Rep. Sarita Austin

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution (SCR 4) commemorates the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Act (1950) and recognizes the success of the American System of Conservation Funding. It does not create new laws or change funding; instead, it formally acknowledges how federal excise taxes on fishing equipment have supported conservation projects for decades. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send copies to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Vermont's congressional delegation. It specifically honors the historical role of these federal acts in funding fish habitat restoration, including efforts relevant to New England's Atlantic salmon recovery.

Maddy summaryHCR 68 is a ceremonial resolution, not a law, that honors Vermont's manufacturing sector. It designates April 2, 2025, as "Manufacturing Day" for an event at the Vermont State House. The resolution celebrates manufacturing's economic impact - highlighting its $3 billion contribution to Vermont's GDP and 30,000 jobs - while directing the Secretary of State to share the resolution with industry groups like the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center. This is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, solely aimed at recognizing the industry's role.

Maddy summaryH 496 requires Vermont's Agency of Human Services to assess whether increasing continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in the state's designated growth centers would improve services for seniors. The study must examine healthcare access for elders, expand housing options, enhance social opportunities, and evaluate walkable/transit-friendly community design. It specifically focuses on how CCRCs could support smart growth, infill development, and accessible public spaces. The bill, referred to the Human Services Committee on March 28, 2025, does not change existing law but mandates this review. The assessment will inform potential future policy decisions regarding senior housing and community planning.

Maddy summaryHCR 60 is a ceremonial resolution designating March 25, 2025, as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day at the Vermont State House. It formally recognizes advocates and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who will visit the State House that day to discuss service needs. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it simply designates a day for acknowledgment and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with advocacy groups present. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryHCR 54 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Thomas Paul Salmon, a former Vermont Representative, Governor (75th), and Interim University of Vermont President. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death on January 14, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. It commemorates his career, including his two terms as governor (1972-1978) and his six-year tenure as UVM Interim President. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summaryHCR 13 is a non-binding memorial resolution honoring Robert Louis Picher, the former Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives. It commemorates his 30 years of service (1963-1993, plus 2002 acting role), military career, legal background, and community contributions. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or affected constituents.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 51) is a ceremonial honor recognizing Louis Lamphere of Colchester for receiving the Governor's "Rays of Kindness" award. It acknowledges his community generosity and "acts of kindness" as defined by the Governor's initiative, which highlights selfless service and goodwill. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Mr. Lamphere. As a non-binding, symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or individuals beyond the named recipient.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct a feasibility study on reintroducing catamounts (cougars) into the state. The study must address suitable locations, conflict management with humans, success metrics, a timeline, and costs for reintroduction. The department must submit the study results to relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects the state wildlife agency and sets a process for evaluating future reintroduction efforts, but does not authorize actual reintroduction.

Maddy summaryHCR 48 is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Vermont House Representative Curt McCormack of Burlington, who died in September 2024. It recognizes his environmental advocacy (including pioneering work on chlorofluorocarbon limits), transportation leadership (as Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator and House Transportation Committee Chair), and service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This procedural resolution does not create policy changes or affect any constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes an 11% excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition in Vermont. Licensed firearm dealers and ammunition vendors must collect the tax at the point of sale (during background checks) and remit it quarterly to the state. The tax applies to all retail transactions except those exempt under Vermont law, such as transfers to law enforcement or immediate family members. Revenue from the tax will be deposited into the Domestic and Sexual Violence Special Fund, which supports victim services. The tax takes effect on July 1, 2026.