Sen. Patrick Brennan

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's laws on threatened and endangered species by strengthening protections for critical habitats and improving transparency in permitting processes. It requires individuals who accidentally harm these species or their habitats to report the incident within 48 hours and establishes clearer rules for issuing permits that allow limited activities like scientific research or educational purposes. The legislation also enhances confidentiality measures by restricting public access to specific location data for vulnerable species, while still allowing landowners and qualified researchers to receive necessary information for conservation efforts. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and apply to all species listed under Vermont's endangered species program.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about mental health challenges. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's mental health needs and statistics. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant mental health organizations and officials. While it highlights concerning data about suicide rates and access to care, the bill itself is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that honors Karen Horn of Moretown for her leadership in strengthening local government in Vermont. It recognizes her decades of work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, where she advised officials on municipal issues and helped secure transportation funding and tax authority for local governments. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to municipal policy and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to both Horn and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for Abenaki communities in Vermont and encourages greater appreciation of Abenaki culture during Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week and throughout the year. The bill directly affects the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and the four state-recognized Abenaki tribes and bands by directing the House Clerk to send copies of the resolution to these entities. The resolution acknowledges past injustices, including state-sanctioned eugenics and sterilizations, and recognizes existing legislative efforts such as free hunting and fishing licenses for certified Native Americans and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It serves as a formal statement of support rather than creating new policy requirements or funding allocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the Paquette family for 83 years of agricultural work in Vermont. It does not create new laws or change government policy, but instead formally recognizes the family's history of running Shadow Cross Farm, which raised chickens and sold eggs for decades. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Richard and Linda Paquette as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to the state's farming community.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally congratulates individuals who achieved significant scouting milestones in 2022. It honors 35 young people who earned the Eagle Scout rank and one individual, Katherine Lewis, who received the Summit Award for Venturing. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this recognition to each person named in the resolution. This ceremonial document acknowledges their accomplishments but does not create new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution congratulates Mikaela Shiffrin on her historic 2022-2023 World Cup Alpine ski racing achievements, including becoming the winningest female Alpine racer of all time with 88 victories and setting a new all-time World Cup record with 87 event wins. The resolution recognizes her accomplishments, which include winning races in all six World Cup Alpine disciplines and accumulating 138 career podiums. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Shiffrin and U.S. Ski & Snowboard as a formal acknowledgment of her record-setting performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the Colchester 10-to-12 Little League Softball All-Stars on winning the 2022 Vermont Little League Softball Championship. The resolution acknowledges the team's comeback victory in the championship game, where they overcame a 13-9 deficit to defeat Champlain 14-13. It also recognizes the individual players and coaches who contributed to the team's success. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this resolution to the team as an official acknowledgment of their achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal congratulatory resolution from the Vermont General Assembly to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) on its 50th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's conservation work, including its investment in wildlife habitat and recruitment of hunters, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the NWTF's national and local chapters. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official acknowledgment of the group's contributions to wildlife conservation and hunting heritage.