Bill > H0307

This bill establishes the Vermont Community Radio Grant Program to support the state's community radio stations, which serve over 200,000 Vermonters, especially in rural areas. The program will provide one-time funding to both existing and upcoming community radio stations to enhance their emergency broadcasting capabilities and operational sustainability. Specifically, the bill allocates up to $25,000 for each of the seven active community radio stations and up to $10,000 for three stations currently under construction. To be eligible, stations must be nonprofit, noncommercial, licensed in Vermont, and demonstrate a capacity for emergency broadcasting. The grants can be used for upgrading equipment, installing backup generators, and improving technical infrastructure. The program will be administered by the Commissioner of Public Safety in collaboration with the Vermont Association of Broadcasters, and each grant recipient must submit a report by June 30, 2026, detailing how the funds were used and the impact on community service. The bill appropriates $205,000 from the General Fund for this program in fiscal year 2026, with any unused funds to be returned to the General Fund by July 1, 2026, and the program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.307