BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
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H.397
IntroducedbyRepresentativesWaszazakofBarreCity,GalfettiofBarre
Town,Bos-LunofWestminster,BoutinofBarreCity,Boyden
ofCambridge,BrownofRichmond,BurkeofBrattleboro,
BurkhardtofSouthBurlington,BurrowsofWestWindsor,
BurttofCabot,CampbellofSt.Johnsbury,CanfieldofFair
Haven,Carris-DuncanofWhitingham,CaseyofMontpelier,
ChapinofEastMontpelier,ChristieofHartford,Cinaof
Burlington,CoffinofCavendish,ColeofHartford,Cooperof
Pownal,CordesofBristol,DobrovichofWilliamstown,Dodge
ofEssex,EastesofGuilford,FeltusofLyndon,Goodnowof
Brattleboro,GreerofBennington,GregoireofFairfield,Hango
ofBerkshire,HarpleofGlover,HeadrickofBurlington,
HolcombeofNorwich,HooperofRandolph,Hunterof
Manchester,KimbellofWoodstock,KrasnowofSouth
Burlington,LaborofMorgan,LalleyofShelburne,LaMontof
Morristown,LipskyofStowe,LoganofBurlington,Maslandof
Thetford,McCannofMontpelier,McFaunofBarreTown,
McGillofBridport,MihalyofCalais,MorrisofSpringfield,
MorrowofWeston,MrowickiofPutney,NelsonofDerby,
NielsenofBrandon,NoyesofWolcott,NugentofSouth
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Burlington,O'BrienofTunbridge,OdeofBurlington,Olsonof
Starksboro,PezzoofColchester,PouechofHinesburg,Priestley
ofBradford,PritchardofPawlet,QuimbyofLyndon,Stevens
ofWaterbury,SweeneyofShelburne,TagliaviaofCorinth,
TorreofMoretown,WellsofBrownington,WhiteofWaitsfield,
WhiteofBethel,WinterofLudlow,WoodofWaterbury,and
YacovoneofMorristown
ReferredtoCommitteeon
Date:
Subject:Internalsecurityandpublicsafety;emergencymanagement;
miscellaneousamendmentsrelatingtofloodresponseandresilience
Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestorequirethe
DivisionofEmergencyManagementtoestablishtheStatewideFrameworkfor
FloodPreparedness,Response,andRecovery;provideassistanceto
municipalitiestodevelopvariousplansforfloodresponseandrecovery;
providefinancialassistancetomunicipalitiesforfloodrecovery;coordinate
withtheAgencyofCommerceandCommunityDevelopmenttodevelop
programsforvoluntarybuyoutsandhomeownerassistanceinflood-prone
areas;anddevelopemergencyandsevereweatheralertsystemsforuseby
municipalgovernments.ThisbillalsoproposestorequiretheAgencyof
Transportationtoprovidetechnicalandfinancialsupportformunicipalflood
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resiliencyandresponseprogramsthataffecttownhighways.Thisbillalso
proposestorequiretheAgencyofNaturalResourcestooperateandsupport
floodmitigationandresiliencyprogramsthatrelatetosurfacewaters,river
corridors,andthecreationoffloodways.Thisbillfurtherproposestocreate
positionswithintheDivisionofEmergencyManagementtosupport
municipalitieswithgrantapplicationsandtheengineeringoffloodmitigation
andresiliencyprojects.Finally,thisbillproposestorequiretheDepartmentof
BuildingsandGeneralServicestotransferaparcelofStatepropertytothe
TownofWaterburyaftercompletingthecreationofanextendedfloodwayon
theproperty.
Anactrelatingtomiscellaneousamendmentstothestatutesgoverning
emergencymanagementandfloodresponse
ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
Sec.1.20V.S.A.§ 3aisamendedtoread:
§3a.EMERGENCYMANAGEMENT DIVISION;DUTIES;BUDGET
(a)Inadditiontootherdutiesrequiredbylaw,theDivisionofEmergency
Managementshall:
***
(3)IncollaborationwiththeChiefRecoveryOfficerandinconsultation
withtheVermontLeagueofCitiesandTownsandVermont’slong-term
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recoverygroups,shalladoptandperiodicallyrevisetheStatewideFramework
forFloodPreparedness,Response,andRecovery.TheStatewideFramework
shalldefinetherolesanddutiesoftheState,municipalities,long-term
recoverygroups,andregionalplanningcommissionsforfloodpreparedness,
response,andrecovery.TheDivisionshallnotifymunicipalitiesofany
amendmentstotheFrameworkandshalldistributecopiesoftheamended
Frameworkupontherequestofamunicipality.
(4)IncollaborationwiththeChiefRecoveryOfficer,offerfinancialand
technicalassistancetomunicipalitiestodevelopandimplement:
(A)emergencyparkingplansforflood-proneareaswithina
municipality;
(B)emergencyshelterplansformunicipalresidentsdisplacedby
flooding,includingthedesignationandnoticeofshelterlocationsandadopted
plansforthedistributionoffoodandwatertodisplacedresidents;
(C)municipalplansandsystemstoensurethatvulnerable
populations,includingagingpopulationsandindividualswithdisabilities,
withinthemunicipalityarecontactedandvisitedtoensuretheirsafetyand
wellnessduringafloodemergency;
(D)emergencynotificationsystemstoprovidereal-timealertsto
residents,whichshallutilizemultichannelcommunicationsystems;and
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(E)trainingtosupporttheofficersandstaffthatmunicipalitiesare
requiredtomaintainfollowingadisaster,includingindividualassistance
coordinatorsanddisasterwastecoordinators.
***
Sec.2.20V.S.A.§ 3bisaddedtoread:
§ 3b.FINANCIALASSISTANCEFORIMPACTEDMUNICIPALITIES
(a)Amunicipalitythathasbeenimpactedbyanall-hazardfloodingevent
shallbeeligibleforfinancialassistancefromVermontEmergency
Managementtocoverexpensesincurredbytheall-hazardwhileawaiting
reimbursementfromtheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency,including:
(1)emergencyresponsecosts;
(2)temporaryhousingandshelterservices;and
(3)localinfrastructurerepairsthatarenecessarytomaintainpublic
safety.
