H.507 is a bill introduced by Representative Boutin that seeks to amend various provisions related to the permitting of development in wetlands. The bill redefines a Class II wetland to include those not classified as Class I or Class III, which are either mapped on the Vermont significant wetlands inventory or determined by the Secretary of Natural Resources to require protection. It also establishes a 25-foot buffer zone for Class II wetlands located in specific areas such as industrial parks or designated centers, and exempts certain construction activities in unmapped Class II wetlands from permitting under similar conditions.

Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for the Secretary of Natural Resources to amend the Vermont Wetlands Rules from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, with the aim of achieving a net gain of wetlands. It modifies the restoration ratio for adverse effects in wetlands from 2:1 to 1:1 in designated areas, and mandates the Agency of Natural Resources to publish guidance on wetland mitigation and compensation. These changes are intended to streamline development processes while still providing necessary protections for wetland areas.