Rep. Mary Morrissey

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes the week of February 26 to March 1 as Public Schools Week in Vermont. It does not create new laws or change policies but instead acknowledges the importance of public schools as community institutions and major employers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to various education-related organizations, including the Vermont Secretary of Education and state education associations. This measure serves to honor the role of public schools in Vermont society without affecting any operational or funding aspects of the education system.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve services and rights for adults with intellectual disabilities in Vermont by establishing stronger oversight and support mechanisms. It requires a professional review committee to approve any restrictions on personal rights or privacy, mandates the submission of a final Olmstead Plan by January 2025, and provides financial assistance to parents or guardians when alternative care options are unavailable. The legislation also enhances transparency in Human Services Board proceedings by allowing participants to submit supporting documentation and introducing a complaint procedure for individuals under guardianship. Additionally, it clarifies guardianship laws to ensure guardians can negotiate contracts that protect the individual's rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable state laws.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes the 200th anniversary of Mt. Anthony Masonic Lodge No. 13 in Bennington, Vermont. The resolution acknowledges the lodge's history, which began in 1823 when it was chartered and has since played a role in local civic life, including laying the cornerstone for the Battle of Bennington Monument. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the lodge as an official acknowledgment of its bicentennial milestone.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont municipalities to remove sediment, rocks, and debris from waterways without needing a state permit, provided the work meets specific federal exemption criteria. The law defines "maintenance" as repairing structures like dams and dikes, and allows municipalities to proceed without state approval when the work is exempt from federal Corps of Engineers permitting, qualifies for self-verification, or occurs in non-navigable waters. The legislation also clarifies definitions for terms like "instream material" and "watercourse" to establish clear boundaries for when permits are required versus when they are not. Additionally, the bill specifically authorizes the City of Barre to remove material from the Stevens Branch of the Winooski River for maintenance purposes without a permit.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow prosecutors to charge individuals with murder or manslaughter if their actions result in the death of a fetus, and it would also permit charges for drunk driving or grossly negligent driving that cause fetal death. The law explicitly excludes abortions and medical procedures performed according to standard practice, as well as actions taken by a pregnant person against their own fetus. It clarifies that these provisions do not change the legal status or rights of a fetus under Vermont law. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands how courts handle bail and conditions of release for defendants in Vermont, particularly those who commit new offenses while out on pretrial release. It removes the $200 maximum bail limit for repeat offenders and allows judges to consider past compliance with court orders when setting release conditions. The legislation also creates a faster hearing process for violations of release conditions, bars repeat offenders from diversion programs, and requires annual reporting on restorative justice referrals.