By Guy Page 

An effort to repeal the Act 181 Road Rule will be attempted in committee this week, Republican House members say.

S. 325, the Act 181 reform bill, continues to be heard in the House Environment Committee this week. Rep. Mike Tagliavia isn’t sure Road Rule repeal has enough backing in the Democrat-controlled committee chaired by the biodiversity/conservation-minded Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-Middlebury). 

However, an attempted repeal floor amendment – by roll call – is more likely. Without repeal, Tagliavia predicted a stampede on Act 250 review boards before the Road Rule is implemented in two years per S.325 at present.

Three reps bow out of 2026 campaign 

At least three House members have announced they will not be running for re-election this fall.

Reps. Tiff Bluemle (D-Burlington), Carolyn Branagan (R-Georgia), and Todd Nielsen (R-Brandon) won’t be running in 2026. Nielsen told VDC today that his wife Aida is planning to run for the open seat.

Adjournment Day unclear

The ‘official’ last day of the Legislature is May 30. But the State House insiders say, ‘don’t hold your breath.’ 

“Theres no way they’ll be done by then,” said one veteran statehouse lobbyist. “I’m taking the over.”

Why?, VDC asked. “The education bill,” she answered.

Just like last year, the Legislature and the governor seem at loggerheads on how to deliver Vermonters from ever-increasing property taxes. Phil Scott wants them to stick to the plan approved in Act 73 last year, including consolidation into a handful of mega school districts and, likely, forced mergers. The Legislature is moving towards sharing costs and voluntary mergers.