Sen. Rob Plunkett

Maddy summaryVermont's Senate passed Resolution SR 13 to formally object to the arrest and detention of Mohsen Mahdawi, a White River Junction resident and U.S. green card holder with a decade-long permanent residency. The resolution demands that U.S. immigration authorities afford Mahdawi due process and release him immediately, citing his arrest while en route to a citizenship interview without explanation. It directs Vermont's Senate Secretary to send the resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, ICE leadership, and Vermont's congressional delegation. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change laws but expresses the state's position on this specific case.

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 summaryHCR 67 is a House concurrent resolution that commemorates the 250th anniversary of Ethan Allen's planning, in Bennington in 1775, of the successful Vermont initiation of the American War of Independence and the associated expedition to Ticonderoga. This resolution serves to acknowledge these historical events and their significance to Vermont and the nation.

Maddy summaryHCR 84 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Mount Anthony Union High School Patriot wrestling program on winning its 36th consecutive Vermont state championship. It formally recognizes their victory over Middlebury at the 2025 State tournament, where they secured a narrow 211.5-199 win after a close competition. The resolution also notes their subsequent performance at the New England Championships. This non-binding resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the school, serving solely as a formal expression of appreciation for the team's athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 66) is a ceremonial resolution designating April 10, 2025, as "Tourism Economy Day" at the Vermont State House. It recognizes tourism's economic significance, citing its $4 billion impact and role in supporting over 30,000 jobs. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with tourism organizations like the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Tourism and Marketing. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the industry's contributions.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 79) is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Vermont Arts Exchange (VAE), a nonprofit arts organization based in Bennington. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it formally recognizes VAE’s history of community-focused arts programming and collaborative projects since its founding in 1993. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to VAE and the Bennington Museum, where VAE’s anniversary events are being held. It specifically acknowledges VAE’s work in arts education, affordable artist housing, environmental art projects, and its national/international reach. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond symbolic 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 62 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of Bennington College's Black Music Division, established in 1974. It recognizes the division's role in legitimizing Black music within academic settings and its ongoing educational work. The resolution, passed by Vermont's legislature, directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the college's Black Music Division. It does not create new policies or affect any individuals or entities beyond this symbolic recognition.

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 summaryThis bill designates Vermont's Attorney General as the primary enforcement authority for specific criminal cases, directly affecting how these cases are handled by state prosecutors. It requires the Attorney General to lead prosecutions in 13 defined categories, including cases involving law enforcement excessive force, crimes by elected officials, multi-county offenses, human trafficking, public assistance fraud, and certain wildlife violations. State's Attorneys may still handle these cases if they stipulate with the Attorney General, but without such agreement, the Attorney General takes primary responsibility. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025.