Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0488 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	~~BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE~~ H.488
	1	+	BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
2	2		2025 Page 1 of 22
3		-	H.488
4		-	IntroducedbyCommitteeonTransportation
5		-	Date:
6		-	Subject:Transportation;annualTransportationProgram;VermontRoute36;
7		-	locallymanagedprojects;railtrails;TransportationBoard;town
8		-	highways;mileage-baseduserfee;EVinfrastructurefee;electric
9		-	vehiclesupplyequipment
10		-	Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestoadoptthe
11		-	State’sannualTransportationProgramandmakemiscellaneouschangesto
12		-	lawsrelatedtotransportation.
13		-	Anactrelatingtothefiscalyear2026TransportationProgramand
14		-	miscellaneouschangestolawsrelatedtotransportation
15		-	ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
16		-	*TransportationProgramAdoptedasAmended;Definitions*
17		-	Sec.1.TRANSPORTATIONPROGRAMADOPTED;DEFINITIONS
18		-	(a)Adoption.TheAgencyofTransportation’sProposedFiscalYear2026
19		-	TransportationProgramappendedtotheAgencyofTransportation’sproposed
20		-	fiscalyear2026budget,asamendedbythisact,isadoptedtotheextent
21		-	federal,State,andlocalfundsareavailable.
22		-	(b)Definitions.Asusedinthisact,unlessotherwiseindicated:
23		-	1
24		-	2
25		-	3
26		-	4
27		-	5
28		-	6
29		-	7
30		-	8
31		-	9
32		-	10
33		-	11
34		-	12
35		-	13
36		-	14
37		-	15
38		-	16
39		-	17
40		-	18
41		-	19
42		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	3	+
	4	+
	5	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	6	+	H.488 1
	7	+	Introduced by Committee on Transportation 2
	8	+	Date: 3
	9	+	Subject: Transportation; annual Transportation Program; Vermont Route 36; 4
	10	+	locally managed projects; rail trails; Transportation Board; town 5
	11	+	highways; mileage-based user fee; EV infrastructure fee; electric 6
	12	+	vehicle supply equipment 7
	13	+	Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to adopt the 8
	14	+	State’s annual Transportation Program and make miscellaneous changes to 9
	15	+	laws related to transportation. 10
	16	+	An act relating to the fiscal year 2026 Transportation Program and 11
	17	+	miscellaneous changes to laws related to transportation 12
	18	+	It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 13
	19	+	* * * Transportation Program Adopted as Amended; Definitions * * * 14
	20	+	Sec. 1. TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM ADOPTED; DEFINITIONS 15
	21	+	(a) Adoption. The Agency of Transportation’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 16
	22	+	Transportation Program appended to the Agency of Transportation’s proposed 17
	23	+	fiscal year 2026 budget, as amended by this act, is adopted to the extent 18
	24	+	federal, State, and local funds are available. 19
	25	+	(b) Definitions. As used in this act, unless otherwise indicated: 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
43	26		2025 Page 2 of 22
44		-	(1)“Agency”meanstheAgencyofTransportation.
45		-	(2)“Candidateproject”meansaprojectapprovedbytheGeneral
46		-	Assemblythatisnotanticipatedtohavesignificantexpendituresfor
47		-	preliminaryengineeringorright-of-wayexpenditures,orboth,duringthe
48		-	budgetyearandfundingforconstructionisnotanticipatedwithinapredictable
49		-	timeframe.
50		-	(3)“Developmentandevaluation(D&E)project”meansaproject
51		-	approvedbytheGeneralAssemblythatisanticipatedtohavepreliminary
52		-	engineeringexpendituresorright-of-wayexpenditures,orboth,duringthe
53		-	budgetyearandthattheAgencyiscommittedtodeliveringtoconstructionon
54		-	atimelinedrivenbypriorityandavailablefunding.
55		-	(4)“Electricvehiclesupplyequipment(EVSE)”and“electricvehicle
56		-	supplyequipmentavailabletothepublic”havethesamemeaningsasin
57		-	30 V.S.A.§ 201.
58		-	(5)“Front-of-bookproject”meansaprojectapprovedbytheGeneral
59		-	Assemblythatisanticipatedtohaveconstructionexpendituresduringthe
60		-	budgetyearorthefollowingthreeyears,orboth,withexpectedexpenditures
61		-	shownoverfouryears.
62		-	(6)“Mileage-baseduserfee”or“MBUF”meansafeeforvehicleuseof
63		-	thepublicroadsystemwithdistance,statedinmiles,asthemeasureofuse.
64		-	1
65		-	2
66		-	3
67		-	4
68		-	5
69		-	6
70		-	7
71		-	8
72		-	9
73		-	10
74		-	11
75		-	12
76		-	13
77		-	14
78		-	15
79		-	16
80		-	17
81		-	18
82		-	19
83		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	27	+
	28	+
	29	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	30	+	(1) “Agency” means the Agency of Transportation. 1
	31	+	(2) “Candidate project” means a project approved by the General 2
	32	+	Assembly that is not anticipated to have significant expenditures for 3
	33	+	preliminary engineering or right-of-way expenditures, or both, during the 4
	34	+	budget year and funding for construction is not anticipated within a predictable 5
	35	+	time frame. 6
	36	+	(3) “Development and evaluation (D&E) project” means a project 7
	37	+	approved by the General Assembly that is anticipated to have preliminary 8
	38	+	engineering expenditures or right-of-way expenditures, or both, during the 9
	39	+	budget year and that the Agency is committed to delivering to construction on 10
	40	+	a timeline driven by priority and available funding. 11
	41	+	(4) “Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)” and “electric vehicle 12
	42	+	supply equipment available to the public” have the same meanings as in 13
	43	+	30 V.S.A. § 201. 14
	44	+	(5) “Front-of-book project” means a project approved by the General 15
	45	+	Assembly that is anticipated to have construction expenditures during the 16
	46	+	budget year or the following three years, or both, with expected expenditures 17
	47	+	shown over four years. 18
	48	+	(6) “Mileage-based user fee” or “MBUF” means a fee for vehicle use of 19
	49	+	the public road system with distance, stated in miles, as the measure of use. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
84	50		2025 Page 3 of 22
85		-	(7)“Plug-inelectricvehicle(PEV),”“plug-inhybridelectricvehicle
86		-	(PHEV),”and“batteryelectricvehicle(BEV)”havethesamemeaningsasin
87		-	23V.S.A.§ 4(85).
88		-	(8)“Secretary”meanstheSecretaryofTransportation.
89		-	(9)“TIBfunds”meansmoniesdepositedintheTransportation
90		-	InfrastructureBondFundinaccordancewith19 V.S.A.§ 11f.
91		-	(10)Thetableheading“AsProposed”meanstheProposed
92		-	TransportationProgramreferencedinsubsection(a)ofthissection;thetable
93		-	heading“AsAmended”meanstheamendmentsasmadebythisact;thetable
94		-	heading“Change”meansthedifferenceobtainedbysubtractingthe“As
95		-	Proposed”figurefromthe“AsAmended”figure;theterms“change”or
96		-	“changes”inthetextrefertotheproject-andprogram-specificamendments,
97		-	theaggregatesumofwhichequalsthenet“Change”intheapplicabletable
98		-	heading;and“State”inanytablesamendingauthorizationsindicatesthatthe
99		-	sourceoffundsisStatemoniesintheTransportationFund,unlessotherwise
100		-	specified.
101		-	*RailProgram;TechnicalCorrection*
102		-	Sec.2.RAILPROGRAM
103		-	(a)WithintheAgencyofTransportation’sProposedFiscalYear2026
104		-	TransportationProgramforRailthefollowingprojectisdeleted:Barre–
105		-	Berlin–Montpelier04-9038–WACRSubsidy.
106		-	1
107		-	2
108		-	3
109		-	4
110		-	5
111		-	6
112		-	7
113		-	8
114		-	9
115		-	10
116		-	11
117		-	12
118		-	13
119		-	14
120		-	15
121		-	16
122		-	17
123		-	18
124		-	19
125		-	20
126		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	51	+
	52	+
	53	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	54	+	(7) “Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV),” “plug-in hybrid electric vehicle 1
	55	+	(PHEV),” and “battery electric vehicle (BEV)” have the same meanings as in 2
	56	+	23 V.S.A. § 4(85). 3
	57	+	(8) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation. 4
	58	+	(9) “TIB funds” means monies deposited in the Transportation 5
	59	+	Infrastructure Bond Fund in accordance with 19 V.S.A. § 11f. 6
	60	+	(10) The table heading “As Proposed” means the Proposed 7
	61	+	Transportation Program referenced in subsection (a) of this section; the table 8
	62	+	heading “As Amended” means the amendments as made by this act; the table 9
	63	+	heading “Change” means the difference obtained by subtracting the “As 10
	64	+	Proposed” figure from the “As Amended” figure; the terms “change” or 11
	65	+	“changes” in the text refer to the project- and program-specific amendments, 12
	66	+	the aggregate sum of which equals the net “Change” in the applicable table 13
	67	+	heading; and “State” in any tables amending authorizations indicates that the 14
	68	+	source of funds is State monies in the Transportation Fund, unless otherwise 15
	69	+	specified. 16
	70	+	* * * Rail Program; Technical Correction * * * 17
	71	+	Sec. 2. RAIL PROGRAM 18
	72	+	(a) Within the Agency of Transportation’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 19
	73	+	Transportation Program for Rail the following project is deleted: Barre–20
	74	+	Berlin–Montpelier 04-9038–WACR Subsidy. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
127	75		2025 Page 4 of 22
128		-	(b)WithintheAgencyofTransportation’sProposedFiscalYear2026
129		-	TransportationProgramforRail,thefollowingprojectisadded:Hartford
130		-	HRRD(1)25G002–WhiteRiverJunctionDepotRepairs.
