Housing

This bill (H 657) enables unaccompanied homeless youth aged 16+ to access key services without parental consent. It creates a certification process where youth verified as homeless by school liaisons, shelter directors, or homeless service providers receive a standardized form from the Department for Children and Families. This certification allows youth to obtain medical/dental care, mental health services, driver’s licenses, housing, school enrollment, banking services, and vital records - without needing parental permission. The bill clarifies that parental consent is not required if parents forced the youth out, neglected them, or refused support, with the Department acting in place of a guardian.

S.325 creates a task force to develop model zoning bylaws for "residential opportunity overlay districts" in Vermont. The task force (with 9 members including housing experts, local government reps, and legislators) will draft clear, objective zoning codes allowing more housing development with simplified approval - requiring only a "certificate of compliance" from a zoning administrator, not municipal hearings or reviews. Municipalities could choose to adopt these model codes to meet state housing targets, with state grants and oversight available. The task force must submit its recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. This bill directly affects Vermont towns and cities seeking to streamline housing development under state housing goals.