Sen. Randy Brock

Maddy summaryThis bill allows probation and parole officers in Vermont to carry firearms while on duty, provided they complete a specialized training course. The legislation requires officers to successfully finish a curriculum developed by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, covering firearm use, force application, reporting, and liability. Once trained and certified, officers may carry firearms for defensive purposes during their official duties. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to correctional officers assigned to the Field Supervision Unit.

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 legislative resolution designates February 16, 2024, as Vermont Outdoor Recreation Day at the State House to honor the state's natural landscape and outdoor activities. The measure recognizes Vermont's extensive trail systems, wildlife areas, and ski resorts as important assets for the economy, community well-being, and quality of life. While the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it formally acknowledges the value of outdoor recreation and directs state officials to be notified of the designation. The bill was passed by both the Senate and House without requiring a vote, following standard procedure for ceremonial resolutions.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Vermont State Parks system. It commemorates the historical significance of the parks, which began in 1924 with a donation of land that became Mt. Philo State Park, and acknowledges the contributions of Civilian Conservation Corps workers and private foundations to their development. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves to honor the parks' legacy and their role in Vermont's outdoor economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant state agencies and the Vermont Parks Forever foundation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2023 Georgia Elementary and Middle School Chargers seventh- and eighth-grade girls' soccer team for completing an undefeated 12-0 season. The resolution recognizes the team's impressive performance and lists the names of all twenty-three players and their head coach, Courtney Chadburn. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Georgia Elementary and Middle School to acknowledge the team's achievement. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Vermont General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase penalties for various drug-related offenses in Vermont, directly affecting individuals charged with selling, dispensing, or trafficking regulated drugs. Key provisions include clarifying the legal definition of "knowingly" to include consciously ignoring substantial risks, raising penalties for selling drugs to minors and on school grounds, and imposing stricter mandatory minimum sentences for repeat trafficking offenses and cases where drug sales result in death. The legislation also prevents defendants from using the presence of multiple drugs as a defense when a single substance causes death and requires courts to make written findings before allowing alternative sentences for serious offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to create a single, unified process for sealing criminal history records in Vermont, replacing the current system where records could be either expunged (destroyed) or sealed. It directly affects individuals with criminal records and the agencies that maintain those records, such as the Vermont Crime Information Center. Under the new system, sealed records would not be destroyed but would be hidden from general public access while allowing specific entities to view them for particular purposes. The bill also removes the requirement for requesters to provide a date of birth when searching criminal records and mandates that the crime information center include a disclaimer warning that name-only searches may return multiple individuals and that requesters are responsible for verifying information.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Human Services to request federal approval to allow people up to age 40 to purchase catastrophic health plans, which are currently limited to those under 30. The legislation aims to address rising health insurance costs and higher uninsured rates among young adults by providing access to lower-premium insurance options. If approved, the waiver would take effect on January 1, 2025, allowing eligible Vermonters to enroll in these plans during open enrollment periods. The bill does not change existing insurance laws but seeks to modify eligibility criteria for a specific type of coverage under federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont municipalities to review housing development applications within 60 days, with failure to meet this deadline automatically approving the application. It also mandates that local governments determine if an application is complete within 15 days and must provide written reasons for any denials. The law applies to residential and multifamily housing projects and takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Vermont's theft laws to allow prosecutors to combine the value of multiple thefts occurring within 180 days to determine if a crime meets the $900 threshold for more serious charges. It directly affects individuals accused of grand larceny and retail theft by changing how the value of stolen property is calculated in certain cases. The key provision permits adding up the value of separate theft incidents within a six-month period to decide whether a case is charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. If the combined value of these related thefts exceeds $900, the charges could be elevated to grand larceny or felony retail theft, which carry heavier penalties. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.