The bill amends the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program to enhance housing accessibility and support for vulnerable populations. Key provisions include allowing the Department to collaborate with various organizations, adjusting funding limits for grants and forgivable loans, and expanding tenant eligibility to include households displaced by natural disasters. Additionally, the bill establishes the Vermont Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program and the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund to support housing development. A new State Housing and Residential Services Planning Committee is created to develop a comprehensive plan for housing individuals with developmental disabilities, with a requirement to submit a report by November 15, 2025.

The bill also introduces significant amendments to existing laws regarding landlord certificates, housing protections, and municipal property tax increments. It prohibits landlords from charging application fees and expands definitions of harassment and discrimination in housing practices. Municipalities are required to develop comprehensive housing development plans and can retain a minimum of 85% of municipal property tax increments for housing infrastructure projects. The bill mandates comprehensive reporting and auditing requirements for municipalities and updates safety standards for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in residential properties. The effective date for most provisions is set for July 1, 2025, with certain sections taking effect 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