Rep. Leonora Dodge

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) on its 100th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's long history of advocating for and providing support services to Vermonters who are blind or visually impaired. The resolution notes that VABVI was founded in 1926 after Helen Keller's advocacy and has worked in partnership with the state to improve lives for over a century. The only action required is for the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Vermont and honors Prevent Child Abuse Vermont for its 50 years of community service. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead formally acknowledges the organization's work in preventing child abuse through family support programs and community partnerships. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Prevent Child Abuse Vermont as official recognition. This type of bill is non-binding and serves primarily to express legislative appreciation rather than to implement specific regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution honoring the life and legacy of Robert D. Rachlin, a respected attorney, linguist, and musician from Vermont. It formally extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to his family and his former law firm, Downs Rachlin Martin. The resolution acknowledges Rachlin's diverse contributions to the legal community, his academic work, and his personal passions, including his role as a pilot and his dedication to teaching and community service.

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 summaryH 516 proposes to approve several amendments to the charter of the Town of Essex. The bill clarifies when a Selectboard member's office is considered vacant, such as if they move out of town or fail to attend at least 50 percent of meetings in a year. It also establishes the duties of the Town Moderator and outlines procedures for electing a temporary Moderator when needed. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Selectboard to appoint members to the Town Cemetery Commission and requires the Selectboard to hire a public accountant to examine the Town's financial statements.

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 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 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 summaryHCR 200 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the life of Nathan Suter, a Montpelier resident and community leader who died in 2025. It honors his contributions as a cofounder of Root Division, director of the Current art center, track coach at Montpelier schools, and board member of organizations like Migrant Justice and the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Suter’s family, Montpelier High School, and the organizations he supported. This is a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or funding impacts.