The bill H.396 proposes the establishment of the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award to commemorate the centennial of Vermont State Parks, under the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. This award is named in honor of Mollie Beattie, a former Commissioner known for her dedication to conservation and public land accessibility. The award will be presented annually by the Commissioner to a State employee, retiree, or partner who has made significant contributions that reflect Beattie's legacy in enhancing the conservation, accessibility, quality of recreational experiences, or sustainability of Vermont's public lands.

The bill includes new legal language that creates a section in the Vermont statutes specifically for the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award, detailing its purpose and the criteria for recipients. Additionally, it specifies that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025.