VT
Vermont House Bill H0479

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0479 Compare Versions

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1-BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
1+BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
22 2025 Page 1 of 38
3-H.479
4-IntroducedbyCommitteeonGeneralandHousing
5-Date:
6-Subject:Housing;housingprograms;conservationanddevelopment;landuse;
7-municipalzoning;appeals;municipalandcountygovernment;
8-VermontBondBank;taxationandfinance;taxcredits;municipal
9-taxes
10-Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestomake
11-multiplechangesrelatedtohousingprograms.Specifically,thebillproposes
12-tomakeamendmentstotheVermontRentalHousingImprovementProgram
13-andcreatetheManufacturedHomeImprovementandRepairProgram,create
14-theVermontInfrastructureSustainabilityFund,allowfortaxcreditsforthe
15-First-GenerationHomebuyerandDownPaymentAssistanceProgram,make
16-changestotheBrownfieldPropertyCleanupProgram,allowformunicipalities
17-toenactaonepercenttaxonshort-termrentals,makeamendmentstothe
18-landlordcertificaterequirements,makechangestotherequirementsfor
19-municipalzoningappeals,createtheuniversaldesignstudycommittee,and
20-requiremultiplehousingrelatedreports.
21-Anactrelatingtohousing
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40-19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
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4+
5+VT LEG #381011 v.9
6+H.479 1
7+Introduced by Committee on General and Housing 2
8+Date: 3
9+Subject: Housing; housing programs; conservation and development; land use; 4
10+municipal zoning; appeals; municipal and county government; 5
11+Vermont Bond Bank; taxation and finance; tax credits; municipal 6
12+taxes 7
13+Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to make multiple 8
14+changes related to housing programs. Specifically, the bill proposes to make 9
15+amendments to the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program and create 10
16+the Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program, create the 11
17+Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund, allow for tax credits for the First-12
18+Generation Homebuyer and Down Payment Assistance Program, make 13
19+changes to the Brownfield Property Cleanup Program, allow for municipalities 14
20+to enact a one percent tax on short-term rentals, make amendments to the 15
21+landlord certificate requirements, make changes to the requirements for 16
22+municipal zoning appeals, create the universal design study committee, and 17
23+require multiple housing related reports. 18
24+An act relating to housing 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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42-ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
43-***VermontRentalHousingImprovementProgram***
44-Sec.1.10V.S.A.§ 699isamendedtoread:
45-§699.VERMONTRENTALHOUSINGIMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
46-(a)CreationofProgram.
47-***
48-(5)(A)TheDepartmentmaycooperatewithandsubgrantfundstoState
49-agenciesandgovernmentalsubdivisionsandpublicandprivateorganizations
50-inordertocarryoutthepurposesofthissubsection.
51-(B)Solelywithregardstoactionsundertakenpursuanttothis
52-subdivision,entitiescarryingouttheprovisionsofthissection,including
53-grantees,subgrantees,andcontractorsoftheState,shallbeexemptfromthe
54-provisionsof8V.S.A.chapter73(licensedlenders,mortgagebrokers,
55-mortgageloanoriginators,salesfinancecompanies,andloansolicitation
56-companies).
57-***
58-(d)Programrequirementsapplicabletograntsandforgivableloans.
59-(1)(A)Agrantorloanshallnotexceed:
60-(i)$70,000.00perunit,forrehabilitationorcreationofaneligible
61-rentalhousingunitmeetingtheapplicablebuildingaccessibilityrequirements
62-undertheVermontAccessRules;or
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83-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
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28+VT LEG #381011 v.9
29+It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 1
30+* * * Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program * * * 2
31+Sec. 1. 10 V.S.A. § 699 is amended to read: 3
32+§ 699. VERMONT RENTAL HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 4
33+(a) Creation of Program. 5
34+* * * 6
35+(5)(A) The Department may cooperate with and subgrant funds to State 7
36+agencies and governmental subdivisions and public and private organizations 8
37+in order to carry out the purposes of this subsection. 9
38+(B) Solely with regards to actions undertaken pursuant to this 10
39+subdivision, entities carrying out the provisions of this section, including 11
40+grantees, subgrantees, and contractors of the State, shall be exempt from the 12
41+provisions of 8 V.S.A. chapter 73 (licensed lenders, mortgage brokers, 13
42+mortgage loan originators, sales finance companies, and loan solicitation 14
43+companies). 15
44+* * * 16
45+(d) Program requirements applicable to grants and forgivable loans. 17
46+(1)(A) A grant or loan shall not exceed: 18
47+(i) $70,000.00 per unit, for rehabilitation or creation of an eligible 19
48+rental housing unit meeting the applicable building accessibility requirements 20
49+under the Vermont Access Rules; or 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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85-(ii)$50,000.00perunit,forrehabilitationorcreationofanyother
86-eligiblerentalhousingunit.Uptoanadditional$20,000.00perunitmaybe
87-madeavailableforspecificelementsthatcollectivelybringtheunittothe
88-visitablestandardoutlinedintherulesadoptedbytheVermontAccessBoard.
89-***
90-(e)Programrequirementsapplicabletograntsandfive-yearforgivable
91-loans.Foragrantorfive-yearforgivableloanawardedthroughtheProgram,
92-thefollowingrequirementsapplyforaminimumperiodoffiveyears:
93-(1)Alandlordshallcoordinatewithnonprofithousingpartnersand
94-localcoordinatedentryhomelessnessserviceorganizationsapprovedbythe
95-Departmenttoidentifypotentialtenants.
96-(2)(A)Exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(2)(B)ofthissubsection(e),a
97-landlordshallleasetheunittoahouseholdthatis:
98-(i)exitinghomelessness,includinganyindividualunder25years
99-ofagewhosecureshousingthroughamasterleaseheldbyayouthservice
100-provideronbehalfofindividualsunder25yearsofage;
101-(ii)activelyworkingwithanimmigrantorrefugeeresettlement
102-program;or
103-(iii)composedofatleastoneindividualwithadisabilitywho
104-receivesoriseligibleapprovedtoreceiveMedicaid-fundedhomeand
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53+VT LEG #381011 v.9
54+(ii) $50,000.00 per unit, for rehabilitation or creation of any other 1
55+eligible rental housing unit. Up to an additional $20,000.00 per unit may be 2
56+made available for specific elements that collectively bring the unit to the 3
57+visitable standard outlined in the rules adopted by the Vermont Access Board. 4
58+* * * 5
59+(e) Program requirements applicable to grants and five-year forgivable 6
60+loans. For a grant or five-year forgivable loan awarded through the Program, 7
61+the following requirements apply for a minimum period of five years: 8
62+(1) A landlord shall coordinate with nonprofit housing partners and local 9
63+coordinated entry homelessness service organizations approved by the 10
64+Department to identify potential tenants. 11
65+(2)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (2)(B) of this subsection (e), a 12
66+landlord shall lease the unit to a household that is: 13
67+(i) exiting homelessness, including any individual under 25 years 14
68+of age who secures housing through a master lease held by a youth service 15
69+provider on behalf of individuals under 25 years of age; 16
70+(ii) actively working with an immigrant or refugee resettlement 17
71+program; or 18
72+(iii) composed of at least one individual with a disability who 19
73+receives or is eligible approved to receive Medicaid-funded home and 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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126-communitybasedhome-andcommunity-basedservicesorSocialSecurity
127-DisabilityInsurance;or
128-(iv)withapprovalfromtheDepartmentinwriting,an
129-organizationthatwillholdamasterleasethatexplicitlystatestheunitwillbe
130-usedinserviceofthepopulationsdescribedinthissubsection(e).
131-***
132-(4)(A)Alandlordmayconvertagranttoaforgivableloanupon
133-approvaloftheDepartmentandthehousingorganizationthatapprovedthe
134-grant.
135-(B)Alandlordwhoconvertsagranttoaforgivableloanshallreceive
136-a10-percentproratedcreditforloanforgivenessforeachyearinwhichthe
137-landlordparticipatesintheProgram.
138-(f)Requirementsapplicableto10-yearforgivableloans.Fora10-year
139-forgivableloanawardedthroughtheProgram,thefollowingrequirements
140-applyforaminimumperiodof10years:
141-(1)Alandlordshallcoordinatewithnonprofithousingpartnersand
142-localcoordinatedentryorganizationstoidentifypotentialtenantsThetotal
143-costofrentfortheunit,includingutilitiesnotcoveredbyrentpayments,shall
144-notexceedtheapplicablefairmarketrentestablishedbytheDepartmentof
145-HousingandUrbanDevelopment,exceptthatalandlordmayacceptahousing
146-voucherthatexceedsfairmarketrent,ifavailable.
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77+VT LEG #381011 v.9
78+community based home- and community-based services or Social Security 1
79+Disability Insurance; or 2
80+(iv) with approval from the Department in writing, an organization 3
81+that will hold a master lease that explicitly states the unit will be used in 4
82+service of the populations described in this subsection (e). 5
83+* * * 6
84+(4)(A) A landlord may convert a grant to a forgivable loan upon 7
85+approval of the Department and the housing organization that approved the 8
86+grant. 9
87+(B) A landlord who converts a grant to a forgivable loan shall receive 10
88+a 10-percent prorated credit for loan forgiveness for each year in which the 11
89+landlord participates in the Program. 12
90+(f) Requirements applicable to 10-year forgivable loans. For a 10-year 13
91+forgivable loan awarded through the Program, the following requirements 14
92+apply for a minimum period of 10 years: 15
93+(1) A landlord shall coordinate with nonprofit housing partners and local 16
94+coordinated entry organizations to identify potential tenants The total cost of 17
95+rent for the unit, including utilities not covered by rent payments, shall not 18
96+exceed the applicable fair market rent established by the Department of 19
97+Housing and Urban Development, except that a landlord may accept a housing 20
98+voucher that exceeds fair market rent, if available. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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169-(2)(A)Exceptasprovidedinsubdivision(2)(B)ofthissubsection(f),a
170-landlordshallleasetheunittoahouseholdthatis:
171-(i)exitinghomelessness,includinganyindividualunder25years
172-ofagewhosecureshousingthroughamasterleaseheldbyayouthservice
173-provideronbehalfofindividualsunder25yearsofage;
174-(ii)activelyworkingwithanimmigrantorrefugeeresettlement
175-program;or
176-(iii)composedofatleastoneindividualwithadisabilitywhois
177-eligibletoreceiveMedicaid-fundedhomeandcommunitybasedservices.
178-(B)If,uponpetitionofthelandlord,theDepartmentorthehousing
179-organizationthatissuedthegrantdeterminesthatahouseholdunder
180-subdivision(2)(A)ofthissubsection(f)isnotavailabletoleasetheunit,then
181-thelandlordshallleasetheunit:
182-(i)toahouseholdwithanincomeequaltoorlessthan80percent
183-ofareamedianincome;or
184-(ii)ifsuchahouseholdisunavailable,toanotherhouseholdwith
185-theapprovaloftheDepartmentorhousingorganization.
186-(3)(A)Alandlordshallacceptanyhousingvouchersthatareavailable
187-topayall,oraportionof,thetenant’srentandutilities.
188-(B)IfnohousingvoucherorfederalorStatesubsidyisavailable,the
189-costofrentfortheunit,includingutilitiesnotcoveredbyrentpayments,shall
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102+VT LEG #381011 v.9
103+(2)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (2)(B) of this subsection (f), a 1
104+landlord shall lease the unit to a household that is: 2
105+(i) exiting homelessness, including any individual under 25 years 3
106+of age who secures housing through a master lease held by a youth service 4
107+provider on behalf of individuals under 25 years of age; 5
108+(ii) actively working with an immigrant or refugee resettlement 6
109+program; or 7
110+(iii) composed of at least one individual with a disability who is 8
111+eligible to receive Medicaid-funded home and community based services. 9
112+(B) If, upon petition of the landlord, the Department or the housing 10
113+organization that issued the grant determines that a household under 11
114+subdivision (2)(A) of this subsection (f) is not available to lease the unit, then 12
115+the landlord shall lease the unit: 13
116+(i) to a household with an income equal to or less than 80 percent 14
117+of area median income; or 15
118+(ii) if such a household is unavailable, to another household with 16
119+the approval of the Department or housing organization. 17
120+(3)(A) A landlord shall accept any housing vouchers that are available to 18
121+pay all, or a portion of, the tenant’s rent and utilities. 19
122+(B) If no housing voucher or federal or State subsidy is available, the 20
123+cost of rent for the unit, including utilities not covered by rent payments, shall 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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212-notexceedtheapplicablefairmarketrentestablishedbytheDepartmentof
213-HousingandUrbanDevelopment.
