House concurrent resolution honoring Vermont singer-songwriter and two-time Grammy Award nominee Noah Berkenkamp Kahan for his amazing contributions to American popular music and for creating and leading The Busyhead Project

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Holcombe and 3 co-sponsors

Vermont honors Noah Kahan for his musical achievements and leadership of The Busyhead Project, a mental health initiative that funds resources and reduces stigma.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b

Purpose and Intent

HCR 262 is a House concurrent resolution honoring Vermont singer-songwriter Noah Berkenkamp Kahan (Noah Kahan) for his contributions to American popular music and for founding and leading The Busyhead Project, a mental health initiative.

The resolution recognizes Kahan as a prominent Vermont artist with national and international recognition, including past Grammy nominations.

Key Provisions and Changes

Official Recognition: The General Assembly expresses formal honor and commendation of Noah Kahan’s career in music and his leadership of The Busyhead Project.

Biography Highlights Appearing in the Resolution:

Background: Born in Strafford, Vermont, later associated with Hanover, NH ( Hanover High School graduate).
Musical Career: Early songwriting as a youth; breakthrough single “Hurt Somebody”; signed with Republic Records; albums include Busyhead (2019), I Was/I Am (2021), Stick Season (2022), and The Great Divide (anticipated release in 2024/2025 timeframe referenced).
Achievements: Two-time Grammy Award nominee (Best New Artist cited), sold-out shows (e.g., Fenway Park in 2024), international performances (Glastonbury appearance in 2025).
The Busyhead Project: Established in 2023 as a mental health initiative to reduce stigma, providing resources and information; has raised over $4 million for grants to more than 160 community mental health organizations worldwide; aims to promote universal access to mental health care.

Administrative Action: Directs the Secretary of State to provide a copy of the resolution to Noah Kahan.

Who/What Is Affected

Primary subject: Noah Berkenkamp Kahan (Noah Kahan), a Vermont artist.

The Busyhead Project: Highlighted as a national/international mental health initiative linked to Kahan.

No direct regulatory or funding changes are enacted; the bill functions as a formal, symbolic acknowledgment from Vermont’s Legislature.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Classification: House concurrent resolution (no new law or funding changes; ceremonial in nature).

Sponsorship: Representatives Masland, Holcombe, and Mrowicki; Senator White; additional co-sponsors include Rep. Becca White and Rep. Mike Mrowicki.

Last Action: 2026-04-23 — On Consent Calendar (a non-controversial or routine passage step in the Vermont Legislature).

Next Steps: If approved on an On Consent Calendar, the resolution would proceed to the Secretary of State for formal transmission to Noah Kahan.

Potential Impact

Public Acknowledgment: Elevates Noah Kahan’s profile within Vermont and aligns with his national/international achievements.

Awareness for Mental Health: Draws attention to The Busyhead Project and its mission to reduce stigma and expand access to mental health resources.

No Fiscal Impact: The measure does not specify funding or regulatory changes; its impact is primarily symbolic and reputational.

Overall, HCR 262 serves as an official, ceremonial commendation of Noah Kahan’s musical accomplishments and his philanthropic work through The Busyhead Project.

Bill