Bill H.749 proposes significant amendments to Vermont's land use and conservation laws, including the repeal of existing land conservation goals. The bill modifies the state's conservation vision to emphasize the importance of supporting historic values related to working lands, community centers, and economic opportunities, while also recognizing the need for ecological health and biodiversity. Notably, it removes the specific conservation targets of conserving 30% of land by 2030 and 50% by 2050, along with the requirement for biennial updates on progress towards these goals.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that encourage conscious development of wildlife habitats and agrarian activities, while ensuring that resource mapping is advisory rather than determinative for regulatory programs. It also repeals a section related to road jurisdiction and establishes a timeline for the act to take effect on July 1, 2026. Overall, H.749 aims to reshape Vermont's approach to land use and conservation by focusing on community and economic development alongside environmental stewardship.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-2802, 10-2804, 10-127, 10-6001(3)(A)(xii), 10-6001, 10-6001(3)