214-(4)TheDepartmentshallforgive10percentoftheaproratedamountof
215-aforgivableloanforeachyearalandlordparticipatesintheloanprogram.
216-(g)Minimumfundingforgrantsandfive-yearforgivableloans.
217-(1)Annually,theDepartmentshallestablishaminimumallocationof
218-fundingsetasidetobeusedforfive-yeargrantsorforgivableloanstoserve
219-eligiblehouseholdspursuanttosubsection(e)ofthissection.Remaining
220-fundsmaybeusedforeitherfive-yeargrantsorforgivableloansor10-year
221-forgivableloanspursuanttosubsection(f)ofthissection.Thesetasideshall
222-beaminimumof30percentoffundsdisbursedannually.
223-(2)TheDepartmentshallconsultwiththeAgencyofHumanServicesto
224-evaluatefactorsinestablishingtheamountofthesetaside,including:
225-(A)theavailabilityofhousingvouchers;
226-(B)thecurrentneedforhousingforeligiblehouseholds;
227-(C)theabilityanddesireoflandlordstohouseeligiblehouseholds;
228-(D)thesupportservicesavailableforlandlords;and
229-(E)theprioruptakeandsuccessratesforparticipatinglandlords.
230-(3)TheDepartmentshallcoordinatewiththelocalCoordinatedEntry
231-LeadAgenciesandHomeOwnershipCenterstodirectreferralsforthose
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127+VT LEG #381011 v.9
128+not exceed the applicable fair market rent established by the Department of 1
129+Housing and Urban Development. 2
130+(4) The Department shall forgive 10 percent of the a prorated amount of 3
131+a forgivable loan for each year a landlord participates in the loan program. 4
132+(g) Minimum funding for grants and five-year forgivable loans. 5
133+(1) Annually, the Department shall establish a minimum allocation of 6
134+funding set aside to be used for five-year grants or forgivable loans to serve 7
135+eligible households pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. Remaining funds 8
136+may be used for either five-year grants or forgivable loans or 10-year 9
137+forgivable loans pursuant to subsection (f) of this section. The set aside shall 10
138+be a minimum of 30 percent of funds disbursed annually. 11
139+(2) The Department shall consult with the Agency of Human Services to 12
140+evaluate factors in establishing the amount of the set aside, including: 13
141+(A) the availability of housing vouchers; 14
142+(B) the current need for housing for eligible households; 15
143+(C) the ability and desire of landlords to house eligible households; 16
144+(D) the support services available for landlords; and 17
145+(E) the prior uptake and success rates for participating landlords. 18
146+(3) The Department shall coordinate with the local Coordinated Entry 19
147+Lead Agencies and HomeOwnership Centers to direct referrals for those 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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253-individualsorfamiliesprioritizedtobehousedpursuanttothefive-yeargrants
254-orforgivableloans.
255-(4)Fundsfromthesetasidenotutilizedafteroneyearshallbecome
256-availablefor10-yearforgivableloans.
257-(5)TheDepartmentshallannuallypublishtheamountofthesetaside
258-onitswebsite.
259-***
260-(i)CreationoftheVermontRentalHousingImprovementProgram
261-RevolvingFund.FundsrepaidorreturnedtotheDepartmentfromforgivable
262-loansorgrantsfundedbytheProgramshallreturntotheVermontRental
263-HousingImprovementRevolvingFundtobeusedforProgramexpenditures
264-andadministrativecostsatthediscretionoftheDepartment.
265-(j)Annually,theDepartmentshallsubmitareporttotheHouse
266-CommitteesonHumanServicesandonGeneralandHousingandtheSenate
267-CommitteeonEconomicDevelopment,HousingandGeneralAffairs
268-regardingthefollowing:
269-(1)separately,thenumberofunitsfundedandthenumberofunits
270-rehabilitatedthroughgrants,throughafive-yearforgivableloan,andthrougha
271-10-yearforgivableloan;
272-(2)forgrantsandfive-yearforgivableloans,forthefirstyearafterthe
273-expirationoftheleaserequirementsoutlinedinsubdivision(e)(2)(A)ofthis
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151+VT LEG #381011 v.9
152+individuals or families prioritized to be housed pursuant to the five-year grants 1
153+or forgivable loans. 2
154+(4) Funds from the set aside not utilized after one year shall become 3
155+available for 10-year forgivable loans. 4
156+(5) The Department shall annually publish the amount of the set aside 5
157+on its website. 6
158+* * * 7
159+(i) Creation of the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program 8
160+Revolving Fund. Funds repaid or returned to the Department from forgivable 9
161+loans or grants funded by the Program shall return to the Vermont Rental 10
162+Housing Improvement Revolving Fund to be used for Program expenditures 11
163+and administrative costs at the discretion of the Department. 12
164+(j) Annually, the Department shall submit a report to the House 13
165+Committees on Human Services and on General and Housing and the Senate 14
166+Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs regarding 15
167+the following: 16
168+(1) separately, the number of units funded and the number of units 17
169+rehabilitated through grants, through a five-year forgivable loan, and through a 18
170+10-year forgivable loan; 19
171+(2) for grants and five-year forgivable loans, for the first year after the 20
172+expiration of the lease requirements outlined in subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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296-section,whethertheunitisstilloccupiedbyatenantwhomeetsthe
297-qualificationsofthatsubdivision;
298-(3)foreachprogram,forthefirstyearaftertheexpirationofthe
299-applicableleaserequirementsoutlinedinthissection,theamountofrent
300-chargedbythelandlordandhowthatrentcomparestofairmarketrent
301-establishedbytheDepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment;and
302-(4)therateofturnoverfortenantshousedutilizinggrantsorfive-year
303-forgivableloansand10-yearforgivableloansseparately.
304-***MHIR***
305-Sec.2.10V.S.A.§ 700isaddedtoread:
306-§ 700.VERMONTMANUFACTURED HOMEIMPROVEMENT AND
307-REPAIRPROGRAM
308-(a)ThereiscreatedwithintheDepartmentofHousingandCommunity
309-DevelopmenttheManufacturedHomeImprovementandRepairProgram.The
310-DepartmentshalldesignandimplementtheProgramtoawardfundingto
311-statewideorregionalnonprofithousingorganizations,orboth,toprovide
312-financialassistanceorawardstomanufacturedhomeownersandmanufactured
313-homeparkownerstoimproveexistinghomes,incentivizenewslabplacement
314-forprospectivehomeowners,andincentivizeparkimprovementsforinfillof
315-morehomes.
316-(b)ThefollowingprojectsareeligibleforfundingthroughtheProgram:
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175+
176+VT LEG #381011 v.9
177+section, whether the unit is still occupied by a tenant who meets the 1
178+qualifications of that subdivision; 2
179+(3) for each program, for the first year after the expiration of the 3
180+applicable lease requirements outlined in this section, the amount of rent 4
181+charged by the landlord and how that rent compares to fair market rent 5
182+established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and 6
183+(4) the rate of turnover for tenants housed utilizing grants or five-year 7
184+forgivable loans and 10-year forgivable loans separately. 8
185+* * * MHIR * * * 9
186+Sec. 2. 10 V.S.A. § 700 is added to read: 10
187+§ 700. VERMONT MANUFACTURED HOME IMPROVEMENT AND 11
188+ REPAIR PROGRAM 12
189+(a) There is created within the Department of Housing and Community 13
190+Development the Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program. The 14
191+Department shall design and implement the Program to award funding to 15
192+statewide or regional nonprofit housing organizations, or both, to provide 16
193+financial assistance or awards to manufactured homeowners and manufactured 17
194+home park owners to improve existing homes, incentivize new slab placement 18
195+for prospective homeowners, and incentivize park improvements for infill of 19
196+more homes. 20
197+(b) The following projects are eligible for funding through the Program: 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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339-(1)TheDepartmentmayawardupto$20,000.00toownersof
340-manufacturedhousingcommunitiestocompletesmall-scalecapitalneedsto
341-helpinfillvacantlotswithhomes,includingdisposalofabandonedhomes,lot
342-gradingandpreparation,thesitingandupgradingofelectricalboxes,
343-enhancingE-911safetyissues,transportinghomesoutoffloodzones,and
344-improvingindividualsepticsystems.Costsawardedunderthissubdivision
345-mayalsocoverlegalfeesandmarketingtohelpmakeiteasierforhome-
346-seekerstofindvacantlotsaroundtheState.
347-(2)TheDepartmentmayawardfundingtomanufacturedhomeowners
348-forwhichthehomeistheirprimaryresidencetoaddresshabitabilityand
349-accessibilityissuestobringthehomeintocompliancewithsafeliving
350-conditions.
351-(3)TheDepartmentmayawardupto$15,000.00pergranttoa
352-homeownertopayforafoundationorfederalDepartmentofHousingand
353-UrbanDevelopment-approvedslab,sitepreparation,skirting,tie-downs,and
354-utilityconnectionsonvacantlotswithinamanufacturedhomecommunity.
355-(c)TheDepartmentmayadoptrules,policies,andguidelinestoaidin
356-enactingtheProgram.
357-***VermontInfrastructureSustainabilityFund***
358-Sec.3.24V.S.A.chapter119,subchapter6isamendedtoread:
359-Subchapter6.SpecialFunds
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201+VT LEG #381011 v.9
202+(1) The Department may award up to $20,000.00 to owners of 1
203+manufactured housing communities to complete small-scale capital needs to 2
204+help infill vacant lots with homes, including disposal of abandoned homes, lot 3
205+grading and preparation, the siting and upgrading of electrical boxes, 4
206+enhancing E-911 safety issues, transporting homes out of flood zones, and 5
207+improving individual septic systems. Costs awarded under this subdivision 6
208+may also cover legal fees and marketing to help make it easier for home-7
209+seekers to find vacant lots around the State. 8
210+(2) The Department may award funding to manufactured homeowners 9
211+for which the home is their primary residence to address habitability and 10
212+accessibility issues to bring the home into compliance with safe living 11
213+conditions. 12
214+(3) The Department may award up to $15,000.00 per grant to a 13
215+homeowner to pay for a foundation or federal Department of Housing and 14
216+Urban Development-approved slab, site preparation, skirting, tie-downs, and 15
217+utility connections on vacant lots within a manufactured home community. 16
218+(c) The Department may adopt rules, policies, and guidelines to aid in 17
219+enacting the Program. 18
220+* * * Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund * * * 19
221+Sec. 3. 24 V.S.A. chapter 119, subchapter 6 is amended to read: 20
222+Subchapter 6. Special Funds 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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382-***
383-§ 4686.VERMONTINFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABILITYFUND
384-(a)Creation.ThereiscreatedtheVermontInfrastructureSustainability
385-FundwithintheVermontBondBank.
386-(b)Purpose.ThepurposeoftheFundistoprovidecapitaltoextendand
387-increasecapacityofwaterandsewerserviceandotherpublicinfrastructurein
388-municipalitieswherelackofextensionorcapacityisabarriertohousing
389-development.
390-(c)Administration.TheVermontBondBankmayadministertheFundin
391-coordinationwithandsupportfromotherStateagencies,government
392-componentparts,andquasi-governmentalagencies.
393-(d)Programparameters.
394-(1)TheVermontBondBank,inconsultationwiththeDepartmentof
395-HousingandCommunityDevelopment,shalldevelopprogramguidelinesto
396-effectivelyimplementtheFund.
397-(2)Theprogramshallprovidelow-interestloansorbondsto
398-municipalitiestoexpandinfrastructurecapacity.Eligibleactivitiesinclude:
399-(A)preliminaryengineeringandplanning;
400-(B)engineeringdesignandbidspecifications;
401-(C)constructionformunicipalwasteandwastewatersystems;
402-1
403-2
404-3
405-4
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407-6
408-7
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225+
226+VT LEG #381011 v.9
227+* * * 1
228+§ 4686. VERMONT INFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABILITY FUND 2
229+(a) Creation. There is created the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability 3
230+Fund within the Vermont Bond Bank. 4
231+(b) Purpose. The purpose of the Fund is to provide capital to extend and 5
232+increase capacity of water and sewer service and other public infrastructure in 6
233+municipalities where lack of extension or capacity is a barrier to housing 7
234+development. 8
235+(c) Administration. The Vermont Bond Bank may administer the Fund in 9
236+coordination with and support from other State agencies, government 10
237+component parts, and quasi-governmental agencies. 11
238+(d) Program parameters. 12
239+(1) The Vermont Bond Bank, in consultation with the Department of 13
240+Housing and Community Development, shall develop program guidelines to 14
241+effectively implement the Fund. 15
242+(2) The program shall provide low-interest loans or bonds to 16
243+municipalities to expand infrastructure capacity. Eligible activities include: 17
244+(A) preliminary engineering and planning; 18
245+(B) engineering design and bid specifications; 19
246+(C) construction for municipal waste and wastewater systems; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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423-(D)transportationinvestments,includingthoserequiredby
424-municipalregulation,themunicipality’sofficialmap,designation
425-requirements,orotherplanningorengineeringidentifyingcompletestreets
426-andtransportationandtransitrelatedimprovements,includingimprovements
427-toexistingstreets;and
428-(E)othereligibleactivitiesasdeterminedbytheguidelinesproduced
429-bytheVermontBondBankinconsultationwiththeDepartmentofHousing
430-andCommunityDevelopment.
