public service in Vermont. The document recognizes his long career in local government, including roles on the town zoning board, school board, and civil authority, as well as his extensive legislative service spanning over 45 years. It highlights his leadership on agricultural issues, particularly dairy farming, and his work supporting Vermont's farmland preservation efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator Starr as an official acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Senator Richard McCormack for his dedicated service in the Vermont Senate. It recognizes his 35 years of representing the Windsor Senate District, his work as an environmentalist and educator, and his leadership roles including Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy Chair. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to public service and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator McCormack. This type of legislative action serves as a formal recognition rather than creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution recognizes Trey Lee, a wrestler from Fair Haven Union High School, for his athletic accomplishments over three years. It highlights his state championship wins, multiple tournament victories, and overall record of 133-22 in wrestling competitions. The document directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Lee as a formal acknowledgment of his achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2024 Fair Haven Union High School Slaters Division II championship girls' basketball team for winning their state title. The resolution recognizes the team's victory in a 55-50 game against North Country Falcons and acknowledges the players, coaches, and support staff who contributed to their success. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Fair Haven Union High School as an official record of the General Assembly's congratulations. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or funding implications.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2024 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in Vermont. It acknowledges the historical contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans while also highlighting the discrimination they have faced, including exclusionary laws and internment during World War II. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Asian Cultural Center of Vermont for awareness purposes. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to honor and celebrate this community's heritage.