The bill H.170 proposes several measures aimed at addressing housing issues related to the University of Vermont (UVM) and the City of Burlington. It establishes an enrollment cap for UVM when the city's housing vacancy rate falls below five percent, requiring the university to limit student enrollment to the number present at the end of the fall semester following the vacancy report. Additionally, the bill mandates that all university-owned or affiliated housing must comply with municipal housing codes and rental health and safety standards. To ensure compliance, the UVM Housing Task Force will be created to monitor housing conditions and report annually to the General Assembly.

The bill also outlines specific requirements for the UVM Housing Task Force, which will include members from various sectors, including the State Auditor, representatives from the House and Senate, and local officials. The Task Force is tasked with reviewing housing pressures, recommending actions to alleviate these pressures, and ensuring that housing agreements between the City and UVM include enforceable commitments to build compliant housing. The act is set to take effect upon passage, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the housing situation in Burlington as it relates to the university's enrollment practices.