431-(e)Applicationrequirements.Eligibleprojectapplicationsshall
432-demonstrate:
433-(1)theprojectwillcreatereservecapacitynecessaryfornewhousing
434-unitdevelopment;
435-(2)theprojecthasadirectlinktohousingunitproduction;and
436-(3)themunicipalityhasacommitmenttoownandoperatetheproject
437-throughoutitsusefullife.
438-(f)Applicationcriteria.Inadditiontoanycriteriadevelopedinthe
439-programguidelines,projectapplicationsshallbeevaluatedusingthefollowing
440-criteria:
441-(1)whetherthereisadirectconnectiontoproposedorin-progress
442-housingdevelopmentwithdemonstrableprogresstowardregionalhousing
443-targets;
444-1
445-2
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249+
250+VT LEG #381011 v.9
251+(D) transportation investments, including those required by municipal 1
252+regulation, the municipality’s official map, designation requirements, or other 2
253+planning or engineering identifying complete streets and transportation and 3
254+transit related improvements, including improvements to existing streets; and 4
255+(E) other eligible activities as determined by the guidelines produced 5
256+by the Vermont Bond Bank in consultation with the Department of Housing 6
257+and Community Development. 7
258+(e) Application requirements. Eligible project applications shall 8
259+demonstrate: 9
260+(1) the project will create reserve capacity necessary for new housing 10
261+unit development; 11
262+(2) the project has a direct link to housing unit production; and 12
263+(3) the municipality has a commitment to own and operate the project 13
264+throughout its useful life. 14
265+(f) Application criteria. In addition to any criteria developed in the 15
266+program guidelines, project applications shall be evaluated using the following 16
267+criteria: 17
268+(1) whether there is a direct connection to proposed or in-progress 18
269+housing development with demonstrable progress toward regional housing 19
270+targets; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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466-(2)whethertheprojectisanexpansionofanexistingsystemandthe
467-proximitytoadesignatedarea;
468-(3)theprojectreadinessandestimatedtimeuntiltheneedforfinancing;
469-and
470-(4)thedemonstrationoffinancingforprojectcompletionorcompletion
471-ofaprojectcomponent.
472-(g)Awardterms.TheVermontBondBank,inconsultationwiththe
473-DepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopment,shallestablishaward
474-termsthatmayinclude:
475-(1)themaximumloanorbondamount;
476-(2)themaximumtermoftheloanorbondamount;
477-(3)thetimebywhichamortizationshallcommence;
478-(4)themaximuminterestrate;
479-(5)whethertheloaniseligibleforforgivenessandtowhatpercentage
480-oramount;
481-(6)thenecessarysecurityfortheloanorbond;and
482-(7)anyadditionalcovenantsencumberingtheimprovedpropertiesto
483-furthersecuretheloanorbond.
484-(h)Revolvingfund.AnyfundsrepaidorreturnedfromtheInfrastructure
485-SustainabilityFundshallbedepositedintotheFundandusedtocontinuethe
486-programestablishedinthissection.
487-1
488-2
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273+
274+VT LEG #381011 v.9
275+(2) whether the project is an expansion of an existing system and the 1
276+proximity to a designated area; 2
277+(3) the project readiness and estimated time until the need for financing; 3
278+and 4
279+(4) the demonstration of financing for project completion or completion 5
280+of a project component. 6
281+(g) Award terms. The Vermont Bond Bank, in consultation with the 7
282+Department of Housing and Community Development, shall establish award 8
283+terms that may include: 9
284+(1) the maximum loan or bond amount; 10
285+(2) the maximum term of the loan or bond amount; 11
286+(3) the time by which amortization shall commence; 12
287+(4) the maximum interest rate; 13
288+(5) whether the loan is eligible for forgiveness and to what percentage or 14
289+amount; 15
290+(6) the necessary security for the loan or bond; and 16
291+(7) any additional covenants encumbering the improved properties to 17
292+further secure the loan or bond. 18
293+(h) Revolving fund. Any funds repaid or returned from the Infrastructure 19
294+Sustainability Fund shall be deposited into the Fund and used to continue the 20
295+program established in this section. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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509-***UniversalDesignStudyCommittee***
510-Sec.4.RESIDENTIALUNIVERSALDESIGNSTANDARDS;STUDY
511-COMMITTEE;REPORT
512-(a)Creation.ThereiscreatedtheResidentialUniversalDesignStudy
513-Committeetoexploreimplementationofstatewideuniversaldesignstandards
514-forallresidentialbuildings.
515-(b)Membership.TheCommitteeshallbecomposedofthefollowing
516-members:
517-(1)onememberoftheHouseofRepresentatives,whoshallbe
518-appointedbytheSpeakeroftheHouse;
519-(2)onememberoftheSenate,whoshallbeappointedbytheCommittee
520-onCommittees;
521-(3)onemember,appointedbytheVermontBuildersandRemodelers
522-Association;
523-(4)onemember,appointedbytheVermontChapteroftheAmerican
524-InstituteofArchitects;
525-(5)theDirectorofFireSafetyordesignee;
526-(6)onememberoftheVermontAccessBoard,appointedbytheChair;
527-(7)onemember,appointedbytheVermontHousingFinanceAgency;
528-(8)onemember,appointedbytheVermontHousingandConservation
529-Board;
530-1
531-2
532-3
533-4
534-5
535-6
536-7
537-8
538-9
539-10
540-11
541-12
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297+
298+
299+VT LEG #381011 v.9
300+* * * Universal Design Study Committee * * * 1
301+Sec. 4. RESIDENTIAL UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS; STUDY 2
302+ COMMITTEE; REPORT 3
303+(a) Creation. There is created the Residential Universal Design Study 4
304+Committee to explore implementation of statewide universal design standards 5
305+for all residential buildings. 6
306+(b) Membership. The Committee shall be composed of the following 7
307+members: 8
308+(1) one member of the House of Representatives, who shall be 9
309+appointed by the Speaker of the House; 10
310+(2) one member of the Senate, who shall be appointed by the Committee 11
311+on Committees; 12
312+(3) one member, appointed by the Vermont Builders and Remodelers 13
313+Association; 14
314+(4) one member, appointed by the Vermont Chapter of the American 15
315+Institute of Architects; 16
316+(5) the Director of Fire Safety or designee; 17
317+(6) one member of the Vermont Access Board, appointed by the Chair; 18
318+(7) one member, appointed by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency; 19
319+(8) one member, appointed by the Vermont Housing and Conservation 20
320+Board; 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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552-(9)onemember,appointedbytheVermontCenterforIndependent
553-Living;
554-(10)onemember,appointedbytheVermontDevelopmentalDisabilities
555-Council;
556-(11)theCommissioneroftheDepartmentofHousingandCommunity
557-Developmentordesignee;
558-(12)onemember,appointedbytheVermontLeaguesofCitiesand
559-Towns;
560-(13)onemember,appointedbytheVermontAssessorsandListers
561-Association;
562-(14)onemember,appointedbytheVermontAssociationofRealtors;
563-(15)theCommissioneroftheDepartmentofDisabilities,Agingand
564-IndependentLivingordesignee;and
565-(16)onemember,appointedbyADAInspectionsNationwide,LLC.
566-(c)Powersandduties.TheCommitteeshallstudythedevelopmentand
567-implementationofstatewideuniversaldesignstandardsforresidential
568-buildings,includingidentificationandanalysisofthefollowingissues:
569-(1)existingfederalandstatelawsregardingtheAmericanswith
570-DisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.§§ 12101–12213,standardsandbuildingcodes;
571-1
572-2
573-3
574-4
575-5
576-6
577-7
578-8
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581-11
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322+
323+
324+VT LEG #381011 v.9
325+(9) one member, appointed by the Vermont Center for Independent 1
326+Living; 2
327+(10) one member, appointed by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities 3
328+Council; 4
329+(11) the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community 5
330+Development or designee; 6
331+(12) one member, appointed by the Vermont Leagues of Cities and 7
332+Towns; 8
333+(13) one member, appointed by the Vermont Assessors and Listers 9
334+Association; 10
335+(14) one member, appointed by the Vermont Association of Realtors; 11
336+(15) the Commissioner of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and 12
337+Independent Living or designee; and 13
338+(16) one member, appointed by ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC. 14
339+(c) Powers and duties. The Committee shall study the development and 15
340+implementation of statewide universal design standards for residential 16
341+buildings, including identification and analysis of the following issues: 17
342+(1) existing federal and state laws regarding Americans with Disabilities 18
343+Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101–12213, standards and building codes; 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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591-(2)existingfederal,state,andinternationalbestpracticesandstandards
592-addressingaccessibilityandadaptabilitycharacteristicsofsingle-familyand
593-multiunitbuildings;
594-(3)opportunitiesandchallengesforsupportingtheresidentialbuilding
595-industryinmeetinguniversaldesignstandards,includingconsiderationsof
596-workforceeducationandtraining;
597-(4)costbenefitsandimpactsofadoptingauniversaldesignstandardfor
598-residentialbuildings;
599-(5)opportunitiesandchallengeswithenforcementofidentified
600-standards;and
601-(6)impactstothevaluationandfinancingofimpactedbuildings.
602-(d)Assistance.TheCommitteeshallhavetheadministrative,technical,
603-andlegalassistanceoftheDepartmentofHousingandCommunity
604-Development.
605-(e)Report.OnorbeforeNovember1,2025,theCommitteeshallsubmita
606-writtenreporttotheHouseCommitteeonGeneralandHousingandtheSenate
607-CommitteeonEconomicDevelopment,HousingandGeneralAffairswithits
608-findingsandanyrecommendationsforlegislativeaction.
609-(f)Meetings.
610-(1)ThememberoftheHouseofRepresentativesshallcallthefirst
611-meetingoftheCommitteetooccuronorbeforeJune1,2025.
612-1
613-2
614-3
615-4
616-5
617-6
618-7
619-8
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345+
346+
347+VT LEG #381011 v.9
348+(2) existing federal, state, and international best practices and standards 1
349+addressing accessibility and adaptability characteristics of single-family and 2
350+multiunit buildings; and 3
351+(3) opportunities and challenges for supporting the residential building 4
352+industry in meeting universal design standards, including considerations of 5
353+workforce education and training; 6
354+(4) cost benefits and impacts of adopting a universal design standard for 7
355+residential buildings; 8
356+(5) opportunities and challenges with enforcement of identified 9
357+standards; and 10
358+(6) impacts to the valuation and financing of impacted buildings. 11
359+(d) Assistance. The Committee shall have the administrative, technical, 12
360+and legal assistance of the Department of Housing and Community 13
361+Development. 14
362+(e) Report. On or before November 1, 2025, the Committee shall submit a 15
363+written report to the House Committee on General and Housing and the Senate 16
364+Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs with its 17
365+findings and any recommendations for legislative action. 18
366+(f) Meetings. 19
367+(1) The member of the House of Representatives shall call the first 20
368+meeting of the Committee to occur on or before June 1, 2025. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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634-(2)TheCommitteeshallselectachairfromamongitsmembersatthe
635-firstmeeting.
636-(3)Amajorityofthemembershipshallconstituteaquorum.
637-(4)TheCommitteeshallceasetoexistonDecember1,2025.
638-(g)(1)Compensationandreimbursement.Forattendanceatmeetings
639-duringadjournmentoftheGeneralAssembly,alegislativememberofthe
640-Committeeservinginthemember’scapacityasalegislatorshallbeentitledto
641-perdiemcompensationandreimbursementofexpensespursuantto2 V.S.A.
642-§ 23fornotmorethansixmeetings.Thesepaymentsshallbemadefrom
643-moniesappropriatedtotheGeneralAssembly.
644-(2)MembersoftheCommitteewhoarenototherwisecompensatedfor
645-theirtimeshallbeentitledtoperdiemcompensationaspermittedunder
646-32 V.S.A.§ 1010fornotmorethansixmeetings.Thesepaymentsshallbe
647-madefrommoniesappropriatedtotheCommittee.
