The bill H.777 proposes the establishment of the Vermont Skier Development Scholarship Fund, which will be administered by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. This fund aims to provide scholarships for up to 20 selected Vermont skiers and snowboarders to attend eligible ski academies within the state, with each scholarship valued at $25,000. The funding for this initiative will come from sales and use tax revenues, specifically $525,000 annually, which will be adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the bill prohibits school districts from paying tuition for students to attend Vermont ski academies, directing them instead to apply for scholarships through the newly created program.

The legislation includes several provisions to ensure the effective administration of the scholarship program, including eligibility criteria for both recipients and ski academies, as well as requirements for maintaining scholarships in subsequent years. The bill also mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness and economic impact. Notably, the bill includes a provision for prospective repeal of the scholarship fund and program by July 1, 2031, along with related amendments to existing laws regarding school tuition payments. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-822, 16-824, 16-828