(b)Amunicipalitythathasbeenimpactedbyanall-hazardfloodingevent
shallbeeligibleforStatefundingtocoverallofthelocalmatchrequirements
requiredbyfederallawortheFederalEmergencyManagementAgencyfor
floodrecoveryandassistance.
Sec.3.20V.S.A.§ 51isaddedtoread:
§ 51.FLOOD-PRONEPROPERTIES;ASSISTANCEPROGRAMS
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(a)VoluntaryBuyoutProgram.TheDivisionofEmergencyManagement
andtheAgencyofCommerceandCommunityDevelopmentshallestablish
andmaintaintheVoluntaryBuyoutProgramforflood-proneproperties.The
Programshallallowamunicipality,attherequestoftheownerofaflood-
proneproperty,toapplyforfundingtocoverthepurchasepriceofthe
property.Thepurchasepriceshallbethefullfairmarketvalueoftheflood-
proneproperty.
(b)HomeownerAssistanceProgram.TheDivisionofEmergency
ManagementandtheAgencyofCommerceandCommunityDevelopment
shallestablishandmaintaintheHomeownerAssistanceProgramtoprovide
financialsupporttotheownersofresidentialpropertiesfor:
(1)constructionprojectstoelevatearesidentialbuildinginflood-prone
areastomitigatefutureriskofdamage;
(2)relocationtootherpermanenthousinginresponsetoflooddamage;
and
(3)therebuildingofresidentialbuildingusingflood-resilientmaterials
ordesigns,includingfloodprooffoundationsandwater-resistantconstruction.
Sec.4.19V.S.A.§ 306isamendedtoread:
§306.APPROPRIATION;STATEAIDFORTOWNHIGHWAYS
***
(i)MunicipalMitigationAssistanceProgram.
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(1)TheAgencyshalladministertheMunicipalMitigationAssistance
Program.ThroughtheProgram,theAgencyshall:
(A)provideassistanceandgrantstomunicipalitiesforenvironmental
mitigationprojectsrelatedtostormwaterandhighwaysandforthe
establishmentandoperationofstormwaterutilities;and
(B)providefundingforruralandflood-pronemunicipalitiesto:
(i)upgradeinfrastructure,includingimprovementstotown
highways,bridges,andculverts,toincreasethecapacityoftownhighway
infrastructuretohandlehigh-volumewaterflow;and
(ii)createandmaintainemergencyaccessroutesforuseduringan
all-hazardevent,asdefinedby20V.S.A.chapter1.
(2)Municipalitiesshallmatchgrantswithlocalfundssufficienttocover
20percentoftheprojectcosts,exceptthattheAgencymayissuegrantsforthe
establishmentoroperationofstormwaterutilitieswithoutrequiringalocal
match.
(3)FromtheoperatingexpensesappropriatedfortheProgram,the
AgencyisauthorizedtopaycostsbilledtotheAgencybymunicipal
stormwaterutilities.
***
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Sec.5.19V.S.A.§ 320isaddedtoread:
§ 320.AGENCYSUPPORTFORCERTAINTOWNHIGHWAY
PROJECTS
(a)Designofstormwatermanagementsystems.TheAgencyshallprovide
technicalassistancetomunicipalitiesforthedesignofupgradesforstormwater
managementsystemsaffectingtownhighways,includingthedesignoflarger
culverts,reinforcedditches,drainagesystems,andanyotherstormwater
managementsystemthatiscapableofmanagingincreasedwaterflowdueto
severeweatherevents.
(b)Technicalassistanceforspecializedimprovements.TheAgencyshall
providetechnicalassistancetomunicipalitiesforspecializedfloodresiliency
projects,includingthealterationofbridgesinflood-proneareasandthe
removalofdamsthatposeasignificantrisktosurroundingcommunities.
(c)Technicalassistancefortownhighwayimprovements.TheAgency
shalloffertechnicalassistancetomunicipalitiesfor:
(1)roadworkandinfrastructureadaptationsforsevereweatherevents;
and
(2)identifyingandapplyingforfederal,State,andregionalgrantsto
supportlocalinfrastructureprojects.
(d)AssetManagementSystem.TheAgencyshallcreateandmaintainthe
AssetManagementSystemtotrack:
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(1)availabilityofequipmentthatmaybeusedtorespondtoanall-
hazardfloodevent,includingvehicles,waterpumps,andsandbags;
(2)equipmentoperatorsandpersonnelthataretrainedfordisaster
managementandresponse;and
(3)locationsofcriticalresourcesforefficientdeploymentofthose
resourcesduringanemergency.
(e)Provisionoffloodresponsefleetvehicles.TheAgencyshallprocure
andmaintainafleetofheavymachinery,includingvactortrucks,necessaryto
assistmunicipalitieswithdebrisremovalfromflood-impactedareasandthe
maintenanceofstormwaterandfloodmitigationsystemstopreventfuture
damage.Thefleetofheavymachineryshallbestoredandmaintained
regionallythroughouttheState.
Sec.6.10V.S.A.§ 1007isaddedtoread:
§ 1007.AGENCYDUTIES;FLOODRESILIENCYANDSTREAMFLOW
PROJECTS
TheAgencyofNaturalResourcesshallestablishaprogramtoimplement
andimprovestreamflowprojectsinresponsetofloodrisks,including:
(1)theclearingdebrisfromsurfacewaterstopreventtheblockageof
waterways,floodplains,orotherfloodresiliencysystems;
(2)therestorationofdegradedflood-retentionsystemsandreservoirsto
theiroriginalspecifications;
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(3)thealterationofriversorriverbedstomitigatefloodrisk;and
(4)thepermittingofalternative,cost-effectivefloodmitigation
solutionstoallowforexpeditedprojectimplementation.
Sec.7.10V.S.A.§ 1429isaddedtoread:
§ 1429.AGENCYDUTIES;FLOODRESILIENCYANDRIVER
CORRIDORNATURALIZATIONPROJECTS
TheAgencyofNaturalResourcesshallestablishaprogramtodesignate
areasatriskofseverefloodingandcreatefloodwayswithinportionsofthose
designatedareastomitigatethedamagecausedbysevereflooding.Through
theprogram,theAgencyshallalsosupportriverbanknaturalizationprojectsto
enhanceecologicalresilience,reduceerosion,andimprovefloodmitigation
withindesignatedareas.
