This bill appropriates $143,000 from the General Fund to the Agency of Natural Resources for a grant to the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC). The funds will cover GMEDC's costs to reinitiate brownfields redevelopment at the Upper Valley Regional Landfill in Post Mills, Thetford, specifically for a probate proceeding to appoint GMEDC as administrator. This facilitates transferring the landfill site to new ownership for redevelopment. The grant is for fiscal year 2027 and directly affects GMEDC and the landfill site's future use.
H.794 creates new tax rates for higher earners and modifies property taxes to fund school construction. It imposes a 2% surcharge on individual income above $250,000 and a 6% surcharge above $500,000, plus a wealth proceeds tax on individuals (with taxable income over $200,000 single/$250,000 married) and estates/trusts (over $15,200). It also doubles property tax rates for nonhomestead residential properties compared to homesteads. All new revenues will flow into the newly created School Construction Aid Special Fund.
This bill, H 493 (the "BIG BILL - Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act"), provides funding for all Vermont state government operations and capital projects for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It directly affects all state agencies, departments, and commissions by requiring them to operate within the specified budget limits, including restrictions on new positions and mandatory staffing adjustments. Key provisions include categorizing funds for "operating expenses" (like salaries and utilities) versus "capital appropriations" (for major projects like buildings), and directing that federal funds accepted by the Governor must align with the purposes of this bill. The bill serves as the primary funding reference for state operations during FY2026, with no new policy changes beyond budget allocation.
This bill requires the state to reimburse the Department of Fish and Wildlife for revenue lost when free hunting, fishing, trapping, combination, or lifetime licenses are issued after July 1, 2025. It directly affects the state budget (which must pay the reimbursement) and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (which receives the funds). The key mechanism mandates the Department to track lost revenue annually and submit an accounting to the Department of Finance and Management by January 15 each year; the Finance Department must then pay the amount from the General Fund into the Fish and Wildlife Fund within 60 days. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring financial accountability if the legislature authorizes free licenses.
This bill creates the Vermont Municipal Response and Recovery Special Fund to provide direct financial assistance to Vermont municipalities for flood response, recovery, and resiliency projects. The fund will receive 0.5% of annual General Fund revenue, with monies used solely for qualifying municipal flood-related needs. The State Treasurer must submit a report by December 1, 2025, detailing fund distribution guidelines, geographic equity considerations, and potential amendments to existing programs to prioritize flood-impacted communities. The fund cannot disburse money before July 1, 2026, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects all Vermont municipalities eligible for flood-related assistance.
This bill suspends the ambulance agency provider tax for fiscal years 2026-2028, directly relieving ambulance agencies from paying this fee. To offset the lost revenue, the bill requires transferring an equivalent amount from the PILOT Special Fund to the General Fund each year. The suspension applies to all ambulance agencies, while the fund transfer ensures the General Fund maintains its projected revenue level. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and affects state budget allocations without altering ambulance service regulations.
This bill expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program to cover pregnant individuals with incomes up to 312% of the federal poverty level (FPL), effective January 2026. It also requires the Agency of Human Services to study and report by January 2026 on the feasibility and costs of expanding Dr. Dynasaur to all Vermont residents under 26 with incomes at or below 312% FPL, and Medicaid to adults aged 26-64 with incomes at or below 312% FPL. The bill appropriates $600,000 for implementing the pregnant individual eligibility change, with $180,000 from the General Fund and $420,000 in federal funds. The report must address federal waiver needs, cost estimates, and implementation timelines for potential broader expansions. This is a policy change focused on expanding healthcare access for specific income groups, not a procedural measure.
H.489 adjusts the Vermont state budget for fiscal year 2025 by modifying funding allocations across multiple agencies. It increases total funding for the Judiciary by $2.56 million (primarily through General Fund) and shifts $786,000 from Operating Expenses to Personal Services for the Agency of Digital Services. The bill also raises Human Services funding by $841,000, including a $4.3 million increase in the Global Commitment fund, while reducing Public Safety Criminal Justice Services funding by $681,000. These changes directly affect state agencies managing digital infrastructure, courts, public safety, and human services programs. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on April 4, 2025, and did not become law.
H.307 establishes Vermont's Community Radio Grant Program to provide funding for nonprofit community radio stations. It directly affects Vermont's seven active community radio stations (eligible for up to $25,000 each) and three upcoming stations (eligible for up to $10,000 each), which serve rural and underserved areas and provide critical emergency information during disasters. The program funds equipment upgrades, backup generators, and operational improvements to enhance emergency broadcasting and station sustainability. Grants require a detailed implementation plan and annual reporting on fund use and impact, with $205,000 appropriated from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
H.423 appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets for the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board to fund projects from the Vermont Agriculture and Food System Strategic Plan (2021-2030). This directly supports Vermont farmers, food businesses, and local food systems by prioritizing initiatives that strengthen connections between producers, processors, and markets. The funding aims to improve food security, climate resilience, and community health through concrete project grants, as outlined in the Strategic Plan’s goals. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
