House concurrent resolution in memory of former West Windsor Town Moderator Matthew T. Birmingham III

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Bartholomew and 4 co-sponsors

HCR 209 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Matthew T. Birmingham III for his public service as West Windsor Town Moderator, with no policy or funding changes.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b

Summary of HCR 209 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

HCR 209 is a House concurrent resolution dedicated to recognizing and commemorating the life and service of Matthew T. Birmingham III, who served as the Town Moderator of West Windsor.

The resolution memorializes and honors the deceased, acknowledging his contributions to the West Windsor community and public life.

It serves as a formal expression of appreciation and respect from both the Vermont House of Representatives and the Vermont Senate.

Key provisions and changes

The bill constitutes a ceremonial resolution rather than substantive law. It does not create new programs, funding, or regulatory changes.

It typically includes:

A brief biographical note on Matthew T. Birmingham III.
A statement of his public service, leadership, and impact as Town Moderator.
Expressions of condolences and sympathy to family, friends, and the West Windsor community.
A request to transmit the resolution to appropriate parties (e.g., the family or town officials) and to publish or record it as part of the official legislative record.

The language is designed to formally recognize and honor the individual’s contributions and to reflect the legislature’s respect for local governance leadership.

Who or what is affected

Primary beneficiaries are:

Matthew T. Birmingham III (in memorial form).
The Town of West Windsor and its residents, who receive formal recognition from the state.
Family, friends, and colleagues who are acknowledged in the resolution.

The bill has no direct fiscal impact, regulatory changes, or policies affecting state operations beyond ceremonial acknowledgment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The action history shows:

February 19, 2026: The resolution appeared on the Senate/House consent calendar, indicating routine, non-controversial consideration.
February 20, 2026: On the Consent Calendar with concurrent adoption; the resolution was adopted in concurrence (i.e., both chambers agreed to the same text) and transmitted per Joint Rule 16b.
The Joint Rule 16b adoption indicates standard concurrent resolution procedure for memorializing individuals.

The resolution is a ceremonial measure and does not require signature by the governor for enactment, though it typically is presented to the family or town officials and recorded in the official journals.

Notable details

Sponsors and co-sponsors include:

Primary sponsor not listed, but co-sponsors: Joe Major, Alison Clarkson, John Bartholomew, Becca White, Elizabeth Burrows.

The bill’s content is focused on memorialization rather than policy or programmatic changes.