Bill > H0437

This bill establishes a Residential Universal Design Study Committee to explore implementing statewide universal design standards for residential buildings. The committee will comprise 22 members representing various organizations, including legislative members, housing and banking associations, accessibility advocacy groups, and professional organizations. The committee's primary tasks include studying existing disability and building code laws, analyzing best practices for accessibility in residential buildings, exploring challenges and opportunities for the building industry, assessing cost implications, and examining potential enforcement mechanisms. The committee will receive administrative support from the Office of Legislative Counsel and the Joint Fiscal Office and is required to submit a comprehensive written report to legislative housing committees by November 1, 2025. The committee will have its first meeting by June 1, 2025, select a chair, and officially cease to exist on December 1, 2025. Legislative members will receive per diem compensation for up to six meetings, and the bill allocates $200,000 from the General Fund to support the committee's work, including potential expert consultation. The bill is designed to comprehensively examine how universal design standards could be implemented to improve residential building accessibility across Vermont.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.437