By VDC staff

As the Vermont General Assembly reached its annual crossover deadline today, several housing, environmental and education bills advanced to the opposite chamber while others stalled or were set aside. 

According to information published in the Lake Champlain Chamber advocacy newsletter, key legislation includes:

S.325 – Made crossover: A bill to delay major implementation deadlines in Act 181 land-use reform. The proposal would push Tier 3 mapping deadlines from 2026 to July 1, 2027, and postpone the “road rule” to provide what lawmakers describe as transitional certainty for towns and property owners.

H.730 – Incorporated into S.325: A proposal originally introduced by the Legislature’s Rural Caucus aimed at slowing implementation of Act 181. The measure would require written notification to all property owners in Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas and direct adjustments to property tax valuations to account for new regulatory restrictions.

H.775 – Made crossover: Known as the “Housing Toolbox,” the bill creates a Rural Housing Finance Pilot Program and authorizes municipalities to issue Special Assessment Revenue Bonds to fund infrastructure improvements such as water and sewer systems that support housing development.

S.238 – Missed crossover: The bill proposed funding nonprofit housing developers through a 2% surcharge on lodging and a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Because it did not advance before the deadline, it is unlikely to move forward this session without special procedural action.

H.772 – Passed committee: A landlord-tenant reform proposal addressing the balance of power between property owners and renters. The bill would shorten eviction timelines for nonpayment while also placing limits on certain rent increases.

H.589 – In repose: Legislation limiting how long home builders and contractors can be held liable for construction defects. The bill has been set aside for the remainder of the session.

Environment, Energy and Infrastructure

H.758: A proposal to ban the use of certain rodenticides has drawn concern from businesses that rely on pest control products to protect property and inventory.

S.211 – Passed Senate: The measure would change vehicle inspection requirements from once per year to once every two years, a change supporters say would reduce costs for Vermont drivers.

S.183 – Made crossover: The bill revises the definition of home improvement fraud, clarifying that criminal liability applies when contractors knowingly intend to defraud a customer.

Education

S.313 – Made crossover: The Senate’s framework for Career Technical Education system transformation advanced before the deadline. Lawmakers say the bill is still evolving and will likely continue to be refined as broader education reform discussions proceed later in the session.