Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill establishes statewide standards for law enforcement interrogations to prevent false confessions and wrongful convictions. It requires the Vermont Criminal Justice Council to create a model policy that prohibits law enforcement from using threats, physical harm, or deception during interrogations of all individuals, with specific protections for people under 20 and those with disabilities or low literacy. The bill also bans training officers in deceptive interrogation techniques like the Reid Technique and ties compliance with these standards to eligibility for state training services and financial grants. Law enforcement agencies must adopt and follow the model policy by April 1, 2025, with the Council reviewing and updating the policy every odd-numbered year thereafter.
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Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's automobile insurance laws to clarify how underinsured motorist coverage works and how insurers handle payments for medical costs. It defines a vehicle as underinsured when the at-fault driver's liability coverage is lower than the injured party's uninsured motorist limits, or when liability payments to other crash victims reduce available coverage below those limits. The legislation also prevents insurers from using subrogation rights to recover medical payments they have already made to their own insureds. These changes apply to all auto insurance policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 26, 2024, as Robert Frost Day in Vermont to honor the state's first Poet Laureate on the 150th anniversary of his birth. The resolution recognizes Frost's literary achievements, including four Pulitzer Prizes, his deep connection to Vermont landscapes, and his contributions to education at institutions like Bread Loaf School of English. The General Assembly formally acknowledges Frost's legacy by naming this specific date in his honor. The Secretary of State will send copies of the resolution to the Robert Frost Stone House in Shaftsbury and the Bread Loaf School of English in Ripton.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2024 Mt. Anthony Union High School Patriots wrestling team on winning their school's 35th consecutive state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's victory in all five weight categories at the state tournament held in Brandon and acknowledges the contributions of the wrestlers and coaching staff. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the high school as an official record of the General Assembly's recognition.
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.
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 proposal would amend Vermont's state constitution to allow the General Assembly to set qualifications for sheriffs, who are currently elected without specific legal requirements. The change would give lawmakers the authority to establish rules such as requiring law enforcement certification for individuals running for or serving as sheriff. Sheriffs would continue to be elected by voters in their districts for four-year terms, but the amendment adds the possibility of future legal standards for the position. The measure does not mandate any specific qualifications immediately but creates the legal framework for the legislature to define them later.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and service of Kenneth Carlton O'Dell, a veteran Pownal firefighter who served for 65 years. It formally extends condolences to O'Dell's family and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to his family and the Pownal Fire Department. The document recognizes his extensive contributions to the community, including his work as a burner technician, cemetery superintendent, and volunteer firefighter. This legislative action serves as a formal acknowledgment of his public service rather than enacting new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes the 200th anniversary of Mt. Anthony Masonic Lodge No. 13 in Bennington, Vermont. The resolution acknowledges the lodge's history, which began in 1823 when it was chartered and has since played a role in local civic life, including laying the cornerstone for the Battle of Bennington Monument. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the lodge as an official acknowledgment of its bicentennial milestone.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes strict liability for any person who releases perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, from large facilities in Vermont. It directly affects businesses and organizations operating large-scale industrial facilities that manufacture, process, use, or store these chemicals, as well as the manufacturers of the PFAS themselves. Under the bill, any individual or entity responsible for releasing PFAS from a qualifying large facility must be held fully responsible for any resulting personal injury or property damage, regardless of whether the release was intentional or accidental. The law also allows those held liable to seek financial contribution from the PFAS manufacturer and does not replace existing legal remedies available under current laws.