Rep. Carolyn Branagan

Maddy summaryHCR 28 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the 2024 Bellows Free Academy-Fairfax High School Bullets baseball team on winning the Division III championship. It formally recognizes their victory, specifically highlighting their 7-0 championship game win over White River Valley Wildcats. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, with no associated policy changes or funding. This is a standard recognition measure with no legislative or regulatory impact.

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 bill bans all forms of geoengineering in Vermont, including solar radiation modification (like stratospheric aerosol injection), cloud seeding, and other atmospheric experiments that release pollutants. It directly affects anyone conducting such activities - individuals, companies, or government entities - within Vermont's airspace or territory. Key provisions require Vermont State Police or sheriffs to issue immediate cease-and-desist orders for violations and mandate reports of suspected violations to law enforcement. The bill defines prohibited activities broadly to cover interventions using aerosols, chemicals, electromagnetic radiation, or "chaff" (including PFAS-containing materials) that could harm health, environment, or agriculture.

Maddy summaryH.207 requires health insurers in Vermont to cover all diabetes treatments (including equipment, supplies, and self-management education) without restricting providers to those under contract with the insurer. It also prohibits cost-sharing like copays or deductibles for these covered services. The bill applies to all standard health insurance plans issued on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting Vermont residents with diabetes who have health insurance. It modifies existing law to ensure comprehensive, affordable access to diabetes care by eliminating insurer-imposed provider restrictions and cost barriers.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates February 12, 2025, as "Farm to School and Child Awareness Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes Vermont's existing Farm-to-School programs, which connect schools with local farmers to provide healthy meals and support agricultural sustainability. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network. As a ceremonial designation, it does not create new laws or funding but highlights ongoing initiatives benefiting schools, early childhood programs, and Vermont farmers.

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 summaryH 139 creates a working group to study whether Vermont's secondary schools should require licensed athletic trainers at all athletic events and practices. The group, made up of education leaders, athletic directors, and athletic trainers, will examine the need, available resources, and cost-effective ways to share trainers across school districts. They must submit a report to lawmakers by December 1, 2025, but the bill itself does not require trainers to be present - only study the possibility. This affects all Vermont public secondary schools, particularly rural districts facing medical access challenges.

Maddy summaryH 119 expands Vermont's beverage container redemption system to include cider, hard kombucha, noncarbonated water, and noncarbonated soft drinks, while increasing the refundable deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents for most containers. Consumers pay this deposit when purchasing qualifying beverages and receive it back when returning empty containers to retailers or redemption centers. Manufacturers and distributors will reimburse retailers 3.5-4 cents per container for redemption processing. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all affected beverage types sold in the state.

Maddy summaryH.117 would prevent candidates who lose a major party primary election from appearing on the general election ballot as independents or for another party for the same office. This rule directly affects candidates who compete in a primary but do not win their party's nomination. The bill amends Vermont election law to explicitly bar such candidates from being listed on the general ballot under any other party or as independents. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.