The bill amends the 2024 Acts and Resolves No. 181 by repealing certain provisions, specifically Sec. 22 (Tier 3 rulemaking) and Sec. 34 (Tier 2 area report), while also adjusting the effective implementation date from December 31, 2026, to January 1, 2028. It removes references to outdated sections, such as Sec. 19 and Sec. 21, which dealt with road jurisdiction and Tiers 2 and 3. New provisions are introduced to streamline permit requirements for accessory on-farm businesses, allowing certain improvements without a permit if they meet specified criteria. Additionally, the bill establishes a Joint Legislative Environmental Oversight Committee to enhance coordination between the Land Use Review Board and the Agency of Natural Resources, and mandates reporting on Act 250 jurisdiction's impact on agricultural soils and development patterns.

The bill further revises laws related to regional planning and land use, requiring regional planning commissions to conduct at least two public hearings on proposed plans with prior documentation to stakeholders. It introduces new feedback solicitation requirements for enhanced energy plans and outlines processes for minor amendments to land use maps. The bill emphasizes "smart growth principles," extending the expiration date for regional and municipal plans until December 31, 2027, and clarifying definitions related to planned growth areas. It also allows regional planning commissions to apply for downtown and village center designations, mandates annual reporting by the Vermont Community Investment Board, and addresses municipal appeals of housing projects while updating timelines for environmental justice policies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with certain provisions effective a year later.

Statutes affected:
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 10-6001(3), 10-6001, 10-6001(35), 10-6081, 10-6025, 10-6034, 24-4460, 24-4348, 24-4348a, 24-4303, 24-5801, 24-5803, 32-5930bb
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 10-6001(3), 10-6001, 10-6001(35), 10-6081, 10-6025, 10-6034, 24-4460, 24-4348, 24-4348a, 24-4303, 24-5801, 24-5803, 32-5930bb
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 10-6001(3), 10-6001, 10-6001(35), 10-6081, 10-6025, 10-6034, 24-4460, 24-4348, 24-4348a, 24-4303, 24-5801, 24-5803, 32-5930bb, 3-72
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 10-6081, 24-4460, 24-4348, 24-4348a, 24-4303, 24-5801, 24-5803, 32-5930bb, 3-72
As Enacted: 10-6081, 24-4460, 24-4348, 24-4348a, 24-4303, 24-5801, 24-5803, 32-5930bb, 3-72