The bill S.79 proposes the establishment of the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee in Vermont, tasked with reviewing whether real property owners who permit the use of their land for public recreational trails should receive compensation or other benefits. The committee will consist of various members, including representatives from state departments, land conservation organizations, and private landowners, and will have the authority to invite nonvoting participants to assist in the study. The committee's responsibilities include assessing the current use of private property for trails, summarizing the costs and liabilities incurred by property owners, and investigating compensation practices in other jurisdictions.

Additionally, the committee is required to submit a report to the General Assembly by December 15, 2026, detailing its findings and recommendations. The bill also includes provisions for the committee's operational structure, including meeting logistics, member compensation, and an appropriation of $250,000 for consulting services to evaluate the economic impact of outdoor recreation in Vermont. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.