Sec.8.DIVISIONOFEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT; POSITIONS;
APPROPRIATION
(a)ThefollowingpositionsarecreatedintheDivisionofEmergency
Management:
(1)onefull-time,exemptMunicipalGrantLiaison;and
(2)onefull-time,exemptFloodMitigationTechnician.
(b)TheMunicipalGrantLiaisonshallbededicatedtograntresearch,grant
applicationssupport,coordinationbetweenmunicipalcorporationsandthe
FederalEmergencyManagementAgency,anddirectassistancetomunicipal
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corporationsfortheacquisitionofgrantsandotherfundingsourcesforflood
reliefandrecoveryefforts.TheFloodMitigationTechnicianshallbe
dedicatedtoprovidingorsupportingengineeringanalysesforfloodmitigation
projects,oversightofmunicipalfloodremediationandrecoveryprojects,and
managingtechnicalassistancetomunicipalcorporationsforfloodrecovery.
(c)ThereisappropriatedtotheDepartmentofPublicSafetyfromthe
GeneralFundinfiscalyear2026thesumof$225,000.00tosupportthetwo
positionscreatedinthissection.
Sec.9.DIVISIONOFEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT; FLOODAND
WEATHERALERTSYSTEMSFORMUNICIPAL
CORPORATIONS
(a)TheDivisionofEmergencyManagementshalldevelopfloodalert
systemsformunicipalcorporationsthathaveapopulationofnotmorethan
2,000residents.Ataminimum,theDivisionshallmakethefollowing
availabletoqualifyingmunicipalities:
(1)surfacewaterfloodmonitoringdevices,whichshallautomatically
triggernotificationsystemsforemergencyservicesprovidersandresidents;
and
(2)alertsystemsthatareintegratedwithastatewideweatheralert
systemforreal-timeupdatesduringsevereweatherevents.
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(b)TheDivisionshallalsodevelopandimplementastatewideenhanced
weatheralertsystem,whichshall:
(1)predictlocalandregionalconditionsusingadvancedmodeling;and
(2)issuereal-timewarningsforflooding,blizzards,andicestorms
throughmultiplecommunicationchannels.
Sec.10.DEPARTMENTOFBUILDINGSANDGENERALSERVICES;
TRANSFEROFRANDALLMEADOWPROPERTYINTHE
TOWNOFWATERBURY
OnorbeforeJuly1,2026,theDepartmentofBuildingsandGeneral
ServicesshallfinalizeatransferofState-ownedrealpropertyintheTownof
Waterburyreferredtoasthe“RandallMeadow.”TheDepartmentshallgrant
theTowntheabilitytoeitheracquireownershipofthepropertyoranoptionto
purchasetheproperty,whichshallremainavailableforaperiodoftenyears.
TheDepartmentshalltransferthispropertytotheTownofWaterbury.The
Townmayusethepropertyforfutureflood-resilientredevelopment.Priorto
completingthetransfer,theDepartmentshallcontractforengineeringand
othernecessaryservicestocreateahighervolumefloodwaywithinthebounds
oftheproperty.
Sec.11.DIVISIONOFEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT; STATE
STAKEHOLDERS;NEEDSASSESSMENT;REPORT
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TheDivisionofEmergencyManagement,ChiefRecoveryOfficer,Agency
ofCommerceandCommunityDevelopment,AgencyofNaturalResources,
andAgencyofTransportationshallconductaneedsassessmenttoidentifyany
additionalstaffing,resources,technicalneeds,orauthorityneededtocarryout
theprovisionsofthisact.OnorbeforeDecember15,2025,theDivisionshall
submitawrittenreporttotheHouseCommitteesonAppropriationsandon
GovernmentOperationsandMilitaryAffairsandtheSenateCommitteeson
AppropriationsandonGovernmentOperationscontainingtheneeds
assessmentsconductedbytheStateagenciesanddepartmentsidentifiedinthis
section.
Sec.12.EFFECTIVEDATE
ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.
***DivisionofEmergencyManagement;PlansandReports***
Sec.1.20V.S.A.§ 3aisamendedtoread:
§3a.EMERGENCYMANAGEMENT DIVISION;DUTIES;BUDGET
(a)Inadditiontootherdutiesrequiredbylaw,theDivisionofEmergency
Managementshall:
***
(3)AnnuallyonorbeforethelastlegislativedayinJanuary,providean
updateandpresentationtotheHouseCommitteeonGovernmentOperations
andMilitaryAffairsandtheSenateCommitteeonGovernmentOperations
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concerningallactionitemsintheall-hazardsmitigationplanrequiredby
subdivision(1)ofthissubsection.
(4)Provideassistancetomunicipalitiestodevelopandimplementthe
componentsoftheStatewideEmergencyManagementPlandescribedin
subdivision41(4)ofthischapter.
