VT H0397

Division of Emergency Management must provide annual updates to legislative committees on the all-hazards mitigation plan and republish the State Emergency Management Plan at least every five years, including templates for regional and local emergency planning

Municipalities may request state assistance accessing river observation/flood modeling systems and enhanced weather forecasting/alert systems; voluntary buyouts for flood-impacted properties added as eligible disaster mitigation grant projects

Municipal legislative bodies may borrow money without voter approval for emergency-related expenses or improvements during declared emergencies, with repayment terms up to five years or the useful life of improvements

Governor may authorize dam water level drawdowns before anticipated flood events by waiving applicable permits, provided dam owners develop Secretary-approved drawdown plans with engineering analysis and communication protocols

Local option tax revenue share to municipalities increases from 70% to 75% effective October 1, 2025; $621,479 appropriated from General Fund to compensate Barre and Milton for historical education property tax overpayments related to Tax Increment Financing District errors