Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                         S.245
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                                      S.245
 Introduced by Senators Harrison, Clarkson and Hashim
 Referred to Committee on
 Date:
 Subject: Human services; permanent supportive housing; grants
 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to require the
 Agency of Human Services to establish a grant program for acquisition of or
 acquisition and renovation of permanent supportive housing sites by
 municipalities or other entities.
    An act relating to issuing grants for permanent supportive housing
 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
 Sec. 1. 33 V.S.A. chapter 22 is added to read:
                    CHAPTER 22. HOUSING ASSISTANCE
 § 2201. PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; GRANTS TO
          MUNICIPALITIES OR OTHER ENTITIES
    (a) To the extent funds permit, the Agency of Human Services shall
 establish a grant program for municipalities or other entities seeking to acquire
 or to acquire and renovate an existing building to serve as permanent
 supportive housing for individuals who are chronically unhoused and in need
 of support services or individuals who could benefit from permanent VT LEG #372596 v.2
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 supportive housing. Buildings utilized for this purpose shall contain multiple
 studio efficiency apartments with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and sleeping
 and living space. Renovations shall be conducted in a manner that enhances
 energy efficiency. A participating municipality or other entity shall employ or
 contract for the on-site services of two individuals serving as a social worker,
 case manager, resident advocate, or in another supportive role. The two
 individuals employed or under contract with the municipality or other entity
 shall be present at the permanent supportive housing site for at least eight
 hours daily and may provide services such as support groups, one-on-one
 support services, teaching or organizing classes, and connecting residents with
 other community resources.
    (b)(1) The Agency shall solicit proposals for permanent supportive housing
 from municipalities or other entities. Eligible proposals shall:
          (A) identify the existing building to be acquired or acquired and
 renovated for permanent supportive housing;
          (B) provide the anticipated cost of the acquisition or acquisition and
 renovation of the permanent supportive housing site;
          (C) list any funding that the municipality or other entity plans to
 contribute to the permanent supportive housing site;
          (D) describe the accessibility of the proposed location to community
 services such as health care providers and public transportation;
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             (E) describe the nature of programming that the two individuals
 employed or under contract with the municipality or other entity shall provide
 to permanent supportive housing residents;
             (F) prioritize the training of workers to retrofit older buildings in an
 energy-efficient and cost-effective manner that meets clean energy standards;
 and
             (G) provide housing for individuals facing chronic homelessness;
 individuals in need of additional support, including those recovering from a
 mental health condition or substance use disorder; individuals aging out of
 their current housing; or other vulnerable populations.
       (2) Annually, to the extent funds permit, the Agency shall select from
 among the eligible proposals those in which the Secretary determines that the
 need for permanent supportive housing is greatest and where the proposed site
 or sites best ensures the health, safety, and well-being of residents.
    (c) As used in this section, “acquire” means to purchase, lease, or obtain by
 gift or otherwise an existing building, excluding the construction of a new
 building.
 Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION
    In fiscal year 2025, $4,500,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund to
 the Agency of Human Services for the purpose of providing grants to
                                                                           VT LEG #372596 v.2
    BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                        S.245
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 municipalities or other entities for permanent supportive housing pursuant to
 33 V.S.A. § 2201.
 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE
    This act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
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