Rep. John O'Brien

Maddy summaryHCR 94 is a House concurrent resolution congratulating Tyler Riggs of Fletcher for being named Vermont's Outstanding Sawmill Operator 2024 by the Vermont Forest Products Association. It recognizes his leadership and contributions to the forest products industry.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 74) is a ceremonial measure congratulating four Vermont youth selected as 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont Youth of the Year honorees: Jason (Brattleboro), Kali (Burlington), Megan (Vergennes), and Tyler (Rutland). It formally recognizes their achievements as the highest honor bestowed by the Boys & Girls Clubs movement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to each honoree. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it does not affect laws, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryHCR 70 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 10, 2025, as Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at the Vermont State House. It formally recognizes the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in Vermont, citing local statistics about affected residents, caregivers, and associated costs. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, and acknowledges current awareness efforts by families, caregivers, and medical professionals. This is a non-binding designation with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryH.502 would change Vermont’s Public Records Act to allow public agencies to charge requesters the actual cost of staff time spent fulfilling record requests, rather than using a flat fee structure. This directly affects public agencies (like town offices or state departments) and individuals or organizations seeking public records. The key provision requires agencies to calculate and collect the precise cost of employee hours dedicated to processing each request. The bill does not alter the right to access public records but changes how fees for staff time are calculated and collected.

Maddy summaryHCR 55 is a symbolic resolution recognizing April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Vermont. It directly acknowledges the experiences of Vermont military children, particularly those with parents in the Vermont National Guard (approximately 1,000 personnel deployed annually), who face challenges like frequent relocations and parental deployment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont National Guard’s Child & Youth Services office. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal force but serves to honor military-connected youth through official state recognition.

Maddy summaryHCR 68 is a ceremonial resolution, not a law, that honors Vermont's manufacturing sector. It designates April 2, 2025, as "Manufacturing Day" for an event at the Vermont State House. The resolution celebrates manufacturing's economic impact - highlighting its $3 billion contribution to Vermont's GDP and 30,000 jobs - while directing the Secretary of State to share the resolution with industry groups like the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center. This is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, solely aimed at recognizing the industry's role.

Maddy summaryHCR 60 is a ceremonial resolution designating March 25, 2025, as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day at the Vermont State House. It formally recognizes advocates and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who will visit the State House that day to discuss service needs. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it simply designates a day for acknowledgment and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with advocacy groups present. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryHCR 54 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Thomas Paul Salmon, a former Vermont Representative, Governor (75th), and Interim University of Vermont President. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death on January 14, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. It commemorates his career, including his two terms as governor (1972-1978) and his six-year tenure as UVM Interim President. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summaryHCR 13 is a non-binding memorial resolution honoring Robert Louis Picher, the former Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives. It commemorates his 30 years of service (1963-1993, plus 2002 acting role), military career, legal background, and community contributions. The resolution expresses the Vermont General Assembly’s condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to them. This is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or affected constituents.

Maddy summaryH 478 requires grocery stores and markets to use compostable price look-up (PLU) stickers on produce instead of plastic ones. The stickers must be made from natural materials or meet industrial composting standards with food-safe adhesive. This applies to all wholesale and retail food sellers who attach these stickers to produce and takes effect July 1, 2028, aligning with upcoming European Union standards. The bill specifically targets PLU stickers, not broader plastic regulations.