Vermont House Bill H0321

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

An act relating to information sharing between State agencies

Impact

If passed, H0321 would amend existing state laws, notably 32 V.S.A. § 3102, which governs the confidentiality of tax records. The bill would allow for certain disclosures of tax information specifically related to environmental data, thus promoting transparency and regulatory compliance. The inclusion of provisions regarding disaggregating data by fuel type signifies a focused approach to understanding emissions from different sources, highlighting the state's commitment to tackling climate change.

Summary

House Bill H0321, introduced by Representative Stebbins, aims to enhance information sharing between various state agencies, specifically the Department of Taxes, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Agency of Natural Resources, and the Department of Public Service. The bill's primary goal is to facilitate the publication of the Vermont Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Forecast by providing necessary data related to sales, use taxes, and fuel taxes. By enabling these departments to share information, H0321 seeks to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of data on greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont.

Contention

While the bill aligns with broader environmental objectives, it may generate controversy around the extent of data sharing and confidentiality. Proponents will likely argue that sharing this data is crucial for effective environmental policy, while critics may raise concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of personal tax information. Ensuring that the sharing complies with privacy laws and does not compromise taxpayer confidentiality will be a significant point of discussion as the bill progresses through the legislative process.