Bill H.863 aims to enhance transportation infrastructure in Vermont while promoting equity and sustainability. Key provisions include the introduction of a retail delivery fee of $0.30 on deliveries subject to sales tax, which will support town highway aid through the Transportation Fund. Municipalities will also be allowed to impose a local option tax of 1% on gasoline and diesel fuel sales. The bill allocates funds for various transportation initiatives, such as rural transit support, electric vehicle incentives, and the establishment of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) that accepts credit cards and provides real-time status updates. Additionally, it amends the Transportation Alternatives Program to prioritize funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects and mandates the creation of pollinator habitats along state highways.

The legislation also introduces measures to facilitate the installation of EVSE in both public and private settings, requiring that all publicly available EVSE accepting payment must accept credit cards and provide real-time availability updates. It establishes guidelines for landlords regarding tenant requests for EVSE installation and ensures that common interest communities cannot impose unreasonable restrictions on such installations. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new electric vehicle tax credit, allowing qualifying taxpayers to receive a nonrefundable credit of $5,000 for new electric vehicles and $2,500 for used ones, with the credit required to be passed on to consumers. The bill allocates funding for vehicle incentive programs and emphasizes collaboration between public transit systems and school districts to improve transportation services for students, with various provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 19-306, 24-138, 19-38, 32-5813