H.300 is a proposed bill that aims to establish a refundable income tax credit for qualified emergency responders in Vermont. The bill introduces a new section, 32 V.S.A. 5830g, which specifies that eligible emergency responders can receive a credit of $500 against their income tax for the taxable year. The definition of a qualified emergency responder includes licensed emergency medical personnel, volunteer personnel, first responders, and volunteer firefighters who meet specific criteria set by the Vermont Fire Service Training Council.

Additionally, the bill amends 20 V.S.A. 3153(a) to require the Council to establish standards for determining active service for volunteer firefighters in relation to the tax credit. It also clarifies the statutory purpose of the tax credit in 32 V.S.A. 5813, emphasizing the recognition of the public service provided by these individuals. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect retroactively on January 1, 2025, for the tax credit and its statutory purpose, while the standards for volunteer firefighters will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-3153(a), 20-3153, 32-5813