Sen. Dave Weeks

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities in Vermont to publicly post notices for all employment vacancies. The law mandates that job postings be displayed in the municipal clerk's office, on the municipal website or through an online recruiting service, and in the state Department of Labor's job bank. Each posting must include the job title, required skills or experience, salary range, and application dates with a minimum 10-day application period. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and apply to all municipal and county government positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the governance of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation by eliminating the Chancellor position and reducing the number of legislative trustees on the Board of Trustees from two to one, while adding one faculty trustee and one staff trustee. The changes shift representation on the board to include more voices from the college community, with the student trustee being elected by students and the faculty and staff trustees being appointed by their respective unions. Additionally, the bill proposes reducing required structural deficit reductions for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 and includes various updates to related state statutes to align with these governance changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would automatically exempt people aged 70 and older from jury service in Vermont. To qualify for this exemption, individuals must indicate their age on the juror questionnaire when they are summoned. The law requires them to request this exception during the initial screening process, and if approved, their names are removed from the jury list either permanently or for the current two-year service term. This change applies to all citizens meeting standard jury qualifications who meet the age threshold, without requiring additional proof of hardship. The legislation would take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont state agencies to submit a report by September 1, 2025, recommending the creation of an independent Office of New Americans. The Agency of Human Services, Department of Labor, and Office of Racial Equity must gather data on current services for immigrants and refugees, review successful programs from other states, and consult with community organizations to identify barriers and needs. The report will outline the proposed structure, duties, funding, and staffing for the new office, focusing on improving government services for immigrants and refugees.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Vermont to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, enabling licensed social workers to practice across multiple member states without needing separate licenses in each location. The legislation establishes a framework for mutual recognition of social work licenses, facilitates the sharing of disciplinary information between states, and supports telehealth services for increased access to care. Key provisions include protecting public safety through coordinated oversight, reducing administrative burdens for social workers, and providing specific accommodations for military families who may need to relocate frequently.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Governor's Mansion Study Committee to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a governor's residence and social center in Vermont's capital. The committee would include legislators, former governors' staff, state officials, and experts in historic preservation, security, and construction to study various aspects of the proposal. Key areas of investigation include the need for such a facility, potential funding options, security requirements, and whether the state could acquire a historic house through donation or relocation from other towns. The committee must hold its first meeting by August 31, 2024, and submit a written report with findings and recommendations by December 15, 2025, before the committee dissolves.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Vanessa Davison, a long-time staff member of the Vermont General Assembly, for her 45 years of dedicated service. The resolution recognizes her work ethic, professionalism, and contributions to legislative operations, including managing administrative tasks, operating early computer systems, and serving as Journal Clerk for over 30 years. It formally acknowledges her role in preparing Senate Journals and training her successor to ensure continued quality in legislative record-keeping. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Davison as an official recognition of her retirement after concluding her career in the spring of 2023.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution urges U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to follow the expedited asylum hearing rules established in the Afghan Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022. The bill specifically affects Afghan nationals who were paroled into the United States under Operation Allies Welcome and are seeking asylum. Under the referenced law, these applicants are entitled to have their initial asylum interviews conducted within 45 days and final decisions made within 150 days, but many cases have exceeded these timelines. The resolution requests that USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou and the Vermont Congressional Delegation receive a copy of this urging to ensure compliance with the statutory deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Castleton Town Mechanic Robert B. Ward for his 24-year career in municipal public service. The bill formally recognizes his contributions, which included maintaining municipal vehicles, performing repairs for town departments, and designing structures to support youth programs. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ward as a gesture of appreciation. This type of resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of an individual's service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for the ongoing resilience and growth of Abenaki communities in Vermont and encourages greater appreciation and respect for Abenaki culture throughout the year. The measure specifically highlights the historical context of discrimination against Indigenous people in Vermont, including state-sanctioned eugenics practices, and acknowledges recent legislative steps such as state recognition of specific Abenaki tribes, an official apology for past harms, and policies promoting cultural recognition. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy to the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and to each recognized Abenaki tribe and band. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative intent and solidarity.