648-(h)Appropriation.Thesumof$15,000.00isappropriatedfromthe
649-GeneralFundtotheDepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopmentin
650-fiscalyear2026forperdiemcompensationandreimbursementofexpensesfor
651-membersoftheCommitteeandtoengagetheservicesofoneormoreexperts
652-asnecessarytoassisttheCommitteeinitsworkpursuanttothissection.
653-(h)Intenttoappropriate.Notwithstandingsubsection(g)ofthissection,
654-perdiemsforthecostofattendingmeetingsshallonlybeavailableintheevent
655-1
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370+
371+
372+VT LEG #381011 v.9
373+(2) The Committee shall select a chair from among its members at the 1
374+first meeting. 2
375+(3) A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum. 3
376+(4) The Committee shall cease to exist on December 1, 2025. 4
377+(g)(1) Compensation and reimbursement. For attendance at meetings 5
378+during adjournment of the General Assembly, a legislative member of the 6
379+Committee serving in the member’s capacity as a legislator shall be entitled to 7
380+per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to 2 V.S.A. 8
381+§ 23 for not more than six meetings. These payments shall be made from 9
382+monies appropriated to the General Assembly. 10
383+(2) Members of the Committee who are not otherwise compensated for 11
384+their time shall be entitled to per diem compensation as permitted under 12
385+32 V.S.A. § 1010 for not more than six meetings. These payments shall be 13
386+made from monies appropriated to the Committee. 14
387+(h) Appropriation. The sum of $15,000.00 is appropriated from the 15
388+General Fund to the Department of Housing and Community Development in 16
389+fiscal year 2026 for per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses for 17
390+members of the Committee and to engage the services of one or more experts 18
391+as necessary to assist the Committee in its work pursuant to this section. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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675-anappropriationismadeinfiscalyear2026fromtheGeneralFundtothe
676-DepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopmentforthatpurpose.
677-***TaxDepartmentHousingDataAccess***
678-Sec.5.32V.S.A.§ 5404isamendedtoread:
679-§5404.DETERMINATIONOFEDUCATIONPROPERTYTAXGRAND
680-LIST
681-***
682-(b)Annually,onorbeforeAugust15,theclerkofamunicipality,orthe
683-supervisorofanunorganizedtownorgore,shalltransmittotheDirectorinan
684-electronicorotherformatasprescribedbytheDirector:educationand
685-municipalgrandlistdata,includingexemptioninformationandgrandlist
686-abstracts;taxrates;anextractoftheassessordatabasealsoreferredtoasa
687-ComputerAssistedMassAppraisal(CAMA)systemorComputerAssisted
688-MassAppraisaldatabase;andthetotalamountoftaxesassessedinthetownor
689-unorganizedtownorgore.Thedatatransmittedshallidentifyeachparcelbya
690-parcelidentificationnumberassignedunderanumberingsystemprescribedby
691-theDirector.Municipalitiesmaycontinuetouseexistingnumberingsystemsin
692-additionto,butnotinsubstitutionfor,theparcelidentificationsystem
693-prescribedbytheDirector.Ifchangesoradditionstothegrandlistaremade
694-bythelistersorotherofficialsauthorizedtodosoaftersuchabstracthasbeen
695-sotransmitted,suchclerksshallforthwithcertifythesametotheDirector.
696-1
697-2
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393+
394+
395+VT LEG #381011 v.9
396+* * * Tax Department Housing Data Access * * * 1
397+Sec. 5. 32 V.S.A. § 5404 is amended to read: 2
398+§ 5404. DETERMINATION OF EDUCATION PROPERTY TAX GRAND 3
399+ LIST 4
400+* * * 5
401+(b) Annually, on or before August 15, the clerk of a municipality, or the 6
402+supervisor of an unorganized town or gore, shall transmit to the Director in an 7
403+electronic or other format as prescribed by the Director: education and 8
404+municipal grand list data, including exemption information and grand list 9
405+abstracts; tax rates; an extract of the assessor database also referred to as a 10
406+Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system or Computer Assisted 11
407+Mass Appraisal database; and the total amount of taxes assessed in the town or 12
408+unorganized town or gore. The data transmitted shall identify each parcel by a 13
409+parcel identification number assigned under a numbering system prescribed by 14
410+the Director. Municipalities may continue to use existing numbering systems in 15
411+addition to, but not in substitution for, the parcel identification system 16
412+prescribed by the Director. If changes or additions to the grand list are made 17
413+by the listers or other officials authorized to do so after such abstract has been 18
414+so transmitted, such clerks shall forthwith certify the same to the Director. 19
415+* * * 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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716-***
717-***VHFAFirst-GenerationHomebuyerProgramandDownPayment
718-AssistanceProgram***
719-Sec.6.32V.S.A.§ 5930uisamendedtoread:
720-§5930u.TAXCREDITFORAFFORDABLEHOUSING
721-(a)Definitions.Asusedinthissection:
722-***
723-(11)“First-generationhomebuyer”meansahomebuyerwhoself-attests
724-thatthehomebuyerisanindividual:
725-(A)whoseparentsorlegalguardians:
726-(i)donothaveandduringthehomebuyer’slifetimehavenothad
727-anyresidentialownershipinterestinanystate;or
728-(ii)lostownershipofahomeduetoforeclosure,shortsale,or
729-deed-in-lieuofforeclosureandhavenotownedahomesincethatloss;or
730-(B)whohasatanytimebeenplacedinfostercare.
731-***
732-(g)Creditallocation.
733-(1)Inanyfiscalyear,theallocatingagencymayawardupto:
734-(A)$400,000.00intotalfirst-yearcreditallocationstoallapplicants
735-forrentalhousingprojects,foranaggregatelimitof$2,000,000.00overany
736-givenfive-yearperiodthatcreditsareavailableunderthissubdivision(A).
737-1
738-2
739-3
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741-5
742-6
743-7
744-8
745-9
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417+
418+
419+VT LEG #381011 v.9
420+* * * VHFA First-Generation Homebuyer Program and Down Payment 1
421+Assistance Program * * * 2
422+Sec. 6. 32 V.S.A. § 5930u is amended to read: 3
423+§ 5930u. TAX CREDIT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING 4
424+(a) Definitions. As used in this section: 5
425+* * * 6
426+(11) “First-generation homebuyer” means a homebuyer who self-attests 7
427+that the homebuyer is an individual: 8
428+(A) whose parents or legal guardians: 9
429+(i) do not have and during the homebuyer’s lifetime have not had 10
430+any residential ownership interest in any state; or 11
431+(ii) lost ownership of a home due to foreclosure, short sale, or 12
432+deed-in-lieu of foreclosure and have not owned a home since that loss; or 13
433+(B) who has at any time been placed in foster care. 14
434+* * * 15
435+(g) Credit allocation. 16
436+(1) In any fiscal year, the allocating agency may award up to: 17
437+(A) $400,000.00 in total first-year credit allocations to all applicants 18
438+for rental housing projects, for an aggregate limit of $2,000,000.00 over any 19
439+given five-year period that credits are available under this subdivision (A). 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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759-(B)$675,000.00intotalfirst-yearcreditallocationsforloansor
760-grantsforowner-occupiedunitfinancingordownpaymentloansasprovided
761-insubdivision(b)(2)ofthissectionconsistentwiththeallocationplan,
762-includingfornewconstructionandmanufacturedhousing,foranaggregate
763-limitof$3,375,000.00overanygivenfive-yearperiodthatcreditsare
764-availableunderthissubdivision(B).Ofthetotalfirst-yearcreditallocations
765-madeunderthissubdivision(B),$250,000.00shallbeusedeachfiscalyearfor
766-manufacturedhomepurchaseandreplacement.
767-(C)$250,000.00intotalintotalfirst-yearcreditallocationsfor
768-grantstofirst-timehomebuyerswhoarealsofirst-generationhomebuyersas
769-providedinsubdivision(b)(3)(D)ofthissection,foranaggregatelimitof
770-$1,250,000.00overanygivenfive-yearperiodthatcreditsareavailableunder
771-thissubdivision(C).
772-(2)Ifthefullamountoffirst-yearcreditsauthorizedbyanawardarenot
773-allocatedtoataxpayer,theAgencymayreclaimtheamountnotallocatedand
774-re-awardsuchallocationstootherapplicants,andsuchre-awardsshallnotbe
775-subjecttothelimitssetforthinsubdivision(1)ofthissubsection.
776-(h)Creditallocation;DownPaymentAssistanceProgram.
777-(1)Infiscalyear2016throughfiscalyear2019,theallocatingagency
778-mayawardupto$125,000.00intotalfirst-yearcreditallocationsforloans
779-1
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441+
442+
443+VT LEG #381011 v.9
444+(B) $675,000.00 in total first-year credit allocations for loans or 1
445+grants for owner-occupied unit financing or down payment loans as provided 2
446+in subdivision (b)(2) of this section consistent with the allocation plan, 3
447+including for new construction and manufactured housing, for an aggregate 4
448+limit of $3,375,000.00 over any given five-year period that credits are 5
449+available under this subdivision (B). Of the total first-year credit allocations 6
450+made under this subdivision (B), $250,000.00 shall be used each fiscal year for 7
451+manufactured home purchase and replacement. 8
452+(C) $250,000.00 in total in total first-year credit allocations for grants 9
453+to first-time homebuyers who are also first-generation homebuyers as provided 10
454+in subdivision (b)(3)(D) of this section, for an aggregate limit of $1,250,000.00 11
455+over any given five-year period that credits are available under this subdivision 12
456+(C). 13
457+(2) If the full amount of first-year credits authorized by an award are not 14
458+allocated to a taxpayer, the Agency may reclaim the amount not allocated and 15
459+re-award such allocations to other applicants, and such re-awards shall not be 16
460+subject to the limits set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection. 17
461+(h) Credit allocation; Down Payment Assistance Program. 18
462+(1) In fiscal year 2016 through fiscal year 2019, the allocating agency 19
463+may award up to $125,000.00 in total first-year credit allocations for loans 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
799464 2025 Page 20 of 38
800-throughtheDownPaymentAssistanceProgramcreatedinsubdivision(b)(2)
801-ofthissection.
802-(2)Infiscalyear2020throughfiscalyear2026,theallocatingagency
803-mayawardupto$250,000.00intotalfirst-yearcreditallocationsforloans
804-throughtheDownPaymentAssistanceProgramcreatedinsubdivision(b)(3)
805-ofthissection.
806-(3)Infiscalyear2027throughfiscalyear2031,theallocatingagency
807-mayawardupto$250,000.00intotalfirst-yearcreditallocationsforloans
808-throughtheDownPaymentAssistanceProgramcreatedinsubdivision(b)(3)
809-ofthissection.
810-Sec.6.[Deleted.]
811-***LandBankReport***
812-Sec.7.DHCDLANDBANKREPORT
813-(a)OnorbeforeNovember1,2025,theDepartmentofHousingand
814-CommunityDevelopmentshallissueareporttotheHouseCommitteeon
815-GeneralandHousingandtheSenateCommitteeonEconomicDevelopment,
816-HousingandGeneralAffairsoutliningalegalframeworkforimplementation
817-ofaStatelandbank.Thereportshallincludeproposedlegislativelanguage
818-specificto:
819-(1)thecreationofastatewidelandbank;
820-(2)theauthorizationofregionalormunicipallandbanks;and
821-1
822-2
823-3
824-4
825-5
826-6
827-7
828-8
829-9
830-10
831-11
832-12
833-13
834-14
835-15
836-16
837-17
838-18
839-19
840-20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
465+
466+
467+VT LEG #381011 v.9
468+through the Down Payment Assistance Program created in subdivision (b)(2) 1
469+of this section. 2
470+(2) In fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2026, the allocating agency 3
471+may award up to $250,000.00 in total first-year credit allocations for loans 4
472+through the Down Payment Assistance Program created in subdivision (b)(3) 5
473+of this section. 6
474+(3) In fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2031, the allocating agency 7
475+may award up to $250,000.00 in total first-year credit allocations for loans 8
476+through the Down Payment Assistance Program created in subdivision (b)(3) 9
477+of this section. 10
478+* * * Land Bank Report * * * 11
479+Sec. 7. DHCD LAND BANK REPORT 12
480+(a) On or before November 1, 2025, the Department of Housing and 13
481+Community Development shall issue a report to the House Committee on 14
482+General and Housing and the Senate Committee on Economic Development, 15
483+Housing and General Affairs outlining a legal framework for implementation 16
484+of a State land bank. The report shall include proposed legislative language 17
485+specific to: 18
486+(1) the creation of a statewide land bank; 19
487+(2) the authorization of regional or municipal land banks; and 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
841488 2025 Page 21 of 38
842-(3)theidentificationoffundingproposalstosupportthesustainability
843-ofeachseparatemodel.
