Sen. Wendy Harrison

Maddy summaryThis Vermont law, known as the "Vermont Ghost Guns Act," prohibits individuals from possessing, transferring, or manufacturing firearms, firearm frames, or receivers without a serial number. The bill requires that any unfinished firearm parts or completed guns be imprinted with a serial number by a federally licensed firearms dealer, importer, or manufacturer before they can be legally owned or sold. Exceptions are made for licensed dealers, law enforcement, antique firearms, permanently inoperable guns, and weapons made before 1968. Violations result in civil penalties for simple possession of unserialized parts and criminal charges including fines and imprisonment for transferring or manufacturing unserialized firearms, with harsher penalties for carrying such weapons during violent crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont schools to use evidence-based reading assessments for all students in kindergarten through third grade and mandates that those who struggle significantly receive extra reading support. It directs the state education agency to create guidance on these assessments, report progress to lawmakers, and establish notification procedures for parents when screening results indicate a need for intervention. The legislation also requires educators to receive professional training on reading assessments and instruction, updates school literacy planning requirements for independent schools, and adjusts the structure and timeline of the state's literacy advisory council.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to Vermont's state constitution that guarantees equal treatment under the law regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. The amendment would require the government to ensure all people receive equal protection and prohibit denying rights based on these characteristics. It also explicitly allows for measures designed to help groups that have historically faced discrimination. If voters approve this change in the 2026 election, it would become part of the state's founding legal document.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new policies and procedures for Vermont's public libraries and school libraries to ensure compliance with free speech principles, civil rights laws, and the state's diverse population. It requires library boards to adopt material selection and reconsideration policies that reflect diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs while protecting intellectual freedom. The legislation also clarifies confidentiality rules for library records, expands protections against criminal threats at public libraries, and updates the role of the Department of Libraries to include developing model policies and professional development programs for librarians.

Maddy summaryThis legislative document is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors the nearly 40 years of service by former Vermont Senate Dean Richard T. Mazza. The resolution recognizes his long tenure in the Vermont legislature, including his work on transportation committees and his role in chairing the Transportation Committee. It acknowledges his contributions to Vermont infrastructure, preservation efforts, and his promotion of civility within the Senate. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former Senator Mazza as an official acknowledgment of his service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors Senator Robert A. Starr of the Orleans District for his decades of distinguished public service in Vermont. The document recognizes his long career in local government, including roles on the town zoning board, school board, and civil authority, as well as his extensive legislative service spanning over 45 years. It highlights his leadership on agricultural issues, particularly dairy farming, and his work supporting Vermont's farmland preservation efforts. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator Starr as an official acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that honors Senator Richard McCormack for his dedicated service in the Vermont Senate. It recognizes his 35 years of representing the Windsor Senate District, his work as an environmentalist and educator, and his leadership roles including Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy Chair. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to public service and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Senator McCormack. This type of legislative action serves as a formal recognition rather than creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital in Townshend, Vermont, on its 75th anniversary. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but instead formally recognizes the hospital's history and contributions to the community. The resolution notes the hospital's founding in 1949 and highlights its various expansions and awards over the decades. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the hospital.

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.