131		-	(c)WithintheAgencyofTransportation’sProposedFiscalYear2026
132		-	TransportationProgramforRail,spendingauthorityforHartfordHRRD(1)
133		-	25G002–WhiteRiverJunctionDepotRepairsisauthorizedasfollows:
134		-	FY26 AsProposed AsAmended Change
135		-	Other 0 260,000 260,000
136		-	Total 0 260,000 260,000
137		-	Sourcesoffunds
138		-	State 0 260,000 260,000
139		-	Total 0 260,000 260,000
140		-	*RelinquishmentofVermontRoute36intheTownofSt.Albans*
141		-	Sec.3.RELINQUISHMENT OFVERMONTROUTE36INTHETOWN
142		-	OFST.ALBANS
143		-	Pursuantto19V.S.A.§15(a)(2),theGeneralAssemblyauthorizesthe
144		-	SecretaryofTransportationtoenterintoanagreementwiththeTownofSt.
145		-	AlbanstorelinquishasegmentoftheStatehighwayintheTownofSt.Albans
146		-	knownasVermontRoute36.Thesegmentauthorizedtoberelinquished
147		-	beginsatmilemarker0.00,justeastofthe“BlackBridge”(B2),andcontinues
148		-	14,963feet(approximately2.834miles)easterlytomilemarker2.834,where
149		-	1
150		-	2
151		-	3
152		-	4
153		-	5
154		-	6
155		-	7
156		-	8
157		-	9
158		-	10
159		-	11
160		-	12
161		-	13
162		-	14
163		-	15
164		-	16
165		-	17
166		-	18
167		-	19
168		-	20
169		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	76	+
	77	+
	78	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	79	+	(b) Within the Agency of Transportation’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 1
	80	+	Transportation Program for Rail, the following project is added: Hartford 2
	81	+	HRRD(1) 25G002–White River Junction Depot Repairs. 3
	82	+	(c) Within the Agency of Transportation’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 4
	83	+	Transportation Program for Rail, spending authority for Hartford HRRD(1) 5
	84	+	25G002–White River Junction Depot Repairs is authorized as follows: 6
	85	+	FY26 As Proposed As Amended Change 7
	86	+	Other 0 260,000 260,000 8
	87	+	Total 0 260,000 260,000 9
	88	+	Sources of funds 10
	89	+	State 0 260,000 260,000 11
	90	+	Total 0 260,000 260,000 12
	91	+	* * * Relinquishment of Vermont Route 36 in the Town of St. Albans * * * 13
	92	+	Sec. 3. RELINQUISHMENT OF VERMONT ROUTE 36 IN THE TOWN 14
	93	+	OF ST. ALBANS 15
	94	+	Pursuant to 19 V.S.A. § 15(a)(2), the General Assembly authorizes the 16
	95	+	Secretary of Transportation to enter into an agreement with the Town of St. 17
	96	+	Albans to relinquish a segment of the State highway in the Town of St. Albans 18
	97	+	known as Vermont Route 36. The segment authorized to be relinquished 19
	98	+	begins at mile marker 0.00, just east of the “Black Bridge” (B2), and continues 20
	99	+	14,963 feet (approximately 2.834 miles) easterly to mile marker 2.834, where 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
170	100		2025 Page 5 of 22
171		-	VermontRoute36meetstheboundaryoftheCityofSt.Albans,andincludes
172		-	the0.106-milewestboundsectionofVermontRoute36andapproachesatthe
173		-	entrancetotheSt.AlbansBayTownPark.
174		-	*State-OwnedRailroads;RailTrails*
175		-	Sec.4.5V.S.A.chapter58isredesignatedtoread:
176		-	CHAPTER58.STATEACQUISITIONOFSTATE-OWNEDRAILROADS
177		-	ANDRAILTRAILS
178		-	Sec.5.5V.S.A.§ 3408isamendedtoread:
179		-	§3408.RAILBANKING;NOTIFICATION
180		-	(a)IftheSecretaryfindsthatthecontinuedoperationofanyState-owned
181		-	railroadpropertyisnoteconomicallyfeasibleunderpresentconditions,heor
182		-	shetheSecretarymayplacethelineinrailbankedstatusaftergivingadvance
183		-	noticeofsuchtheplannedrailbankingtotheHouseandSenateCommitteeson
184		-	TransportationwhentheGeneralAssemblyisinsession,andwhentheGeneral
185		-	Assemblyisnotinsession,totheJointTransportationOversightCommittee.
186		-	TheAgency,onbehalfoftheState,shallcontinuetoholdtheright-of-wayofa
187		-	railbankedlineforreactivationofrailroadserviceorforotherpublicpurposes
188		-	notinconsistentwithfuturereactivationofrailroadservice.SuchThe
189		-	railbankingshallnotbetreated,forpurposesofanylaworruleoflaw,asan
190		-	abandonmentoftheuseoftherights-of-wayforrailroadpurposes.
191		-	***
192		-	1
193		-	2
194		-	3
195		-	4
196		-	5
197		-	6
198		-	7
199		-	8
200		-	9
201		-	10
202		-	11
203		-	12
204		-	13
205		-	14
206		-	15
207		-	16
208		-	17
209		-	18
210		-	19
211		-	20
212		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	101	+
	102	+
	103	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	104	+	Vermont Route 36 meets the boundary of the City of St. Albans, and includes 1
	105	+	the 0.106-mile westbound section of Vermont Route 36 and approaches at the 2
	106	+	entrance to the St. Albans Bay Town Park. 3
	107	+	* * * State-Owned Railroads; Rail Trails * * * 4
	108	+	Sec. 4. 5 V.S.A. chapter 58 is redesignated to read: 5
	109	+	CHAPTER 58. STATE ACQUISITION OF STATE-OWNED RAILROADS 6
	110	+	AND RAIL TRAILS 7
	111	+	Sec. 5. 5 V.S.A. § 3408 is amended to read: 8
	112	+	§ 3408. RAILBANKING; NOTIFICATION 9
	113	+	(a) If the Secretary finds that the continued operation of any State-owned 10
	114	+	railroad property is not economically feasible under present conditions, he or 11
	115	+	she the Secretary may place the line in railbanked status after giving advance 12
	116	+	notice of such the planned railbanking to the House and Senate Committees on 13
	117	+	Transportation when the General Assembly is in session, and when the General 14
	118	+	Assembly is not in session, to the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee. 15
	119	+	The Agency, on behalf of the State, shall continue to hold the right-of-way of a 16
	120	+	railbanked line for reactivation of railroad service or for other public purposes 17
	121	+	not inconsistent with future reactivation of railroad service. Such The 18
	122	+	railbanking shall not be treated, for purposes of any law or rule of law, as an 19
	123	+	abandonment of the use of the rights-of-way for railroad purposes. 20
	124	+	* * * 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
213	125		2025 Page 6 of 22
214		-	(c)(1)TheSecretarymay,afterconsultingwithmunicipalities,adoptrules
215		-	consistentwiththeprovisionsofsection3408aofthischaptergoverningthe
216		-	interimtrailuseofState-ownedrailroadrights-of-waythathavebeenplacedin
217		-	railbankedstatus.
218		-	(2)Signsindicatingtherulesshallbeconspicuouslypostedinornearall
219		-	areasaffected.
220		-	(3)Anypersonwhoviolatestheserulesadoptedpursuanttothis
221		-	subsectionshallbesubjecttoapenaltyofnotmorethan$300.00.
222		-	Sec.6.5V.S.A.§ 3408aisaddedtoread:
223		-	§ 3408a.USEOFRAILTRAILS
224		-	(a)Definitions.Asusedinthissection:
225		-	(1)“Railtrail”meanstheright-of-wayofaState-ownedrailroadline
226		-	thathasbeenauthorizedforrailbankingandinterimtrailusepursuantto
227		-	16 U.S.C.§ 1247(d)orsection3408ofthischapter.
228		-	(2)“Trailsponsor”meanstheAgencyofTransportationinthecaseofa
229		-	railtrailmaintainedbytheAgencyorthemunicipalityinthecaseofarailtrail
230		-	maintainedbyamunicipality.