844-(b)Thereportshallincludeananalysisonwhichoption,thecreationofa
845-statewidelandbankortheauthorizationofregionalormunicipallandbanks,
846-bestservestheinterestofVermontcommunities,includingruralcommunities.
847-***HousingAppeals***
848-Sec.8.10V.S.A.§ 8502isamendedtoread:
849-§8502.DEFINITIONS
850-Asusedinthischapter:
851-***
852-(7)“Personaggrieved”meansapersonwhoallegesaninjurytoa
853-particularizedinterestprotectedbytheprovisionsoflawlistedinsection8503
854-ofthistitle,attributabletoanactordecisionbyadistrictcoordinator,District
855-Commission,theSecretary,anappropriatemunicipalpanel,orthe
856-EnvironmentalDivisionthatcanberedressedbytheEnvironmentalDivision
857-ortheSupremeCourt.
858-***
859-Sec.9.10V.S.A.§8504isamendedtoread:
860-§8504.APPEALSTOTHEENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION
861-***
862-(b)Planningandzoningchapterappeals.
863-1
864-2
865-3
866-4
867-5
868-6
869-7
870-8
871-9
872-10
873-11
874-12
875-13
876-14
877-15
878-16
879-17
880-18
881-19
882-20
883-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
489+
490+
491+VT LEG #381011 v.9
492+(3) the identification of funding proposals to support the sustainability 1
493+of each separate model. 2
494+(b) The report shall include an analysis on which option, the creation of a 3
495+statewide land bank or the authorization of regional or municipal land banks, 4
496+best serves the interest of Vermont communities, including rural communities. 5
497+* * * Housing Appeals * * * 6
498+Sec. 8. 10 V.S.A. § 8502 is amended to read: 7
499+§ 8502. DEFINITIONS 8
500+As used in this chapter: 9
501+* * * 10
502+(7) “Person aggrieved” means a person who alleges an injury to a 11
503+particularized interest protected by the provisions of law listed in section 8503 12
504+of this title, attributable to an act or decision by a district coordinator, District 13
505+Commission, the Secretary, an appropriate municipal panel, or the 14
506+Environmental Division that can be redressed by the Environmental Division 15
507+or the Supreme Court. 16
508+* * * 17
509+Sec. 9. 10 V.S.A. § 8504 is amended to read: 18
510+§ 8504. APPEALS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION 19
511+* * * 20
512+(b) Planning and zoning chapter appeals. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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885-(1)Within30daysofthedateoftheactordecision,aninterested
886-person,asdefinedin24V.S.A.§4465,orapersonaggrieved,whohas
887-participatedasdefinedin24V.S.A.§4471inthemunicipalregulatory
888-proceedingunderthatchaptermayappealtotheEnvironmentalDivisionan
889-actordecisionmadeunderthatchapterbyaboardofadjustment,aplanning
890-commission,oradevelopmentreviewboard;provided,however,that
891-decisionsofadevelopmentreviewboardunder24V.S.A.§4420withrespect
892-tolocalAct250reviewofmunicipalimpactsarenotsubjecttoappealbut
893-shallserveaspresumptionsunderchapter151ofthistitle.
894-***
895-(h)Denovohearing.TheEnvironmentalDivision,applyingthe
896-substantivestandardsthatwereapplicablebeforethetribunalappealedfrom,
897-shallholdadenovohearingonthoseissuesthathavebeenappealed,except.
898-Foramunicipallandusepermitapplicationforahousingdevelopment,ifthe
899-appealisofadenial,theEnvironmentalDivisionshalldetermineifthe
900-applicationisconsistentwiththemunicipalbylaworlanduseregulationthat
901-directlyaffectsthepropertyoriftheappealisofanapproval,iftheapplication
902-isinconsistentwiththemunicipalbylaworlanduseregulationthatdirectly
903-affectstheproperty.Itshallnotbedenovointhecaseof:
904-(1)adecisionbeingappealedontherecordpursuantto24V.S.A.
905-chapter117;or
906-1
907-2
908-3
909-4
910-5
911-6
912-7
913-8
914-9
915-10
916-11
917-12
918-13
919-14
920-15
921-16
922-17
923-18
924-19
925-20
926-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
514+
515+
516+VT LEG #381011 v.9
517+(1) Within 30 days of the date of the act or decision, an interested 1
518+person, as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 4465, or a person aggrieved, who has 2
519+participated as defined in 24 V.S.A. § 4471 in the municipal regulatory 3
520+proceeding under that chapter may appeal to the Environmental Division an act 4
521+or decision made under that chapter by a board of adjustment, a planning 5
522+commission, or a development review board; provided, however, that decisions 6
523+of a development review board under 24 V.S.A. § 4420 with respect to local 7
524+Act 250 review of municipal impacts are not subject to appeal but shall serve 8
525+as presumptions under chapter 151 of this title. 9
526+* * * 10
527+(h) De novo hearing. The Environmental Division, applying the 11
528+substantive standards that were applicable before the tribunal appealed from, 12
529+shall hold a de novo hearing on those issues that have been appealed, except. 13
530+For a municipal land use permit application for a housing development, if the 14
531+appeal is of a denial, the Environmental Division shall determine if the 15
532+application is consistent with the municipal bylaw or land use regulation that 16
533+directly affects the property or if the appeal is of an approval, if the application 17
534+is inconsistent with the municipal bylaw or land use regulation that directly 18
535+affects the property. It shall not be de novo in the case of: 19
536+(1) a decision being appealed on the record pursuant to 24 V.S.A. 20
537+chapter 117; or 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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928-(2)adecisionoftheCommissionerofForests,ParksandRecreation
929-undersection2625ofthistitlebeingappealedontherecord,inwhichcasethe
930-courtshallaffirmthedecision,unlessitfindsthattheCommissionerdidnot
931-havereasonablegroundsonwhichtobasethedecision.
932-***
933-(k)Limitationsonappeals.Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthis
934-section:
935-(1)thereshallbenoappealfromaDistrictCommissiondecisionwhen
936-theCommissionhasissuedapermitandnohearingwasrequestedorheld,or
937-nomotiontoalterwasfiledfollowingtheissuanceofanadministrative
938-amendment;
939-(2)amunicipaldecisionregardingwhetheraparticularapplication
940-qualifiesforarecordedhearingunder24V.S.A.§4471(b)shallnotbesubject
941-toappeal;
942-(3)ifaDistrictCommissionissuesapartialdecisionundersubsection
943-6086(b)ofthistitle,anyappealofthatdecisionmustbetakenwithin30days
944-followingthedateofthatdecision;and
945-(4)itshallbethegoaloftheEnvironmentalDivisiontoissueadecision
946-onacaseregardinganappealofanappropriatemunicipalpaneldecisionunder
947-24V.S.A.chapter117within90daysfollowingthecloseofthehearing;and
948-1
949-2
950-3
951-4
952-5
953-6
954-7
955-8
956-9
957-10
958-11
959-12
960-13
961-14
962-15
963-16
964-17
965-18
966-19
967-20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
539+
540+
541+VT LEG #381011 v.9
542+(2) a decision of the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation 1
543+under section 2625 of this title being appealed on the record, in which case the 2
544+court shall affirm the decision, unless it finds that the Commissioner did not 3
545+have reasonable grounds on which to base the decision. 4
546+* * * 5
547+(k) Limitations on appeals. Notwithstanding any other provision of this 6
548+section: 7
549+(1) there shall be no appeal from a District Commission decision when 8
550+the Commission has issued a permit and no hearing was requested or held, or 9
551+no motion to alter was filed following the issuance of an administrative 10
552+amendment; 11
553+(2) a municipal decision regarding whether a particular application 12
554+qualifies for a recorded hearing under 24 V.S.A. § 4471(b) shall not be subject 13
555+to appeal; 14
556+(3) if a District Commission issues a partial decision under subsection 15
557+6086(b) of this title, any appeal of that decision must be taken within 30 days 16
558+following the date of that decision; and 17
559+(4) it shall be the goal of the Environmental Division to issue a decision 18
560+on a case regarding an appeal of an appropriate municipal panel decision under 19
561+24 V.S.A. chapter 117 within 90 days following the close of the hearing; and 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
968562 2025 Page 24 of 38
969-(5)exceptforcasesthecourtconsidersofgreaterimportance,appealsof
970-anappropriatemunicipalpaneldecisionunder24V.S.A.chapter117involving
971-housingdevelopment,takeprecedenceonthedocketoverothercasesandshall
972-beassignedforhearingandtrialorforargumentaccordingly.
973-***
974-Sec.10.24V.S.A.§ 4465isamendedtoread:
975-§4465.APPEALSOFDECISIONSOFTHEADMINISTRATIVEOFFICER
976-***
977-(b)Asusedinthischapter,an“interestedperson”meansanyoneofthe
978-following:
979-(1)Apersonowningtitletoproperty,oramunicipalityorsolidwaste
980-managementdistrictempoweredtocondemnitoraninterestinit,affectedby
981-abylaw,whoallegesthatthebylawimposesonthepropertyunreasonableor
982-inappropriaterestrictionsofpresentorpotentialuseundertheparticular
983-circumstancesofthecase.
984-(2)Themunicipalitythathasaplanorabylawatissueinanappeal
985-broughtunderthischapteroranymunicipalitythatadjoinsthatmunicipality.
986-(3)Apersonowningoroccupyingpropertyintheimmediate
987-neighborhoodofapropertythatisthesubjectofanydecisionoracttaken
988-underthischapter,whocandemonstrateaphysicalorenvironmentalimpact
989-ontheperson’sinterestunderthecriteriareviewed,andwhoallegesthatthe
990-1
991-2
992-3
993-4
994-5
995-6
996-7
997-8
998-9
999-10
1000-11
1001-12
1002-13
1003-14
1004-15
1005-16
1006-17
1007-18
1008-19
1009-20
1010-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
563+
564+
565+VT LEG #381011 v.9
566+(5) except for cases the court considers of greater importance, appeals of 1
567+an appropriate municipal panel decision under 24 V.S.A. chapter 117 involving 2
568+housing development, take precedence on the docket over other cases and shall 3
569+be assigned for hearing and trial or for argument accordingly. 4
570+* * * 5
571+Sec. 10. 24 V.S.A. § 4465 is amended to read: 6
572+§ 4465. APPEALS OF DECISIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 7
573+* * * 8
574+(b) As used in this chapter, an “interested person” means any one of the 9
575+following: 10
576+(1) A person owning title to property, or a municipality or solid waste 11
577+management district empowered to condemn it or an interest in it, affected by a 12
578+bylaw, who alleges that the bylaw imposes on the property unreasonable or 13
579+inappropriate restrictions of present or potential use under the particular 14
580+circumstances of the case. 15
581+(2) The municipality that has a plan or a bylaw at issue in an appeal 16
582+brought under this chapter or any municipality that adjoins that municipality. 17
583+(3) A person owning or occupying property in the immediate 18
584+neighborhood of a property that is the subject of any decision or act taken 19
585+under this chapter, who can demonstrate a physical or environmental impact on 20
586+the person’s interest under the criteria reviewed, and who alleges that the 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1011587 2025 Page 25 of 38
1012-decisionoract,ifconfirmed,willnotbeinaccordwiththepolicies,purposes,
1013-ortermsoftheplanorbylawofthatmunicipality.
1014-(4)Any20personswhomaybeanycombinationofvoters,residents,or
1015-realpropertyownerswithinamunicipalitylistedinsubdivision(2)ofthis
1016-subsectionwho,bysignedpetitiontotheappropriatemunicipalpanelofa
1017-municipality,theplanorabylawofwhichisatissueinanyappealbrought
1018-underthistitle,allegethatanyreliefrequestedbyapersonunderthistitle,if
1019-granted,willnotbeinaccordwiththepolicies,purposes,ortermsoftheplan
1020-orbylawofthatmunicipality.Thispetitiontotheappropriatemunicipalpanel
1021-mustdesignateonepersontoserveastherepresentativeofthepetitioners
1022-regardingallmattersrelatedtotheappeal.Forpurposesofthissubdivision,an
1023-appealshallnotincludethecharacteroftheareaaffectediftheprojecthasa
1024-residentialcomponentthatincludesaffordablehousing.
1025-(5)AnydepartmentandadministrativesubdivisionofthisStateowning
1026-propertyoranyinterestinpropertywithinamunicipalitylistedinsubdivision
1027-(2)ofthissubsection,andtheAgencyofCommerceandCommunity
1028-DevelopmentofthisState.
