Sen. Steven Heffernan

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 14 (SR 14) is a Vermont Senate resolution that strongly urges two federal agencies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to take specific action. It calls for these agencies to quickly establish and implement a national reserve and distribution system for avian influenza vaccines. This proposed system is intended to support small and medium-sized poultry farms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, Vermont. The bill recognizes the facility's history, which began in 1923 when William Henry Porter donated funds to build a hospital for Addison County residents and Middlebury College students. It highlights the center's evolution from its original opening in 1925 to its current status as a modern medical complex with acute care, nursing, and surgical services. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the hospital to mark this milestone.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a House concurrent resolution that congratulates the 2024 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It formally recognizes the dedication and accomplishment of 55 named individuals and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored Eagle Scout and the Green Mountain Council.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.116 would define an unborn child as a "person" under criminal law when bodily injury or death results from a crime, allowing prosecutors to charge perpetrators without proving they knew about the pregnancy or intended harm to the fetus. This directly affects individuals who commit crimes (like assault or homicide) causing fetal harm, while explicitly protecting pregnant women from prosecution for their own actions and legal medical procedures like abortions with consent. The bill adds a new section to Vermont law clarifying that an unborn child is deemed a person for criminal offenses involving injury or death, but excludes abortion and medical treatments from prosecution. It aims to resolve inconsistencies in past court rulings about fetal personhood under criminal statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts new vehicles under 5,000 pounds (weighing 5,000 pounds or less) that are less than two years old from annual safety and emissions inspections. It also completely exempts all trailers and semi-trailers from inspection requirements. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, modifying Vermont's existing vehicle inspection law (23 V.S.A. § 1222) to remove these specific inspection obligations. The bill directly affects owners of new light-duty vehicles and all trailer operators by eliminating a recurring inspection requirement.

Maddy summaryS.110 repeals Vermont's Affordable Heat Act and removes the citizen suit provision from the Global Warming Solutions Act. It changes the state's greenhouse gas reduction requirements from legally binding targets to goals while maintaining the same emission reduction targets: 26% below 2005 levels by 2025, 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The bill also replaces the Renewable Energy Standard with a Clean Energy Standard, which may broaden the definition of eligible clean energy sources. These changes affect Vermont's regulatory approach to climate policy, impacting state agencies, energy providers, and public compliance with emissions goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 101) prohibits Vermont from adopting California’s stricter vehicle emission standards under the Clean Air Act. It amends Vermont law to explicitly ban the use of California’s waiver for new motor vehicle emissions rules, requiring the state to follow federal baseline standards instead. The bill repeals Vermont’s existing Low Emission Vehicle and Zero Emission Vehicle Rules and updates climate planning requirements to exclude California standards. It directly affects auto manufacturers selling in Vermont and Vermont’s environmental regulations, taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles to update the Periodic Inspection Manual to clarify that cosmetic rust, corrosion, or torn metal on a vehicle (not affecting structural integrity or safety) cannot cause a vehicle to fail its annual safety inspection. It directly affects Vermont vehicle owners (especially owners of older vehicles with minor cosmetic rust), mechanics conducting inspections, and the DMV. Key provisions mandate the DMV to adopt manual amendments by January 1, 2026, including clear distinctions between cosmetic rust and safety-threatening damage, plus visual examples and training for mechanics. The changes aim to prevent unnecessary inspection failures due to non-safety-related cosmetic issues.

Maddy summaryHCR 30 is a memorial resolution honoring Donald H. Turner Jr., a former Vermont Representative, House Republican Leader, and Milton Town Manager. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family following his death in November 2024 and directs copies of the resolution to his family, the Milton Town Clerk, and the Milton Fire Department. This procedural resolution commemorates his public service, including his 30+ years with the Milton Fire Department and his legislative career representing Milton.

Maddy summaryS 79 establishes the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee to examine whether private landowners who allow public recreational trails on their property should receive compensation or other benefits. The committee, composed of landowners, trail experts, conservation representatives, and state officials, will review current trail access costs, economic impacts, and compensation practices in other states. It will analyze data on trail-related expenses for landowners and the economic value of trail access to Vermont's communities. The committee must submit a report to the legislature by December 2026, but the bill itself does not create new compensation requirements - only authorizes the study.