Sen. Patrick Brennan

Maddy summaryThis Vermont bill (S 64) creates a new "advanced therapeutic procedures specialty" for optometrists, allowing them to perform specific eye treatments currently restricted to ophthalmologists. It permits optometrists with this specialty to conduct procedures like removing superficial eye foreign bodies, minor lesion excisions (e.g., chalazia), corneal crosslinking, certain laser treatments (capsulotomy, iridotomy), and targeted injections (e.g., for chalazia or subconjunctival therapy). The bill explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing complex surgeries such as LASIK, corneal transplants, retinal procedures, or injections into the vitreous chamber. This directly affects licensed optometrists in Vermont who pursue the specialty and expands patient access to certain eye care services within defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryVermont's S.157 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences (temporary housing for people recovering from substance use disorders) through the Department of Health. To become certified, residences must meet standards including peer-support certification, compliance with health/safety rules, transparent complaint procedures, and annual reporting of resident data like stay length and employment outcomes. The bill also requires certified residences to follow specific exit policies for residents violating safety or substance use rules, with strict conditions for immediate transfers. This applies directly to recovery residences seeking certification, not to residents themselves, and mandates annual data reporting to both the Department of Health and state legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Professor Jessica Holmes for her public service on Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board. The document recognizes her contributions to healthcare regulation, including her work on reducing wait times and managing resources, as well as her role as interim chair during leadership transitions. It highlights her professional background in health economics and her academic achievements at Middlebury College, Yale, and Colgate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the honor to Professor Holmes, serving as a commemorative gesture rather than a change in law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dennis Miles, the General Assembly Doorkeeper, for his long service to the Vermont legislature and its staff. It recognizes his 41-year career as an educator and coach before he joined the General Assembly in 2014, where he has managed building security and mentored legislative pages for over a dozen years. The resolution formally acknowledges his dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors General Assembly Head Doorkeeper Michael Wiater and his wife, Donna Wiater, for their long careers in Vermont state government. It recognizes Mike Wiater's background as a former soldier and state police officer before he spent over two decades facilitating the orderly operation of the State House, while also acknowledging Donna Wiater's work as an administrative assistant. The document serves to express gratitude for their public service and officially extends best wishes for their future as they conclude their tenures in 2026. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to the couple.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal congratulatory resolution honoring Ryan and Gabrielle Viens, a married couple of volunteer firefighters in South Hero, Vermont. It recognizes their life-saving actions on March 4, 2026, when they helped rescue a sheriff's deputy who was pinned under his vehicle after a traffic accident. The resolution acknowledges that the couple's quick response was critical to the deputy's survival and recommends they receive the State Lifesaver of the Year Award. The General Assembly officially commends the Viens couple for their bravery and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this recognition to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally congratulates the 2025 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont. It recognizes the specific achievements of 43 individuals who earned the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America during that year. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the named scouts as an official acknowledgment of their accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux on receiving the Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science. The resolution recognizes her distinguished career as a University of Vermont professor and Vermont State Climatologist, highlighting her extensive work in climate research and education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Dr. Dupigny-Giroux as an official acknowledgment of her achievement. This measure does not alter any laws or policies but serves to honor her contributions to science and public engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Dr. Lewis R. First and the University of Vermont Medical Center for their contributions to pediatric care. The measure recognizes Dr. First's distinguished career, including his long tenure as the chair of pediatrics at the University of Vermont and his leadership at Golisano Children's Hospital. It highlights his professional achievements, such as editing a major medical journal and receiving numerous awards for his work in education and healthcare. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Dr. First and the relevant medical institutions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan on the 27th anniversary of their sister-state relationship and expresses support for stronger bilateral ties. The bill highlights existing economic and trade benefits, noting that Taiwan is Vermont's most valuable Asian export destination, and calls for establishing a Vermont trade office in Taiwan to further enhance business connections. It also supports increased cooperation in areas like education and Mandarin language teaching, as well as Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to relevant state and national officials, including the U.S. President and the President of Taiwan.