***
Sec.2.20V.S.A.§ 41isamendedtoread:
§41.STATEEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT PLAN
TheDepartmentofPublicSafety’sVermontEmergencyManagement
Division,incollaborationwiththeChiefRecoveryOfficerandinconsultation
withregionalplanningcommissions,theVermontLeagueofCitiesandTowns,
andVermont’slong-termrecoverygroups,shallcreate,andrepublishas
needed,butnotlessthaneveryfiveyears,acomprehensiveStateEmergency
ManagementPlan.ThePlanshall:
(1)detailresponsesystemsduringall-hazardsevents,including
communications,coordinationamongState,local,private,andvolunteer
entities,andthedeploymentofStateandfederalresources.ThePlanshall
also;
(2)detailtheState’semergencypreparednessmeasuresandgoals,
includingthoseforthepreventionof,protectionagainst,mitigationof,and
recoveryfromall-hazardsevents.ThePlanshall; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
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(3)includetemplatesandguidanceforregionalemergencymanagement
andforlocalemergencyplansthatsupportmunicipalitiesintheirrespective
emergencymanagementplanning;and
(4)provideaframeworkformunicipalitiestodevelopandimplement:
(A)emergencyparkingplansforareaswithinamunicipalityaffected
byanall-hazardevent;
(B)municipalplansandsystemstoensurethatvulnerable
populations,includingagingpopulationsandindividualswithdisabilities,
withinthemunicipalityarecontactedandvisitedtoensuretheirsafetyand
wellnessduringanall-hazardevent;
(B)municipalplansandsystems,developedincollaborationwiththe
AgencyofHumanServices,toensurethatvulnerablepopulations,including
olderVermontersandindividualswithdisabilities,withinthemunicipalityare
contactedandvisitedtoensuretheirsafetyandwellnessduringanall-hazard
event;
(C)emergencynotificationsystemstoprovidereal-timealertsto
residents,whichshallutilizemultichannelcommunicationsystems;and
(D)trainingtosupporttheofficersandstaffthatmunicipalitiesare
requiredtomaintainfollowinganall-hazardevent,includingindividual
assistancecoordinatorsanddisasterwastecoordinators. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
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***VoluntaryBuyoutProgramandVoluntaryBuyoutReimbursement
Program***
Sec.3.20V.S.A.§ 51isaddedtoread:
§ 51.FLOOD-PRONEPROPERTIES;VOLUNTARYBUYOUT
PROGRAM
TheDivisionofEmergencyManagementandtheAgencyofCommerceand
CommunityDevelopmentshallestablishandmaintaintheVoluntaryBuyout
Programforflood-proneproperties.TheProgramshallallowamunicipality,
attherequestoftheownerofaflood-proneproperty,toapplyforfundingto
coverthepurchasepriceoftheproperty.Thepurchasepriceshallbethefull
fairmarketvalueoftheflood-proneproperty.Themunicipalityshallmaintain
theacquiredpropertyasopenspacewithadeedrestrictionorcovenant
prohibitingdevelopmentoftheproperty.
Sec.4.32V.S.A.§ 3710isaddedtoread:
§3710.VOLUNTARYBUYOUTREIMBURSEMENTPROGRAM
(a)ThereisestablishedtheVoluntaryBuyoutReimbursementProgramto
reimbursemunicipalitiesforthevalueofmunicipalpropertytaxesassociated
withtheflood-pronepropertiesacquiredbyamunicipalitypursuantto20
V.S.A.§ 51andpreservedaspublicopenspacewithadeedrestrictionor
covenantprohibitingdevelopmentoftheproperty. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
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(b)OnorbeforeSeptember1ofeachyear,theCommissionerofPublic
SafetyshallcertifythepropertieseligiblefortheProgramtotheCommissioner
ofTaxesalongwithanyotherinformationrequiredbytheCommissionerof
Taxes.TobeeligibleforreimbursementundertheProgram,amunicipality
musthaveacquiredaneligiblepropertyonorafterJuly1,2023andpreserved
thepropertyaspublicopenspacewithadeedrestrictionorcovenant
prohibitingdevelopmentoftheproperty.TheCommissionerofPublicSafety
shallfirstcertifypropertiestotheCommissionerofTaxespursuanttothis
subsectiononorbeforeSeptember1,2025.
(c)TheCommissionerofTaxesshallcertifytheProgrampaymentamounts
totheSecretaryofAdministration.TheSecretaryshallmakeanannual
paymenttoeachmunicipalityforeacheligiblepropertytocompensateforthe
lossofmunicipalpropertytax.Thepaymentshallbecalculatedusingthe
grandlistvalueoftheacquiredpropertyfortheyearduringwhichtheproperty
waseitherdamagedbyfloodingoridentifiedasflood-pronebythe
CommissionerofPublicSafety,multipliedbythemunicipaltaxrate,including
anysubmunicipaltaxrates,ineffecteachyear.Thispaymentshallbemadeon
orbeforeJanuary1ofeachyearforfiveyears.
(d)Ifamunicipalityhasreceivedpaymentforanyacquiredpropertyunder
subsection(c)ofthissectionforfiveconsecutiveyears,itshallbeeligiblefor BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
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paymentforensuingfiveyearperiodsinanamountequaltoone-halfofthe
initialannualpaymentcalculatedundersubsection(c).
(e)PaymentsmadepursuanttothissectionshallbepaidfromthePILOT
SpecialFundestablishedundersection3709ofthissubchapter.Payments
shallbedisbursedonlyafterallotherrequirementsofsubchapter4ofthis
chapteraremet.IfthePILOTSpecialFundbalanceisinsufficienttopaythe
fullamountofallpaymentsauthorizedunderthissubchapter,thenpayments
calculatedunderthissectionandduetoeacheligiblemunicipalityforeach
propertyshallbereducedproportionately.
Sec.5.VOLUNTARYBUYOUTREIMBURSEMENTPROGRAM;
TRANSFERSFROMPILOTSPECIALFUND
Notwithstandinganyprovisionof32V.S.A.§ 3709tothecontrary,infiscal
year2026theCommissionerofFinanceandManagementshalltransferfrom
thePILOTSpecialFundtotheVoluntaryBuyoutReimbursementProgram
$1,000,000.00forpurposesoftheadministrationoftheProgram.
Sec.4.32V.S.A.§ 3709isamendedtoread:
§3709.PILOTSPECIALFUND
(a)ThereisherebyestablishedaPILOTSpecialFundconsistingoflocal
optiontaxrevenuespaidtotheTreasurerpursuantto24V.S.A.§138.This
FundshallbemanagedbytheCommissionerofTaxespursuanttochapter7,
subchapter5ofthistitle.Notwithstandingsubdivision588(3)ofthistitle,all BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
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interestearnedontheFundshallberetainedintheFundforuseinmeeting
futureobligations.TheFundshallbeexclusivelyforpaymentsrequiredunder
chapter123,subchaptersubchapters4and4Cofthistitle,andforany
additionalStatepaymentsinlieuoftaxesforcorrectionalfacilitiesandtothe
CityofMontpelier.TheCommissionerofFinanceandManagementmaydraw
warrantsfordisbursementsfromthisFundinanticipationofreceipts.
***
Sec.5.32V.S.A.chapter123,subchapter4Cisaddedtoread:
Subchapter4C.MunicipalGrandListStabilizationProgram
§3710.MUNICIPALGRANDLISTSTABILIZATIONPROGRAM
(a)ThereisestablishedtheMunicipalGrandListStabilizationProgram
withintheDepartmentofTaxestoreimbursemunicipalitiesformunicipal
propertytaxesassessedunderchapter133ofthistitleforflood-prone
propertiesacquiredbyamunicipalitypursuantto20V.S.A.§51oraprior
voluntarybuyoutprogramoperatedbytheDivisionofEmergency
Management.
