The bill aims to enhance the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program by introducing several new initiatives focused on improving housing accessibility and infrastructure. Key provisions include the establishment of the Vermont Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program, which will provide funding for the enhancement of manufactured homes and parks, and the creation of the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund to support public infrastructure projects that facilitate housing development. The bill also modifies grant and loan parameters, increasing the maximum funding available for housing rehabilitation and establishing a minimum funding allocation for five-year grants or forgivable loans. Additionally, it outlines specific eligibility criteria for tenants in units funded through these programs, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations, and establishes the State Housing and Residential Services Planning Committee to develop a comprehensive plan for housing individuals with developmental disabilities.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws related to landlord certificates and housing protections, including the repeal of certain provisions and the introduction of new requirements for landlords regarding rental property information and application fees. It expands definitions of harassment and discrimination in housing practices to include citizenship and immigration status, enhancing protections for individuals. The legislation also establishes a Community and Housing Infrastructure Program to promote affordable housing development, outlines the necessary steps for municipalities to create housing infrastructure projects, and introduces significant amendments to municipal property tax increments. Additionally, it updates requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in single-family dwellings and mandates certification of compliance during property transfers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain sections becoming effective upon passage.

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
As Enacted: 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