The bill H.663 proposes to exempt municipalities from the Act 250 requirement to mitigate the reduction of primary agricultural soils. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that allows municipalities to convert or develop primary agricultural soils without the usual mitigation requirements, provided that the development is on land owned by the municipality and there are no reasonable alternative locations that would minimize the impact on these soils. The proposed development must either be exclusively for municipal purposes, such as infrastructure or public safety facilities, or intended for the recreation, health, or welfare of the municipality's residents and open for general public use.

Additionally, the bill specifies that this exemption will take effect on July 1, 2026. This legislative change aims to facilitate municipal development while balancing the need to protect primary agricultural soils, thereby streamlining the process for local governments to undertake necessary projects.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-6093