Bill H.687, introduced by Representative Waszazak of Barre City, proposes an amendment to the existing moratorium on the approval of new independent schools in Vermont. The bill specifically allows for an exception to this moratorium for therapeutic approved independent schools undergoing a change in ownership. Under the new provisions, if a therapeutic approved independent school requires an application for initial approval due to a change in ownership, the moratorium will not apply, provided that the school is already approved by the State Board of Education at the time of the ownership change.

The bill amends Section E.511.1 of the 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 78, adding a new subsection that clarifies the conditions under which the moratorium does not apply. It also establishes that the Agency of Education and the State Board of Education will process these applications in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Additionally, the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.