The bill amends Vermont's stormwater management laws, particularly focusing on the permitting process for discharges from impervious surfaces of three or more acres. It requires individuals to obtain either an individual permit or coverage under a general permit for such discharges if they were not previously permitted or if their prior permits did not comply with the 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, contingent upon the consent of a majority of property owners. The bill also repeals certain provisions related to the clean water surcharge and modifies funding mechanisms for clean water initiatives, including a requirement for a review of the Clean Water Surcharge every four years starting in 2028.

Moreover, the bill introduces several amendments to enhance stormwater management and compliance with water quality laws. It mandates that the Secretary provide resources free of charge to the public via the Agency's website and removes the minimum annual funding requirement of $1,000,000 for the Municipal Stormwater Implementation Program. The bill also revises criteria for establishing rates and charges related to municipal sewer systems, allowing for the use of median impervious surface area as a basis for determining charges. Additionally, it establishes a Study Committee on the Creation of Regional Stormwater Utility Districts to evaluate the feasibility of such districts, with a report due by January 15, 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain provisions taking effect later in 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