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H 748

An act relating to regional plan future land use maps

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Abbey Duke and 1 co-sponsor

Defines how regional future land use maps are created, adopted, and used to align local plans with state goals and improve consistency and transparency.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 748

Bill Overview

H.748 (2025-2026 Session, Vermont) titled “An act relating to regional plan future land use maps” focuses on updating and clarifying how regional plan future land use maps are developed, shared, and used within Vermont's land use planning framework. The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment on January 22, 2026. It has two co-sponsors: Rep. Rebecca Holcombe and Rep. Abbey Duke.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish or modify requirements related to the creation, adoption, and application of regional plan future land use maps.
  • Align future land use mapping with statewide planning objectives, local land use decisions, and regional planning processes.
  • Enhance consistency between regional plans and other planning and permitting programs to facilitate orderly growth, resource protection, and coordinated infrastructure planning.

Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill’s title and typical regional planning context)

  • Regional plan future land use maps: The bill likely delineates the content, scale, and standards for future land use maps produced by regional planning commissions or equivalent regional bodies.
  • Adoption process: It may specify procedures for adopting or updating future land use maps, including public notice, opportunities for comment, and formal adoption by a regional planning commission.
  • Relationship to local plans: Provisions may clarify how regional future land use maps interact with town or city comprehensive plans, zoning, and subdivision regulations.
  • Criteria and standards: The bill could set or reference criteria for map classifications (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, conservation, transportation corridors) and corresponding policy directions.
  • Data and accessibility: It may require mapping to be based on shared data standards, with efforts to maintain up-to-date information and provide public access or transparency.
  • Integration with state planning goals: Provisions might reinforce alignment with state environmental, transportation, and growth management objectives.
  • Compliance and implementation: The bill could include timelines for counties/regions to adopt updated maps and potential implications for permitting or regional planning obligations.

Note: The exact text would specify precise definitions, classifications, and procedural steps. The above reflects typical components of legislation governing regional future land use maps.

Who is affected

  • Regional planning commissions and regional planning bodies: Responsible for creating, updating, and adopting regional future land use maps; responsible for ensuring consistency with state goals and local plans.
  • Municipalities (towns and cities): Local planning departments and selectboards/trustees would need to reference and implement the regional maps in planning and permitting decisions; potential impacts on zoning and subdivision regulations where maps influence policy direction.
  • State agencies: Departments that rely on regional maps for implementing state planning, environmental protection, transportation, and growth management programs.
  • The public: Residents, landowners, developers, and stakeholders gain greater visibility into regional land use futures and the basis for planning decisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: January 22, 2026, to the Committee on Environment.
  • Committee process: The bill will undergo hearings, potential amendments, and votes within the Environment Committee before moving to the full House for consideration.
  • Potential implementation timeline: Depending on the final version, the bill may set effective dates for regional map adoption, data modernization, and any required updates to local planning processes.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Clarity and consistency: By standardizing regional future land use maps, the bill can improve consistency across municipalities and streamline intergovernmental coordination.
  • Planning efficiency: Clear adoption and data standards may reduce disputes over land use designations and facilitate permitting alignments.
  • Local flexibility: Depending on provisions, towns may retain significant authority to interpret or refine regional maps in the context of local plans and zoning.
  • Data quality and transparency: Emphasis on accessible, updated mapping supports public engagement and informed decision-making.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections once the bill text is available, or add a comparison with current Vermont regional planning requirements.

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

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