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 improved weather forecasting and river observation systems.

In terms of municipal finances, 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. It specifies that taxes collected will be paid to the Town in accordance with 24 V.S.A. 138, with quarterly payments restricted to municipal services, not education. The bill also outlines conditions for dam operators regarding water level management in anticipation of floods, emphasizes environmental considerations, and mandates public meetings to assess language assistance services during all-hazards events. Additionally, it includes provisions for transferring funds to compensate certain municipalities for overpayments of education property taxes and extends the authority for incurring indebtedness for specific cities until 2028 and 2039.

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