Bill S.127 establishes various housing initiatives in Vermont, including the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program and the Vermont Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program. The Rental Housing Improvement Program allows the Department to collaborate with different entities to provide funding for rental housing improvements, increasing the maximum funding available per unit and introducing new eligibility criteria for tenants affected by climate change or natural disasters. The bill also creates a revolving fund for repaid loans to support ongoing program expenditures. Additionally, it introduces the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund to enhance public infrastructure for housing development and establishes a State Housing and Residential Services Planning Committee to create plans for service-supported housing units for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Moreover, the bill enhances housing and public accommodation protections by expanding the definition of harassment to include discrimination based on citizenship and immigration status, and it prohibits denial of services in public accommodations based on these factors. It also mandates the Secretary of Natural Resources to prioritize remediation at housing sites and establishes a Community and Housing Infrastructure Program to facilitate housing infrastructure projects. Municipalities are empowered to create housing infrastructure projects and apply for tax increment financing, with specific requirements for public hearings and project plans. The bill includes provisions for the management of tax increments, reporting, and auditing requirements for municipalities, ensuring accountability in financing while promoting the development of affordable housing. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain provisions 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