The bill H.790 proposes significant adjustments to Vermont's fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing on various state departments and programs. Key amendments include increases in personal services and operating expenses, with the Legislative Counsel's budget rising from $4,589,480 to $5,309,541 and the total budget increasing from $4,876,416 to $5,596,477. The bill also adjusts funding for the Homeowner and Renter rebate programs, decreasing homeowner grants from $19,000,000 to $17,500,000 while increasing renter grants from $9,500,000 to $11,000,000. Additionally, it reflects changes in funding sources, such as the Tax Department's reappraisal and listing payments, now including special funds, and increases in grants for developmental services and long-term care funding.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the Child Care Contribution Reserve, requiring the Department of Taxes and the Joint Fiscal Office to provide a consensus estimate of anticipated receipts. It streamlines the legislative process by replacing references to the Office of Legislative Operations with the newly designated Joint Fiscal Office, which will handle meal and lodging reimbursements for members. The bill also allocates $5 million for housing assistance to prevent the loss of HUD Section 8 housing choice vouchers and includes provisions for consulting on financial challenges related to developmental services. Overall, H.790 aims to enhance fiscal responsibility and resource allocation while addressing the evolving needs of various sectors within the state.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 32-10554, 2-41, 2-601, 2-614, 2-651, 2-693, 2-801, 2-1001, 3-23, 3-817, 4-71, 4-461, 4-607, 19-12b, 32-1052, 2-16, 18-9407
As Passed By the House -- Official: 32-10554, 2-41, 2-601, 2-614, 2-651, 2-693, 2-801, 2-1001, 3-23, 3-817, 4-71, 4-461, 4-607, 19-12b, 32-1052, 2-16, 18-9407
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 32-10554, 2-41, 2-601, 2-614, 2-651, 2-693, 2-801, 2-1001, 3-23, 3-817, 4-71, 4-461, 4-607, 19-12b, 32-1052, 2-16, 18-9407