Bill S.75, introduced by Senators White, Clarkson, Gulick, Major, and Watson, aims to enhance transportation initiatives in Vermont by appropriating funds for various vehicle incentive programs, including the MileageSmart Program, the Incentive Program for New Plug-In Electric Vehicles, the Replace Your Ride Program, and the eBike Incentive Program. The bill proposes a retail delivery fee of $0.30 on taxable deliveries to support public transit services and introduces efficiency fees and rebates for new light trucks, passenger automobiles, and sport utility vehicles based on their fuel efficiency. It emphasizes the importance of complete streets principles, technical assistance for municipalities, and the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), promoting a more resilient and equitable transportation system in Vermont.

Additionally, the bill includes amendments to existing laws regarding municipal funding for transportation projects, particularly benefiting rural towns by reducing local share requirements for highway and bridge construction projects. It allows municipalities to set speed limits without an engineering investigation and mandates landlords to approve tenant requests for EVSE installation under certain conditions. The bill also allocates $1,500,000 for municipal highway and stormwater mitigation programs and tasks the Secretary of Transportation with studying school-related transportation costs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transportation efficiency, promote sustainable practices, and support rural communities in 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