Rep. Mark Higley

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 5, 2024, as Civilian Conservation Corps Day in Vermont to honor the historical significance of the CCC program. The resolution recognizes the CCC's role during the Great Depression in providing employment, education, and public works projects that benefited the nation and Vermont specifically. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Civilian Conservation Day Coordinator. The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates Vermont's April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event visible across much of the state. It officially recognizes the historic nature of the eclipse, noting that the last total solar eclipse visible in Vermont occurred nearly a century ago in 1932. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Vermont Space Grant Consortium and the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, which are partners in educating the public about the event. This ceremonial measure serves to acknowledge the significance of the eclipse for Vermont residents and visitors rather than to change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Steve Mason, a former member of the Lowell School Board and North Country Supervisory Union Board in Vermont. It recognizes his 19-year chairmanship of the Lowell School Board and eight years on the supervisory union board for his leadership and commitment to education. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Mason as a formal acknowledgment of his service. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge an individual's contributions to their community.

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 honors John Wilson, a former Newport City Council Chair, for his public service. It recognizes his military career in the U.S. Army, including service in Vietnam, and his long-term leadership on the Newport City Council where he chaired the body for 15 years. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to John Wilson and the Newport City Clerk as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles to review existing specialty license plates for veterans and consider adding new designs based on branch of service or combat experience. The review must consult with the Office of Veterans' Affairs and other stakeholders while accounting for current plate numbers, program costs, and production expenses. The Department must submit a written report with its findings and any recommended legal changes to several state committees. This process aims to ensure the veteran plate program remains relevant and cost-effective without mandating specific plate designs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 10 as Ken Squier Day to honor the late Vermont broadcaster and auto racing commentator. The legislation recognizes Squier's contributions to radio through his ownership of WDEV and founding of the Radio Vermont Group, as well as his pioneering work with the Motor Racing Network and NASCAR Hall of Fame induction. It also acknowledges his community leadership roles, including chairing the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Board and his extensive involvement in local sports broadcasting. The bill adds a new section to Vermont's statutes formally establishing the commemorative day without requiring any additional government funding or administrative changes.