(b)OnorbeforeSeptember1ofeachyear,theCommissionerofPublic
SafetyshallcertifytotheCommissionerofTaxesthepropertieseligibleforthe
MunicipalGrandListStabilizationProgramandshallsubmitanyother
informationrequiredbytheCommissionerofTaxes.Tobeeligiblefor BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
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theProgramunderthissubchapter,amunicipalitymusthaveacquiredan
eligiblepropertyonorafterJuly1,2023andpreservedthepropertyasopen
spacewithadeedrestrictionorcovenantprohibitingdevelopmentofthe
property.TheCommissionerofPublicSafetyshallfirstcertifypropertiesto
theCommissionerofTaxespursuanttothissubsectiononorbeforeSeptember
1,2025.
(c)UponnotificationbytheCommissionerofPublicSafety,the
CommissionerofTaxesshallcertifythepaymentamountsandmakeanannual
paymenttoeachmunicipalityforeacheligiblepropertytocompensateforthe
lossofmunicipalpropertytax.Thepaymentshallbecalculatedusingthe
grandlistvalueoftheacquiredpropertyfortheyearduringwhichtheproperty
waseitherdamagedbyfloodingoridentifiedasflood-pronebythe
CommissionerofPublicSafety,multipliedbythemunicipaltaxrate,including
anysubmunicipaltaxrates,ineffecteachyear.Thispaymentshallbemadeon
orbeforeJanuary1ofeachyearforfiveyears.
(d)Apropertyshallnotbeeligibleforreimbursementpaymentsformore
than10years.TheCommissionershallmakeanannualpaymentforthefull
amountcalculatedundersubsection(c)ofthissectionforfiveyears.Aftera
municipalityhasreceivedpaymentsforaneligiblepropertyforfive
consecutiveyears,theCommissionershallmakeanannualpaymenttothe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page21of37
municipalityforanysubsequentyearofeligibilityinanamountequaltoone-
halfoftheamountcalculatedundersubsection(c)ofthissection.
(e)Paymentunderthissectionshallbecalculatedandissuedfromthe
PILOTSpecialFundundersection3709ofthistitleonlyafterallothergrants
undersubchapter4ofthischapterarecalculatedandissued.IfthePILOT
SpecialFundbalanceisinsufficienttopaythefullamountofallpayments
authorizedunderthissubchapter,thenpaymentscalculatedunderthissection
andduetoeachmunicipalityforeachpropertyshallbereduced
proportionately.
***DivisionofEmergencyManagement;AssistancetoMunicipalities***
Sec.6.DIVISIONOFEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT;POSITIONS;
APPROPRIATION
(a)ThefollowingpositionsarecreatedintheDivisionofEmergency
Management:
(1)onefull-time,exemptMunicipalGrantLiaison;and
(2)onefull-time,exemptAll-HazardMitigationTechnician.
(b)TheMunicipalGrantLiaisonshallbededicatedtograntresearch,
grantapplicationssupport,coordinationbetweenmunicipalcorporationsand
theFederalEmergencyManagementAgency,anddirectassistanceto
municipalcorporationsfortheacquisitionofgrantsandotherfundingsources
forall-hazardreliefandrecoveryefforts.TheFloodAll-HazardMitigation BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page22of37
Technicianshallbededicatedtoprovidingorsupportingengineeringanalyses
forall-hazardmitigationprojects,oversightofmunicipalremediationand
recoveryprojects,andmanagingtechnicalassistancetomunicipal
corporationsforall-hazardrecovery.
Sec.6.[Deleted.]
Sec.7.DIVISIONOFEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT;ALL-HAZARD
ANDWEATHERALERTSYSTEMSFORMUNICIPAL
CORPORATIONS
Sec.7.20V.S.A.§ 52isaddedtoread:
§ 52.DIVISIONOFEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT;ALL-HAZARD
ANDWEATHERALERTSYSTEMSFORMUNICIPAL
CORPORATIONS
Uponrequestofamunicipalcorporation,theDivisionofEmergency
Management,incollaborationwithregionalplanningcommissionsandthe
VermontLeagueofCitiesandTowns,shallassistthemunicipalcorporation
withaccesstoanddevelopmentofthefollowing:
(1)surfacewaterfloodmonitoringdevices,whichshallautomatically
triggernotificationsystemsforemergencyservicesprovidersandresidents;
(2)alertsystemsthatareintegratedwithastatewideweatheralert
systemforreal-timeupdatesduringsevereweatherevents;and
(3)connectiontoastatewideenhancedweatheralertsystemthat: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page23of37
(A)predictslocalandregionalconditionsusingadvancedmodeling;
and
(B)issuesreal-timewarningsforflooding,blizzards,andicestorms
throughmultiplecommunicationchannels.
***NeedsAssessmentReport***
Sec.8.DIVISIONOFEMERGENCYMANAGEMENT;STATE
STAKEHOLDERS;NEEDSASSESSMENT;REPORT
TheDivisionofEmergencyManagement,ChiefRecoveryOfficer,Agencyof
CommerceandCommunityDevelopment,AgencyofNaturalResources,and
AgencyofTransportationshallconductaneedsassessmenttoidentifyany
additionalstaffing,resources,technicalneeds,orauthorityneededtocarryout
theprovisionsofthisact.OnorbeforeNovember15,2025,theDivisionshall
submitawrittenreporttotheHouseCommitteesonAppropriationsandon
GovernmentOperationsandMilitaryAffairsandtheSenateCommitteeson
AppropriationsandonGovernmentOperationscontainingtheneeds
assessmentsconductedbytheStateagenciesanddepartmentsidentifiedinthis
section.
***VermontCommunityRadioProgram***
Sec.9.VERMONTCOMMUNITYRADIOGRANTPROGRAM
(a)Findings.TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthat: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page24of37
(1)Vermont’ssevenactivecommunityradiostationscurrentlyserve
over200,000Vermonters,manyinruralandunderservedareas.
(2)Communityradiostationshaveconsistentlyprovidedcritical
informationduringemergencies,includingTropicalStormIrene,recentsevere
flooding,andothernaturaldisasters.