231		-	(b)Useofrailtrails.Thefollowingactsareprohibitedwithinarailtrail
232		-	right-of-way:
233		-	(1)Throwing,dropping,ordiscardingbottles,cans,paper,garbage,
234		-	rubbish,sewage,orothermaterialofanykind.
235		-	1
236		-	2
237		-	3
238		-	4
239		-	5
240		-	6
241		-	7
242		-	8
243		-	9
244		-	10
245		-	11
246		-	12
247		-	13
248		-	14
249		-	15
250		-	16
251		-	17
252		-	18
253		-	19
254		-	20
255		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	126	+
	127	+
	128	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	129	+	(c)(1) The Secretary may, after consulting with municipalities, adopt rules 1
	130	+	consistent with the provisions of section 3408a of this chapter governing the 2
	131	+	interim trail use of State-owned railroad rights-of-way that have been placed in 3
	132	+	railbanked status. 4
	133	+	(2) Signs indicating the rules shall be conspicuously posted in or near all 5
	134	+	areas affected. 6
	135	+	(3) Any person who violates these rules adopted pursuant to this 7
	136	+	subsection shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $300.00. 8
	137	+	Sec. 6. 5 V.S.A. § 3408a is added to read: 9
	138	+	§ 3408a. USE OF RAIL TRAILS 10
	139	+	(a) Definitions. As used in this section: 11
	140	+	(1) “Rail trail” means the right-of-way of a State-owned railroad line 12
	141	+	that has been authorized for railbanking and interim trail use pursuant to 13
	142	+	16 U.S.C. § 1247(d) or section 3408 of this chapter. 14
	143	+	(2) “Trail sponsor” means the Agency of Transportation in the case of a 15
	144	+	rail trail maintained by the Agency or the municipality in the case of a rail trail 16
	145	+	maintained by a municipality. 17
	146	+	(b) Use of rail trails. The following acts are prohibited within a rail trail 18
	147	+	right-of-way: 19
	148	+	(1) Throwing, dropping, or discarding bottles, cans, paper, garbage, 20
	149	+	rubbish, sewage, or other material of any kind. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
256	150		2025 Page 7 of 22
257		-	(2)Cutting,mutilating,orremovinganytree,shrub,flower,plant,top
258		-	soil,orsodorattemptingtodoso.
259		-	(3)Injury,defacement,removal,ordestructionofthesurfaceoftherail
260		-	trailorarailtrail’sstructures,appurtenances,recreationfacilities,orproperty.
261		-	(4)Exceptasauthorizedbythetrailsponsor,erecting,placing,or
262		-	displayinganyadvertisingmaterials,posters,orplacardsofanykind.This
263		-	prohibitionshallnotapplytoofficialsignserectedbythetrailsponsor.
264		-	(5)Exceptasauthorizedbythetrailsponsor,enteringorremainingon
265		-	therailtrailforthepurposeof:
266		-	(A)selling,hiring,orleasinganygoodsorservices;or
267		-	(B)distributingsamples,pamphlets,oradvertisingmaterials,except
268		-	forofficialinformationauthorizedbythetrailsponsor.
269		-	(6)Parades,demonstrations,picnics,games,entertainment,or
270		-	organizations,exceptattimesandlocationsapprovedbythetrailsponsor.
271		-	(7)Harassingormolestingwildlife,exceptforfishing.
272		-	(8)Usingordischarginganyfirearmsorotherweaponsorfireworks,
273		-	exceptbypersonauthorizedbythetrailsponsororasotherwisepermittedby
274		-	law.
275		-	(9)Ignitingfiresforanypurpose,exceptinfireplacesorfirepitsat
276		-	locationsdesignatedbythetrailsponsorfortrailmaintenancepurposes.
277		-	(10)Solicitingalmsorcontributions.
278		-	1
279		-	2
280		-	3
281		-	4
282		-	5
283		-	6
284		-	7
285		-	8
286		-	9
287		-	10
288		-	11
289		-	12
290		-	13
291		-	14
292		-	15
293		-	16
294		-	17
295		-	18
296		-	19
297		-	20
298		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	151	+
	152	+
	153	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	154	+	(2) Cutting, mutilating, or removing any tree, shrub, flower, plant, top 1
	155	+	soil, or sod or attempting to do so. 2
	156	+	(3) Injury, defacement, removal, or destruction of the surface of the rail 3
	157	+	trail or a rail trail’s structures, appurtenances, recreation facilities, or property. 4
	158	+	(4) Except as authorized by the trail sponsor, erecting, placing, or 5
	159	+	displaying any advertising materials, posters, or placards of any kind. This 6
	160	+	prohibition shall not apply to official signs erected by the trail sponsor. 7
	161	+	(5) Except as authorized by the trail sponsor, entering or remaining on 8
	162	+	the rail trail for the purpose of: 9
	163	+	(A) selling, hiring, or leasing any goods or services; or 10
	164	+	(B) distributing samples, pamphlets, or advertising materials, except 11
	165	+	for official information authorized by the trail sponsor. 12
	166	+	(6) Parades, demonstrations, picnics, games, entertainment, or 13
	167	+	organizations, except at times and locations approved by the trail sponsor. 14
	168	+	(7) Harassing or molesting wildlife, except for fishing. 15
	169	+	(8) Using or discharging any firearms or other weapons or fireworks, 16
	170	+	except by person authorized by the trail sponsor or as otherwise permitted by 17
	171	+	law. 18
	172	+	(9) Igniting fires for any purpose, except in fireplaces or firepits at 19
	173	+	locations designated by the trail sponsor for trail maintenance purposes. 20
	174	+	(10) Soliciting alms or contributions. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
299	175		2025 Page 8 of 22
300		-	(11)Useofmotorizedvehicles,exceptfor:
301		-	(A)maintenancepurposes;
302		-	(B)snowmobiles,subjecttoapplicableStaterules,whentheVermont
303		-	AssociationofSnowTravelers,Inc.hasdeclaredtheStatewideSnowmobile
304		-	TrailSystemofficiallyopen;
305		-	(C)OtherPower-DrivenMobilityDevices(OPDMD)utilizedbyan
306		-	individualwithadisabilityaspermittedbytheAgency’sRailTrail
307		-	AccessibilityPolicy;
308		-	(D)electricbicyclesaspermittedpursuanttoapplicableStaterules;
309		-	and
310		-	(E)othercircumstancesthatthetrailsponsordeterminesare
311		-	appropriate.
312		-	(12)Overnightcamping,exceptatareasdesignatedforthatpurposeby
313		-	thetrailsponsor.
314		-	(c)Penalty.Anypersonwhoviolatestheprovisionsofsubsection(b)of
315		-	thissectionshallbesubjecttoacivilpenaltyofnotmorethan$300.00.
316		-	*TransportationBoard*
317		-	Sec.7.19V.S.A.§ 3isamendedtoread:
318		-	§3.TRANSPORTATIONBOARD;CREATION;MEMBERS
319		-	AtransportationboardTheTransportationBoardisformedtobeattached
320		-	totheAgencyofTransportation.ThereshallbesevenmembersoftheBoard,
321		-	1
322		-	2
323		-	3
324		-	4
325		-	5
326		-	6
327		-	7
328		-	8
329		-	9
330		-	10
331		-	11
332		-	12
333		-	13
334		-	14
335		-	15
336		-	16
337		-	17
338		-	18
339		-	19
340		-	20
341		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	176	+
	177	+
	178	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	179	+	(11) Use of motorized vehicles, except for: 1
	180	+	(A) maintenance purposes; 2
	181	+	(B) snowmobiles, subject to applicable State rules, when the 3
	182	+	Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. has declared the Statewide 4
	183	+	Snowmobile Trail System officially open; 5
	184	+	(C) Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) utilized by an 6
	185	+	individual with a disability as permitted by the Agency’s Rail Trail 7
	186	+	Accessibility Policy; 8
	187	+	(D) electric bicycles as permitted pursuant to applicable State rules; 9
	188	+	and 10
	189	+	(E) other circumstances that the trail sponsor determines are 11
	190	+	appropriate. 12
	191	+	(12) Overnight camping, except at areas designated for that purpose by 13
	192	+	the trail sponsor. 14
	193	+	(c) Penalty. Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (b) of 15
	194	+	this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $300.00. 16
	195	+	* * * Transportation Board * * * 17
	196	+	Sec. 7. 19 V.S.A. § 3 is amended to read: 18
	197	+	§ 3. TRANSPORTATION BOARD; CREATION; MEMBERS 19
	198	+	A transportation board The Transportation Board is formed to be attached to 20
	199	+	the Agency of Transportation. There shall be seven members of the Board, 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
342	200		2025 Page 9 of 22
343		-	appointedbytheGovernorwiththeadviceandconsentoftheSenate.The
344		-	GovernorshallsofarasispossibleappointBoardmemberswhoseinterests
345		-	andexpertiselieinvariousareasofthetransportationfield.TheGovernor
346		-	shallappointthechairChair,andtheBoardmayvotetoappointotherofficers.
