Rep. Jonathan Cooper

Maddy summaryThis bill reaffirms the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan and supports stronger bilateral ties between the two regions. It highlights existing cooperation such as trade agreements and driver's license reciprocity while proposing the establishment of a Vermont trade office in Taiwan to further enhance economic and educational exchanges. The resolution also expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, citing relevant U.S. laws that permit such engagement. The document serves as a formal statement of support rather than creating new legal obligations, and it directs copies to relevant state and federal officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution that honors the Vermont nonprofit sector and acknowledges the support it receives from Common Good Vermont. It recognizes the vital role nonprofits play in providing essential services like healthcare, education, and housing while contributing significantly to the state's economy. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to Common Good Vermont, the organization that advocates for and supports nonprofit groups in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes March 25, 2026, as National Medal of Honor Day in Vermont to honor the state's military history and Medal of Honor recipients. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Green Mountain Submarine Veterans and the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs. The resolution commemorates Vermont's 64 Medal of Honor recipients, including the youngest recipient, Willie Johnston, and acknowledges the significance of March 25 as the date the first medals were issued in 1863. This is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws or create new programs but serves to formally acknowledge the state's military heritage.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution formally acknowledges the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters that struck Japan's Tohoku region. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Japanese Consul General in Boston and to Dr. and Mrs. Masatoshi Kida, recognizing their long-term efforts to strengthen friendship and cultural understanding between Vermont and Japan. The document serves as a commemorative statement of remembrance rather than a policy change, and it does not alter any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 187) is a symbolic gesture congratulating Village Garage Distillery in Bennington for winning a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its debut product, Bonfire - a smoked maple bourbon. The resolution formally recognizes the distillery's achievement in the international competition, which evaluates spirits through blind tastings. It has no legal effect or policy changes; it merely offers words of praise and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the distillery. The resolution directly affects the distillery by publicly honoring its product's recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill welcomes the officers and crew of the U.S. submarine USS VERMONT (SSN 792) to the Vermont State House on March 17, 2026, and designates April 18, 2026, as USS VERMONT Day in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the submarine's commanding officer and support group as an official acknowledgment. It recognizes the vessel's recent achievements, including its participation in the AUKUS security partnership and its completion of maintenance in Australia. The bill also notes that an information display about the submarine will be shown at the State House the day before the designated USS VERMONT Day.

Maddy summaryVermont's H 205 bill prohibits most noncompete agreements that restrict franchisees from operating their businesses after leaving a franchisor or employees from competing after leaving a job. It exempts agreements protecting trade secrets, reasonable nonsolicitation agreements (like preventing employee poaching), and noncompetes for employees earning $100,000+ annually (with a 3-day job offer notice requirement). The bill requires franchisors and employers to notify affected individuals that existing noncompete clauses are void and unenforceable. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, with specific exceptions for business sales, dissolutions, and severance agreements containing reasonable time, geographic, and scope limits.

Maddy summaryHCR 178 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont State Senator William H. Carris of Wells. It commemorates his life and service, including his career as a business leader (founder of Carris Reels, which implemented an employee stock ownership plan), his philanthropy, and his three terms in the Vermont Senate (2006-2016). The resolution extends the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 204 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the National Hanger Company (NAHANCO) of North Bennington on its 100th anniversary. It formally recognizes NAHANCO as Vermont's largest hanger manufacturer and distributor, highlighting its sustainable practices and role as a major local employer. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to NAHANCO and its president, Michele Pilcher. This is a non-binding expression of appreciation with no policy or financial impact.

Maddy summaryHCR 196 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General Gregory Knight, Vermont's Adjutant and Inspector General, for his 43-year military and public service career. It formally commends his service - including deployments to Iraq, academic achievements, leadership in the Vermont National Guard, and his seven-year tenure as the state's top military officer - and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to him and the Vermont National Guard. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was offered by all members of both the House and Senate.