Rep. Bram Kleppner

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 bill designates March 2026 as Athletic Trainers' Month in Vermont to raise public awareness of the profession. It directly affects athletic trainers who work in schools, healthcare facilities, and other organizations across the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Vermont Association of Athletic Trainers. No new laws or funding are created; the measure serves as a commemorative designation to highlight the role of athletic trainers in healthcare and injury prevention.

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 summaryThis bill (HR 14) proposes amending House Rules to allow municipal charter and merger bills to bypass committee referral. Instead of being sent to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, these bills would be placed directly on the calendar for five days before debate, streamlining their path to a vote. The change aims to free up the committee's time for other duties while giving municipalities more direct access to the legislative process. The Office of Legislative Counsel would still prepare a summary and analysis of each bill to identify errors or legal issues. This affects municipal governments seeking charter changes or mergers and the House's committee workflow.

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 summaryThis bill requires Vermont law enforcement officers to issue a citation for careless driving when a motor vehicle operator causes the death of a pedestrian or bicyclist (a "vulnerable user") in a traffic accident. Officers must issue a citation if the accident wasn't witnessed by them but resulted in death, or if the accident was witnessed but the operator couldn't reasonably have avoided it. The bill applies directly to drivers involved in such fatal collisions with pedestrians or cyclists. It creates a clear standard for when citations are mandatory, aiming to hold drivers accountable for preventable accidents.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "School Board Appreciation Month" in Vermont. It recognizes the work of locally elected school board members, who manage district budgets and make educational decisions affecting students and communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont School Board Association, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It serves purely as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge school board service.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House concurrent resolution (HCR 197) formally congratulates the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and extends best wishes for its future work. It specifically acknowledges the YMCA's national history and its local impact in Vermont, noting that the YMCA of Greater Burlington and Meeting Waters YMCA serve 15,000 Vermonters annually. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to these two Vermont branches. As a ceremonial resolution, it contains no new policies, funding, or requirements - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.