Bill > H0232

This bill creates the Vermont Municipal Response and Recovery Special Fund, which will be financed by annually depositing 0.5 percent of General Fund revenue and potentially receiving additional gifts, donations, and grants. The fund is specifically designed to provide direct financial support to municipalities for flood-related activities, including response, recovery, and resiliency projects. Importantly, the fund cannot disburse money until July 1, 2026, and the State Treasurer is required to submit a detailed report to legislative committees by December 1, 2025. This report must outline proposed uses of the fund, guidelines for equitable distribution of funds, recommendations for amending existing programs to better support flood-impacted communities, and suggestions for simplifying grant application processes. The fund aims to help Vermont municipalities more effectively manage and recover from flood-related challenges by creating a dedicated financial resource and developing more streamlined support mechanisms. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state officials time to develop implementation strategies.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.232