Bill H.400 proposes significant changes to the process of housing appeals within the Environmental Division of the Superior Court in Vermont. The bill mandates that the Environmental Division must hear appeals related to housing within 30 days of filing and issue a decision within 120 days after the hearing. This replaces the previous goal of the division, which did not specify a timeline for hearing and decision-making. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the creation of one new Superior Court Judge position and one law clerk position within the Environmental Division, along with an appropriation of $300,000 for these new roles in fiscal year 2026.

The bill also establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025, for these changes to take effect. The amendments aim to streamline the appeals process for housing permits, thereby potentially expediting housing development and addressing housing needs more efficiently in Vermont.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-8504