Sen. Jane Kitchel

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Senator Richard Sears, who passed away in June 2024 at age 81. The document formally acknowledges his career as a state senator, his work as a youth counselor, and his leadership on the Judiciary Committee where he helped advance legislation on civil unions, marriage equality, and juvenile justice. It also notes his personal history, including being adopted as an infant and later establishing a mentoring program for boys in the justice system. The resolution expresses the Senate's sadness at his passing and directs that a copy be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution declares the rising number of drug overdose deaths in Vermont to be a public health emergency. It directly affects the state government by formally recognizing the severity of the opioid crisis, which has seen overdose deaths increase from 42 in 2010 to 264 in 2022. The resolution highlights that fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are now involved in the majority of these deaths, often mixed with other substances. By making this declaration, the bill directs state officials to acknowledge the urgency of the situation, though it does not create new funding or specific policy changes. The resolution serves as an official statement of concern rather than a law that alters existing programs or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows judges to consider evidence that does not strictly follow standard court evidence rules during weight of the evidence hearings. It applies to criminal cases where a judge must decide if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. The change permits more flexible evidence submission without altering the standard for determining whether evidence of guilt is great. This means prosecutors and defense attorneys may present information in a less formal manner during these preliminary hearings. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's climate change cost recovery program to allow the state to charge fossil fuel companies for climate adaptation costs without requiring them to be part of a specific support project. It changes how payment schedules work by requiring installments to be paid annually at 10% of the total amount, with interest charges and adjustments based on inflation. The law also extends the time companies have to respond to cost recovery notices from 15 to 30 days and clarifies that existing legal remedies remain available alongside this program. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024, but apply retroactively to costs incurred since January 1, 1995.

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 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 Senate resolution from Vermont reaffirms the strong friendship and bilateral relationships between the United States and Taiwan, as well as between the State of Vermont and Taiwan. The document highlights existing trade ties, noting that Taiwan is a major trading partner for both the U.S. and Vermont, and celebrates recent democratic developments in Taiwan. It also expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and encourages the establishment of a memorandum of understanding between Vermont and Taiwan to expand educational exchanges and cooperation. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to relevant U.S. and Taiwanese officials, but does not create any new laws or change existing policies.