Sen. Anne Watson

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates three Vermont teachers who were selected as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The resolution recognizes Kathy Gingras, Alyssa Castellini, and Jo Ann Harvey for their outstanding work in mathematics and science education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to each honored teacher. This type of bill does not change laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of educators.

Maddy summaryThis proposal would add a new article to the Vermont Constitution guaranteeing employees the right to organize and collectively bargain with their employers. The amendment allows workers to form labor organizations to negotiate wages, hours, working conditions, and workplace safety protections. It also permits labor organizations to collect dues from members and prevents laws from interfering with collective bargaining agreements that require union membership as a condition of employment. If ratified by voters in November 2026, this change would establish a constitutional right to collective bargaining in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the 2023 Green Mountain Council Class of Eagle Scouts in Vermont for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. It recognizes these young individuals for their dedication and service, noting that earning this rank is a significant accomplishment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to each of the 50 scouts named in the text. This measure does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a formal acknowledgment of their achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization founded in 1975 that supports state and territorial legislators and their staff. The resolution recognizes the group's role in advancing state legislative effectiveness, fostering cooperation between states, and providing a unified voice for state legislatures in the federal system. It directs the Vermont Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measure is a commemorative action with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits defendants from using a plaintiff's own negligence as a legal defense in personal injury lawsuits involving sexual acts or conduct. It amends Vermont's negligence laws to prevent courts from reducing damages based on how much fault the plaintiff had in the sexual situation. The change applies to any negligence claim where the incident involves sexual acts or conduct as defined in state law. This means plaintiffs seeking compensation for injuries from such incidents cannot have their claims reduced because they were partially at fault. The law takes effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates William Blachly of Calais on reaching his 100th birthday. It recognizes his life achievements, including his service as a Vermont State Representative and his work founding the Unadilla Theater in Calais. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Mr. Blachly as a formal acknowledgment of his milestone birthday.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates Vermont's April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event visible across much of the state. It officially recognizes the historic nature of the eclipse, noting that the last total solar eclipse visible in Vermont occurred nearly a century ago in 1932. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the Vermont Space Grant Consortium and the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, which are partners in educating the public about the event. This ceremonial measure serves to acknowledge the significance of the eclipse for Vermont residents and visitors rather than to change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution formally congratulates Jules Rabin of Marshfield on reaching his 100th birthday. The document recognizes his contributions as an educator, baker, peace activist, and writer, highlighting his long residence in Vermont and his various life achievements including teaching, baking sourdough bread, and organizing peace vigils. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Rabin as an official acknowledgment of the General Assembly's congratulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Harold Martin, a former Norwich University cadet and Hall of Fame member, during Black History Month. It recognizes his achievements as a pioneering Black athlete, educator, and military officer who served in various sports and held leadership roles at the university. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Norwich University's communications director. This is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law with enforceable requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources to develop a plan for restricting consumer products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, which are chemicals linked to health and environmental concerns. The plan must identify which products pose risks, establish how manufacturers report PFAS content, define key terms, and outline how the public will receive information about these substances. The agency must gather input from various stakeholders and submit the implementation plan and draft legislation by November 1, 2024, to relevant state committees. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and includes pesticides in the definition of consumer products subject to this process.