(3)Thesestationsoperatewithsmallbudgets,primarilyrelyingon
volunteerstaffandlistenerdonations,andareineligibleforfederalfunding
throughtheCorporationforPublicBroadcastingduetotheirsize.
(4)UpcomingFCC-approvedstationsinBristol,Richmond-Underhill-
Jericho,andLudlowwillexpandcoveragetonearlyallVermontcounties,
increasingstatewideaccessibilitytovitalcommunityradioservices.
(5)InvestmentinthesestationsstrengthensVermont’spublicsafety
networkandpromotescivicengagementbyprovidinglocal,hyper-focused
contentthatcommercialandstatewidemediacannotreplicate.
(b)Intent.TheintentofthissectionistoensureVermont’scommunity
radiostationsremainresilientandpreparedtoserveaslifelinesduring
emergencieswhilefosteringlocalengagementandpreservingVermont’s
uniquecommunityfabric.
(c)Grantprogram.
(1)TheVermontCommunityRadioGrantProgramisestablishedto
provideone-timefundingtocommunityradiostationsforthepurposeof: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page25of37
(A)upgradingequipmentandinfrastructurenecessaryforreliable
emergencybroadcasting;
(B)procuringandinstallingbackupgenerators;and
(C)enhancingoperationalsustainabilitythroughsoftware
improvementsandtechnicaltraining.
(2)TheProgramshallbeadministeredbytheCommissionerofPublic
SafetyordesigneeincollaborationwiththeVermontAssociationof
Broadcasters.
(3)Grantsshallbeallocatedasfollows:
(A)upto$25,000.00perstationforsevenactivecommunityradio
stations;and
(B)upto$10,000.00perstationforthreeupcomingstations
currentlyunderconstruction.
(4)TobeeligibleforagrantundertheProgram,anapplicantshall:
(A)beanonprofit,noncommercialcommunityradiostationlicensed
inVermont;
(B)demonstrateahistoryofprovidingemergencybroadcasting
servicesorshowthecapacitytoprovidethoseservicesuponfunding;and
(C)submitadetailedimplementationplanfortheproposeduseof
grantfunding. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page26of37
(d)Report.OnorbeforeJune30,2026,acommunityradiostationthat
receivesagrantundertheProgramshallprovidetotheCommissionerof
PublicSafetyareportdetailingthe:
(1)useofgrantfunds,includingitemizedexpenses;
(2)improvementsachievedinemergencyreadinessandoperational
capacity;and
(3)impactoncommunityserviceandengagement.
Sec.9.[Deleted.]
***MunicipalFinancesandIndebtedness***
Sec.10.24V.S.A.1585isaddedtoread:
§ 1585.UNASSIGNEDFUNDBALANCE
Moniesfromabudgetapprovedbythevotersatanannualorspecial
meetingthatarenotexpendedbytheendofamunicipality’sfiscalyearshall
beunderthecontrolanddirectionofthelegislativebodyofthemunicipality
andmaybecarriedforwardfromyeartoyearasanunassignedfundbalance.
Unassignedfundbalancesmaybeinvestedandreinvestedasareothermonies
receivedbyatowntreasurerandmaybeexpendedforanypublicpurposeas
establishedbythelegislativebodyofthemunicipality.
Sec.11.24V.S.A.§ 1790isaddedtoread:
§ 1790.EMERGENCYBORROWING;ALL-HAZARDEVENTORSTATE
OFEMERGENCY BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page27of37
Thelegislativebodyofamunicipalitymayborrowmoney,inthenameof
themunicipalcorporation,byissuanceofitsnotesorordersforthepurposeof
payingexpensesofthemunicipalcorporationorforpublicimprovements
associatedwithanall-hazardseventoradeclaredstateofemergencypursuant
to20V.S.A.chapter1.Thenotesorordersshallbeforaperiodofnotmore
thanfiveyearsoratermnottoexceedthereasonablyanticipatedusefullifeof
theimprovementsorassetsfinancedbythenotesororders.
Sec.12.24V.S.A.§ 1759isamendedtoread:
§1759.DENOMINATIONS;PAYMENTS;INTEREST
(a)(1)Anybondissuedunderthissubchaptershalldrawinterestatarate
nottoexceedtherateapprovedbythevotersofthemunicipalcorporationin
accordancewithsection1758ofthistitle,orifnorateisspecifiedinthevote
underthatsection,atarateapprovedbythelegislativebranchbodyofthe
municipalcorporation,suchtheinteresttobepayablesemiannuallyas
determinedbythelegislativebodyofthemunicipalcorporation.SuchThe
bondsorbondshallbepayableserially,thefirstpaymenttobedeferrednot
laterthanfromonetofiveyearsaftertheissuanceofthebondsandsubsequent
principalpaymentsordebtservicepayments,whichincludebothprincipaland
interestpayments,tobecontinuedannuallyinequalsubstantiallylevelor
diminishingdecliningamounts,asdeterminedbythelegislativebodyofthe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page28of37
municipality,sothattheentiredebtwillbepaidinnotmorethan20yearsfrom
thedateofissue.
(2)Inthecaseofbondsissuedforthepurchaseordevelopmentofa
municipalforest,thefirstpaymentmaybedeferrednotmorethan30years
fromthedateofissuancethereofofthebond.ThereaftersuchAfterany
deferralperiod,thebondsorbondshallbepayableannuallyinequal
substantiallylevelordiminishingamountsdecliningannualdebtserviceasthe
legislativebodyofthemunicipalcorporationmaydetermine,sothattheentire
debtwillbepaidinnotmorethan60yearsfromthedateofissue.
***
(b)Generalobligationbondsauthorizedunderthissubchapterforthe
purposeoffinancingtheimprovement,construction,acquisition,repair,
renovation,andreplacementofamunicipalplantasdefinedin30V.S.A.§
2901shallbepaidserially,thefirstpaymenttobedeferrednotlaterthanfrom
onetofiveyearsaftertheissuanceofthebonds,andsubsequentprincipal
paymentsordebtservicepayments,whichincludebothprincipalandinterest
payments,tobecontinuedannuallyinsubstantiallylevelordecliningamounts,
asdeterminedbythelegislativebodyofthemunicipalcorporation,sothatthe
entiredebtwillbepaidoveratermequaltotheusefullifeofthefinanced
improvements,butnotmorethan40yearsfromthedateofissue,andmaybe
soarrangedthatbeginningwiththefirstyearinwhichprincipalispayable, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page29of37
theamountofprincipalandinterestinanyyearshallbeasnearlyequalasis
practicableaccordingtothedenominationinwhichsuchbondsareissued,
notwithstandingotherpermissiblepaymentschedulesauthorizedbythis
section.
