House concurs in Senate amendments to omnibus housing bill

The House voted by voice to concur in Senate amendments to Senate Bill 328, legislation described by presenters as this session’s omnibus housing bill.

Member from Chester summarized the further instances of amendment: streamlining the treasurer’s credit facility to 12.5%, adding the Vermont Economic Progress Council to agencies consulted on a housing pilot, removing a provision that would have let VHIP advance funds, adding labor/workforce as a factor municipalities should analyze in housing elements, making duplexes a permitted use where year-round residential development is allowed, and allowing one accessory dwelling unit associated with existing dwellings whether owner-occupied or not. The amendment also includes a temporary provision that, for certain water- and sewer-served districts, allows multi-unit residences of four or fewer units on the same lot size as single-family units between July 1, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2028.

The Appropriations Committee reported no additional appropriations from the Senate amendments and recommended concurrence after committee briefings with legislative counsel and Joint Fiscal Office analysts. The Environment Committee reviewed pertinent statutory sections and found no unfavorable issues in a limited review. After committee reports, the presiding officer announced the House had concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment by voice vote.