VT H0885

Prohibits municipal and county governments from regulating or banning life-sustaining activities (sleeping, resting, eating, sheltering) on public property, unless the municipality provides sufficient alternative indoor shelter or designates specific areas for these activities

Adds "housing status" as a protected class under Vermont's anti-discrimination laws covering public accommodations, housing, and employment (Titles 9, 10, 21, and 33)

Creates enforcement mechanisms allowing the Attorney General, Human Rights Commission, and affected individuals to bring civil actions against municipalities violating the law, with mandatory attorney's fees for prevailing plaintiffs

Cites legislative findings that Vermont homelessness increased over 300% since 2020, with 4,588 Vermonters including 1,041 children experiencing homelessness as of June 2025, and unsheltered homelessness rose 62% between 2024-2025 point-in-time counts

Takes effect upon passage and supersedes any conflicting municipal ordinances, bylaws, or charter provisions