The bill H.594 establishes the Temporary Emergency Housing and Accountability Program and the Return Home Program in Vermont for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, aimed at providing targeted temporary housing assistance to vulnerable individuals and families in crisis. It includes clear eligibility criteria, accountability measures, and case management requirements, promoting a shift from reliance on hotels and motels to sustainable housing solutions. Key provisions involve the creation of a tiered continuum of care that prioritizes various types of shelters and housing, as well as the coordination of services by the Department for Children and Families. The bill also emphasizes the importance of workforce stability and mandates the maintenance of cold-weather emergency shelter capacity.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $30 million for fiscal year 2027 and $25 million for fiscal year 2028 to support these programs, with specific allocations for operational costs, shelter capacity expansion, and transitional housing development. It includes measures for fraud prevention and accountability, requiring annual reports from the Commissioner for Children and Families on program implementation metrics. The Return Home Program is designed to assist homeless individuals wishing to return to their home states, providing travel and relocation assistance while ensuring participation is voluntary. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.