Sen. Philip Baruth

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a specific election procedure for selecting three trustees of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College by the General Assembly in 2023. Under this resolution, all candidates will appear on a single ballot, and members may vote for up to three candidates, with the three receiving the most votes declared elected. The bill allows for additional ballots only if a tie occurs, ensuring vacancies are filled through a plurality voting system rather than requiring a majority. This change applies solely to the February 16, 2023 election and temporarily overrides existing Joint Rule 10 provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill schedules a joint session of the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives to elect a Sergeant at Arms and three trustees for the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College. The election is set to occur on February 16, 2023, with provisions for continuing the process on subsequent days until all positions are filled. This procedural measure directly affects the legislative body by organizing an official vote and the university by appointing new governing members. The resolution does not change existing laws but establishes the timeline and method for selecting these specific officials.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution sets a specific meeting schedule for the Vermont legislature after its January 2023 session. It directs that if both the Senate and House of Representatives adjourn on Friday, January 27, 2023, they must reconvene no later than Tuesday, January 31, 2023. The measure directly affects state legislators by establishing when the legislative body will return to session following the weekend break. This procedural rule ensures continuity of legislative business by preventing an extended closure during the holiday period.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Helen Estroff of Montpelier for her distinguished public service in the Vermont executive branch and her role as Calendar Clerk of the Vermont Senate. The document recognizes her 34-year career, which included positions in state financial oversight, higher education, and transportation, as well as her work ensuring legislative schedules were properly organized and printed. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Ms. Estroff as a formal acknowledgment of her contributions. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official commendation of her service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Steven D. Marshall of Swanton for his 35 years of service as the Assistant Secretary of the Vermont Senate. The resolution recognizes his professional contributions, including his role in the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries and his work on revisions to legislative procedure manuals. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Marshall as a formal acknowledgment of his exemplary service. This document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that creates new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the Vermont legislature to reconvene no later than Tuesday, January 24, 2023, if both the Senate and House of Representatives adjourn on Friday, January 20, 2023. The measure establishes a specific weekend adjournment schedule for the legislative session, ensuring lawmakers return to work within a three-day window. It applies directly to the state's elected representatives and sets a concrete date for resuming legislative business after the designated break.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the Vermont General Assembly to reconvene no later than Tuesday, January 17, 2023, following a Friday adjournment on January 13, 2023. The measure applies specifically to both the Senate and House of Representatives, ensuring they meet again after the weekend break. By setting a specific return date, the resolution establishes a schedule for legislative sessions without altering any substantive laws or policies. This procedural action is designed to maintain continuity in legislative operations during the specified period.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that first-time offenders convicted of nonviolent felonies or misdemeanors will receive probation instead of jail time. It directly affects individuals charged with crimes that do not involve sexual exploitation of children or other specifically listed violent offenses. The law requires courts to consider factors like weapon use, threats, and victim vulnerability before deciding whether to override the presumption and impose a different sentence. Prosecutors can challenge the presumption by presenting evidence, while defendants have the right to respond and support their case for probation. The bill also clarifies definitions of nonviolent crimes and sets maximum probation terms of two years for misdemeanors and four years for felonies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state employees in Vermont to choose their collective bargaining representatives through a card check process, where a union is certified if it receives support from at least 50 percent plus one of the employees in a bargaining unit. The legislation modifies existing state laws to permit this alternative to secret ballot elections, which would otherwise be required for determining union representation. It applies to state employees, teachers, and administrators, establishing specific procedures for verifying petition signatures and certifying unions without a vote if the signature threshold is met. The bill also sets conditions ensuring that card check certification only occurs when no other union is currently recognized as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit.