Rep. Tom Oliver

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors the memory of former Vermont Representative Timothy Yeatman Hayward, who passed away in March 2024. The resolution extends condolences to Hayward's family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to them. It acknowledges Hayward's background as a U.S. Marine, his career in banking and public service, and his long involvement in Vermont politics and community leadership. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of respect from the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2024, as USS VERMONT (SSN 792) Day in Vermont to honor the submarine that was commissioned on that date in 2020. The resolution recognizes the vessel as the third U.S. naval ship named after Vermont and acknowledges the crew's service with Hawaii as their home port. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the submarine and its support group. This is a commemorative measure with no regulatory or funding implications.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors Michael Gonneville, a physical education instructor at Northfield Elementary School in Vermont, for his 46 years of teaching and for creating the school's Walking Wednesdays program. The resolution recognizes Gonneville's role in establishing a walking-to-school initiative that has continued for 17 years, connecting students, families, and community members in a mile-long walk from Norwich University to the school. It also acknowledges the program's special tradition where students recite the Pledge of Allegiance with veterans at The Veterans' Place Inc. during their weekly walk. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to Gonneville, the school principal, and the supervisory union superintendent.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution recognizes June 24, 2024, as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Vermont to honor the state's French-Canadian heritage and community contributions. The measure does not create a new legal holiday or change any laws, but instead serves as an official acknowledgment of the cultural significance of the date to Franco-American communities. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Canadian Club in Barre and the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society. This type of commemorative resolution is symbolic and does not affect government operations or public policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Jessica's Law, extends survivor benefits to families of law enforcement officers in Vermont by providing the same $50,000 monetary benefit currently available to survivors of firefighters and emergency personnel. The legislation establishes a new review board composed of state officials and two public members appointed by the governor to evaluate claims and determine eligibility for benefits. Benefits are available to spouses, children, or parents of certified law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty or from work-related illnesses, with the fund established through state appropriations and potential donations. The bill defines "line of duty" for law enforcement to include responding to complaints, investigating disorders, and serving under emergency orders, and sets a 60-day timeline for the board to process claims.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. Navy Torpedoman 2nd Class Henry Breault becoming the first submariner to receive the Medal of Honor. The document honors Breault's heroic act of returning to a sinking submarine to rescue a trapped crewmate, an event that occurred on October 28, 1923, when his vessel collided with a commercial ship in the Panama Canal. The resolution formally recognizes this historical milestone and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Submarine Force Library and Museum and to historian Ryan Walker. This legislative action serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Breault's service and sacrifice rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Sergeant at Arms Janet Miller for her service to the Vermont General Assembly. It recognizes her long career, which includes managing security, coordinating events, and overseeing the Legislative Council before she was elected to her current role five times. The resolution also acknowledges her specific contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping the legislature transition back to in-person meetings. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to Janet Miller, who has announced her retirement effective March 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes the week of February 26 to March 1 as Public Schools Week in Vermont. It does not create new laws or change policies but instead acknowledges the importance of public schools as community institutions and major employers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to various education-related organizations, including the Vermont Secretary of Education and state education associations. This measure serves to honor the role of public schools in Vermont society without affecting any operational or funding aspects of the education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the Vermont State Employees' Association on its 80th anniversary. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of the organization's history and contributions to advocating for state employees. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the association. This type of bill is purely symbolic and has no practical impact on government operations or employee rights.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Vermont television journalist Stewart Ledbetter for his 40 years of news reporting. The bill formally recognizes his career achievements, including his work as a news director, political campaign moderator, and recipient of multiple broadcast awards. It directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Ledbetter and WPTZ, the television station where he worked.