Senators consider 'right to charge' language in S.75 for renters; agencies say funding—not just landlord approval—is the main barrier

Senate Transportation Committee members considered sections 25–27 of S.75, which would require landlords to approve a tenant’s written request to install electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at a tenant’s assigned parking spot for rental agreements executed, extended or renewed after January 2026, provided the installation meets specified technical and procedural requirements.

Sponsor testimony said the language follows prior "right to charge" proposals and is aimed at improving access because about 80% of EV charging occurs at home. Agency witnesses from the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) said the policy could create a standardized approval process for tenants and landlords but would not address the largest barrier: the cost of equipment and installation at multi‑unit dwellings.

AOT and ACCD staff described prior programs and spending: a 2022 pilot funded at $1,000,000 that provided charging access at roughly 37 locations and served about 6,230 households, and a later $10,000,000 appropriation that designated 30% for multi‑unit dwellings. Agency witnesses said they have not encountered a systemic denial of access to grant funds because of landlord refusal but acknowledged constituent reports of landlords denying tenant requests to install chargers under other programs. Committee members asked ACCD to testify at the next meeting to clarify how existing grant programs interact with landlord‑tenant restrictions and to provide data on funded installations.

Committee members also asked for a legal review on common‑interest communities and condominium rules and said they would hear stakeholders for and against the language; the sponsor said she would invite witnesses who support the proposal as well as those likely to raise concerns.