Rep. Joseph Parsons

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 16) repeals Vermont’s Affordable Heat Act, which established the Clean Heat Standard program. It removes requirements for heating fuel providers to meet emissions standards and eliminates two state positions created to administer the program (one at the Public Utility Commission, one at the Department of Public Service). The bill also deletes references to the Clean Heat Standard from tax law, ending the requirement for fuel providers to report to state agencies about compliance. This directly affects heating fuel businesses and state agencies responsible for the Clean Heat Standard program. The repeal takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Vermont Veterans' Home Board to establish a nursing home in Vermont that provides services and supports to Vermont veterans who do not currently reside at the Home. The legislation requires the new facility to comply with all applicable state and federal licensing and regulatory requirements. By adding a new subdivision to the relevant statute, the bill formally expands the Board's powers and duties to include this new service option. The measure was signed into law by the Governor in June 2024.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution officially recognizes May 6-12, 2024, as National Nurses Week in Vermont and designates May 9, 2024, as ANA-Vermont Hill Day at the State House. The measure honors the nursing profession by acknowledging nurses' contributions to healthcare, particularly during the pandemic, and invites the public to express gratitude to nurses on that date. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to ANA-Vermont, the organization overseeing the commemoration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the nursing profession's importance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Senator Robert A. Starr of the Orleans District for his decades of distinguished public service in Vermont. The document recognizes his long career in local government, including roles on the town zoning board, school board, and civil authority, as well as his extensive legislative service spanning over 45 years. It highlights his leadership on agricultural issues, particularly dairy farming, and his work supporting Vermont's farmland preservation efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator Starr as an official acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the 2023 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It recognizes these young individuals for their dedication and service, noting that earning this rank is a significant accomplishment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the 50 scouts named in the text. This measure does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a formal acknowledgment of their achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

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 bill formally recognizes April 2024 as the Month of the Military Child in Vermont to highlight the challenges faced by children of military personnel, including those in the Vermont National Guard. The resolution acknowledges the unique pressures these children face due to parental deployments, frequent relocations, and lack of community stability. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Vermont National Guard Office of Child & Youth Services, aligning with national efforts like Military Kids Connect and Purple Up! For Military Kids Day. This measure is ceremonial and does not create new funding or policy requirements.

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.