Bill H.397 proposes significant amendments to Vermont's emergency management and flood response statutes. Key features include an annual requirement for the Division of Emergency Management to update legislative committees on action items from the all-hazards mitigation plan, and the creation of a comprehensive State Emergency Management Plan that outlines response systems and preparedness measures. The bill also introduces a Voluntary Buyout Program for flood-prone properties, allowing municipalities to purchase these properties at fair market value for open space maintenance, and establishes a Municipal Grand List Stabilization Program to reimburse municipalities for property taxes on these acquired properties. Additional provisions allow municipalities to engage in emergency borrowing during all-hazard events and grant the Governor the authority to waive permits for dam drawdowns during emergencies.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to empower the Burlington City Council and Town Selectboard to impose local option sales taxes, including a one percent sales tax, meals and alcoholic beverages tax, and rooms tax, with all collected taxes directed to municipal services rather than the State Treasurer. The bill modifies the distribution of tax revenues and clarifies that administrative costs will be governed by 24 V.S.A. 138. Effective dates for the provisions vary, with some taking effect immediately, others retroactively effective from November 15, 2024, and the remaining sections effective on July 1, 2025. These changes aim to enhance local control over tax revenues, ensuring funds are specifically allocated for municipal services.

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