347		-	ThemembersoftheBoardshallbeappointedfortermsofthreeyears.Board
348		-	membersmaybeappointedfortwoadditionalthree-yeartermsbutshallnotbe
349		-	eligibleforfurtherreappointment.NoNotmorethanfourmembersofthe
350		-	Boardshallbelongtothesamepoliticalparty.NomemberoftheBoardshall:
351		-	***
352		-	Sec.8.19V.S.A.§ 5isamendedtoread:
353		-	§5.TRANSPORTATIONBOARD;POWERSANDDUTIES
354		-	***
355		-	(d)Specificdutiesandresponsibilities.TheBoardshall:
356		-	***
357		-	(4)provideappellatereview,whenrequestedinwriting,regardinglegal
358		-	disputesintheexecutionofcontractsawardedbytheAgencyorby
359		-	municipalitiescooperatingwiththeAgencytoadvanceprojectsintheState’s
360		-	TransportationProgram,exceptthattheAgencyshallprovideappellatereview
361		-	relatingtobidsandthecompetitivenegotiationprocessunder19V.S.A.§ 10a;
362		-	1
363		-	2
364		-	3
365		-	4
366		-	5
367		-	6
368		-	7
369		-	8
370		-	9
371		-	10
372		-	11
373		-	12
374		-	13
375		-	14
376		-	15
377		-	16
378		-	17
379		-	18
380		-	19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	201	+
	202	+
	203	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	204	+	appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The 1
	205	+	Governor shall so far as is possible appoint Board members whose interests 2
	206	+	and expertise lie in various areas of the transportation field. The Governor 3
	207	+	shall appoint the chair Chair, and the Board may vote to appoint other officers. 4
	208	+	The members of the Board shall be appointed for terms of three years. Board 5
	209	+	members may be appointed for two additional three-year terms but shall not be 6
	210	+	eligible for further reappointment. No Not more than four members of the 7
	211	+	Board shall belong to the same political party. No member of the Board shall: 8
	212	+	* * * 9
	213	+	Sec. 8. 19 V.S.A. § 5 is amended to read: 10
	214	+	§ 5. TRANSPORTATION BOARD; POWERS AND DUTIES 11
	215	+	* * * 12
	216	+	(d) Specific duties and responsibilities. The Board shall: 13
	217	+	* * * 14
	218	+	(4) provide appellate review, when requested in writing, regarding legal 15
	219	+	disputes in the execution of contracts awarded by the Agency or by 16
	220	+	municipalities cooperating with the Agency to advance projects in the State’s 17
	221	+	Transportation Program, except that the Agency shall provide appellate review 18
	222	+	relating to bids and the competitive negotiation process under 19 V.S.A. § 10a; 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
381	223		2025 Page 10 of 22
382		-	(5)provideappellatereview,whenrequestedinwriting,ofdecisionsof
383		-	theSecretaryinadministeringtheprovisionsofTitle24,relatingtojunkyards
384		-	salvageyards;
385		-	***
386		-	*GreenMountainTransitAuthority*
387		-	Sec.9.24App.V.S.A.chapter801isamendedtoread:
388		-	CHAPTER801.GREENMOUNTAINTRANSITAUTHORITY
389		-	***
390		-	§2.AREAOFOPERATION
391		-	(a)TheareaofoperationshallbeChittenden,Franklin,GrandIsle,and
392		-	WashingtonCountiesandtheTownsofOrange,Washington,and
393		-	Williamstown.TheareaofoperationshallincludeAddisonandCaledonia
394		-	CountiesandtheTownsofOrangeCountyotherthanOrange,Washington,
395		-	andWilliamstown,butonlyfortheprovisionofcommuterservices.Thearea
396		-	ofoperationshallincludeLamoilleCounty,butonlyfortheprovisionof
397		-	publishedscheduledservicesCountyforfixedroutebusservice.TheGreen
398		-	MountainTransitAuthoritymayoperateserviceoutsideChittendenCounty,or
399		-	demandresponsetransitwithinChittendenCounty,asdeterminedbythe
400		-	AgencyofTransportation’spublictransitgrantprocess.
401		-	***
402		-	1
403		-	2
404		-	3
405		-	4
406		-	5
407		-	6
408		-	7
409		-	8
410		-	9
411		-	10
412		-	11
413		-	12
414		-	13
415		-	14
416		-	15
417		-	16
418		-	17
419		-	18
420		-	19
421		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	224	+
	225	+
	226	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	227	+	(5) provide appellate review, when requested in writing, of decisions of 1
	228	+	the Secretary in administering the provisions of Title 24, relating to junkyards 2
	229	+	salvage yards; 3
	230	+	* * * 4
	231	+	* * * Green Mountain Transit Authority * * * 5
	232	+	Sec. 9. 24 App. V.S.A. chapter 801 is amended to read: 6
	233	+	CHAPTER 801. GREEN MOUNTAIN TRANSIT AUTHORITY 7
	234	+	* * * 8
	235	+	§ 2. AREA OF OPERATION 9
	236	+	(a) The area of operation shall be Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, and 10
	237	+	Washington Counties and the Towns of Orange, Washington, and 11
	238	+	Williamstown. The area of operation shall include Addison and Caledonia 12
	239	+	Counties and the Towns of Orange County other than Orange, Washington, 13
	240	+	and Williamstown, but only for the provision of commuter services. The area 14
	241	+	of operation shall include Lamoille County, but only for the provision of 15
	242	+	published scheduled services County for fixed route bus service. The Green 16
	243	+	Mountain Transit Authority may operate service outside Chittenden County, or 17
	244	+	demand response transit within Chittenden County, as determined by the 18
	245	+	Agency of Transportation’s public transit grant process. 19
	246	+	* * * 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
422	247		2025 Page 11 of 22
423		-	§10.IMPLEMENTATION
424		-	***
425		-	(c)ImmediatelyuponjoiningtheAuthority,themunicipalityshallappoint
426		-	twocommissionersasprovidedherein.Theinitialtermsofthecommissioners
427		-	oftheinitialmembersshallbearrangedbytheChittendenCountyRegional
428		-	PlanningCommissionsothatthetermsofapproximatelyone-thirdofthe
429		-	commissionersshallexpireineachyear.Theinitialtermsofcommissioners
430		-	frommunicipalitiesjoiningafterMarch7,1973,shallbesetbytheBoardof
431		-	Commissioners.
432		-	***
433		-	*TownHighways*
434		-	Sec.10.19V.S.A.§ 306isamendedtoread:
435		-	§306.APPROPRIATION;STATEAIDFORTOWNHIGHWAYS
436		-	(a)GeneralStateaidtotownhighways.
437		-	(1)Anannualappropriationtoclass1,2,and3townhighwaysshallbe
438		-	made.Thisappropriationshallincreaseoverthepreviousfiscalyear’s
439		-	appropriationbythesamepercentagechangeasthefollowing,whicheveris
440		-	less,orshallremainatthepreviousfiscalyear’sappropriationifeitherofthe
441		-	followingarenegativeorzero:
442		-	(A)thepercentagechangeoftheAgency’stotalappropriations
443		-	fundedbyTransportationFundrevenues,excludingappropriationsfortown
444		-	1
445		-	2
446		-	3
447		-	4
448		-	5
449		-	6
450		-	7
451		-	8
452		-	9
453		-	10
454		-	11
455		-	12
456		-	13
457		-	14
458		-	15
459		-	16
460		-	17
461		-	18
462		-	19
463		-	20
464		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	248	+
	249	+
	250	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	251	+	§ 10. IMPLEMENTATION 1
	252	+	* * * 2
	253	+	(c) Immediately upon joining the Authority, the municipality shall appoint 3
	254	+	two commissioners as provided herein. The initial terms of the commissioners 4
	255	+	of the initial members shall be arranged by the Chittenden County Regional 5
	256	+	Planning Commission so that the terms of approximately one-third of the 6
	257	+	commissioners shall expire in each year. The initial terms of commissioners 7
	258	+	from municipalities joining after March 7, 1973, shall be set by the Board of 8
	259	+	Commissioners. 9
	260	+	* * * 10
	261	+	* * * Town Highways * * * 11
	262	+	Sec. 10. 19 V.S.A. § 306 is amended to read: 12
	263	+	§ 306. APPROPRIATION; STATE AID FOR TOWN HIGHWAYS 13
	264	+	(a) General State aid to town highways. 14
	265	+	(1) An annual appropriation to class 1, 2, and 3 town highways shall be 15
	266	+	made. This appropriation shall increase over the previous fiscal year’s 16
	267	+	appropriation by the same percentage change as the following, whichever is 17
	268	+	less, or shall remain at the previous fiscal year’s appropriation if either of the 18
	269	+	following are negative or zero: 19
	270	+	(A) the percentage change of the Agency’s total appropriations 20
	271	+	funded by Transportation Fund revenues, excluding appropriations for town 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
465	272		2025 Page 12 of 22
466		-	highwaysunderthissubsection(a)andsubsections(e)and(h)ofthissection,
467		-	forthemostrecentlyclosedfiscalyearascomparedtothefiscalyear
468		-	immediatelyprecedingthemostrecentlyclosedfiscalyear;or
469		-	***
470		-	(e)Stateaidfortownhighwaystructures.
