H.687 was the subject of lengthy, and at times fiery, House floor sessions this week. The bill establishes a plan and timeline to modernize Act 250 with a tiered and location-based jurisdiction, including exemptions in smart growth areas. The proposed changes for Vermont land use would take place over the coming years to allow for considerable public outreach and input. In total, there were 11 amendments to the bill with all but one passing. This included an amendment to extend Act 250 housing exemptions passed last year in the HOME Act. The bill was ultimately passed by the House on a split voice vote, sending a message to the Senate that further changes will need to be made if the bill is to garner enough widespread support to withstand a potential veto.

The bill will now go to the Senate, where the Natural Resources Committee has been reviewing S.311, the Senate’s housing and Act 250 omnibus bill, in anticipation of receiving H.687. The Vermont Chamber testified before the committee this week in favor of the approach to Act 250 appeals that S.311 makes, keeping appeals to Act 250 decisions in the court with increased support. The committee is likely to make H.687 the final vessel for Act 250 modernization this session.