Sen. Richard Westman

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Vermont's cannabis regulations by removing the 30% THC limit for flower and raising the concentrate limit to 70%. It increases the per-transaction retail purchase limit from one to two ounces of cannabis or equivalent products. The bill also eliminates the requirement for cannabis businesses to submit ads to the Cannabis Control Board for review, lowers the excise tax from 14% to 10%, and allows municipalities to condition permits on local ordinances or hold 2026 election votes on cannabis establishment authorization. Additionally, it expands access to the Cannabis Business Development Fund and appropriates $1 million for it.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates Vermont's Voting Rights Act to protect voters from discrimination. It requires municipalities to get Attorney General approval before changing election districts or methods (a "pre-clearance" system), bans racial gerrymandering, and prohibits at-large voting systems that weaken minority voting power. The law mandates language assistance for voters in minority languages and new voting accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. It also criminalizes voter intimidation and spreading false election information. The bill directly affects all Vermont towns, cities, and school districts that hold elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes transforming Vermont's career technical education (CTE) system to ensure all high school students have equitable access to CTE programs. It mandates expanding CTE opportunities to middle school and early high school years, removing barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts, and requiring high schools to award credits recommended by CTE centers. The bill also directs CTE programs to align with Vermont's current workforce needs and establishes flexible delivery models (including hybrid options) to improve accessibility. It aims to create a sustainable funding system and strengthen coordination between secondary and adult CTE programs. The changes will take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.157 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences (temporary housing for people recovering from substance use disorders) through the Department of Health. To become certified, residences must meet standards including peer-support certification, compliance with health/safety rules, transparent complaint procedures, and annual reporting of resident data like stay length and employment outcomes. The bill also requires certified residences to follow specific exit policies for residents violating safety or substance use rules, with strict conditions for immediate transfers. This applies directly to recovery residences seeking certification, not to residents themselves, and mandates annual data reporting to both the Department of Health and state legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Professor Jessica Holmes for her public service on Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board. The document recognizes her contributions to healthcare regulation, including her work on reducing wait times and managing resources, as well as her role as interim chair during leadership transitions. It highlights her professional background in health economics and her academic achievements at Middlebury College, Yale, and Colgate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Professor Holmes, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change in law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution celebrates the return of Julian Scott's Civil War painting, The Fourth Vermont Forming Under Fire, to the Vermont State House. It acknowledges the efforts of several individuals, including historian Tyler Alexander and collector Lyman Orton, who worked together to purchase the artwork for $110,000 and secure its display in the Cedar Creek Room. The bill formally thanks these contributors and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each person involved in facilitating the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dennis Miles, the General Assembly Doorkeeper, for his long service to the Vermont legislature and its staff. It recognizes his 41-year career as an educator and coach before he joined the General Assembly in 2014, where he has managed building security and mentored legislative pages for over a dozen years. The resolution formally acknowledges his dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors General Assembly Head Doorkeeper Michael Wiater and his wife, Donna Wiater, for their long careers in Vermont state government. It recognizes Mike Wiater's background as a former soldier and state police officer before he spent over two decades facilitating the orderly operation of the State House, while also acknowledging Donna Wiater's work as an administrative assistant. The document serves to express gratitude for their public service and officially extends best wishes for their future as they conclude their tenures in 2026. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to the couple.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2026 Lamoille Union High School boys' basketball team for winning the Division II state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's historic victory over the Hartford Hurricanes, marking the school's first state title in basketball and breaking a long-standing drought for the program. It specifically acknowledges the players, coaches, and support staff involved in the championship season and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the high school.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Stowe High School boys' Nordic ski team for winning the 2026 Division II championship. The resolution highlights the team's exceptional performance, noting that they achieved first place in both individual and relay races at two different competition sites. It specifically recognizes the eleven student athletes and their new head coach, Ethan Self, for their athletic success and future potential. Additionally, the bill acknowledges that four of the team members were selected to represent Vermont at a separate regional championship in New York. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this congratulatory resolution to Stowe High School.