The bill amends Vermont's stormwater management laws, particularly 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 discharges that were not previously permitted or 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 majority consent from property owners. The bill also repeals certain provisions related to the clean water surcharge and modifies funding mechanisms for clean water initiatives, emphasizing the need for a long-term funding source for water quality issues.

Moreover, the bill mandates the Secretary to publish a Public Resource Guide to assist individuals in complying with stormwater permitting requirements, which will be available free of charge on the Agency's website. It removes the minimum annual funding requirement of $1,000,000 for the Municipal Stormwater Implementation Program and revises criteria for establishing stormwater management rates and charges. A Study Committee on the Creation of Regional Stormwater Utility Districts is established 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 commencing 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