Sec.12.[Deleted.]
***DamDrawdownDuringEmergencyFloodEvents***
Sec.13.20V.S.A.§ 9isamendedtoread:
§9.EMERGENCYPOWERSOFGOVERNOR
Subjecttotheprovisionsofthischapter,intheeventofanall-hazardsevent
inordirectedupontheUnitedStatesorCanadathatcausesormaycause
substantialdamageorinjurytopersonsorpropertywithintheStateinany
manner,theGovernormaydeclareastateofemergencywithintheentireState
oranyportionorportionsoftheState.Thereafter,theGovernorshallhave
andmayexerciseforaslongastheGovernordeterminestheemergencyto
existthefollowingadditionalpowerswithinsuchtheareaorareas:
***
(12)InconsultationwiththeSecretaryofNaturalResourcesor
designee,toauthorizetheAgencytowaiveapplicablepermitsandrestrictions
under10V.S.A.chapter47ortheVermontWaterQualityStandardstoallow
damswithintheStatetodrawdownwaterlevelsinanticipationofaflood
eventthatislikelytocausesubstantialdamageorinjurytopersonsor BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page30of37
property.WaiversmayonlybeissuediftheGovernor,inconsultationwiththe
SecretaryofNaturalResourcesordesignee,hassignificantreasontobelieve
doingsowilldecreasetheriskofsubstantialdamagetopersonsorproperty
withintheState.Damoperatorsoperatingunderawaivershallberequiredto
makeeveryefforttominimizetheenvironmentalimpactofawaterlevel
drawdownundertheauthorizedwaiver.
***LocalOptionTax;AmountPaidtoMunicipality***
Sec.13a.24V.S.A.§ 138isamendedtoread:
§138.LOCALOPTIONTAXES
***
(c)(1)Anytaximposedundertheauthorityofthissectionshallbecollected
andadministeredbytheDepartmentofTaxes,inaccordancewithStatelaw
governingsuchStatetaxortaxesandsubdivision(2)ofthissubsection;
provided,however,thatasalestaximposedunderthissectionshallbe
collectedoneachsalethatissubjecttotheVermontsalestaxusinga
destinationbasisfortaxation.Exceptwithrespecttotaxescollectedonthe
saleofaviationjetfuel,aper-returnfeeof$5.96shallbeassessed,7075
percentofwhichshallbebornebythemunicipality,and3025percentof
whichshallbebornebytheStatetobepaidfromthePILOTSpecialFund.
Notwithstanding32V.S.A.§603oranyotherprovisionoflawormunicipal
chartertothecontrary,revenuefromthefeeshallbeusedtocompensatethe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page31of37
Departmentforthecostsofadministeringandcollectingthelocaloptiontax
andofadministeringtheStateappraisalandlitigationprogramestablishedin
32V.S.A.§5413.Thefeeshallbesubjecttotheprovisionsof32V.S.A.§ 605.
***
(d)(1)Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(c)ofthissectionandsubdivision
(2)ofthissubsectionwithrespecttotaxescollectedonthesaleofaviationjet
fuel,ofthetaxescollectedunderthissection,7075percentofthetaxesshall
bepaidonaquarterlybasistothemunicipalityinwhichtheywerecollected,
afterreductionforthecostsofadministrationandcollectionundersubsection
(c)ofthissection.Revenuesreceivedbyamunicipalitymaybeexpendedfor
municipalservicesonly,andnotforeducationexpenditures.Anyremaining
revenueshallbedepositedintothePILOTSpecialFundestablishedby32
V.S.A.§3709.
***
***FloodingAbatementProgram***
Sec.13b.2024ActsandResolvesNo.82,Sec.1,asamendedby2024Acts
andResolvesNo.108,Sec.3,isfurtheramendedtoread:
Sec.1.REIMBURSEMENTTOMUNICIPALITIESOFSTATE
EDUCATIONPROPERTYTAXESTHATWEREABATEDDUE
TOFLOODING BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page32of37
(a)(1)TheCommissionerofTaxesmayapproveanapplicationbya
municipalityforreimbursementofStateeducationpropertytaxpaymentsowed
under32V.S.A.§5402(c)and16V.S.A.§426.Tobeeligiblefor
reimbursementunderthissection,priortoNovember15,20242025,a
municipalitymusthaveabated,inproportiontotheabatedmunicipaltax,
under24V.S.A.§1535theStateeducationpropertytaxesthatwereassessed
oneligibleproperty,afterapplicationofanypropertytaxcreditallowedunder
32V.S.A.chapter154.
(2)Asusedinthissubsection,“eligibleproperty”meanspropertylost
ordestroyedduedirectlyorindirectlytoseverestormsandfloodinginanarea
thatwasdeclaredafederaldisasterbetweenJuly1,2023andOctober15,
2023December31,2024,providedthelossordestructionresultedinoneor
moreofthefollowing:
(A)a50percentorgreaterlossinvaluetotheprimarystructureon
theproperty;
(B)lossofusebythepropertyowneroftheprimarystructureonthe
propertyfor60daysormore;
(C)lossofaccessbythepropertyownertoutilitiesfortheprimary
structureonthepropertyfor60daysormore;or
(D)condemnationoftheprimarystructureonthepropertyunder
federal,State,ormunicipallaw,asapplicable. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page33of37
(b)Ifamunicipalitydemonstratesthat,duetodisruptiontotaxcollections
resultingfromfloodinginanareathatwasdeclaredafederaldisasterbetween
July1,2023andOctober15,2023December31,2024,themunicipality
incurredunanticipatedinterestexpensesonfundsborrowedtomakeState
educationpropertytaxpaymentsowedunder32V.S.A.§5402(c)and16V.S.A.
§426,themunicipalitymaybereimbursedbyanamountequaltoits
reasonableinterestexpensesunderthissubsection,providedtheamountof
reimbursedinterestexpensesshallnotexceedeightpercent.
