Rep. Matt Birong

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors Vermont National Guard Deputy Adjutant General Kenneth Gragg for his distinguished career in public service. The document recognizes his 46 years of military and civilian service, including his leadership in financial management, construction projects, and pandemic response efforts. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Gragg as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions. This is a ceremonial measure with no new laws or policy changes, serving only to publicly recognize his achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to special venue serving permits by allowing art galleries, bookstores, public libraries, and museums to apply for permits to serve alcoholic beverages at events. The legislation amends state liquor laws to include these non-traditional venues alongside existing permit holders, enabling them to serve drinks by glass during public gatherings. The Division of Liquor Control would be responsible for reviewing and granting these permits based on established criteria. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, providing these cultural and community institutions with new options for hosting events that include alcohol service.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Resilient Communities Fund to provide financial assistance to Vermont municipalities for planning and responding to floods, fires, environmental hazards, and other disasters, with priority given to projects that match federal grants and serve vulnerable communities. It requires the Division of Vermont Emergency Management to identify specific areas needing additional funding based on past disasters, current risks, and local capacity, and mandates a study to improve coordination between state and local disaster response efforts. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Natural Resources to create rules for development permits in flood hazard areas and authorizes the creation of a State Urban Search and Rescue Team for rapid emergency response.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's sports wagering laws to strengthen oversight and consumer protections. It requires sports wagering operators to pay annual fees and mandates stricter criminal background checks for applicants and company principals. The legislation also updates penalties for illegal wagering operations and directs funds toward problem gambling prevention programs. Additionally, it adds restrictions on advertising aimed at minors and requires a report on how problem gambling funding aligns with similar state programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes several changes to Vermont's adult-use and medical cannabis programs, primarily focusing on how the system is governed and regulated. It creates a new advisory committee for the Cannabis Control Board with 14 members representing various areas of expertise, including public health, social justice, and business, who will provide recommendations to the state legislature. The bill also clarifies what counts as advertising for cannabis businesses while excluding educational materials and standard product labels, and it establishes rules for how local municipalities can issue their own cannabis licenses without charging fees. Additionally, the legislation defines how cannabis cultivation is classified under state law, ensuring it is treated differently from traditional farming activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about mental health challenges. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's mental health needs and statistics. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant mental health organizations and officials. While it highlights concerning data about suicide rates and access to care, the bill itself is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines and protects certain health care activities related to reproductive health and gender-affirming care from civil and criminal liability. It establishes that licensed health care providers in Vermont can legally offer these services to patients regardless of where the patient is located, as long as the services are permitted under Vermont law. The law also protects insurance coverage for these services and prohibits conversion therapy from being classified as gender-affirming care. The protections apply to the provision, prescription, distribution, and use of FDA-approved medications for pregnancy termination as of January 1, 2023. The bill became effective immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the Governor in May 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Karen Horn of Moretown for her leadership in strengthening local government in Vermont. It recognizes her decades of work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, where she advised officials on municipal issues and helped secure transportation funding and tax authority for local governments. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to municipal policy and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Horn and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring the memory of Vergennes Fire Chief James M. Breur, who passed away in March 2023. The resolution recognizes his 45-year career in firefighting, which began in 1978, and his leadership roles in local and state fire organizations. It formally extends condolences to Breur's family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to his family and the Vergennes Fire Department. The document serves as an official commemoration rather than a policy change, acknowledging his contributions to fire safety and community service.