Rep. Matt Birong

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November as Vermont Month of the Veteran to honor military service members who have contributed to national security. It adds a new section to Vermont law stating that November of each year is officially recognized as this commemorative month. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to all state government activities during November.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission, a new entity within the State Treasurer's office designed to promote trade and investment between Vermont and Ireland. The Commission will consist of 10 members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate Committee on Committees, and the State Treasurer, who will serve staggered four-year terms and meet quarterly to advance bilateral economic cooperation. The Commission is authorized to raise funds through donations and grants to cover its administrative expenses and must submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly, with members receiving no state compensation for their service.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. Navy Torpedoman 2nd Class Henry Breault becoming the first submariner to receive the Medal of Honor. The document honors Breault's heroic act of returning to a sinking submarine to rescue a trapped crewmate, an event that occurred on October 28, 1923, when his vessel collided with a commercial ship in the Panama Canal. The resolution formally recognizes this historical milestone and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Submarine Force Library and Museum and to historian Ryan Walker. This legislative action serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Breault's service and sacrifice rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Baby Bond Trust, a state-administered fund designed to provide financial support to children born on or after July 1, 2024, who qualify for Medicaid or similar health coverage at birth. The program would allow eligible children to receive bonds that can be used for education, purchasing a home, starting a business, or contributing to retirement accounts once they reach adulthood. The trust would be managed by the State Treasurer, who would invest the funds to generate earnings while keeping the assets separate from general state funds and exempt from state taxes. Money in the trust would only be disbursed for approved purposes and would not count as income or assets when determining eligibility for other assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Sergeant at Arms Janet Miller for her service to the Vermont General Assembly. It recognizes her long career, which includes managing security, coordinating events, and overseeing the Legislative Council before she was elected to her current role five times. The resolution also acknowledges her specific contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping the legislature transition back to in-person meetings. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to Janet Miller, who has announced her retirement effective March 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to reduce regulatory hurdles for businesses operating on working lands in Vermont by modifying requirements under Act 250. It directly affects wood products manufacturers, small forest processors, and farms that run accessory businesses like agritourism or on-site product processing. The legislation would lower soil mitigation fees for wood manufacturers, exempt small sawmills and forest processors from needing permits, and clarify definitions to allow more on-farm activities without permits. Additionally, it would require larger electric generation facilities over 500 kilowatts to obtain an Act 250 permit. These changes seek to modernize regulations to support forest and agricultural industries while maintaining oversight on larger-scale developments.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 22, 2024 as Age Strong Vermont Day at the State House to recognize the state's aging population and the new 10-year action plan developed to support older Vermonters. It directly affects Vermont residents aged 60 and older, who make up nearly 30 percent of the state's population, by formally acknowledging the Age Strong VT roadmap that addresses seven key areas including affordable aging, health, social connection, and elder justice. The resolution requires the Secretary of State to send copies to the Governor and relevant state officials, serving as a ceremonial observance rather than creating new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Vermont television journalist Stewart Ledbetter for his 40 years of news reporting. The bill formally recognizes his career achievements, including his work as a news director, political campaign moderator, and recipient of multiple broadcast awards. It directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Ledbetter and WPTZ, the television station where he worked.