Rep. Michael Nigro

Maddy summaryH 295 requires Vermont employers to pay employees for unused vacation time they have earned when leaving a job, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The bill amends state law to mandate that final wage payments include the value of accrued vacation leave, ensuring employees receive compensation for time earned but not taken. This applies to all Vermont employers and takes effect on July 1, 2025. Employees will no longer forfeit earned vacation benefits upon separation from employment.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 11) honors K-9 Officer Gracie, a Bennington Police Department K-9 who served with distinction before her death on November 28, 2024. It formally extends condolences to the Bennington Police Department and recognizes her contributions, including over 500 deployments, recovery of more than 70 persons, and assets valued at $1.6 million. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Police Chief Paul J. Doucette Jr., Lt. Camillo Grande, and Officer Robert Murawski. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact but serves to memorialize Officer Gracie’s service.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 29) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Montgomery runner Elinor Purrier St. Pierre on her eighth-place finish in the women's 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including American records and prior Olympic participation, as detailed in the resolution's "whereas" clauses. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Purrier St. Pierre. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct effects, it does not alter laws or affect any constituents beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 12) is a non-binding ceremonial resolution expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Vermont (UVM) men's soccer team for winning their first NCAA Division I men's soccer championship (College Cup) in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's achievement, including their "Cardiac Cats" nickname and championship victory over Marshall University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to UVM Athletics but does not create any new policy, funding, or legal obligations. It is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 153) amends Vermont law to expand who can request certified copies of birth and death certificates. It adds aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews to the existing list of eligible family members, which previously included parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close relatives. The change directly affects these extended family members seeking official records for personal, legal, or medical purposes. The amendment to 18 V.S.A. § 5016 takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH.147 establishes the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee to examine whether landowners who allow public recreational trails on their property should receive compensation or benefits. The committee, composed of state officials, trail organizations, landowners, and experts, will review current trail access costs, economic impacts on Vermont, and compensation models used in other states. It must submit a report to the legislature by December 2026 with recommendations on potential compensation systems, trail standards, and new trail development criteria. This bill does not create immediate compensation requirements but mandates a study to inform future policy. The study will be funded with $250,000 in state funds for consultant support.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont legislative resolution (HCR 15) formally honors Wally Mattison, a former Bennington Police Department acting chief, on his 100th birthday. It recognizes his military service during WWII - including combat in Normandy, a Purple Heart, and a French Medal of Honor - and his 40-year career with the Bennington Police Department. The resolution, passed unanimously by both the Vermont House and Senate in January 2025, expresses the state's appreciation for his service and includes a directive for the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to Mr. Mattison. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect.

Maddy summaryHCR 17 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Green Mountain Hometown Heroes Banner Program, which displayed banners along Route 7 in Bennington recognizing military veterans from conflicts dating back to the Civil War. The resolution specifically acknowledges the program's organizers (Green Mountain Hometown Heroes Corporation, Bennington American Legion, and VFW) and partners (Bennington Town, Green Mountain Power) for creating a public tribute to veterans and their families. It has no policy impact or new requirements; it simply expresses legislative support for this commemorative effort.