An act relating to stormwater management
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
More stormwater help for property owners
The Developed Lands Implementation Financial Assistance Program helps people required to get permits to meet water-quality standards, including three-acre permits. Assistance no longer depends on basin-level clean water service provider performance. Renewal help covers discharges to stormwater-impaired waters whose old permits lacked the 2002 Stormwater Management Manual or a later manual. Administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of total awards. Before January 1, 2032, properties under the three-acre permit containing primary residences get extra financing priority in this and the municipal program, but no guaranteed award.
Property transfer surcharge stays in place
The law keeps Vermont's clean water surcharge on taxable property transfers at 0.22%. It cancels the scheduled drop to 0.04% on July 1, 2027, and the surcharge's scheduled end. The first $1 million collected each year goes to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund. The law removes the former date limits on that transfer. The amount taxpayers pay depends on the taxable transfer.
Large properties face stormwater permit deadlines
Owners of qualifying sites with at least three acres of hard surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, must get stormwater permit coverage. This applies to discharges never permitted or covered by permits lacking the 2002 Stormwater Management Manual or a later manual. Coverage is due October 1, 2028, in the Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, and stormwater-impaired watersheds. Elsewhere, the deadline is October 1, 2038, or five years after a binding stormwater-specific pollution limit is set, whichever comes first. The Secretary must notify affected owners; compliance can bring costs while protecting water quality.
Stormwater study members receive meeting pay
Beginning July 1, 2025, regional stormwater utility study committee members are entitled to daily pay and expense reimbursement. Payments follow state compensation rules and cover no more than eight meetings. The money comes from funds appropriated to the Agency of Natural Resources. The committee examines regional utility governance, financing, regulatory simplification, and state support, with a report due January 15, 2027.
Free guide explains stormwater rules
The Secretary of Natural Resources must publish a free stormwater guide by January 1, 2027. It must explain permit rules, including the three-acre rule, practical compliance steps, and off-site options. It must list funding sources, application guidance, and agency contacts. It also must include a model local rule for forming a municipal stormwater utility. The guide itself does not provide funding.
Towns take responsibility and charge users
Towns taking full legal responsibility for stormwater systems—including control, access, maintenance, and repairs—can qualify for certain permit exemptions. They can charge users special assessment fees when a majority of affected property owners consent. Improvement costs must be shared fairly based on each user's benefits. Towns can also base stormwater charges on the average or median residential area covered by roofs, pavement, and similar surfaces. Combined rate methods must be equitable; the law sets no fee amount and keeps existing minimum-charge protections for single-family homes.
Towns gain help but lose earmark
The Municipal Stormwater Implementation Program helps towns seeking required stormwater permits without the former basin-level performance condition. It also covers qualifying residential subdivisions with at least three acres of impervious surface when towns take full system responsibility. Funds can pay for utility design and engineering; administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of total awards. The law removes the program's guaranteed annual $1 million earmark. For fiscal year 2027, the Clean Water Board must recommend $5 million for three-acre permit compliance, including qualifying subdivisions; this is not an appropriation.
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
House message: Governor approved bill on May 27, 2025
5/28/2025HouseSigned by Governor on May 27, 2025
5/28/2025HouseDelivered to Governor on May 21, 2025
5/21/2025HouseHouse message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment
5/20/2025HouseSenate proposal of amendment concurred in
5/16/2025HouseAction Calendar: Action postponed until 5/16/2025
5/16/2025HouseRep. Logan of Burlington moved to postpone action until 5/16/2025, which was agreed to
5/15/2025HouseAction Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/15/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/14/2025HouseSenate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/13/2025SenateRead 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/9/2025SenatePending third reading, Senate proposal of amendment amended as moved by Senator(s) Watson
5/9/2025SenateProposal of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Watson
5/9/2025SenateNew Business/Third Reading
5/9/2025Senate3rd reading ordered
5/8/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended, agreed to
5/8/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy amended as moved by Senator(s) Harrison
5/8/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy amended as recommended by Committee on Appropriations
5/8/2025SenateReported favorably by Senator Watson for Committee on Appropriations with proposal of amendment
5/8/2025SenateReported favorably by Senator Beck for Committee on Finance
5/8/2025SenateRead 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Watson for Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
5/8/2025SenateProposal of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Harrison
5/8/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Appropriations
5/8/2025SenateFavorable report by Committee on Finance
5/8/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
5/8/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 37)Opens in a new window
6/3/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
5/21/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
5/21/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/16/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/16/2025
As Passed by the House
3/27/2025
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
3/27/2025
As Introduced
3/14/2025
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