Bill H.170 aims to address housing issues related to the University of Vermont (UVM) and the State Agricultural College by implementing an enrollment cap and ensuring compliance with housing standards. The bill stipulates that when the housing vacancy rate in Burlington falls below five percent, UVM must limit its student enrollment to the number recorded at the end of the previous fall semester. Additionally, it mandates that all university-owned or affiliated housing must meet municipal housing codes and health and safety standards, with compliance required for both existing and new housing by July 1, 2025.

To oversee these requirements, the bill establishes the UVM Housing Task Force, which will monitor compliance and report annually to the General Assembly. The Task Force will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from the state government, the university, and the city of Burlington. The bill also requires housing agreements between the city and UVM to include commitments for building new compliant housing and aligning developments with the city's housing strategies. The act is set to take effect upon passage.