As Vermont moves from winter into spring, the Legislature is entering a critical stretch of the session. With lawmakers aiming to adjourn by the end of May while preserving time in June for a potential veto session, the pace at the State House is accelerating. Committee agendas suggest priorities are narrowing, with housing, land use, and workforce regulation taking center stage.

Act 181 and Land Use Reform

A major focus this session has been ongoing debate around Act 181, enacted in 2022, which established a three-tiered land use framework and expanded triggers for Act 250 permitting.

Concerns have grown among property owners—particularly in rural communities—over provisions viewed as burdensome, costly, and restrictive. Two provisions have drawn especially strong opposition:

• The “Road Rule” – triggering Act 250 jurisdiction for roads, driveways, or common community drives exceeding 2,000 feet
• Tier 3 Requirements – requiring permits for many changes in land use, impacting farming and rural development

In response, large groups of citizens have mobilized at the State House advocating for repeal and restoration of what they view as important property rights protections.

There are signs of movement: the House Committee on Environment appears poised to advance provisions repealing both the Road Rule and Tier 3 requirements. While many stakeholders welcome this development, questions remain about whether the full Legislature—particularly the Senate—will support the reforms.

Extreme Heat Workplace Legislation

Another significant issue this session has been proposed statewide workplace heat regulations.

Labor advocates advanced language through S.230, a fair employment practices bill, that would have created new employer obligations whenever the “feels like” temperature exceeded 80 degrees. Proposed requirements included:

• Additional mandated breaks and downtime
• Site-specific heat response plans
• Monitoring equipment purchases
• Expanded safety protocols beyond current federal OSHA standards

ABC NH/VT and allied business advocates raised concerns about the proposal, with Vermont Regional Director, Matt Musgrave, noting that existing OSHA protections, including the General Duty Clause and OSHA 300 reporting requirements, already address heat and other recognized workplace hazards, backed by substantial enforcement penalties.

Following stakeholder engagement and committee testimony, the heat standard language was removed from the House amendment proposal to the Senate bill by the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs and returned to the Senate. At this time, the Senate is expected to concur with the amendment and advance the bill as recommended by the House.

Looking Ahead

With only weeks remaining in the legislative session, major policy decisions are moving quickly. ABC NH/VT continues to monitor developments closely and advocate for practical, balanced policies that support Vermont’s construction industry, workforce, and economy.

We will continue to provide updates as the session progresses.