471		-	(1)Thereshallbeanannualappropriationforgrantstomunicipalities
472		-	formaintenance(includingactionstoextendlifeexpectancy)andfor
473		-	constructionofbridgesandculverts;formaintenanceandconstructionofother
474		-	structures,includingcausewaysandretainingwalls,intendedtopreservethe
475		-	integrityofthetraveledportionofclass1,2,and3townhighways;andfor
476		-	alternativesthateliminatetheneedforabridge,culvert,orotherstructure,
477		-	suchastheconstructionorreconstructionofahighway,thepurchaseof
478		-	parcelsoflandthatwouldbelandlockedbyclosureofabridge,thepayment
479		-	ofdamagesforlossofhighwayaccess,andthesubstitutionofothermeansof
480		-	access.Thisappropriationshallincreaseoverthepreviousfiscalyear’s
481		-	appropriationbythesamepercentagechangeasthefollowing,whicheveris
482		-	less,orshallremainatthepreviousfiscalyear’sappropriationifeitherofthe
483		-	followingarenegativeorzero:
484		-	(A)thepercentagechangeintheAgency’stotalappropriations
485		-	fundedbyTransportationFundrevenues,excludingappropriationsunderthis
486		-	subsection(e)andsubsections(a)and(h)ofthissection,forthemostrecently
487		-	1
488		-	2
489		-	3
490		-	4
491		-	5
492		-	6
493		-	7
494		-	8
495		-	9
496		-	10
497		-	11
498		-	12
499		-	13
500		-	14
501		-	15
502		-	16
503		-	17
504		-	18
505		-	19
506		-	20
507		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	273	+
	274	+
	275	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	276	+	highways under this subsection (a) and subsections (e) and (h) of this section, 1
	277	+	for the most recently closed fiscal year as compared to the fiscal year 2
	278	+	immediately preceding the most recently closed fiscal year; or 3
	279	+	* * * 4
	280	+	(e) State aid for town highway structures. 5
	281	+	(1) There shall be an annual appropriation for grants to municipalities 6
	282	+	for maintenance (including actions to extend life expectancy) and for 7
	283	+	construction of bridges and culverts; for maintenance and construction of other 8
	284	+	structures, including causeways and retaining walls, intended to preserve the 9
	285	+	integrity of the traveled portion of class 1, 2, and 3 town highways; and for 10
	286	+	alternatives that eliminate the need for a bridge, culvert, or other structure, 11
	287	+	such as the construction or reconstruction of a highway, the purchase of parcels 12
	288	+	of land that would be landlocked by closure of a bridge, the payment of 13
	289	+	damages for loss of highway access, and the substitution of other means of 14
	290	+	access. This appropriation shall increase over the previous fiscal year’s 15
	291	+	appropriation by the same percentage change as the following, whichever is 16
	292	+	less, or shall remain at the previous fiscal year’s appropriation if either of the 17
	293	+	following are negative or zero: 18
	294	+	(A) the percentage change in the Agency’s total appropriations 19
	295	+	funded by Transportation Fund revenues, excluding appropriations under this 20
	296	+	subsection (e) and subsections (a) and (h) of this section, for the most recently 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
508	297		2025 Page 13 of 22
509		-	closedfiscalyearascomparedtothefiscalyearimmediatelyprecedingthe
510		-	mostrecentlyclosedfiscalyear;or
511		-	(B)thepercentagechangeintheBureauofLaborStatistics
512		-	ConsumerPriceIndexforAllUrbanConsumers(CPI-U).
513		-	(2)Forpurposesofsubdivision(1)(B)ofthissubsection,thepercentage
514		-	changeintheCPI-Uiscalculatedbydeterminingtheincreaseordecrease,to
515		-	thenearestone-tenthofapercent,intheCPI-UforthemonthendingonJune
516		-	30inthecalendaryearoneyearpriortothefirstdayofthefiscalyearfor
517		-	whichtheappropriationwillbemadecomparedtotheCPI-Uforthemonth
518		-	endingonJune30inthecalendaryeartwoyearspriortothefirstdayofthe
519		-	fiscalyearforwhichtheappropriationwillbemade.
520		-	(3)Eachfiscalyear,theAgencyshallapprovequalifyingprojectswitha
521		-	totalestimatedStatesharecostof$7,200,000.00ataminimumasnewgrants.
522		-	TheAgency’sproposedappropriationfortheProgramshalltakeintoaccount
523		-	theestimatedamountofqualifyinginvoicessubmittedtotheAgencywith
524		-	respecttoprojectgrantsapprovedinprioryearsbutnotyetcompletedaswell
525		-	aswithrespecttonewprojectgrantstobeapprovedinthefiscalyear
526		-	BeginningwithStatefiscalyear2027,theminimumtotalestimatedStateshare
527		-	costfortheapprovedgrantsshallincreaseoverthepriorfiscalyear’s
528		-	minimumtotalestimatedStatesharecostbythesamepercentageasthe
529		-	1
530		-	2
531		-	3
532		-	4
533		-	5
534		-	6
535		-	7
536		-	8
537		-	9
538		-	10
539		-	11
540		-	12
541		-	13
542		-	14
543		-	15
544		-	16
545		-	17
546		-	18
547		-	19
548		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	298	+
	299	+
	300	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	301	+	closed fiscal year as compared to the fiscal year immediately preceding the 1
	302	+	most recently closed fiscal year; or 2
	303	+	(B) the percentage change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics 3
	304	+	Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). 4
	305	+	(2) For purposes of subdivision (1)(B) of this subsection, the percentage 5
	306	+	change in the CPI-U is calculated by determining the increase or decrease, to 6
	307	+	the nearest one-tenth of a percent, in the CPI-U for the month ending on June 7
	308	+	30 in the calendar year one year prior to the first day of the fiscal year for 8
	309	+	which the appropriation will be made compared to the CPI-U for the month 9
	310	+	ending on June 30 in the calendar year two years prior to the first day of the 10
	311	+	fiscal year for which the appropriation will be made. 11
	312	+	(3) Each fiscal year, the Agency shall approve qualifying projects with a 12
	313	+	total estimated State share cost of $7,200,000.00 at a minimum as new grants. 13
	314	+	The Agency’s proposed appropriation for the Program shall take into account 14
	315	+	the estimated amount of qualifying invoices submitted to the Agency with 15
	316	+	respect to project grants approved in prior years but not yet completed as well 16
	317	+	as with respect to new project grants to be approved in the fiscal year 17
	318	+	Beginning with State fiscal year 2027, the minimum total estimated State share 18
	319	+	cost for the approved grants shall increase over the prior fiscal year’s minimum 19
	320	+	total estimated State share cost by the same percentage as the appropriation for 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
549	321		2025 Page 14 of 22
550		-	appropriationforStateaidfortownhighwaystructuresisincreasedpursuantto
551		-	subdivision(1)ofthissubsection.
552		-	(4)Inagivenfiscalyear,shouldexpendituresintheTownHighway
553		-	StructuresProgramexceedtheamountappropriated,theAgencyshalladvise
554		-	theGovernoroftheneedtorequestasupplementalappropriationfromthe
555		-	GeneralAssemblytofundtheadditionalprojectcost,providedthatthe
556		-	Agencyhaspreviouslycommittedtocompletingthoseprojects.
557		-	(3)(5)FundsreceivedasgrantsforStateaidfortownhighway
558		-	structuresmaybeusedbyamunicipalitytosatisfyaportionofthematching
559		-	requirementsforfederalearmarks,subjecttosubsection309b(c)ofthistitle.
560		-	***
561		-	(h)Class2TownHighwayRoadwayProgram.
