VT H0445

Creates the Land Access and Opportunity Revolving Fund administered by the Land Access and Opportunity Board to support community-based affordable housing, including tenant purchases, multi-unit renovations, cooperative housing development, and transitional housing for historically marginalized communities.

Imposes a 1.5% income tax surcharge on federal adjusted gross income exceeding $500,000, with revenue transferred annually from the General Fund to the new Revolving Fund; the surcharge is set to be repealed on January 1, 2031.

Prioritizes funding for projects that create self-sufficient neighborhoods with features like localized waste management, regenerative agriculture, independent energy generation, tool banks, labor pools, and workforce training programs.

Adds a new member to the Land Access and Opportunity Board appointed by Migrant Justice and updates the appointing organization for another seat from Vermont Psychiatric Survivors to MadFreedom, Inc.

Requires the Department of Taxes and Joint Fiscal Office to report by July 1, 2026 on tax incentives and penalties related to affordable housing preservation, including analysis of tenant first-right-of-refusal purchase incentives and rent price penalties.