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Committee reviews H.396 to re‑establish 'Molly B.' distinguished service award for State Parks
Summary
Legislative counsel walked the committee through H.396, a ceremonial bill that would recreate the Molly B. Distinguished Service Award to honor conservation and public‑lands service. Counsel said the bill has no notable fiscal impact beyond administrative costs for a plaque or certificate.
Michael Scharnick of Legislative Council summarized H.396 for the Natural Resources & Energy Committee, explaining the single‑section bill would recreate a Molly B. Distinguished Service Award to commemorate the centennial of Vermont State Parks and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
Scharnick said the award would be presented by the commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to a state employee, state retiree, or an organizational partner whose contributions “honor the legacy of Molly B. in enhancing the conservation, accessibility, quality of recreational experience or sustainability of a modest public lands.” He told the committee the effective date in the draft was July 1 and that the bill would have no material fiscal cost beyond the modest cost of a plaque or certificate.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the meaning of “partner” and whether the award would be given to an individual or an organization. Scharnick said the department had suggested some language changes adopted in the House draft and that the committee could refine terms such as “organizational partner” or limit recipients to individuals if it chose.
There was no vote recorded on H.396 in the provided transcript excerpt; the committee expected departmental witnesses from Forests, Parks and Recreation to appear later for additional comment.
