The bill proposed by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont outlines the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation Program, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing fossil fuel use, and providing financial savings for households. Key investments include over $2.4 million for the Park and Ride Program, $21.8 million for Bike and Pedestrian Facilities, and $52.7 million for enhancing public transit services. The bill also emphasizes environmental sustainability and aligns with the Comprehensive Energy Plan and Vermont Climate Action Plan. Notably, it deletes a project related to the Barre Berlin-Montpelier subsidy while adding funding for White River Junction Depot Repairs and authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to relinquish a segment of Vermont Route 36.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to existing laws regarding rail trails, the Transportation Board's structure, and municipal transportation funding. It establishes new prohibitions on certain activities related to rail trails and mandates the Transportation Board to provide appellate review for legal disputes. The bill also outlines changes to funding mechanisms for town highways, introduces a mileage-based user fee for battery-electric vehicles starting January 1, 2027, and promotes electric vehicle usage through partnerships. Furthermore, it aims to improve healthcare and transportation coordination, mandates the creation of informational materials regarding Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation, and outlines a process for issuing vehicle identification numbers for unique vehicle types. The provisions related to underground utility markings will take effect immediately, while the remaining sections will be effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5-3408, 19-306
As Passed By the House -- Official: 5-3408, 19-306
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 5-3408, 19-306
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 5-3408, 19-306, 19-10g, 19-10g(g), 19-10b, 19-10c, 19-10i, 5-3405, 30-7006, 30-7006a
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 5-3408, 19-306, 19-10b, 19-10c, 19-10i, 30-7006, 30-7006a
As Enacted: 5-3408, 19-306, 19-10b, 19-10c, 19-10i, 30-7006, 30-7006a