The bill H.451, introduced by Representative Burrows of West Windsor, seeks to advance racial and economic justice in Vermont by addressing the historical impacts of systemic discrimination, including settler colonialism and slavery. It emphasizes the need for equal opportunity and access to economic and cultural empowerment, while also advocating for truth and reconciliation processes to heal the wounds of colonization. The bill proposes to amend existing economic development principles by replacing the previous four principles with five, adding a new principle that focuses on Vermont's responsibility to rectify historical economic exploitation and exclusion based on race and ethnicity.

To support these goals, the bill establishes the Vermont Department of Cultural Empowerment and Economic Advancement, which will manage a $10 million grant fund for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color (BIPOC). It introduces new programs, such as the BIPOC Business Development Program and the BIPOC Business Procurement Program, aimed at increasing BIPOC participation in business and government procurement. Additionally, the Secretary of Administration is tasked with ensuring policies for career advancement for BIPOC employees are implemented across state agencies. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-3902, 3-2222