Rep. Kate McCann

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 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 honors Harold Martin, a former Norwich University cadet and Hall of Fame member, during Black History Month. It recognizes his achievements as a pioneering Black athlete, educator, and military officer who served in various sports and held leadership roles at the university. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Norwich University's communications director. This is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law with enforceable requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission, a new entity within the State Treasurer's office designed to promote trade and investment between Vermont and Ireland. The Commission will consist of 10 members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate Committee on Committees, and the State Treasurer, who will serve staggered four-year terms and meet quarterly to advance bilateral economic cooperation. The Commission is authorized to raise funds through donations and grants to cover its administrative expenses and must submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly, with members receiving no state compensation for their service.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates Vermont athletes who won medals at the 2023 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh and designates March 21, 2024 as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. It recognizes the 86 Vermont athletes who competed in 13 sports and won a total of 33 medals, while also honoring the specific individuals who participated in the event. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Vermont Senior Games Association and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness to promote senior fitness awareness. This is a ceremonial measure that celebrates athletic achievement rather than creating new laws or policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's existing medical leave laws to clarify definitions and requirements for unpaid leave related to serious health conditions. It directly affects employees working for employers with at least 10 to 15 employees, depending on whether the leave is for family or parental reasons. The legislation defines a serious illness health condition as one posing imminent danger of death, requiring inpatient care, or needing continuing in-home care, and includes rehabilitation from such conditions including substance use disorder treatment. Key provisions allow employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for their own serious illness or that of certain family members, with requirements for reasonable notice and medical certification from a health care provider. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont residents by highlighting the importance of colorectal cancer screening and education. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the American Cancer Society of Vermont and the University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official state acknowledgment of the health issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Honoree Fleming, a former Dean of Education at Castleton State College who was tragically killed in 2023. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to her family, the Castleton Town Clerk, and the university president. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of her life and contributions to education and science. The measure was adopted by both the House and Senate without requiring a vote on the main text.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Vermont Baby Bond Trust, a state-administered fund designed to provide financial support to children born on or after July 1, 2024, who qualify for Medicaid or similar health coverage at birth. The program would allow eligible children to receive bonds that can be used for education, purchasing a home, starting a business, or contributing to retirement accounts once they reach adulthood. The trust would be managed by the State Treasurer, who would invest the funds to generate earnings while keeping the assets separate from general state funds and exempt from state taxes. Money in the trust would only be disbursed for approved purposes and would not count as income or assets when determining eligibility for other assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 13, 2024, as National K9 Veterans Day in Vermont to honor military working dogs and their handlers. It recognizes the contributions of approximately 1,600 trained dogs who serve in roles such as patrol, drug detection, and explosives detection across the U.S. Armed Forces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the U.S. Air Force 341st Training Squadron in San Antonio, Texas. This measure is ceremonial and does not change any laws or policies.