Rep. Larry Labor

Maddy summaryH.778 requires Vermont's Division of Emergency Management to create emergency response plans (EOPs) for high-hazard dams with significant population at risk: all dams affecting 1,000+ people must have plans by 2030, and those affecting 100-999 people by 2031. The bill also clarifies that the Governor or Emergency Management Director can order evacuations without municipal approval during dam failure risks. Additionally, it mandates a pilot project developing EOPs for two state-owned high-hazard dams with over 1,000 people at risk, due by July 2028. These plans must identify flood zone structures for emergency alerts and include regular training exercises for responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie of Hartford for his civic leadership and extends best wishes for his future. It recognizes his long history of public service, including his work as an educator, his role on the Hartford School Board, and his legislative focus on education and social equity. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Representative Christie.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the life and public service of former Representative Francis Matthew "Topper" McFaun. It recognizes his long career in Vermont, which included roles in the executive branch, local government, and coaching, as well as his nearly 11 years serving in the House of Representatives. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (H.270) establishes confidentiality for peer support counseling sessions provided to emergency service providers, including firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and others in critical response roles. All communications - oral or written - during these sessions must remain confidential, with exceptions for threats of suicide/homicide, child or vulnerable adult abuse, criminal conduct, or plans to commit a crime. Written records related to sessions are exempt from public disclosure under Vermont’s Public Records Act. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to both paid and volunteer emergency service providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal recognition by the Vermont legislature of the value of the Department of Fish and Wildlife's fish culture program. It highlights how the state's five fish hatcheries produce over 1.5 million fish annually to support sustainable populations and provide recreational fishing opportunities. The resolution notes that these efforts also benefit local economies, promote public health, and encourage conservation education. Ultimately, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that expresses the General Assembly's best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to Representative Anne Donahue. It directly affects Representative Donahue, who recently suffered a brain aneurysm but is recovering well as of March 2026. The resolution highlights her long-standing contributions to mental health care, including her work on the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital and efforts to address historical injustices related to eugenics. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Representative Donahue.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Eric Palmer, the Director of Fisheries for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, for his leadership and contributions to the state's fisheries management. It recognizes his career achievements, including the successful restoration of lake trout in Lake Champlain and his role in advancing staff development and conservation projects. The resolution formally thanks him for his service as he concludes his tenure in 2026 and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Vermont General Assembly to officially recognize May 2026 as National Foster Care Month within the state. It does not create new laws or change how foster care is administered, but rather serves to honor the work of foster families and raise awareness about the foster care system. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Department for Children and Families.

Maddy summaryVermont's H.70 would add land enrolled in the state's Use Value Appraisal Program to the official "conserved land" inventory. This program allows landowners to pay lower property taxes in exchange for maintaining agricultural or forest land. The bill updates legal definitions so this land counts toward Vermont's conservation goals of protecting 30% and 50% of land by 2030 and 2050, respectively. It directly affects landowners in the Use Value Appraisal Program and state conservation planning efforts. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors the life and service of former Washington County Senator Mary Just Skinner. It formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family following her unexpected death in January 2026. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.