The bill H.426 aims to enhance transportation initiatives in Vermont by appropriating a total of $10.15 million for various vehicle incentive programs, including the MileageSmart Program, the Incentive Program for New Plug-In Electric Vehicles, the Replace Your Ride Program, and the eBike Incentive Program for fiscal year 2026. It also provides one-time funding for local public transit agencies, imposes a retail delivery fee of $0.30 on taxable deliveries to support town highway aid, and mandates public outreach campaigns focused on transportation and safe driving practices. The bill emphasizes public-private partnerships to promote electric vehicles and eBikes, and it requires the Agency of Transportation to consider vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions in project evaluations.

Key provisions include the establishment of right-to-charge laws for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installation, allowing municipalities to set local speed limits without an engineering study, and providing guidelines for EVSE installation in rental properties. The bill also modifies funding criteria for rural towns, introduces the Municipal Mitigation Assistance Program for environmental projects, and allocates funding for initiatives aimed at enhancing flood resiliency and educating first-time car buyers. Overall, H.426 seeks to improve equity, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability within Vermont's transportation system while promoting the use of electric vehicles and enhancing community resilience.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 19-306, 19-10b, 19-10c, 19-10i, 19-309a, 19-309b, 23-1007, 24-4345a, 23-1139