Legislative counsel outlines substitute amendment narrowing limited‑use vehicle registrations to 12 per maker

Daniel Miner of the Office of Legislative Council briefed the Senate Transportation committee on a substitute amendment that would remove Sections 16–17 (purchase-and-use tax language) from their previous placement and rework the limited‑use specialty vehicle provision.

Miner said the term "trailer coach" in the draft is an umbrella for trailers that contain living quarters — including fifth‑wheel trailers and living‑quarters trailers — and that the substitute tightens the list of permitted limited‑use activities (exhibitions, club activities, parades) to align with exhibition/antique vehicle rules. He said the amendment also reduces the number of vehicles a manufacturer can register under the limited‑use exemption from 20 to 12 per year. "Up to 12 in Vermont," Miner told the committee, drawing a comparison to California’s approach.

Members discussed practicalities — VIN and titling procedures, how exemptions would interact with emissions inspections, and whether small manufacturers or home builders would be affected. Miner said limited‑use registration is intended for low‑volume manufacturers (those making fewer than 325 vehicles a year) and some non‑resale home‑built vehicles; vehicles registered under limited‑use rules would not be subject to annual emissions inspections but would still be required to meet federal construction and safety requirements.

Committee members asked staff to circulate a clean copy of the amendment and to coordinate with Secretary Bloomer. Members took a show of hands to indicate willingness to have their names on the amendment; the committee did not record a formal roll‑call vote.

The committee set next steps: circulate the clean amendment language, consult Secretary Bloomer and relevant agency staff if they prefer a different format for floor consideration, and follow up with clerks to ensure the substitute is available for floor or committee actions.