Bill S.75, introduced by Senators White, Clarkson, Gulick, Major, and Watson, focuses on enhancing transportation initiatives in Vermont through various funding appropriations and new programs. Key features include the establishment of a retail delivery fee of $0.30 on taxable deliveries to support public transit services, as well as a revenue-neutral system of efficiency fees and rebates for new light trucks, passenger automobiles, and sport utility vehicles based on their fuel efficiency. The bill also creates an Efficiency Fees and Rebates Task Force to align these measures with the state's Climate Action Plan, requiring a report by January 15, 2026. Additionally, it emphasizes the reduction of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in transportation planning and mandates annual reporting to assess the effectiveness of the new fee and rebate system.

The legislation further addresses municipal transportation funding, particularly for rural towns, by reducing local share requirements for highway and bridge projects and providing technical assistance for implementing complete streets principles. It allows municipalities to set speed limits without engineering investigations and facilitates the installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in rental properties, ensuring tenant rights in the process. The bill also mandates that public EVSE accept credit card payments and requires the development of a comprehensive map of utilities within state-owned rights-of-way. Overall, Bill S.75 aims to improve transportation infrastructure, promote electric vehicle usage, and enhance sustainability efforts across Vermont.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 23-383, 19-10b, 19-10c, 19-10i, 19-306, 19-309a, 19-309b, 23-1007, 24-4345a, 23-1139