Budget & Taxes (Fees & Licensing)

H 445 creates the Land Access and Opportunity Revolving Fund to support affordable housing for historically marginalized communities in Vermont. It is funded by a 1.5% income tax surcharge on earnings above $500,000 (repealed in 2031), administered by a new Land Access and Opportunity Board. The fund provides grants or loans for tenant-owned housing purchases, multi-unit renovations, cooperative housing development, and transitional housing projects with priority for marginalized groups. Projects must align with community resource integration, sustainable design, and support for those facing homelessness, disabilities, or justice system involvement.

This bill extends the deadline for owners of impervious surfaces (like paved areas over 3 acres) to obtain stormwater permits from 2027 to 2036. It allows municipalities that assume full control of stormwater systems to charge users impact fees to cover system costs. The bill also extends a 0.22% clean water surcharge on property transfers until 2036 and creates a grant fund to help municipalities manage stormwater projects in residential areas or "orphan" systems. These changes primarily affect property owners, municipalities, and developers involved in stormwater management.