1029-***
1030-Sec.11.24V.S.A.§ 4441isamendedtoread:
1031-§4441.PREPARATIONOFBYLAWSANDREGULATORYTOOLS;
1032-AMENDMENT ORREPEAL
1033-1
1034-2
1035-3
1036-4
1037-5
1038-6
1039-7
1040-8
1041-9
1042-10
1043-11
1044-12
1045-13
1046-14
1047-15
1048-16
1049-17
1050-18
1051-19
1052-20
1053-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
588+
589+
590+VT LEG #381011 v.9
591+decision or act, if confirmed, will not be in accord with the policies, purposes, 1
592+or terms of the plan or bylaw of that municipality. 2
593+(4) Any 20 persons who may be any combination of voters, residents, or 3
594+real property owners within a municipality listed in subdivision (2) of this 4
595+subsection who, by signed petition to the appropriate municipal panel of a 5
596+municipality, the plan or a bylaw of which is at issue in any appeal brought 6
597+under this title, allege that any relief requested by a person under this title, if 7
598+granted, will not be in accord with the policies, purposes, or terms of the plan 8
599+or bylaw of that municipality. This petition to the appropriate municipal panel 9
600+must designate one person to serve as the representative of the petitioners 10
601+regarding all matters related to the appeal. For purposes of this subdivision, an 11
602+appeal shall not include the character of the area affected if the project has a 12
603+residential component that includes affordable housing. 13
604+(5) Any department and administrative subdivision of this State owning 14
605+property or any interest in property within a municipality listed in subdivision 15
606+(2) of this subsection, and the Agency of Commerce and Community 16
607+Development of this State. 17
608+* * * 18
609+Sec. 11. 24 V.S.A. § 4441 is amended to read: 19
610+§ 4441. PREPARATION OF BYLAWS AND REGULATORY TOOLS; 20
611+ AMENDMENT OR REPEAL 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1054612 2025 Page 26 of 38
1055-***
1056-(i)Notwithstandingthissectionandanyotherlawtothecontrary,for
1057-bylawamendmentsthatarerequiredtocomplywithamendmentstothis
1058-chapter,nohearingsarerequiredtobeheldonthebylawamendments.
1059-***LURBStudy***
1060-Sec.12.2024ActsandResolvesNo.181,Sec.11aisamendedtoread:
1061-Sec.11a.ACT250APPEALSSTUDY
1062-(a)OnorbeforeJanuary15,2026November15,2025,theLandUse
1063-ReviewBoardshallissueareportevaluatingwhethertotransferappealsof
1064-permitdecisionsandjurisdictionalopinionsissuedpursuantto10V.S.A.
1065-chapter151totheLandUseReviewBoardorwhethertheyshouldremainat
1066-theEnvironmentalDivisionoftheSuperiorCourt.TheBoardshallconvenea
1067-stakeholdergroupthatataminimumshallbecomposedofarepresentativeof
1068-environmentalinterests,attorneysthatpracticeenvironmentaland
1069-developmentlawinVermont,theVermontLeagueofCitiesandTowns,the
1070-VermontAssociationofPlanningandDevelopmentAgencies,theVermont
1071-ChamberofCommerce,theLandAccessandOpportunityBoard,theOfficeof
1072-RacialEquity,theVermontAssociationofRealtors,arepresentativeofnon-
1073-profithousingdevelopmentinterests,arepresentativeoffor-profithousing
1074-developmentinterests,arepresentativeofcommercialdevelopmentinterests,
1075-anengineerwithexperienceindevelopment,theAgencyofCommerceand
1076-1
1077-2
1078-3
1079-4
1080-5
1081-6
1082-7
1083-8
1084-9
1085-10
1086-11
1087-12
1088-13
1089-14
1090-15
1091-16
1092-17
1093-18
1094-19
1095-20
1096-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
613+
614+
615+VT LEG #381011 v.9
616+* * * 1
617+(i) Notwithstanding this section and any other law to the contrary, for 2
618+bylaw amendments that are required to comply with amendments to this 3
619+chapter, no hearings are required to be held on the bylaw amendments. 4
620+* * * LURB Study * * * 5
621+Sec. 12. 2024 Acts and Resolves No. 181, Sec. 11a is amended to read: 6
622+Sec. 11a. ACT 250 APPEALS STUDY 7
623+(a) On or before January 15, 2026 November 15, 2025, the Land Use 8
624+Review Board shall issue a report evaluating whether to transfer appeals of 9
625+permit decisions and jurisdictional opinions issued pursuant to 10 V.S.A. 10
626+chapter 151 to the Land Use Review Board or whether they should remain at 11
627+the Environmental Division of the Superior Court. The Board shall convene a 12
628+stakeholder group that at a minimum shall be composed of a representative of 13
629+environmental interests, attorneys that practice environmental and 14
630+development law in Vermont, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, the 15
631+Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies, the Vermont 16
632+Chamber of Commerce, the Land Access and Opportunity Board, the Office of 17
633+Racial Equity, the Vermont Association of Realtors, a representative of non-18
634+profit housing development interests, a representative of for-profit housing 19
635+development interests, a representative of commercial development interests, 20
636+an engineer with experience in development, the Agency of Commerce and 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
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1098-CommunityDevelopment,andtheAgencyofNaturalResourcesinpreparing
1099-thereport.TheBoardshallprovidenoticeofthestakeholdermeetingsonits
1100-websiteandeachmeetingshallprovidetimeforpubliccomment.
1101-(b)Thereportshallatminimumrecommend:
1102-(1)whethertoallowconsolidationofappealsattheBoard,orwiththe
1103-EnvironmentalDivisionoftheSuperiorCourt,andhow,includingwhat
1104-resourcestheBoardwouldneed,iftransferredtotheBoard,appealsofpermit
1105-decisionsissuedunder24V.S.A.chapter117andtheAgencyofNatural
1106-ResourcescanbeconsolidatedwithAct250appeals;
1107-(2)howtoprioritizeandexpeditetheadjudicationofappealsrelatedto
1108-housingprojects,includingtheuseofhearingofficerstoexpediteappealsand
1109-thesettingoftimelinesforprocessingofhousingappeals;
1110-(3)proceduralrulestogoverntheBoard’sadministrationofAct250
1111-andtheadjudicationofappealsofAct250decisions.Theserulesshallinclude
1112-procedurestocreateafirewallandeliminateanypotentialforconflictswith
1113-theBoardmanagingappealsandissuingpermitdecisionsandjurisdictional
1114-opinions;and
1115-(4)otheractionstheBoardshouldtaketopromotetheefficientand
1116-effectiveadjudicationofappeals,includinganyproceduralimprovementsto
1117-theAct250permittingprocessandjurisdictionalopinionappeals.
1118-1
1119-2
1120-3
1121-4
1122-5
1123-6
1124-7
1125-8
1126-9
1127-10
1128-11
1129-12
1130-13
1131-14
1132-15
1133-16
1134-17
1135-18
1136-19
1137-20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
638+
639+
640+VT LEG #381011 v.9
641+Community Development, and the Agency of Natural Resources in preparing 1
642+the report. The Board shall provide notice of the stakeholder meetings on its 2
643+website and each meeting shall provide time for public comment. 3
644+(b) The report shall at minimum recommend: 4
645+(1) whether to allow consolidation of appeals at the Board, or with the 5
646+Environmental Division of the Superior Court, and how, including what 6
647+resources the Board would need, if transferred to the Board, appeals of permit 7
648+decisions issued under 24 V.S.A. chapter 117 and the Agency of Natural 8
649+Resources can be consolidated with Act 250 appeals; 9
650+(2) how to prioritize and expedite the adjudication of appeals related to 10
651+housing projects, including the use of hearing officers to expedite appeals and 11
652+the setting of timelines for processing of housing appeals; 12
653+(3) procedural rules to govern the Board’s administration of Act 250 and 13
654+the adjudication of appeals of Act 250 decisions. These rules shall include 14
655+procedures to create a firewall and eliminate any potential for conflicts with 15
656+the Board managing appeals and issuing permit decisions and jurisdictional 16
657+opinions; and 17
658+(4) other actions the Board should take to promote the efficient and 18
659+effective adjudication of appeals, including any procedural improvements to 19
660+the Act 250 permitting process and jurisdictional opinion appeals. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1138661 2025 Page 28 of 38
1139-(c)ThereportshallbesubmittedtotheSenateCommitteesonEconomic
1140-Development,HousingandGeneralAffairsandonNaturalResourcesand
1141-EnergyandtheHouseCommitteeonEnvironmentandEnergy.
1142-***Brownfields***
1143-Sec.13.10V.S.A.§ 6641isamendedtoread:
1144-§6641.BROWNFIELDPROPERTYCLEANUPPROGRAM;CREATION;
1145-POWERS
1146-(a)ThereiscreatedtheBrownfieldPropertyCleanupProgramtoenable
1147-certaininterestedpartiestorequesttheassistanceoftheSecretarytoreview
1148-andoverseeworkplansforinvestigating,abating,removing,remediating,and
1149-monitoringapropertyinexchangeforprotectionfromcertainliabilitiesunder
1150-section6615ofthistitle.TheProgramshallbeadministeredbytheSecretary
1151-whoshall:
1152-***
1153-(c)Whenconductinganyreviewrequiredbythissubchapter,theSecretary
1154-shallprioritizethereviewofremediationatasitethatcontainshousingorthat
1155-isplannedfortheconstructionorrehabilitationofsingle-familyormulti-
1156-familyhousing.
1157-Sec.14.BROWNFIELDSPROCESSIMPROVEMENT;REPORT
1158-OnorbeforeNovember1,2025,theSecretaryofNaturalResourcesshall
1159-reporttotheHouseCommitteesonEnvironmentandonGeneralandHousing
1160-1
1161-2
1162-3
1163-4
1164-5
1165-6
1166-7
1167-8
1168-9
1169-10
1170-11
1171-12
1172-13
1173-14
1174-15
1175-16
1176-17
1177-18
1178-19
1179-20
1180-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
662+
663+
664+VT LEG #381011 v.9
665+(c) The report shall be submitted to the Senate Committees on Economic 1
666+Development, Housing and General Affairs and on Natural Resources and 2
667+Energy and the House Committee on Environment and Energy. 3
668+* * * Brownfields * * * 4
669+Sec. 13. 10 V.S.A. § 6641 is amended to read: 5
670+§ 6641. BROWNFIELD PROPERTY CLEANUP PROGRAM; CREATION; 6
671+ POWERS 7
672+(a) There is created the Brownfield Property Cleanup Program to enable 8
673+certain interested parties to request the assistance of the Secretary to review 9
674+and oversee work plans for investigating, abating, removing, remediating, and 10
675+monitoring a property in exchange for protection from certain liabilities under 11
676+section 6615 of this title. The Program shall be administered by the Secretary 12
677+who shall: 13
678+* * * 14
679+(c) When conducting any review required by this subchapter, the Secretary 15
680+shall prioritize the review of remediation at a site that contains housing or that 16
681+is planned for the construction or rehabilitation of single-family or multi-17
682+family housing. 18
683+Sec. 14. BROWNFIELDS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT; REPORT 19
684+On or before November 1, 2025, the Secretary of Natural Resources shall 20
685+report to the House Committees on Environment and on General and Housing 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1181686 2025 Page 29 of 38
1182-andtheSenateCommitteesonEconomicDevelopment,HousingandGeneral
1183-AffairsandonNaturalResourcesandEnergywithproposalstomakethe
1184-Programestablishedpursuantto10V.S.A.chapter159,subchapter3
1185-(brownfieldsreuseandliabilitylimitation)substantiallymoreefficient.Ata
1186-minimum,thereportshallincludebothofthefollowing:
1187-(1)Asurveyofstakeholdersinthebrownfieldsprogramtoidentify
1188-areasthatpresentchallengestotheredevelopmentofcontaminatedproperties,
1189-withafocusonredevelopmentforhousing.TheSecretaryshallprovide
1190-recommendationstoresolvethesechallenges.
1191-(2)Ananalysisofstrengthsandweaknessesofimplementingalicensed
1192-siteprofessionalprogramwithintheState.TheSecretaryshallmakea
1193-recommendationonwhethersuchaprogramshouldbeimplemented.Ifthe
1194-Secretaryrecommendsimplementation,thereportshallincludeanychangesto
1195-statuteorbudgetneededtoimplementthisprogram.