562		-	(1)Thereshallbeanannualappropriationforgrantstomunicipalities
563		-	forresurfacing,rehabilitation,orreconstructionofpavedorunpavedclass2
564		-	townhighways.However,municipalitiesMunicipalitiesthathavenoState
565		-	highwaysorclass1townhighwayswithintheirbordersmayusethegrantsfor
566		-	suchactivitieswithrespecttobothclass2andclass3townhighways.Each
567		-	fiscalyear,theAgencyshallapprovequalifyingprojectswithatotalestimated
568		-	Statesharecostof$8,600,000.00ataminimumasnewgrants.TheAgency’s
569		-	proposedappropriationfortheProgramshalltakeintoaccounttheestimated
570		-	amountofqualifyinginvoicessubmittedtotheAgencywithrespecttoproject
571		-	1
572		-	2
573		-	3
574		-	4
575		-	5
576		-	6
577		-	7
578		-	8
579		-	9
580		-	10
581		-	11
582		-	12
583		-	13
584		-	14
585		-	15
586		-	16
587		-	17
588		-	18
589		-	19
590		-	20
591		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	322	+
	323	+
	324	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	325	+	State aid for town highway structures is increased pursuant to subdivision (1) 1
	326	+	of this subsection. 2
	327	+	(4) In a given fiscal year, should expenditures in the Town Highway 3
	328	+	Structures Program exceed the amount appropriated, the Agency shall advise 4
	329	+	the Governor of the need to request a supplemental appropriation from the 5
	330	+	General Assembly to fund the additional project cost, provided that the Agency 6
	331	+	has previously committed to completing those projects. 7
	332	+	(3)(5) Funds received as grants for State aid for town highway structures 8
	333	+	may be used by a municipality to satisfy a portion of the matching 9
	334	+	requirements for federal earmarks, subject to subsection 309b(c) of this title. 10
	335	+	* * * 11
	336	+	(h) Class 2 Town Highway Roadway Program. 12
	337	+	(1) There shall be an annual appropriation for grants to municipalities 13
	338	+	for resurfacing, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of paved or unpaved class 2 14
	339	+	town highways. However, municipalities Municipalities that have no State 15
	340	+	highways or class 1 town highways within their borders may use the grants for 16
	341	+	such activities with respect to both class 2 and class 3 town highways. Each 17
	342	+	fiscal year, the Agency shall approve qualifying projects with a total estimated 18
	343	+	State share cost of $8,600,000.00 at a minimum as new grants. The Agency’s 19
	344	+	proposed appropriation for the Program shall take into account the estimated 20
	345	+	amount of qualifying invoices submitted to the Agency with respect to project 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
592	346		2025 Page 15 of 22
593		-	grantsapprovedinprioryearsbutnotyetcompletedaswellaswithrespectto
594		-	newprojectgrantstobeapprovedinthefiscalyear.Thisappropriationshall
595		-	increaseoverthepreviousfiscalyear’sappropriationbythesamepercentage
596		-	changeasthefollowing,whicheverisless,orshallremainattheprevious
597		-	fiscalyear’sappropriationifeitherofthefollowingarenegativeorzero:
598		-	(A)thepercentagechangeintheAgency’stotalappropriations
599		-	fundedbyTransportationFundrevenues,excludingappropriationsunderthis
600		-	subsection(h)andsubsections(a)and(e)ofthissection,forthemostrecently
601		-	closedfiscalyearascomparedtothefiscalyearimmediatelyprecedingthe
602		-	mostrecentlyclosedfiscalyear;or
603		-	(B)thepercentagechangeintheBureauofLaborStatistics
604		-	ConsumerPriceIndexforAllUrbanConsumers(CPI-U).
605		-	(2)Forpurposesofsubdivision(1)(B)ofthissubsection,thepercentage
606		-	changeintheCPI-Uiscalculatedbydeterminingtheincreaseordecrease,to
607		-	thenearestone-tenthofapercent,intheCPI-UforthemonthendingonJune
608		-	30inthecalendaryearoneyearpriortothefirstdayofthefiscalyearfor
609		-	whichtheappropriationwillbemadecomparedtotheCPI-Uforthemonth
610		-	endingonJune30inthecalendaryeartwoyearspriortothefirstdayofthe
611		-	fiscalyearforwhichtheappropriationwillbemade.
612		-	(3)Eachfiscalyear,theAgencyshallapprovequalifyingprojectswitha
613		-	totalestimatedStatesharecostof$8,600,000.00ataminimumasnewgrants.
614		-	1
615		-	2
616		-	3
617		-	4
618		-	5
619		-	6
620		-	7
621		-	8
622		-	9
623		-	10
624		-	11
625		-	12
626		-	13
627		-	14
628		-	15
629		-	16
630		-	17
631		-	18
632		-	19
633		-	20
634		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	347	+
	348	+
	349	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	350	+	grants approved in prior years but not yet completed as well as with respect to 1
	351	+	new project grants to be approved in the fiscal year. This appropriation shall 2
	352	+	increase over the previous fiscal year’s appropriation by the same percentage 3
	353	+	change as the following, whichever is less, or shall remain at the previous 4
	354	+	fiscal year’s appropriation if either of the following are negative or zero: 5
	355	+	(A) the percentage change in the Agency’s total appropriations 6
	356	+	funded by Transportation Fund revenues, excluding appropriations under this 7
	357	+	subsection (h) and subsections (a) and (e) of this section, for the most recently 8
	358	+	closed fiscal year as compared to the fiscal year immediately preceding the 9
	359	+	most recently closed fiscal year; or 10
	360	+	(B) the percentage change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics 11
	361	+	Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). 12
	362	+	(2) For purposes of subdivision (1)(B) of this subsection, the percentage 13
	363	+	change in the CPI-U is calculated by determining the increase or decrease, to 14
	364	+	the nearest one-tenth of a percent, in the CPI-U for the month ending on June 15
	365	+	30 in the calendar year one year prior to the first day of the fiscal year for 16
	366	+	which the appropriation will be made compared to the CPI-U for the month 17
	367	+	ending on June 30 in the calendar year two years prior to the first day of the 18
	368	+	fiscal year for which the appropriation will be made. 19
	369	+	(3) Each fiscal year, the Agency shall approve qualifying projects with a 20
	370	+	total estimated State share cost of $8,600,000.00 at a minimum as new grants. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
635	371		2025 Page 16 of 22
636		-	BeginningwithStatefiscalyear2027,theminimumtotalestimatedStateshare
637		-	costfortheapprovedgrantsshallincreaseoverthepriorfiscalyear’s
638		-	minimumtotalestimatedStatesharecostbythesamepercentageasthe
639		-	appropriationfortheClass2TownHighwayRoadwayProgramisincreased
640		-	pursuanttosubdivision(1)ofthissubsection.
641		-	(4)Inagivenfiscalyear,shouldexpendituresintheClass2Town
642		-	HighwayRoadwayProgramexceedtheamountappropriated,theAgencyshall
643		-	advisetheGovernoroftheneedtorequestasupplementalappropriationfrom
644		-	theGeneralAssemblytofundtheadditionalprojectcost,providedthatthe
645		-	Agencyhaspreviouslycommittedtocompletingthoseprojects.Funds
646		-	receivedasgrantsforStateaidundertheClass2TownHighwayRoadway
647		-	Programmaybeusedbyamunicipalitytosatisfyaportionofthematching
648		-	requirementsforfederalearmarks,subjecttosubsection309b(c)ofthistitle.
649		-	***
650		-	*Mileage-BasedUserFee*
651		-	Sec.11.2023ActsandResolvesNo.62,Secs.27–29areamendedtoread:
652		-	Sec.27.MILEAGE-BASEDUSERFEELEGISLATIVEINTENT
653		-	ItistheintentoftheGeneralAssemblyfortheState:
654		-	(1)tostartcollectingamileage-baseduserfeefromallbattery-electric
655		-	vehiclesregisteredinVermontstartingonJuly1,2025,whichisexpectedto
656		-	bethefirstdayofthefirstfiscalyearwhenmorethan15percentofnew
657		-	1
658		-	2
659		-	3
660		-	4
661		-	5
662		-	6
663		-	7
664		-	8
665		-	9
666		-	10
667		-	11
668		-	12
669		-	13
670		-	14
671		-	15
672		-	16
673		-	17
674		-	18
675		-	19
676		-	20
677		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	372	+
	373	+
	374	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	375	+	Beginning with State fiscal year 2027, the minimum total estimated State share 1
	376	+	cost for the approved grants shall increase over the prior fiscal year’s minimum 2
	377	+	total estimated State share cost by the same percentage as the appropriation for 3
	378	+	the Class 2 Town Highway Roadway Program is increased pursuant to 4
	379	+	subdivision (1) of this subsection 5
	380	+	(4) In a given fiscal year, should expenditures in the Class 2 Town 6
	381	+	Highway Roadway Program exceed the amount appropriated, the Agency shall 7
	382	+	advise the Governor of the need to request a supplemental appropriation from 8
	383	+	the General Assembly to fund the additional project cost, provided that the 9
	384	+	Agency has previously committed to completing those projects. Funds 10
	385	+	received as grants for State aid under the Class 2 Town Highway Roadway 11
	386	+	Program may be used by a municipality to satisfy a portion of the matching 12
	387	+	requirements for federal earmarks, subject to subsection 309b(c) of this title. 13
	388	+	* * * 14
	389	+	* * * Mileage-Based User Fee * * * 15
	390	+	Sec. 11. 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 62, Secs. 27–29 are amended to read: 16
	391	+	Sec. 27. MILEAGE-BASED USER FEE LEGISLATIVE INTENT 17
	392	+	It is the intent of the General Assembly for the State: 18
	393	+	(1) to start collecting a mileage-based user fee from all battery-electric 19
	394	+	vehicles registered in Vermont starting on July 1, 2025, which is expected to 20
	395	+	be the first day of the first fiscal year when more than 15 percent of new 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
678	396		2025 Page 17 of 22
679		-	pleasurecarregistrationsintheStateareplug-inelectricvehicles(PEVs)2026
680		-	subjecttosufficientfundingbeingavailableforimplementation;
681		-	(2)tostartsubjectingsubjectplug-inhybridelectricvehicles(PHEVs)
682		-	thatareapleasurecartoanincreasedannualorabiennialregistrationelectric
683		-	vehicleinfrastructurefeestartingonJulyJanuary1,2025,andthatPHEVs
684		-	shallnotbesubjecttoamileage-baseduserfee;
685		-	(3)toworktowardscollectingafeeonkWhsthataredispensedthrough
686		-	certainelectricvehiclesupplyequipmentavailabletothepublicsoasto
687		-	supplantlostgastaxrevenuefromPEVs;and
688		-	(4)tonotcommencecollectingamileage-baseduserfeeuntilsuch
689		-	authorizinglanguageiscodifiedinstatuteandbecomeseffective.
