Sen. Steven Heffernan

Maddy summaryVermont's S.157 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences (temporary housing for people recovering from substance use disorders) through the Department of Health. To become certified, residences must meet standards including peer-support certification, compliance with health/safety rules, transparent complaint procedures, and annual reporting of resident data like stay length and employment outcomes. The bill also requires certified residences to follow specific exit policies for residents violating safety or substance use rules, with strict conditions for immediate transfers. This applies directly to recovery residences seeking certification, not to residents themselves, and mandates annual data reporting to both the Department of Health and state legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Professor Jessica Holmes for her public service on Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board. The document recognizes her contributions to healthcare regulation, including her work on reducing wait times and managing resources, as well as her role as interim chair during leadership transitions. It highlights her professional background in health economics and her academic achievements at Middlebury College, Yale, and Colgate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Professor Holmes, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change in law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Fair Haven Union High School Slaters bowling team on winning the 2026 Vermont State championship. The resolution highlights the team's achievement of securing their second consecutive title by defeating several other schools in the playoffs, including the top-seeded Randolph Galloping Ghosts. It specifically names the twelve student athletes and their two coaches who contributed to the victory. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this official recognition to the high school.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dennis Miles, the General Assembly Doorkeeper, for his long service to the Vermont legislature and its staff. It recognizes his 41-year career as an educator and coach before he joined the General Assembly in 2014, where he has managed building security and mentored legislative pages for over a dozen years. The resolution formally acknowledges his dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors General Assembly Head Doorkeeper Michael Wiater and his wife, Donna Wiater, for their long careers in Vermont state government. It recognizes Mike Wiater's background as a former soldier and state police officer before he spent over two decades facilitating the orderly operation of the State House, while also acknowledging Donna Wiater's work as an administrative assistant. The document serves to express gratitude for their public service and officially extends best wishes for their future as they conclude their tenures in 2026. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to the couple.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution congratulates the Vergennes Fire Department on reaching its 150th anniversary. It acknowledges the department's history, which began in 1876 when the city established a formal fire service to replace earlier private volunteer groups. The document also notes the continued support from the Stevens Hose Company, a nonprofit that helps fund equipment for the department. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the fire chief.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally congratulates the 2025 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont. It recognizes the specific achievements of 43 individuals who earned the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America during that year. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the named scouts as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal congratulatory resolution from the Vermont General Assembly honoring Sophia Parker of Addison for being selected as the 80th Miss Vermont. It recognizes her background as a registered nurse and Army National Guard sergeant who also co-founded a wildlife rescue organization. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Parker and the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization, serving as an official acknowledgment of her achievement rather than creating new policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan on the 27th anniversary of their sister-state relationship and expresses support for stronger bilateral ties. The bill highlights existing economic and trade benefits, noting that Taiwan is Vermont's most valuable Asian export destination, and calls for establishing a Vermont trade office in Taiwan to further enhance business connections. It also supports increased cooperation in areas like education and Mandarin language teaching, as well as Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to relevant state and national officials, including the U.S. President and the President of Taiwan.

Maddy summaryBill S.60 establishes the Farm Security Special Fund in Vermont to provide grants to farms that incur financial losses due to eligible severe weather conditions. This fund aims to help farmers recover by reimbursing up to 50 percent of their uninsured losses, with a maximum of $150,000 per farm annually. A new Farm Security Special Fund Review Board will assist in evaluating applications and recommending awards. The bill defines eligible weather conditions, such as flooding or drought, and outlines reimbursable losses, including lost income, replanting costs, and infrastructure repair.