An act relating to an exception to the moratorium on approval of new approved independent schools

H.687 creates an exception to Vermont’s moratorium on approving new independent schools for therapeutic schools changing ownership. It specifies that if a therapeutic approved independent school (as defined in 16 V.S.A. § 828(d)) undergoes an ownership change requiring a new application for initial approval, the moratorium does not apply. The State Board of Education and Agency of Education must process these applications under existing laws. This directly affects therapeutic schools transitioning ownership and ensures their applications are reviewed without the moratorium barrier. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.