VT H0777

Creates the Vermont Skier Development Scholarship Fund administered by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, providing up to 20 scholarships at $25,000 each ($500,000 total plus $25,000 for administration) for Vermont skiers and snowboarders in grades 9-12 to attend eligible Vermont ski academies.

Prohibits school districts from paying publicly funded tuition under 16 V.S.A. chapter 21 for students to attend Vermont ski academies, redirecting support through the new scholarship program instead.

Requires scholarship recipients to demonstrate athletic progress, academic standing, compliance with safety protocols, and Vermont engagement (including annual service contributions and maintaining Vermont affiliation unless waived for national team placement).

Funds the program through $525,000 annually from sales and use tax revenue, adjusted for inflation using the NIPA implicit price deflator, with an initial $525,000 transfer from the Education Fund on July 15, 2026.

Includes a sunset provision repealing the scholarship fund, program, and tuition prohibitions on July 1, 2031, and mandates annual reporting to legislative committees on outcomes including talent pipeline results, economic impact, equity metrics, and cost effectiveness.