The bill H.283 proposes to amend the regulation of public waters in Vermont by requiring the Secretary of Natural Resources to delegate authority to municipalities adjacent to state waters. This delegation can occur when a municipality requests it to promote the public good by restricting or prohibiting the use of wake boats on the water in question. The municipality must accept this delegation by creating or amending a bylaw or ordinance for the regulation of the water. Additionally, the bill establishes that appeals from municipal decisions regarding these regulations will be directed to the Environmental Division, and the Secretary retains the authority to terminate the delegation with six months' notice.

Key changes in the bill include the shift from the Secretary having the option to delegate authority to a requirement that they shall do so under specified conditions. The conditions for delegation now explicitly include the municipality's request to restrict or prohibit wake boats, and the language has been clarified to ensure that the delegation is contingent upon the municipality's acceptance through appropriate regulatory measures. The bill also introduces a new provision regarding the appeals process for municipal decisions, enhancing the oversight of local regulations on public waters. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1424