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VermontH.4812025-2026 SessionHouseWALLET

An act relating to stormwater management

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Grants and guide for stormwater work

Starting July 1, 2025, you can get grants to help pay for required stormwater permits and some renewals, but only in basins where the clean water provider met goals. Up to 15% of each award can cover admin costs. Before January 1, 2032, properties with owner‑occupied primary homes get extra priority points for this financing. By January 1, 2027, the state posts a free stormwater guide with rules, low‑cost fixes, funding sources, contacts, and a model town utility bylaw.

More state funding for town stormwater

The Municipal Stormwater Implementation Grant Program helps towns meet permits and design stormwater utilities. It can pay for compliance for three‑acre residential subdivisions when the town takes full legal responsibility. Grants are only in basins where the clean water provider met goals, and admin costs are capped at 15%. The Clean Water Board directs at least $1,000,000 each year to this program and must recommend $5,000,000 for FY2027. At least 20% of the Clean Water Fund each year goes to Water Quality Enhancement Grants (up to a recommended $5,000,000), and at least $500,000 supports basin planning.

New permits for big paved sites

Beginning July 1, 2025, sites with three or more acres of pavement or other hard surface must have a stormwater permit. In the Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, and stormwater‑impaired watersheds, coverage is due by October 1, 2028. In other watersheds, coverage is due by October 1, 2038 or within five years after a binding stormwater waste‑load allocation, whichever comes first. The general permit sets retrofit and redevelopment standards and lets owners use impact fees, off‑site offsets, and phosphorus‑credit trading within the watershed. The state must notify affected property owners.

Towns can take over and bill

If a town takes full legal control of a stormwater system, individual owners tied to that system do not need separate state permits. The town then must maintain, repair, and replace the system. Beginning July 1, 2025, the town may charge a special assessment only if most affected owners consent and the fee fairly matches the benefit. Towns may also set stormwater rates using an equivalent residential unit (ERU) based on average impervious area. Your bill can go up or down based on local choices.

Clean-water surcharge on property transfers

Beginning July 1, 2025, the clean‑water surcharge on the Property Transfer Tax remains in effect. Lawmakers intend to cut it to 0.04% once long‑term funding is passed, and no later than July 1, 2027. Starting January 1, 2028, the state reviews the surcharge every four years to decide whether to continue, change, or end it. Through July 1, 2027, the first $1,000,000 raised each year goes to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund. Another related allocation section begins on July 1, 2027.

Study regional stormwater utilities, per diem

A study committee reviews regional stormwater utility districts and reports by January 15, 2027. The committee ends on March 1, 2027. Members receive per diem pay and expense reimbursement for up to eight meetings.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on May 27, 2025

    5/28/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor on May 27, 2025

    5/28/2025House

  3. Delivered to the Governor on May 21, 2025

    5/21/2025House

  4. House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment

    5/20/2025Senate

  5. Senate proposal of amendment concurred in

    5/16/2025House

  6. Action Calendar: Action postponed until 5/16/2025

    5/16/2025House

  7. Rep. Logan of Burlington moved to postpone action until 5/16/2025, which was agreed to

    5/15/2025House

  8. Action Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/15/2025House

  9. Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/14/2025House

  10. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/13/2025House

  11. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/9/2025Senate

  12. Pending third reading, Senate proposal of amendment amended as moved by Senator(s) Watson

    5/9/2025Senate

  13. Proposal of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Watson

    5/9/2025Senate

  14. New Business/Third Reading

    5/9/2025Senate

  15. 3rd reading ordered

    5/8/2025Senate

  16. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended, agreed to

    5/8/2025Senate

  17. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy amended as moved by Senator(s) Harrison

    5/8/2025Senate

  18. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy amended as recommended by Committee on Appropriations

    5/8/2025Senate

  19. Reported favorably by Senator Watson for Committee on Appropriations with proposal of amendment

    5/8/2025Senate

  20. Reported favorably by Senator Beck for Committee on Finance

    5/8/2025Senate

  21. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Watson for Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

    5/8/2025Senate

  22. Proposal of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Harrison

    5/8/2025Senate

  23. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

    5/8/2025Senate

  24. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

    5/8/2025Senate

  25. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

    5/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 37)

    6/3/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    5/21/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    5/21/2025

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/16/2025

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)

    5/16/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House

    3/27/2025

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House (Unofficial)

    3/27/2025

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    3/14/2025

    PDF

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