H.809 is a legislative bill aimed at repealing certain sections of the 2025 Acts and Resolves No. 73 while maintaining specific provisions related to tuition eligibility for approved independent schools, the appointment authority of the State Board of Education, and the creation of regional assessment districts. The bill seeks to reform Vermont's education governance by promoting the merger of school districts into larger entities, establishing boards of cooperative education services, and prioritizing funding for regional high school construction. Additionally, it introduces new property tax classifications, including higher rates for residential properties used as second homes and short-term rentals, and sets up a summer study committee to assess class sizes.

Key amendments in the bill include a change in the tuition eligibility criteria in 16 V.S.A. 828, raising the required percentage of student enrollment for district-funded tuition from 25% to 51%. It also adds a new section, 32 V.S.A. 4152a, detailing property tax classifications and modifies education property tax liability rates to create a separate tax rate for nonhomestead residential properties. The bill ensures that nonhomestead residential properties are taxed equivalently to homesteads within the same municipality and mandates the Commissioner of Taxes to develop property classification forms and guidance by August 1, 2027. Furthermore, it establishes a Study Committee on Ideal Class Size Ranges to evaluate and recommend appropriate class sizes for Vermont public schools, with a report due by January 15, 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-828, 32-4152, 32-5402, 32-5402b