Bill S.118, introduced by Senator Ram Hinsdale, aims to enhance agricultural economic development in Vermont through various provisions designed to reduce regulatory burdens on farmers. Key features of the bill include an exemption from the seasonal ban on manure application for liquid manure applied via direct soil injection, and an exemption from the three-acre stormwater permit requirement for farms that comply with required agricultural practices. The bill also amends the right-to-farm law to provide greater protections against nuisance and trespass claims, clarifies that farm structures, including employee housing, are exempt from municipal regulations, and modifies eligibility criteria for accessory on-farm businesses and agricultural land under the Use Value Appraisal Program. Additionally, it exempts certain property transfers related to farming from the property transfer tax and allows specific net income from farming and the sale of farm property to be exempt from Vermont income tax.

Further amendments in the bill include a requirement for mediation before any nuisance or trespass lawsuits can be initiated against agricultural activities, ensuring disputes are resolved amicably. It also stipulates that individuals building farm structures must notify the municipality but are not required to obtain a municipal permit. Farmers can seek opinions from the Secretary of Agriculture regarding municipal bylaws that may conflict with agricultural practices, and if found in violation, compliance will not be necessary. The bill allows farm employers to rent unused employee housing as short-term rentals and clarifies that no permits are needed for certain on-farm business improvements if specific sales thresholds are met. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with some provisions retroactively applying from January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 6-4816, 12-195, 24-4413(d), 24-4413, 10-6081(t), 10-6081, 32-3752(1), 32-3752, 32-5811(21), 32-5811, 32-9603