***
***Appropriations***
Sec.14.APPROPRIATIONS
(a)Infiscalyear2026,thefollowingsumsareappropriatedfromthe
GeneralFundtotheDepartmentofPublicSafety:
(1)$275,000.00tosupportthetwopositionscreatedinSec.6ofthis
act;
(2)$950,000.00tosupporttheUrbanSearchandRescueTeamcreated
pursuantto20V.S.A.§ 50;and
(3)$205,000.00forthepurposeoffundingtheVermontCommunity
RadioGrantProgram. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page34of37
(b)Infiscalyear2026,thesumof$275,000.00isappropriatedfromthe
GeneralFundtotheAgencyofNaturalResourcesforpurposesofprocuringa
fireapparatus.
(c)Anyunexpendedmoniesfromtheappropriationundersubdivision
(a)(3)ofthissectionshallreverttotheGeneralFundonorbeforeJuly1,
2026.
Sec.14.[Deleted.]
***MunicipalCharters;LocalOptionTaxRevenueShare***
Sec.14.24App.V.S.A.chapter3,§ 102disamendedtoread:
§102d.LOCALOPTIONSALESTAXAUTHORITY
TheBurlingtonCityCouncilisauthorizedtoimposeaonepercentsalestax
uponsaleswithintheCitythataresubjecttotheStateofVermontsalestax
withthesameexemptionsastheStatesalestax.TheCitysalestaxshallbe
effectivebeginningonthenexttaxquarterfollowing30days’noticein2006to
theDepartmentofTaxes,orshallbeeffectiveonthenexttaxquarterfollowing
90days’noticetotheDepartmentofTaxesifnoticeisgivenin2007orafter.
Anytaximposedundertheauthorityofthissectionshallbecollectedand
administeredbytheVermontDepartmentofTaxesinaccordancewithStatelaw
governingtheStatesalestax.SeventypercentoftheThetaxescollectedshall
bepaidtotheCity,andtheremainingamountofthetaxescollectedshallbe
remittedtotheStateTreasurerfordepositinthePILOTSpecialFundfirst BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page35of37
establishedin1997ActsandResolvesNo.60,Sec.89.Thecostof
administrationandcollectionofthistaxshallbepaid70percentbytheCity
and30percentbytheStatefromthePILOTSpecialFundpursuantto24
V.S.A.§ 138.ThetaxtobepaidtotheCity,lessitsobligationfor70percent
ofthecostsofadministrationandcollection,pursuantto24V.S.A.§ 138shall
bepaidtotheCityonaquarterlybasisandmaybeexpendedbytheCityfor
municipalservicesonlyandnotforeducationexpenditures.
Sec.14a.24App.V.S.A.chapter5,§ 1214isamendedtoread:
§1214.LOCALOPTIONTAXES
Localoptiontaxesareauthorizedunderthissectionforthepurposeof
affordingtheCityanalternativemethodofraisingmunicipalrevenues.
Accordingly:
***
(3)Ofthetaxesreportedunderthissection,70percentshallbepaidto
theCityforcalendaryearsthereafter.SuchrevenuesTheCity’slocaloption
taxrevenuemaybeexpendedbytheCityformunicipalservicesonlyandnot
foreducationalexpenditures.Theremainingamountofthetaxesreported
shallberemittedmonthlytotheStateTreasurerfordepositinthePILOT
SpecialFundsetforthin32V.S.A.§3709.TaxesduetotheCityunderthis
sectionshallbepaidbytheStateonaquarterlybasis. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page36of37
Sec.14b.24App.V.S.A.chapter127,§ 1308aisamendedtoread:
§1308a.SALES,ROOMS,MEALS,ANDALCOHOLICBEVERAGES
TAX
***
(d)Ofthetaxescollectedunderthissection,70percentTheshareoftaxes
duetotheTownpursuantto24V.S.A.§ 138shallbepaidtotheTownona
quarterlybasistotheTownafterreductionforthecostsofadministrationand
collectionundersubsection(c)ofthissection.RevenuesreceivedbytheTown
maybeexpendedformunicipalservicesonlyandnotforeducation
expenditures.AnyremainingrevenuesshallbedepositedinthePILOTSpecial
Fundestablishedby32V.S.A.§3709.
Sec.14c.24App.V.S.A.chapter171,§ 18isamendedtoread:
§18.LOCALOPTIONSTAX
TheSelectboardisauthorizedtoimposeaonepercentsalestax,aone
percentmealsandalcoholicbeveragestax,andaonepercentroomstaxupon
saleswithintheTownthataresubjecttotheStateofVermonttaxonsales,
meals,alcoholicbeverages,androoms.TheTowntaxshallbeimplementedin
theeventtheStatelocaloptionstaxasprovidedforin24V.S.A.§138is
repealedorthe70-percentallocationtothetownisreduced.Ataximposed
undertheauthorityofthissectionshallbecollectedandadministeredbythe
VermontDepartmentofTaxesinaccordancewithStatelawgoverningtheState BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.397
2025 Page37of37
taxonsales,meals,alcoholicbeverages,androoms.Theamountof70percent
ofthetaxescollectedshallbepaidtotheTown,andtheremainingamountof
thetaxescollectedshallberemittedtotheStateTreasurerfordepositinthe
PilotSpecialFundfirstestablishedin1997ActsandResolvesNo.60,§89
pursuantto24V.S.A.§ 138.Thecostofadministrationandcollectionofthis
taxshallbepaid70percentbytheTownand30percentbytheStatefromthe
PilotSpecialFundpursuantto24V.S.A.§ 138.Thetaxtobepaidtothe
Town,lessitsobligationforthe70percentofthecostsofadministrationand
collection,pursuantto24V.S.A.§ 138shallbepaidtotheTownonaquarterly
basisandmaybeexpendedbytheTownformunicipalservicesonlyandnot
foreducationexpenditures.TheTownmayrepealthelocaloptiontaxesby
Australianballotvote.
***EffectiveDate***
Sec.15.EFFECTIVEDATE
ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.
***EffectiveDates***
Sec.15.EFFECTIVEDATES
(a)Thissectionshalltakeeffectonpassage.
(b)Notwithstanding1V.S.A.§214,Sec.13b(floodingabatement
reimbursementprogram)shalltakeeffectretroactivelyonNovember15,2024.
(c)AllothersectionsshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.