This legislative resolution designates February 16, 2024, as Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House to honor the state's natural landscape and outdoor activities. The measure recognizes Vermont's extensive trail systems, wildlife areas, and ski resorts as important assets for the economy, community well-being, and quality of life. While the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it formally acknowledges the value of outdoor recreation and directs state officials to be notified of the designation. The bill was passed by both the Senate and House without requiring a vote, following standard procedure for ceremonial resolutions.
This bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Harry Roush for over 40 years of public service in the Town of Washington. It recognizes his extensive contributions as a firefighter, emergency management coordinator, town moderator, and various other leadership roles. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Mr. Roush as an official acknowledgment of his achievements. This type of legislation does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly recognize an individual's community service.
This bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Boyd Family Farm in Wilmington on the 100th anniversary of its current location. The resolution acknowledges the farm's history, noting that the family relocated there in 1923 after a flood displaced their original farm established in 1775. It highlights the farm's current operations, which include growing flowers, offering blueberry picking, providing wedding floral services, and running a community-supported agriculture program. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the farm as a gesture of recognition.
This bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Richard Angus Cawley for his long-term public service in the Town of Corinth, Vermont. The resolution recognizes his 37 years of work in various municipal roles, including town agent, town moderator, selectboard member, and school director, where he handled tasks like drafting ordinances, presiding over meetings, and overseeing community projects. The key provision directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Mr. Cawley as an official acknowledgment of his contributions. This document serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.
This legislative bill is a commemorative resolution that honors the fifth anniversary of Jenna Tatro's death and recognizes the work of Jenna's Promise, an organization she helped create to support people struggling with substance use disorder. The resolution acknowledges how Jenna's family established Jenna's House Community & Recovery Center in Johnson, Vermont, which provides recovery services and community spaces while working to reduce stigma around addiction. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Jenna's Promise and her family members, serving as an official state acknowledgment of their efforts rather than creating new laws or policies.
This legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Beth Foy for her service as chair of the Johnson Selectboard in Vermont. The resolution recognizes her leadership and contributions to local government, particularly in areas like animal control, health inspections, winter road maintenance, and flood management. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official commendation from the state legislature. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Ms. Foy.
This bill authorizes Vermont boards of abatement to process groups of similar tax relief requests together as a class, rather than handling each case individually. It applies to taxpayers seeking property tax abatement who have claims arising from the same cause or event, such as a single disaster or policy change affecting multiple properties. The bill requires boards to group requests by property classification, notify affected taxpayers of their class status, and allow individuals to opt out and pursue separate hearings if needed. Taxpayers who wish to reject class treatment must notify the board at least 14 days before the hearing. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.
This legislative bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Vermont State Parks system. It commemorates the historical significance of the parks, which began in 1924 with a donation of land that became Mt. Philo State Park, and acknowledges the contributions of Civilian Conservation Corps workers and private foundations to their development. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves to honor the parks' legacy and their role in Vermont's outdoor economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state agencies and the Vermont Parks Forever foundation.
This bill designates February 2024 as School Board Recognition Month in Vermont to honor the work of local school board members. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of these community leaders in public education. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, allowing the organization to promote awareness of the role school boards play in Vermont.
This bill would ban advertisements for Vermont's state-run gambling operations, including the state lottery and sports wagering. It directly affects the Department of Liquor and Lottery, sports wagering operators, and any entities that currently advertise these services. The law would require the department to remove existing gambling advertisements and prevent new ones from appearing in the future. This change would modify the current advertising plan agreement between the state and its gambling partners. The bill aims to reduce the visibility of state gambling promotions without altering the operations themselves.
This bill would allow Assistant Attorneys General in Vermont to join or form a bargaining unit under the State Employees Labor Relations Act. The legislation designates these legal professionals as state employees eligible to collectively bargain regarding their working conditions. If passed, Assistant Attorneys General would gain the right to negotiate with the state on issues such as wages, benefits, and work schedules through a formal labor relations process. The change applies specifically to Assistant Attorneys General and does not affect other state employees or legal staff.
This bill establishes a permanent Equity Advisory Group for Vermont's Public Utility Commission to help ensure utility programs serve low-income, moderate-income, and marginalized communities equitably. The advisory group will include representatives from various organizations and individuals with diverse backgrounds, focusing on improving access for renters, manufactured home residents, and other underserved populations. Additionally, the bill requires the Auditor of Accounts to conduct performance audits of the Commission every three years, evaluating its approach to energy justice, environmental justice, and equitable outcomes. The legislation also creates a new ombudsman position at the Commission to improve public access to its proceedings and includes funding for these new initiatives.
