Bill S.127 aims to enhance housing development and protections in Vermont through various programs and amendments to existing laws. It amends the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program to allow the Department to collaborate with different entities while exempting them from certain lending regulations. The bill increases funding limits for grants and forgivable loans for rental housing units, particularly for accessibility improvements, and introduces new requirements for landlords receiving these funds, such as coordination with homelessness service organizations and specific tenant eligibility criteria. Additionally, it establishes the Vermont Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program, the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund, and a Rental Housing Revolving Loan Program to support middle-income households. A new State Housing and Residential Services Planning Committee is also created to develop a comprehensive plan for housing individuals with developmental disabilities.

The bill further strengthens housing protections by expanding definitions of harassment and discrimination to include citizenship and immigration status, while clarifying that verification of immigration status will not violate discrimination laws. It introduces a Community and Housing Infrastructure Program to promote affordable housing development through infrastructure improvements and outlines requirements for municipalities to create housing development plans. Municipalities are allowed to retain a significant portion of property tax increments for housing projects, and they must develop a data collection system for reporting. The bill also updates regulations regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in single-family dwellings, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Overall, the legislation seeks to facilitate housing development while ensuring accountability and public involvement, with certain provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-699, 24-119, 32-5930u, 9-4501, 9-4502, 9-4503, 10-6604c, 10-6641, 32-3325, 32-5811(21)(C), 32-5811, 32-5811(21), 32-3800
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 10-699, 24-119, 32-5930u, 9-4501, 9-4502, 9-4503, 10-6604c, 10-6641, 32-3325, 9-77, 20-2731, 32-5811(21)(C), 32-5811, 32-5811(21), 32-3800
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 10-699, 24-119, 9-4501, 9-4502, 9-4503, 10-6604c, 10-6641, 32-3325, 9-77, 20-2731
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 10-699, 24-119, 32-5930u, 9-4501, 9-4502, 9-4503, 10-6604c, 10-6641, 32-3325, 9-77, 20-2731, 32-5811(21)(C), 32-5811, 32-5811(21), 32-3800, 32-5404, 32-6069, 9-4456a
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 10-699, 24-119, 32-5404, 32-6069, 9-4456a, 9-4501, 9-4502, 9-4503, 10-6604c, 10-6641, 32-3325, 9-77, 20-2731