Bill H.397 proposes significant amendments to Vermont's emergency management and flood response statutes. It requires the Division of Emergency Management to provide annual updates to legislative committees on the all-hazards mitigation plan and mandates the creation of a comprehensive State Emergency Management Plan that outlines response systems for all-hazards events. The bill also introduces a new section allowing the Division to assist municipalities in accessing river observation and weather alert systems. Additionally, it establishes a needs assessment to identify resources necessary for effective emergency management, with a report due by November 15, 2025, and includes provisions for municipalities to manage unassigned fund balances and engage in emergency borrowing related to all-hazards events.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a Town tax that will be enacted if the State local options tax is repealed or reduced, with funds allocated solely for municipal services. It allows towns to repeal local option taxes through an Australian ballot vote and modifies the cost-sharing structure for tax administration. The bill also includes technical corrections for the Division of Emergency Management, mandates language assistance services during emergencies, and requires annual public meetings to evaluate these services. Additionally, it incorporates provisions for transferring funds from the General Fund to the Education Fund to address overpayments of education property taxes in specific municipalities and extends the authority for the City of Barre to incur indebtedness until 2028 and 2039. Various sections of the bill have specified effective dates, with some provisions taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-3a, 19-306
As Passed By the House -- Official: 20-3a, 19-306, 20-41, 32-3709, 24-1759, 24-138
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 20-3a, 20-41, 32-3709, 24-138
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 20-3a, 19-306, 20-41, 32-3709, 24-1759, 24-138, 20-48, 20-112, 10-599a, 32-3102
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 20-3a, 20-41, 20-48, 24-1759, 24-138, 20-112, 10-599a, 32-3102