1196-Sec.15.2023ActsandResolvesNo.78,Sec.B.1103,asamendedby2024
1197-ActsandResolvesNo.87,Sec.43,isfurtheramendedtoread:
1198-Sec.B.1103CLIMATEANDENVIRONMENT –FISCALYEAR2024
1199-ONE-TIMEAPPROPRIATIONS
1200-***
1201-(h)Infiscalyear2024,theamountof$2,500,000GeneralFundis
1202-appropriatedtotheDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationEnvironmental
1203-1
1204-2
1205-3
1206-4
1207-5
1208-6
1209-7
1210-8
1211-9
1212-10
1213-11
1214-12
1215-13
1216-14
1217-15
1218-16
1219-17
1220-18
1221-19
1222-20
1223-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
687+
688+
689+VT LEG #381011 v.9
690+and the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Housing and General 1
691+Affairs and on Natural Resources and Energy with proposals to make the 2
692+Program established pursuant to 10 V.S.A. chapter 159, subchapter 3 3
693+(brownfields reuse and liability limitation) substantially more efficient. At a 4
694+minimum, the report shall include both of the following: 5
695+(1) A survey of stakeholders in the brownfields program to identify 6
696+areas that present challenges to the redevelopment of contaminated properties, 7
697+with a focus on redevelopment for housing. The Secretary shall provide 8
698+recommendations to resolve these challenges. 9
699+(2) An analysis of strengths and weaknesses of implementing a licensed 10
700+site professional program within the State. The Secretary shall make a 11
701+recommendation on whether such a program should be implemented. If the 12
702+Secretary recommends implementation, the report shall include any changes to 13
703+statute or budget needed to implement this program. 14
704+Sec. 15. 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 78, Sec. B.1103, as amended by 2024 15
705+Acts and Resolves No. 87, Sec. 43, is further amended to read: 16
706+Sec. B.1103 CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT – FISCAL YEAR 2024 17
707+ ONE-TIME APPROPRIATIONS 18
708+* * * 19
709+(h) In fiscal year 2024, the amount of $2,500,000 General Fund is 20
710+appropriated to the Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1224711 2025 Page 30 of 38
1225-ContingencyFundestablishedpursuantto10V.S.A.§1283forthe
1226-BrownfieldsReuseandEnvironmentalLiabilityLimitationActascodifiedin
1227-10V.S.A.chapter159.Fundsshallbeusedfortheassessmentandcleanup,
1228-planning,andcleanupofbrownfieldssites.
1229-***
1230-***Taxes***
1231-Sec.16.24V.S.A.§ 1539isaddedtoread:
1232-§ 1539.SHORTTERMRENTALMUNICIPALTAXINGAUTHORITY
1233-(a)Ifthelegislativebodyofamunicipalitybyamajorityvote
1234-recommends,thevotersofamunicipalitymay,atanannualorspecialmeeting
1235-warnedforthatpurpose,byamajorityvoteofthosepresentandvoting,assess
1236-aonepercenttaxonshort-termrentalsasthattermisdefinedinsection 2291
1237-ofthistitle.
1238-(b)Nothinginthissectionshallaffectthevalidityofanyexistingprovision
1239-oflawormunicipalcharterauthorizingamunicipalitytoimposeataxsimilar
1240-tothetaxauthorizedinthissection.
1241-Sec.16.[Deleted.]
1242-***LandlordCertificate***
1243-Sec.17.REPEAL;ACT181PROSPECTIVELANDLORDCERTIFICATE
1244-CHANGES
1245-1
1246-2
1247-3
1248-4
1249-5
1250-6
1251-7
1252-8
1253-9
1254-10
1255-11
1256-12
1257-13
1258-14
1259-15
1260-16
1261-17
1262-18
1263-19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
712+
713+
714+VT LEG #381011 v.9
715+Contingency Fund established pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 1283 for the 1
716+Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Act as codified in 2
717+10 V.S.A. chapter 159. Funds shall be used for the assessment and cleanup, 3
718+planning, and cleanup of brownfields sites. 4
719+* * * 5
720+* * * Taxes * * * 6
721+Sec. 16. 24 V.S.A. § 1539 is added to read: 7
722+§ 1539. SHORT TERM RENTAL MUNICIPAL TAXING AUTHORITY 8
723+(a) If the legislative body of a municipality by a majority vote 9
724+recommends, the voters of a municipality may, at an annual or special meeting 10
725+warned for that purpose, by a majority vote of those present and voting, assess 11
726+a one percent tax on short-term rentals as that term is defined in section 2291 12
727+of this title. 13
728+(b) Nothing in this section shall affect the validity of any existing provision 14
729+of law or municipal charter authorizing a municipality to impose a tax similar 15
730+to the tax authorized in this section. 16
731+* * * Landlord Certificate * * * 17
732+Sec. 17. REPEAL; ACT 181 PROSPECTIVE LANDLORD CERTIFICATE 18
733+ CHANGES 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1264734 2025 Page 31 of 38
1265-2024ActsandResolvesNo.181,Secs.98(landlordcertificate
1266-amendments)and114(5)(effectivedateoflandlordcertificateamendments)is
1267-repealedonpassage.
1268-Sec.18.32V.S.A.§ 6069isamendedtoread:
1269-§6069.LANDLORDCERTIFICATE
1270-***
1271-(b)Theownerofeachrentalpropertyshall,onorbeforeJanuary31of
1272-eachyear,furnishacertificateofrenttotheDepartmentofTaxes.
1273-(c)Acertificateunderthissectionshallbeinaformprescribedbythe
1274-Commissionerandshallincludethefollowing:
1275-(1)thenameoftheeachrenter,;
1276-(2)theaddressandanypropertytaxparcelidentificationnumberofthe
1277-homestead,theinformationrequiredundersubsection(f)ofthissection,the
1278-SchoolPropertyAccountNumberoftherentalproperty;
1279-(3)thenameoftheownerorlandlordoftherentalproperty;
1280-(4)thephonenumber,emailaddress,andmailingaddressoftheowner
1281-orlandlordoftherentalproperty,asavailable;
1282-(5)thetypeortypesofrentalunitsontherentalproperty;
1283-(6)thenumberofrentalunitsontherentalproperty;
1284-(7)thenumberofADA-accessibleunitsontherentalproperty;and
1285-1
1286-2
1287-3
1288-4
1289-5
1290-6
1291-7
1292-8
1293-9
1294-10
1295-11
1296-12
1297-13
1298-14
1299-15
1300-16
1301-17
1302-18
1303-19
1304-20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
735+
736+
737+VT LEG #381011 v.9
738+2024 Acts and Resolves No. 181, Secs. 98 (landlord certificate 1
739+amendments) and 114(5) (effective date of landlord certificate amendments) is 2
740+repealed on passage. 3
741+Sec. 18. 32 V.S.A. § 6069 is amended to read: 4
742+§ 6069. LANDLORD CERTIFICATE 5
743+* * * 6
744+(b) The owner of each rental property shall, on or before January 31 of each 7
745+year, furnish a certificate of rent to the Department of Taxes. 8
746+(c) A certificate under this section shall be in a form prescribed by the 9
747+Commissioner and shall include the following: 10
748+(1) the name of the each renter,; 11
749+(2) the address and any property tax parcel identification number of the 12
750+homestead, the information required under subsection (f) of this section, the 13
751+School Property Account Number of the rental property; 14
752+(3) the name of the owner or landlord of the rental property; 15
753+(4) the phone number, email address, and mailing address of the owner 16
754+or landlord of the rental property, as available; 17
755+(5) the type or types of rental units on the rental property; 18
756+(6) the number of rental units on the rental property; 19
757+(7) the number of ADA-accessible units on the rental property; and 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1305758 2025 Page 32 of 38
1306-(8)anyadditionalinformationthattheCommissionerdeterminesis
1307-appropriate.
1308-***
1309-(f)AnnuallyonorbeforeOctober31,theDepartmentshallprepareand
1310-makeavailabletoamemberofthepublicuponrequestadatabaseintheform
1311-ofasortablespreadsheetthatcontainsthefollowinginformationforeach
1312-rentalunitforwhichtheDepartmentreceivedacertificatepursuanttothis
1313-section:
1314-(1)nameofownerorlandlord;
1315-(2)mailingaddressoflandlord;
1316-(3)locationofrentalunit;
1317-(4)typeofrentalunit;
1318-(5)numberofunitsinbuilding;and
1319-(6)SchoolPropertyAccountNumber.AnnuallyonorbeforeDecember
1320-15,theDepartmentshallsubmitareportontheaggregateddatacollected
1321-underthissectiontotheHouseCommitteeonGeneralandHousingandthe
1322-SenateCommitteeonEconomicDevelopment,HousingandGeneralAffairs.
1323-***VHFAOff-SiteConstruction***
1324-Sec.19.VHFAOFF-SITECONSTRUCTIONREPORT
1325-(a)Thesumof$250,000.00isappropriatedfromtheGeneralFundin
1326-fiscalyear2026totheDepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopment
1327-1
1328-2
1329-3
1330-4
1331-5
1332-6
1333-7
1334-8
1335-9
1336-10
1337-11
1338-12
1339-13
1340-14
1341-15
1342-16
1343-17
1344-18
1345-19
1346-20
1347-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
759+
760+
761+VT LEG #381011 v.9
762+(8) any additional information that the Commissioner determines is 1
763+appropriate. 2
764+* * * 3
765+(f) Annually on or before October 31, the Department shall prepare and make 4
766+available to a member of the public upon request a database in the form of a 5
767+sortable spreadsheet that contains the following information for each rental unit 6
768+for which the Department received a certificate pursuant to this section: 7
769+(1) name of owner or landlord; 8
770+(2) mailing address of landlord; 9
771+(3) location of rental unit; 10
772+(4) type of rental unit; 11
773+(5) number of units in building; and 12
774+(6) School Property Account Number. Annually on or before December 13
775+15, the Department shall submit a report on the aggregated data collected under 14
776+this section to the House Committee on General and Housing and the Senate 15
777+Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. 16
778+* * * VHFA Off-Site Construction * * * 17
779+Sec. 19. VHFA OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION REPORT 18
780+(a) The sum of $250,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund in fiscal 19
781+year 2026 to the Department of Housing and Community Development granted 20
782+to the Vermont Housing Finance Agency to further develop recommendations 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1348783 2025 Page 33 of 38
1349-grantedtotheVermontHousingFinanceAgencytofurtherdevelop
1350-recommendationsfromthe2025“OpportunitiestoUtilizeOff-Site
1351-ConstructiontoMeetVermont’sHousing,WorkforceandClimateGoals”
1352-report.TheVermontHousingFinanceAgencyshall:
1353-(1)identifyandrecommendasetofStatepolicyobjectivesand
1354-prioritiesrelatedtooff-sitehousingconstruction;
1355-(2)definethestructureandrelevantactorsforusingbulkpurchasesof
1356-single-andmulti-familyhomesproducedthroughoff-siteconstructionto
1357-achievelowerconstructioncosts;
1358-(3)gatherinputfrompotentialmanufacturersabouthowtobestachieve
1359-costsavingsthroughabulkpurchaseprogram;
1360-(4)determineanybusinessplanningsupportneededforexisting
1361-Vermontbusinessesseekingtodeveloporexpandoff-siteconstruction;
1362-(5)explorecreatingaworkinggroupofneighboringstatesthat
1363-considersaregionalmarketandsharedapproach;and
1364-(6)prepareananalysisofthefundingandstructureneededtosupport
1365-greaterdevelopmentofoff-sitehomes.
1366-(b)TheVermontHousingFinanceAgencyshallsubmitaninterimreport
1367-onorbeforeJanuary15,2026totheHouseCommitteeonGeneraland
1368-HousingandtheSenateCommitteeonEconomicDevelopment,Housingand
1369-GeneralAffairsandafinalreportonDecember15,2026.
1370-1
1371-2
1372-3
1373-4
1374-5
1375-6
1376-7
1377-8
1378-9
1379-10
1380-11
1381-12
1382-13
1383-14
1384-15
1385-16
1386-17
1387-18
1388-19
1389-20
1390-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
784+
785+
786+VT LEG #381011 v.9
787+from the 2025 “Opportunities to Utilize Off-Site Construction to Meet 1
788+Vermont’s Housing, Workforce and Climate Goals” report. The Vermont 2
789+Housing Finance Agency shall: 3
790+(1) identify and recommend a set of State policy objectives and 4
791+priorities related to off-site housing construction; 5
792+(2) define the structure and relevant actors for using bulk purchases of 6
793+single- and multi-family homes produced through off-site construction to 7
794+achieve lower construction costs; 8
795+(3) gather input from potential manufacturers about how to best achieve 9
796+cost savings through a bulk purchase program; 10
797+(4) determine any business planning support needed for existing 11
798+Vermont businesses seeking to develop or expand off-site construction; 12
799+(5) explore creating a working group of neighboring states that 13
800+considers a regional market and shared approach; and 14
801+(6) prepare an analysis of the funding and structure needed to support 15
802+greater development of off-site homes. 16
803+(b) The Vermont Housing Finance Agency shall submit an interim report 17
804+on or before January 15, 2026 to the House Committee on General and 18
805+Housing and the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and 19
806+General Affairs and a final report on December 15, 2026. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1391807 2025 Page 34 of 38
1392-Sec.19a.VHFAOFF-SITECONSTRUCTIONREPORT;
1393-IMPLEMENTATION
1394-ThedutytoimplementSec.19ofthisactiscontingentuponan
1395-appropriationoffundsinfiscalyear2026fromtheGeneralFundtothe
1396-DepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopmentforagranttothe
1397-VermontHousingFinanceAgencyforthedevelopmentandissuanceofthe
1398-reportrequiredinthatsection.