690		-	Sec.28.MILEAGE-BASEDUSERFEEAUTHORIZATION
691		-	(a)WithintheAgencyofTransportation’sProposedFiscalYear2024
692		-	TransportationProgramforEnvironmentalPolicyandSustainability,the
693		-	AgencyofTransportation,includingtheDepartmentofMotorVehicles,is
694		-	authorizedtoapplyforandacceptacompetitivefederalStrategicInnovation
695		-	forRevenueCollectiongrantestablishedpursuanttotheInfrastructure
696		-	InvestmentandJobsAct,Pub.L.No.117-58(IIJA),Sec.13001,withupto
697		-	$350,000.00inTransportationFundmoniesauthorizedforthenonfederal
698		-	matchinfiscalyear2024andato-be-determinedamountforthenonfederal
699		-	1
700		-	2
701		-	3
702		-	4
703		-	5
704		-	6
705		-	7
706		-	8
707		-	9
708		-	10
709		-	11
710		-	12
711		-	13
712		-	14
713		-	15
714		-	16
715		-	17
716		-	18
717		-	19
718		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	397	+
	398	+
	399	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	400	+	pleasure car registrations in the State are plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) 2026 1
	401	+	subject to sufficient funding being available for implementation; 2
	402	+	(2) to start subjecting subject plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) 3
	403	+	that are a pleasure car to an increased annual or a biennial registration electric 4
	404	+	vehicle infrastructure fee starting on July January 1, 2025, and that PHEVs 5
	405	+	shall not be subject to a mileage-based user fee; 6
	406	+	(3) to work towards collecting a fee on kWhs that are dispensed through 7
	407	+	certain electric vehicle supply equipment available to the public so as to 8
	408	+	supplant lost gas tax revenue from PEVs; and 9
	409	+	(4) to not commence collecting a mileage-based user fee until such 10
	410	+	authorizing language is codified in statute and becomes effective. 11
	411	+	Sec. 28. MILEAGE-BASED USER FEE AUTHORIZATION 12
	412	+	(a) Within the Agency of Transportation’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 13
	413	+	Transportation Program for Environmental Policy and Sustainability, the 14
	414	+	Agency of Transportation, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, is 15
	415	+	authorized to apply for and accept a competitive federal Strategic Innovation 16
	416	+	for Revenue Collection grant established pursuant to the Infrastructure 17
	417	+	Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58 (IIJA), Sec. 13001, with up to 18
	418	+	$350,000.00 in Transportation Fund monies authorized for the nonfederal 19
	419	+	match in fiscal year 2024 and a to-be-determined amount for the nonfederal 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
719	420		2025 Page 18 of 22
720		-	matchinsubsequentfiscalyearsupto$350,000.00inTransportationFund
721		-	moniesauthorizedforthenonfederalmatchinfiscalyear2025.
722		-	(b)Aspermittedunderfederalregulationsandgrantterms,theTheAgency
723		-	shallutilizegrantmoniestodesignStateorfederalfunding,orboth,
724		-	authorizedtobeusedforthepurposeofdesigningamileage-baseduserfee
725		-	thatisconsistentwithSecs.27and29ofthisact.
726		-	(c)SubjecttoStateprocurementrequirementsandtheavailabilityof
727		-	sufficientfunding,theAgencymayretainoneormorecontractorsor
728		-	consultants,orboth,toassistwiththedesignofaprocesstocommence
729		-	collectingamileage-baseduserfeeonJuly1,20252026.
730		-	Sec.29.MILEAGE-BASEDUSERFEEDESIGN
731		-	(a)Definitions.AsusedinSecs.27–30ofthisact:
732		-	(1)“Accountmanager”meansapersonundercontractwiththeAgency
733		-	ofTransportationorDepartmentofMotorVehiclestoadministerandmanage
734		-	themileage-baseduserfee.
735		-	(2)“Annualvehiclemilestraveled”meansthetotalnumberofmiles
736		-	thataBEVisdrivenbetweenannualinspectionsasreportedbyaninspection
737		-	mechanictotheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.
738		-	(3)“Mileage-baseduserfee”meansthetotalamountthatanowneror
739		-	lesseeofaBEVregisteredinVermontowestheStateandiscalculatedby:
740		-	1
741		-	2
742		-	3
743		-	4
744		-	5
745		-	6
746		-	7
747		-	8
748		-	9
749		-	10
750		-	11
751		-	12
752		-	13
753		-	14
754		-	15
755		-	16
756		-	17
757		-	18
758		-	19
759		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	421	+
	422	+
	423	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	424	+	match in subsequent fiscal years up to $350,000.00 in Transportation Fund 1
	425	+	monies authorized for the nonfederal match in fiscal year 2025. 2
	426	+	(b) As permitted under federal regulations and grant terms, the The Agency 3
	427	+	shall utilize grant monies to design State or federal funding, or both, authorized 4
	428	+	to be used for the purpose of designing a mileage-based user fee that is 5
	429	+	consistent with Secs. 27 and 29 of this act. 6
	430	+	(c) Subject to State procurement requirements and the availability of 7
	431	+	sufficient funding, the Agency may retain one or more contractors or 8
	432	+	consultants, or both, to assist with the design of a process to commence 9
	433	+	collecting a mileage-based user fee on July 1, 2025 2026. 10
	434	+	Sec. 29. MILEAGE-BASED USER FEE DESIGN 11
	435	+	(a) Definitions. As used in Secs. 27–30 of this act: 12
	436	+	(1) “Account manager” means a person under contract with the Agency 13
	437	+	of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles to administer and manage 14
	438	+	the mileage-based user fee. 15
	439	+	(2) “Annual vehicle miles traveled” means the total number of miles that 16
	440	+	a BEV is driven between annual inspections as reported by an inspection 17
	441	+	mechanic to the Department of Motor Vehicles. 18
	442	+	(3) “Mileage-based user fee” means the total amount that an owner or 19
	443	+	lessee of a BEV registered in Vermont owes the State and is calculated by: 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
760	444		2025 Page 19 of 22
761		-	(A)multiplyingthemileage-baseduserfeeratebytheannualvehicle
762		-	milestraveledor,;
763		-	(B)inthecaseofaterminatingevent,bymultiplyingthemileage-
764		-	baseduserfeeratebythevehiclemilestraveledbetweenthelastVermont
765		-	annualinspectionandtheterminatingevent;or
766		-	(C)intheabsenceofarecordedodometerreadingduringthemileage
767		-	reportingperiod,bymultiplyingthemileage-baseduserfeebythe98th
768		-	percentileofestimatedannualvehiclemilestraveledforapleasurecarin
769		-	Vermont.
770		-	(4)“Mileage-baseduserfeerate”meanstheper-mileusagefeecharged
771		-	totheownerorlesseeofaBEVregisteredinVermont.
772		-	(5)“Mileagereportingperiod”meansthetimebetweenannual
773		-	inspectionsorthetimebetweenanthemostrecentannualinspectionanda
774		-	terminatingevent.
775		-	(6)“Pleasurecar”hasthesamemeaningasin23V.S.A.§ 4(28).
776		-	(7)“Plug-inelectricvehicle(PEV)”hasthesamemeaningasin
777		-	23 V.S.A.§ 4(85)andincludesbatteryelectricvehicles(BEVs)andplug-in
778		-	hybridelectricvehicles(PHEVs),whichhavethesamemeaningasin
779		-	23 V.S.A.§ 4(85)(A)and(B).
