Legislative Bills

Awaiting Passage

S.0165
Progress: Awaiting Passage from both the House and Senate
Statement of purpose: This bill proposes to require the agency of natural resources to assess the geomorphic condition and sensitivity of all rivers in the state and designate and map river corridors where the sensitivity of the river poses a probable risk of harm to life, property, or infrastructure. Municipalities in which a designated high sensitivity river is located shall be required to adopt a fluvial erosion hazard area bylaw to limit structural encroachments within the mapped river corridor within one year of designation of the river to remain eligible for state capital construction and infrastructure investments. A fund would be established to provide financial assistance to municipalities that have adopted such bylaws. The fund would also be available to provide assistance for flood response and mitigation. In addition, the bill clarifies the agency of natural resources’ stream alteration authority during emergencies.
Full text: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/bills/Intro/S-165.pdf



S.234
Progress: Awaiting Passage in Both House and Senate
Statement of purpose: This bill proposes to create a special program to provide grants to Vermonters who suffered property damage as a result of Tropical Storm Irene and who are ineligible for existing programs or who suffered losses greater than the amounts for which they are eligible under existing programs.
Full text: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/bills/Intro/S-234.pdf

Passed

S.202
Progress: Passed by Both House and Senate
Statement of purpose: This bill proposes to establish state regulation of flood hazard areas at the minimum necessary to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program for the entire state. The bill also provides that a municipality may opt to seek delegation of this regulatory authority within its borders and that a delegated municipality may adopt more stringent requirements, except as to agricultural and silvicultural practices. The bill further requires that the state issue a general permit to govern statewide regulation of agricultural and silvicultural practices within a flood hazard area, whether that regulation is by the state or a delegated municipality.
Full text: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/bills/Senate/S-202.pdf