The bill H.91 aims to establish the Emergency Temporary Shelter Program in Vermont, replacing the existing General Assistance Emergency Housing Program. The legislative intent focuses on eliminating unsheltered homelessness and providing stable pathways to permanent housing for individuals in need. Key features of the bill include the formation of an Emergency Temporary Shelter Program Advisory Committee, which will include individuals with lived experience of homelessness to guide the program's implementation. The bill also sets forth eligibility criteria for households seeking assistance, addressing various circumstances such as age, disability, and recent traumatic events.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific definitions and guidelines for the new program, including the types of shelters that may be utilized, such as community-based shelters and hotel accommodations. It establishes a maximum number of sheltered days based on the statewide vacancy rate and requires participation in coordinated entry and case management for households needing extended shelter. The bill also mandates winter sheltering provisions and requires the Department for Children and Families to file proposed rules for the program's administration by February 15, 2026. Notably, the bill repeals the requirement for the Commissioner for Children and Families to submit an annual report on the General Assistance Program, and it sets the effective dates for various provisions, with the program's full implementation scheduled for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-22, 33-2115