Sen. Patrick Brennan

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an exemption to Vermont's 72-hour waiting period for firearm transfers, allowing individuals who already own a gun to transfer one without waiting if they provide proof of ownership. The law establishes a new program where the Department of Public Safety can issue proof of firearms ownership cards to current gun owners, which would serve as valid documentation for this transfer exemption. To qualify for the card, applicants must submit a form under penalty of perjury confirming they own a firearm, and the department will deny applications from people prohibited from owning guns or subject to certain protective orders. The state would charge a $25 fee for each card issued, and the card must include the owner's identifying information and photograph.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont school districts to include military-related postsecondary opportunities in career development and personalized learning plans for students in grades 7 through 12. It also mandates that the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation provide information about military-related postsecondary options and financial aid in all planning resources it produces. The changes aim to ensure students are aware of military education pathways as part of their broader career and postsecondary planning. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to strengthen penalties for drug-related offenses in Vermont by clarifying legal definitions and increasing punishments for specific violations. It directly affects individuals charged with drug crimes, particularly those involving minors, repeat offenders, and cases resulting in death. The legislation amends the definition of "knowingly" to include conscious disregard of risk, increases penalties for selling drugs to minors and using minors in drug crimes, doubles penalties for second and subsequent trafficking offenses with mandatory minimum sentences, and prevents defendants from using the presence of multiple drugs as a defense when a death results from drug use.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase fines and add more points to driving records for using portable electronic devices like phones while driving in Vermont. It directly affects all drivers who use handheld devices or text while operating a moving vehicle on highways. The bill establishes higher penalties for violations in school zones and work zones where construction or maintenance crews are present, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and additional points on driving records. It also creates a new Distracted Driving Diversion Program to offer an alternative to traditional penalties for eligible first-time offenders. The legislation applies to both junior operators and licensed drivers, with specific provisions preventing duplicate penalties for the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to repeal two Vermont climate laws: the Affordable Heat Act and the Global Warming Solutions Act. It directly affects state agencies, utility regulators, and businesses subject to these regulations by removing requirements related to clean heat standards, greenhouse gas inventories, and climate action planning. The legislation would eliminate the Clean Heat Standard, repeal the Vermont Climate Council, and modify state energy policy sections to remove references to specific emissions reduction goals tied to those repealed acts. While some sections retain general greenhouse gas reporting requirements, the bill removes mandates for implementing specific climate mitigation strategies and the associated regulatory frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2023 Division I Colchester High School Lakers girls' soccer team for winning their state championship. It recognizes the team's achievement after they defeated the Essex High School Hornets 2-0 in the final game held at the University of Vermont's Virtue Field. The resolution specifically names the 20 athletes and three coaches who were part of the championship team. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this resolution to Colchester High School.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Vermont's Fish and Wildlife Commissioner to create new rules governing the collection, sale, and possession of reptiles and amphibians, including the ability to establish lists of prohibited species and set seasonal hunting limits. It also updates regulations on bear parts by allowing their sale at any time while prohibiting the sale of big game meat outside of designated open seasons. The legislation imposes a $100 permit fee for commercial wildlife collection and restricts the importation of certain species like feral swine, with provisions for legal waivers for pets acquired before the rules take effect. These changes would become effective on July 1, 2024, and apply to individuals and businesses involved in wildlife trade and management within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill would end the state's requirement for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to reimburse farmers for crop damage caused by deer or bear. It directly affects farmers in Vermont who currently receive up to $5,000 annually for such damage when their land is not posted against hunting. The key change is removing the legal obligation for the state to provide these reimbursements, which would be repealed on July 1, 2024. Farmers would no longer be able to apply for state funds to cover losses from deer damaging crops or bear harming livestock on unposted land.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement officers and firefighters working for specific Vermont state agencies to have access to a pay plan that allows them to reach the highest pay step after 18.5 years of service. It directly affects employees at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Liquor and Lottery, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and state firefighters. While the bill sets this requirement, it allows unions and the state to negotiate the specific number of pay steps, time in each step, and conditions for advancement through collective bargaining. The law includes a transition provision requiring affected pay plans to meet these requirements by July 1, 2024, with current employees receiving a one-step increase upon transitioning.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Vermont's fish and wildlife enforcement laws by adjusting penalties, clarifying jurisdiction, and introducing new enforcement options. It directly affects hunters, anglers, trappers, and anyone who violates state wildlife regulations. The key changes include increasing fines for big game violations from $1,000 to $2,000 and raising imprisonment limits from 60 to 180 days for repeat offenders, while designating the Superior Court's Criminal Division as the exclusive venue for most wildlife cases. The bill also defines what counts as a minor violation, gives wardens discretion to treat certain offenses as minor based on factors like first-time status and cooperation, and allows the Commissioner to accept written agreements to stop violations instead of pursuing court cases. Finally, it repeals two older sections related to administrative penalties and hearing procedures, with all changes taking effect on July 1, 2024.