The bill amends Vermont's stormwater management laws, particularly the permitting process for discharges from impervious surfaces of three acres or more. It requires individuals to obtain a permit for such discharges if they were not previously permitted or if their prior permits do not align with the updated Stormwater Management Manual. The Secretary of Natural Resources is responsible for notifying property owners about these permits. Additionally, municipalities that take full legal responsibility for stormwater systems can impose special fees on users with the consent of a majority of property owners. The deadlines for obtaining coverage under the general permit have been extended to 2028 for certain watersheds and to 2038 or five years after a binding waste-load allocation for others.

The bill also repeals previous provisions related to the clean water surcharge and modifies the funding structure for clean water initiatives, emphasizing the need for a long-term funding source for water quality issues. It mandates the Secretary to publish a Public Resource Guide to assist individuals in complying with stormwater permitting requirements, which will include statutory requirements, compliance measures, and financial resources. Furthermore, the bill establishes a new Study Committee to explore the feasibility of creating regional stormwater utility districts, with a report due by January 15, 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with specific provisions regarding Clean Water Fund priorities starting on October 1, 2032.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1264, 10-1389(e), 10-1389, 24-3616
As Passed By the House -- Official: 10-1264, 10-1389(e), 10-1389, 24-3616
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 10-1264, 10-1389(e), 10-1389, 24-3616
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 10-1264, 10-1389(e), 10-1389, 24-3616, 10-1389a, 10-1389(e)(2)(C)
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 10-1264, 10-1389(e), 10-1389, 10-1389a, 10-1389(e)(2)(C), 24-3616
As Enacted: 10-1264, 10-1389(e), 10-1389, 10-1389a, 10-1389(e)(2)(C), 24-3616