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Bill

S 79

An act relating to establishing the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Beck and 12 co-sponsors

Establishes a temporary study committee to examine and recommend a framework for compensating landowners and others for recreational trail use.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
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Bill Summary · S 79

Overview

S.79 is a Vermont Senate bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session titled “An act relating to establishing the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee.” The bill proposes creating a temporary study committee to examine issues surrounding compensation related to recreational trails. The primary intent appears to be to assess and recommend a framework for compensating landowners or other holders for recreational trail use, though the exact language of provisions is not provided in the summary materials.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a formal, temporary study committee—the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee.
  • Examine, evaluate, and make recommendations on compensation mechanisms, processes, and related considerations for recreational trails.
  • Inform potential state policy, funding opportunities, regulatory changes, and stakeholder engagement regarding recreational trails and associated compensation.

Key Provisions and Changes (as inferred)

  • Creation of the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee as a temporary body.
  • The committee would likely be tasked with:
    • Reviewing existing statutes, programs, and practices related to recreational trails and compensation.
    • Identifying eligible beneficiaries (e.g., private landowners, public or non-profit entities) and the nature of compensation (monetary payments, easements, licensing, or other arrangements).
    • Assessing funding sources, governance structures, and administrative processes to implement compensation.
    • Recommending a framework, timelines, and implementation steps for any compensation program.
  • Possible scheduling, reporting, and stakeholder engagement requirements (e.g., interim and final reports to the Legislature).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Recreational trail owners and managers (public, private, nonprofit organizations) who may be subject to compensation arrangements.
  • Landowners and property holders impacted by trail use or access.
  • State agencies and departments involved in land valuation, taxes, natural resources, and energy policy (e.g., Department of Taxes, Property Valuation and Review).
  • Recreational users and sector organizations (e.g., Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council) through potential policy changes affecting trail access, management, or funding.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Read 1st time and referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy as of February 25, 2025.
  • Committee activity included public presentations and discussions on March 18-19, 2025, featuring:
    • Samuel Douglass (sponsor) and Office of Legislative Counsel for bill walkthrough.
    • Stakeholder input from the Vermont Mountain Bike Association and Vermont Trails and Greenways Council.
    • Input from Jill Remick, Director of Property Valuation and Review, Department of Taxes.
  • As a study committee bill, the expected timeline would include:
    • Formation of the committee with specified members (likely legislators and appointees).
    • Structured meetings, data collection, stakeholder outreach, and interim reporting.
    • A final report with findings and legislative recommendations by a defined date, enabling potential follow-on legislation.

Practical Implications

  • The bill signals a legislative interest in clarifying or modernizing how compensation for recreational trails is handled in Vermont.
  • Depending on final language, outcomes could include a standardized compensation framework, funding mechanisms, or policy changes that affect landowners, agencies, and trail organizations.
  • The bill emphasizes coordination among multiple state departments (notably Taxes and Property Valuation and Review) and outdoor recreation stakeholders.

Additional Notes

  • The bill has multiple sponsors and co-sponsors, indicating broad bipartisan interest.
  • Supporting testimony involves advocacy groups focused on mountain biking, trails, and greenways, highlighting stakeholder relevance to outdoor recreation and land access.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections once the bill’s full text is available, or add a section comparing with similar compensation study committees in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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