1399-***Appropriations***
1400-Sec.20.DEPARTMENTOFHOUSINGANDCOMMUNITY
1401-DEVELOPMENT;POSITIONS;APPROPRIATION
1402-(a)Threefull-time,classifiedpositionsarecreatedintheDepartmentof
1403-HousingandCommunityDevelopment.Thesumof$450,000.00is
1404-appropriatedfromtheGeneralFundtotheDepartmentinfiscalyear2026for
1405-thepurposesoffundingthesepositions.
1406-(b)Thesumof$300,000.00isappropriatedfromtheGeneralFundtothe
1407-DepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopmentinfiscalyear2026for
1408-thepurposesoffundingtwoexistinglimited-servicepositions.Onelimited-
1409-servicepositionshallprovidetechnicalassistancetomunicipalities,nonprofit
1410-organizations,andprivatedeveloperstoaidinthedevelopmentofinfilland
1411-missingmiddle-incomehousingthroughtheHomesforAllinitiative.One
1412-1
1413-2
1414-3
1415-4
1416-5
1417-6
1418-7
1419-8
1420-9
1421-10
1422-11
1423-12
1424-13 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
808+
809+
810+VT LEG #381011 v.9
811+* * * Appropriations * * * 1
812+Sec. 20. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY 2
813+ DEVELOPMENT; POSITIONS; APPROPRIATION 3
814+(a) Three full-time, classified positions are created in the Department of 4
815+Housing and Community Development. The sum of $450,000.00 is 5
816+appropriated from the General Fund to the Department in fiscal year 2026 for 6
817+the purposes of funding these positions. 7
818+(b) The sum of $300,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund to the 8
819+Department of Housing and Community Development in fiscal year 2026 for 9
820+the purposes of funding two existing limited-service positions. One limited-10
821+service position shall provide technical assistance to municipalities, nonprofit 11
822+organizations, and private developers to aid in the development of infill and 12
823+missing middle-income housing through the Homes for All initiative. One 13
824+limited-service position shall coordinate funding to distribution amongst State 14
825+entities and gather and analyze housing data to ensure efficient use of funds. 15
826+Sec. 21. APPROPRIATIONS 16
827+The following shall be appropriated from the General Fund in fiscal year 17
828+2026: 18
829+(1) The sum of $27,000,000.00 to the Vermont Housing and 19
830+Conservation Board for the following purposes: 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1425831 2025 Page 35 of 38
1426-limited-servicepositionshallcoordinatefundingtodistributionamongstState
1427-entitiesandgatherandanalyzehousingdatatoensureefficientuseoffunds.
1428-Sec.21.APPROPRIATIONS
1429-ThefollowingshallbeappropriatedfromtheGeneralFundinfiscalyear
1430-2026:
1431-(1)Thesumof$27,000,000.00totheVermontHousingand
1432-ConservationBoardforthefollowingpurposes:
1433-(A)$25,000,000.00toprovidesupportandenhancecapacityforthe
1434-productionandpreservationofaffordablemixed-incomerentalhousingand
1435-homeownershipunits,includingimprovementstomanufacturedhomesand
1436-communities,permanenthomesandemergencyshelterforthoseexperiencing
1437-homelessness,recoveryresidences,andhousingavailabletofarmworkers,
1438-refugees,andindividualswhoareeligibletoreceiveMedicaid-fundedhome-
1439-andcommunity-basedservices;and
1440-(B)$2,000,000.00toimplementtheResidentServicesProgram
1441-establishedinSec.88of2024ActsandResolvesNo.181.
1442-(2)Thesumof$41,735,000.00totheDepartmentofHousingand
1443-CommunityDevelopmentforthefollowingpurposes:
1444-(A)$20,000,000.00grantedtotheVermontHousingFinanceAgency
1445-tocontinueimplementationoftheMiddle-IncomeHomeownership
1446-DevelopmentProgramandtheRentalHousingRevolvingLoanFund;
1447-1
1448-2
1449-3
1450-4
1451-5
1452-6
1453-7
1454-8
1455-9
1456-10
1457-11
1458-12
1459-13
1460-14
1461-15
1462-16
1463-17
1464-18
1465-19
1466-20
1467-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
832+
833+
834+VT LEG #381011 v.9
835+(A) $25,000,000.00 to provide support and enhance capacity for the 1
836+production and preservation of affordable mixed-income rental housing and 2
837+homeownership units, including improvements to manufactured homes and 3
838+communities, permanent homes and emergency shelter for those experiencing 4
839+homelessness, recovery residences, and housing available to farm workers, 5
840+refugees, and individuals who are eligible to receive Medicaid-funded home- 6
841+and community-based services; and 7
842+(B) $2,000,000.00 to implement the Resident Services Program 8
843+established in Sec. 88 of 2024 Acts and Resolves No. 181. 9
844+(2) The sum of $41,735,000.00 to the Department of Housing and 10
845+Community Development for the following purposes: 11
846+(A) $20,000,000.00 granted to the Vermont Housing Finance Agency 12
847+to continue implementation of the Middle-Income Homeownership 13
848+Development Program and the Rental Housing Revolving Loan Fund; 14
849+(B) $15,000,000.00 granted to the Vermont Bond Bank to implement 15
850+the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund; 16
851+(C) $4,000,000.00 for the rehabilitation of eligible rental housing 17
852+units under the Rental Housing Improvement Program established in 10 V.S.A. 18
853+§ 699; 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1468854 2025 Page 36 of 38
1469-(B)$15,000,000.00grantedtotheVermontBondBanktoimplement
1470-theVermontInfrastructureSustainabilityFund;
1471-(C)$4,000,000.00fortherehabilitationofeligiblerentalhousing
1472-unitsundertheRentalHousingImprovementProgramestablishedin10V.S.A.
1473-§ 699;
1474-(D)$2,000,000.00toimprovemobilehomeparkinfrastructureunder
1475-theManufacturedHomeImprovementandRepairProgramestablishedin10
1476-V.S.A.§ 700;
1477-(E)$500,000.00grantedtothefiveNeighborWorksAmerica
1478-affiliatedHomeOwnershipCentersforthepurposeofprovidinghomebuyer
1479-education,financialliteracycounseling,andforeclosurepreventionprograms;
1480-and
1481-(F)$235,000.00grantedtoHomeShareVermontforthepurposeof
1482-fundingcasemanagementpositionsandanintakecoordinator.
1483-(3)Thesumof$400,000.00totheAgencyofHumanServicestogrant
1484-toCathedralSquaretocontinuetheSupportandServicesatHome(SASH)for
1485-Allpilotprogram.
1486-(4)Thesumof$373,000.00totheVermontStateCollegesSystemfor
1487-thepurposeofsupportingthecreationofnewapprenticeships,curriculum
1488-development,employerpartnerships,andfacultytraininginthefieldof
1489-heating,ventilation,andairconditioning.TheVermontStateCollegesSystem
1490-1
1491-2
1492-3
1493-4
1494-5
1495-6
1496-7
1497-8
1498-9
1499-10
1500-11
1501-12
1502-13
1503-14
1504-15
1505-16
1506-17
1507-18
1508-19
1509-20
1510-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
855+
856+
857+VT LEG #381011 v.9
858+(D) $2,000,000.00 to improve mobile home park infrastructure under 1
859+the Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program established in 10 2
860+V.S.A. § 700; 3
861+(E) $500,000.00 granted to the five NeighborWorks America 4
862+affiliated HomeOwnership Centers for the purpose of providing homebuyer 5
863+education, financial literacy counseling, and foreclosure prevention programs; 6
864+and 7
865+(F) $235,000.00 granted to HomeShare Vermont for the purpose of 8
866+funding case management positions and an intake coordinator. 9
867+(3) The sum of $400,000.00 to the Agency of Human Services to grant 10
868+to Cathedral Square to continue the Support and Services at Home (SASH) for 11
869+All pilot program. 12
870+(4) The sum of $373,000.00 to the Vermont State Colleges System for 13
871+the purpose of supporting the creation of new apprenticeships, curriculum 14
872+development, employer partnerships, and faculty training in the field of 15
873+heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The Vermont State Colleges System 16
874+shall, on or before January 31, 2027, issue a report to the House Committee on 17
875+General and Housing and the Senate Committee on Economic Development, 18
876+Housing and General Affairs describing how the funds appropriated pursuant 19
877+to this section have been spent, how any remaining funds appropriated 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1511878 2025 Page 37 of 38
1512-shall,onorbeforeJanuary31,2027,issueareporttotheHouseCommitteeon
1513-GeneralandHousingandtheSenateCommitteeonEconomicDevelopment,
1514-HousingandGeneralAffairsdescribinghowthefundsappropriatedpursuant
1515-tothissectionhavebeenspent,howanyremainingfundsappropriated
1516-pursuanttothissectionwillbespent,andhowthecreationofthesenew
1517-programshaveimprovedworkforcedevelopmentissuesintheState.
1518-(5)Thesumof$448,500.00totheDepartmentofLabortoprovidea
1519-three-yeargranttotheAssociatedGeneralContractorsofVermontforthe
1520-purposeofpromotingandexpandingtheirtrainingandcertificationprograms
1521-specifictoconstructionandthebuildingtrades.TheAssociatedGeneral
1522-ContractorsofVermontshall,onorbeforeJanuary31,2027,issueareportto
1523-theHouseCommitteeonGeneralandHousingandtheSenateCommitteeon
1524-EconomicDevelopment,HousingandGeneralAffairsdescribinghowthe
1525-fundsappropriatedpursuanttothissectionhavebeenspent,howany
1526-remainingfundsappropriatedpursuanttothissectionwillbespent,andhow
1527-theexpansionoftheirprogramshaveimprovedworkforcedevelopmentissues
1528-intheState.
1529-(6)Thesumof$625,000.00totheDepartmentofHealthforthe
1530-followingpurposes:
1531-(A)$300,000.00forfundingofatleastthreenewrecovery
1532-residencescertifiedbytheVermontAllianceforRecoveryResidences;and
1533-1
1534-2
1535-3
1536-4
1537-5
1538-6
1539-7
1540-8
1541-9
1542-10
1543-11
1544-12
1545-13
1546-14
1547-15
1548-16
1549-17
1550-18
1551-19
1552-20
1553-21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.479
879+
880+
881+VT LEG #381011 v.9
882+pursuant to this section will be spent, and how the creation of these new 1
883+programs have improved workforce development issues in the State. 2
884+(5) The sum of $448,500.00 to the Department of Labor to provide a 3
885+three-year grant to the Associated General Contractors of Vermont for the 4
886+purpose of promoting and expanding their training and certification programs 5
887+specific to construction and the building trades. The Associated General 6
888+Contractors of Vermont shall, on or before January 31, 2027, issue a report to 7
889+the House Committee on General and Housing and the Senate Committee on 8
890+Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs describing how the 9
891+funds appropriated pursuant to this section have been spent, how any 10
892+remaining funds appropriated pursuant to this section will be spent, and how 11
893+the expansion of their programs have improved workforce development issues 12
894+in the State. 13
895+(6) The sum of $625,000.00 to the Department of Health for the 14
896+following purposes: 15
897+(A) $300,000.00 for funding of at least three new recovery residences 16
898+certified by the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences; and 17
899+(B) $325,000.00 to cover first month fees for individuals entering a 18
900+certified recovery residence in Vermont. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.479
1554901 2025 Page 38 of 38
1555-(B)$325,000.00tocoverfirstmonthfeesforindividualsenteringa
1556-certifiedrecoveryresidenceinVermont.
1557-***EffectiveDates***
1558-Sec.2220.EFFECTIVEDATES
1559-ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025,exceptthatSecs.4(Universal
1560-DesignStudyCommittee)and17(repeal;Act181prospectivelandlord
1561-certificatechanges)andthissectionshalltakeeffectonpassage.
1562-1
1563-2
1564-3
1565-4
1566-5
1567-6
902+
903+
904+VT LEG #381011 v.9
905+* * * Effective Dates * * * 1
906+Sec. 22. EFFECTIVE DATES 2
907+This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025, except that Secs. 4 (Universal 3
908+Design Study Committee) and 17 (repeal; Act 181 prospective landlord 4
909+certificate changes) and this section shall take effect on passage. 5