Sen. Randy Brock

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution extends the deadline for a temporary rule allowing electronic participation in Vermont Senate sessions from March 3, 2023, to January 5, 2024. The amendment directly affects senators who may need to vote or participate in proceedings remotely due to health or other circumstances. By updating the rule's expiration date, the Senate maintains flexibility for remote participation while keeping the provision in place for an additional period. The resolution is a procedural measure that modifies an existing rule without creating new substantive requirements for senators.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution temporarily extends the application of Senate Rule 32A, which governs committee meetings, through January 5, 2024. The measure allows Senate committees to conduct electronic meetings concurrently, meaning multiple committees can meet at the same time via video or other electronic means. This provision overrides a previous rule that restricted such electronic meetings to emergency situations only. The resolution directly affects Senate committees and their members by providing a specific timeframe for using these flexible meeting arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to exempt all U.S. military retirement income and military survivor benefit income from Vermont state income tax. It directly affects active and retired military personnel, as well as surviving spouses and dependents of deceased service members who receive these benefits. The legislation amends Vermont tax code to remove military retirement and survivor income from taxable income calculations, while also clarifying that taxpayers must choose between this exemption and other retirement income exclusions if they qualify for multiple. The bill includes a statement of purpose honoring military service and applies retroactively to January 1, 2023.

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 bill allows municipalities in Vermont to apply for special permits that streamline development in designated downtown areas and neighborhood development zones. Under the new provisions, towns can request a master plan permit from the District Commission to pre-approve development projects that meet specific environmental and community standards, reducing the need for individual permit applications for each project. The legislation also creates a Municipal and Regional Planning Fund that would provide competitive grants to municipalities for planning work and development initiatives. These grants would be funded through a portion of property transfer tax revenue and could be used for studies, conservation easements, and other planning purposes. The bill affects local governments and developers by offering a more efficient path for approving projects in designated downtown districts while maintaining oversight through the District Commission.

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.