780		-	1
781		-	2
782		-	3
783		-	4
784		-	5
785		-	6
786		-	7
787		-	8
788		-	9
789		-	10
790		-	11
791		-	12
792		-	13
793		-	14
794		-	15
795		-	16
796		-	17
797		-	18
798		-	19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	445	+
	446	+
	447	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	448	+	(A) multiplying the mileage-based user fee rate by the annual vehicle 1
	449	+	miles traveled or,; 2
	450	+	(B) in the case of a terminating event, by multiplying the mileage-3
	451	+	based user fee rate by the vehicle miles traveled between the last Vermont 4
	452	+	annual inspection and the terminating event; or 5
	453	+	(C) in the absence of a recorded odometer reading during the mileage 6
	454	+	reporting period, by multiplying the mileage-based user fee by the 98th 7
	455	+	percentile of estimated annual vehicle miles traveled for a pleasure car in 8
	456	+	Vermont. 9
	457	+	(4) “Mileage-based user fee rate” means the per-mile usage fee charged 10
	458	+	to the owner or lessee of a BEV registered in Vermont. 11
	459	+	(5) “Mileage reporting period” means the time between annual 12
	460	+	inspections or the time between an the most recent annual inspection and a 13
	461	+	terminating event. 14
	462	+	(6) “Pleasure car” has the same meaning as in 23 V.S.A. § 4(28). 15
	463	+	(7) “Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV)” has the same meaning as in 16
	464	+	23 V.S.A. § 4(85) and includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in 17
	465	+	hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which have the same meaning as in 18
	466	+	23 V.S.A. § 4(85)(A) and (B). 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
799	467		2025 Page 20 of 22
800		-	(8)“Terminatingevent”meanseithertheregisteringofaBEVthathad
801		-	beenregisteredinVermontinadifferentstateorachangeinownershipor
802		-	lesseeshipoftheBEV,orboth.
803		-	(b)Commencementdate.TheAgencyshalldesignaprocesstocollecta
804		-	mileage-baseduserfeeformilesdrivenbyaBEVregisteredinVermontto
805		-	commencecollectingrevenueonJuly1,20252026.
806		-	(c)Coveredvehicles.TheAgencyshalldesignaprocesstocollecta
807		-	mileage-baseduserfeebasedontheannualvehiclemilestraveledbyBEVs
808		-	registeredintheState.
809		-	(d)Impositionofamileage-baseduserfee.TheAgencyshalldesigna
810		-	processtocollectamileage-baseduserfeefromtheownerorlesseeofaBEV
811		-	registeredinVermontforeachmileagereportingperiodwithin60daysafter
812		-	theVermontannualinspectiononanannual,quarterly,ormonthlybasis
813		-	selectedbytheownerorlesseeandreconcileduponrenewalofthevehicle
814		-	registrationorwithin60daysafteraterminatingeventthatclosesthemileage
815		-	reportingperiod.
816		-	Sec.12.INTENT
817		-	ItistheintentoftheGeneralAssemblythatthemileage-baseduserfeefora
818		-	BEVpleasurecarbeapproximatelyequivalenttotheamountcollectedbythe
819		-	Stateandfederalgovernmentingastaxrevenuefromtheuseofanon-PEV
820		-	pleasurecarregisteredinVermontandtheamountcollectedbytheStateand
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
841		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	468	+
	469	+
	470	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	471	+	(8) “Terminating event” means either the registering of a BEV that had 1
	472	+	been registered in Vermont in a different state or a change in ownership or 2
	473	+	lesseeship of the BEV, or both. 3
	474	+	(b) Commencement date. The Agency shall design a process to collect a 4
	475	+	mileage-based user fee for miles driven by a BEV registered in Vermont to 5
	476	+	commence collecting revenue on July 1, 2025 2026. 6
	477	+	(c) Covered vehicles. The Agency shall design a process to collect a 7
	478	+	mileage-based user fee based on the annual vehicle miles traveled by BEVs 8
	479	+	registered in the State. 9
	480	+	(d) Imposition of a mileage-based user fee. The Agency shall design a 10
	481	+	process to collect a mileage-based user fee from the owner or lessee of a BEV 11
	482	+	registered in Vermont for each mileage reporting period within 60 days after 12
	483	+	the Vermont annual inspection on an annual, quarterly, or monthly basis 13
	484	+	selected by the owner or lessee and reconciled upon renewal of the vehicle 14
	485	+	registration or within 60 days after a terminating event that closes the mileage 15
	486	+	reporting period. 16
	487	+	Sec. 12. INTENT 17
	488	+	It is the intent of the General Assembly that the mileage-based user fee for a 18
	489	+	BEV pleasure car be approximately equivalent to the amount collected by the 19
	490	+	State and federal government in gas tax revenue from the use of a non-PEV 20
	491	+	pleasure car registered in Vermont and the amount collected by the State and 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
842	492		2025 Page 21 of 22
843		-	federalgovernmentingastaxrevenueandElectricVehicleInfrastructurefee
844		-	fromtheuseofaPHEVpleasurecar.
845		-	*EVSE;One-TimeAppropriation*
846		-	Sec.13.EVSE;ONE-TIMEAPPROPRIATION
847		-	Infiscalyear2026,theamountof$1,400,000.00isappropriatedfromthe
848		-	TransportationFundtotheAgencyofTransportationfordistributiontothe
849		-	gencyofCommerceandCommunityDevelopmentforprogramstoincrease
850		-	Vermonters’accesstolevel1and2EVSEchargingportsatworkplacesor
851		-	multiunitdwellings,orboth.
852		-	Sec.13.[Deleted.]
853		-	*AuthoritytoTransferMoniesinStateFiscalYear2026*
854		-	Sec.14.AUTHORIZATIONTOUSEMONIESTOCONTINUE
855		-	PARTNERSHIPWITHDRIVEELECTRICVERMONTINSTATE
856		-	FISCALYEAR2026
857		-	InStatefiscalyear2026,theSecretaryofTransportationisauthorizedto
858		-	spendupto$325,000.00inremainingmoniesappropriatedtotheElectrify
859		-	YourFleetPrograminStateFiscalYear2024tocontinuetheAgencyof
860		-	Transportation’spartnershipwithDriveElectricVermont.Themoniesshall
861		-	beusedforprogramsandactivitiesthatsupportincreasedownershipanduse
862		-	ofPEVsintheStatethrough:
863		-	(1)stakeholdercoordination;
864		-	1
865		-	2
866		-	3
867		-	4
868		-	5
869		-	6
870		-	7
871		-	8
872		-	9
873		-	10
874		-	11
875		-	12
876		-	13
877		-	14
878		-	15
879		-	16
880		-	17
881		-	18
882		-	19
883		-	20
884		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.488
	493	+
	494	+
	495	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	496	+	federal government in gas tax revenue and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fee 1
	497	+	from the use of a PHEV pleasure car. 2
	498	+	* * * EVSE; One-Time Appropriation * * * 3
	499	+	Sec. 13. EVSE; ONE-TIME APPROPRIATION 4
	500	+	In fiscal year 2026, the amount of $1,400,000.00 is appropriated from the 5
	501	+	Transportation Fund to the Agency of Transportation for distribution to the 6
	502	+	Agency of Commerce and Community Development for programs to increase 7
	503	+	Vermonters’ access to level 1 and 2 EVSE charging ports at workplaces or 8
	504	+	multiunit dwellings, or both. 9
	505	+	* * * Authority to Transfer Monies in State Fiscal Year 2026 * * * 10
	506	+	Sec. 14. AUTHORIZATION TO USE MONIES TO CONTINUE 11
	507	+	PARTNERSHIP WITH DRIVE ELECTRIC VERMONT IN STATE 12
	508	+	FISCAL YEAR 2026 13
	509	+	In State fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to 14
	510	+	spend up to $325,000.00 in remaining monies appropriated to the Electrify 15
	511	+	Your Fleet Program in State Fiscal Year 2024 to continue the Agency of 16
	512	+	Transportation’s partnership with Drive Electric Vermont. The monies shall 17
	513	+	be used for programs and activities that support increased ownership and use 18
	514	+	of PEVs in the State through: 19
	515	+	(1) stakeholder coordination; 20
	516	+	(2) consumer education and outreach; 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488
885	517		2025 Page 22 of 22
886		-	(2)consumereducationandoutreach;
887		-	(3)infrastructuredevelopment;and
888		-	(4)theprovisionoftechnicalassistanceandsupporttoVermont
889		-	municipalitiesandVermontbusinessesdesiringtoelectrifytheirvehiclefleets.
890		-	*EffectiveDate*
891		-	Sec.15.EFFECTIVEDATE
892		-	ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.
893		-	1
894		-	2
895		-	3
896		-	4
897		-	5
898		-	6
899		-	7
	518	+
	519	+
	520	+	VT LEG #380645 v.10
	521	+	(3) infrastructure development; and 1
	522	+	(4) the provision of technical assistance and support to Vermont 2
	523	+	municipalities and Vermont businesses desiring to electrify their vehicle fleets. 3
	524	+	* * * Effective Date * * * 4
	525	+	Sec. 15. EFFECTIVE DATE 5
	526	+	This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025. 6