The bill amends various sections of Vermont law to enhance emergency management capabilities and improve municipal financial management. Key provisions include the requirement for the Division of Emergency Management to provide an annual update on the all-hazards mitigation plan to legislative committees, the creation of a comprehensive State Emergency Management Plan, and the introduction of a needs assessment report to identify additional resources for effective emergency management. It also allows for voluntary buyouts of flood-impacted properties and establishes a framework for municipalities to access enhanced weather forecasting and alert systems. Additionally, the bill modifies the distribution of local option tax revenues, increasing the percentage allocated to municipalities and clarifying that these funds can only be used for municipal services.

Furthermore, the bill includes technical corrections regarding the Division of Emergency Management, such as the title and responsibilities of the Director, and mandates language assistance services during emergencies. It incorporates federal regulations into state rules and provides for a transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Education Fund to address overpayments of education property taxes in the City of Barre and the Town of Milton. The bill also extends the authority for the City of Barre to incur indebtedness and retain tax increments until 2028 and 2039, respectively, with staggered effective dates for various sections. Overall, the legislation aims to bolster Vermont's preparedness for emergencies while providing municipalities with greater financial flexibility.

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
As Enacted: 20-3a, 20-41, 20-48, 24-1759, 24-138, 20-112, 10-599a, 32-3102