Vermont Senate Bill S0031

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/29/25

Caption

An act relating to a temporary suspension of the ambulance agency provider tax

Impact

Additionally, to mitigate the financial impact of this tax suspension on the state's budget, the bill mandates the transfer of an amount equivalent to the revenue generated by the ambulance agency assessment in the fiscal year 2025 from the PILOT Special Fund to the General Fund. This provision ensures that the state maintains its funding levels despite the suspension of the provider tax, thereby allowing continued support for essential services that rely on this funding structure.

Summary

Bill S0031 proposes a temporary suspension of the ambulance agency provider tax for the fiscal years 2026 through 2028. During this period, it stipulates that the Department of Vermont Health Access will refrain from assessing or collecting this tax from any ambulance agency. The objective is to alleviate the financial burden on these agencies, which may face operational challenges due to taxation pressures especially in light of evolving healthcare needs and economic conditions.

Contention

The discussions surrounding S0031 may center on the implications of failing to collect the provider tax and its potential effects on funding for ambulance services. While proponents argue that the temporary suspension could offer necessary relief to healthcare providers during challenging fiscal times, critics may express concern over the long-term sustainability of health funding and the reliance on special funds, implying that such measures may not address the core funding issues facing healthcare agencies in Vermont.