Sen. Anne Watson

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2022 Montpelier High School Division II championship boys' soccer team. It recognizes the team's undefeated season, noting their 17-0-1 record and their achievement of preventing opponents from scoring in 12 games during the championship tournament. The resolution lists the names of the team members and their head coach, Eric Bagley, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Montpelier High School.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Barry Bernstein of Calais for his leadership as president of the Washington Electric Cooperative Inc. It recognizes his role in guiding the cooperative to transition away from nuclear power contracts toward renewable energy sources like wind turbines and landfill gas projects. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the organization. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to both Bernstein and the cooperative.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to eliminate life without parole as a sentencing option for individuals who were 25 years of age or younger when they committed their offenses. It also prohibits consecutive sentencing for these younger defendants, meaning their prison terms would run at the same time rather than one after another. For those who were 25 or older at the time of the crime, the bill maintains existing sentencing options including life without parole. The law applies only to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date, and it modifies how courts determine minimum prison terms based on aggravating or mitigating factors found by a jury.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces several new regulations on firearms in Vermont, including a 72-hour waiting period for most firearm transfers after a background check, a ban on manufacturing and possessing large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and a requirement that firearms not in immediate possession be locked in a safe or rendered inoperable. It also prohibits possession of semiautomatic assault weapons, bans the use of 3D printers to manufacture firearms and the distribution of related digital instructions, and allows firearms industry members to be sued for public nuisance damages. Additionally, the bill offers homeowners insurance premium discounts to policyholders who can certify their firearms are stored according to the new safe storage requirements. These changes directly affect firearm owners, manufacturers, dealers, and insurance companies within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the open carry of loaded firearms in public places, with exceptions for hunters, law enforcement, government employees, and situations involving imminent harm. It also restricts self-defense claims by requiring that defensive force used outside a person's home be necessary when no other means of avoiding the threat were available. Additionally, the bill mandates that firearms surrendered under abuse prevention orders must be stored by law enforcement agencies or federally licensed firearms dealers approved by the Department of Public Safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring the memory of former Vermont Representative Warren Kitzmiller, who served in the House for 21 years and was a longtime Montpelier resident. It extends condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to them. The document does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his public service and community involvement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Helen Estroff of Montpelier for her distinguished public service in the Vermont executive branch and her role as Calendar Clerk of the Vermont Senate. The document recognizes her 34-year career, which included positions in state financial oversight, higher education, and transportation, as well as her work ensuring legislative schedules were properly organized and printed. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Ms. Estroff as a formal acknowledgment of her contributions. This measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official commendation of her service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Steven D. Marshall of Swanton for his 35 years of service as the Assistant Secretary of the Vermont Senate. The resolution recognizes his professional contributions, including his role in the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries and his work on revisions to legislative procedure manuals. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Marshall as a formal acknowledgment of his exemplary service. This document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that creates new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Vermont's anti-discrimination laws to include protection against discrimination and harassment based on hair type, texture, and style associated with race, as well as weight. It directly affects individuals in public accommodations, housing transactions, and educational settings by adding these characteristics to the list of protected traits. The law prohibits businesses, landlords, and schools from refusing services, denying housing, or creating hostile environments because of a person's hair or weight. These changes amend existing state statutes to explicitly define hair traits and weight as protected categories under fair employment, public accommodations, and housing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows landowners in Vermont to legally prohibit hunting and fishing on their property by using visible purple paint markings on trees or posts near property boundaries. The paint must be a specific size and height, and landowners must also record the posting with their town clerk's office when the markings are first applied. Unlike traditional signs that require annual updates and recording, the paint marking option only needs initial registration with the town, though the owner must still maintain the markings visibly. The law also requires that any permission-only signs include the owner's contact information and be dated each year. These changes take effect on July 1, 2023, and apply to owners or those with exclusive rights to take game on private land or waters.