Sen. Dick Sears

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Sue Allen for her distinguished career spanning journalism, government, politics, and the nonprofit sector. The document recognizes her unique professional path, which includes working as a journalist, serving as press secretary for two Vermont governors, and holding leadership roles in media and public service. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to Vermont public life and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to Sue Allen and the Bennington Banner.

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 bill is a commemorative resolution honoring Alexander and Marilyn Mahar, a couple who made significant contributions to the Town of Bennington community. It recognizes their legacy through their long-standing funeral home business, Alexander's charitable golf tournaments that raised over $200,000 for local hospice care, and both spouses' volunteer work and community involvement. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to the Mahar family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to them.

Maddy summaryThis proposal would add a new article to the Vermont Constitution guaranteeing employees the right to organize and collectively bargain with their employers. The amendment allows workers to form labor organizations to negotiate wages, hours, working conditions, and workplace safety protections. It also permits labor organizations to collect dues from members and prevents laws from interfering with collective bargaining agreements that require union membership as a condition of employment. If ratified by voters in November 2026, this change would establish a constitutional right to collective bargaining in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the 2023 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It recognizes these young individuals for their dedication and service, noting that earning this rank is a significant accomplishment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the 50 scouts named in the text. This measure does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a formal acknowledgment of their achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates Kevin J. Goodhue on nearly 50 years of service with the Bennington Rural Fire Department. The resolution recognizes his career progression from entry-level firefighter to chief and his ongoing role as an active second lieutenant. It highlights specific achievements including establishing a junior firefighter program in 2003 and improving radio communications in 2004. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Goodhue as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to public service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Woodford SnoBusters snowmobile club on its 40th anniversary. The resolution recognizes the club's contributions to Vermont's statewide snowmobile trail network through volunteer trail maintenance and safety programs. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the club as official acknowledgment. The measure is ceremonial and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits defendants from using a plaintiff's own negligence as a legal defense in personal injury lawsuits involving sexual acts or conduct. It amends Vermont's negligence laws to prevent courts from reducing damages based on how much fault the plaintiff had in the sexual situation. The change applies to any negligence claim where the incident involves sexual acts or conduct as defined in state law. This means plaintiffs seeking compensation for injuries from such incidents cannot have their claims reduced because they were partially at fault. The law takes effect immediately upon signing.