April 1, 2026
Agenda:
Welcome
Caucus Discussion - S.325 relating to regional planning and Act 250 Tier jurisdiction
Rural Health Care Transformation Fund - Jill Mazza Olson
Minutes:
Welcome
Rep. Sibilia gave a reminder that the Rural Caucus Listening this is this evening from 5:30-7:00pm in Room 11 and zoom. Participants will have 2 minutes to speak, providing room to hear from 45 total speakers. Rep. Boyden has been collecting written comments and will reshare the shared folder before the event. Rep. Lipsky and Rep. North volunteered to keep time.
Caucus Discussion - S.325 relating to regional planning and Act 250 Tier jurisdiction
The caucus discussed developing a letter about consensus areas of concern that S.325 could address if amended by the House Environment Committee. The letter would be address to the Speaker of the House and Chair of House Environment. House Environment committee members mentioned that VNRC provided testimony on Act 181 and S.325 yesterday and that legislative would be providing a walkthrough today. Rep. North has requested that the Environment committee hear testimony from the LAOB and Neil Ryan, a farmer. Rep. Carris Duncan shared that municipalities have town maps and plans that they have been working on with Regional Planning Commissions, however there doesn’t seem to be a connection between them and the rollout of Act 181. Rep. Sibilia shared her experience of being on the House Environment and Energy committee in 2024 and explained that during the development of the bill that is now Act 181, there was a housing aspect and conservation aspect. She noted that as it is being implemented. conservation seems to be prevailing. Rep. Olson added that while housing benefits are being seen in urban areas, many difficulties are being highlighted in rural areas. Rep. Nelson shared support for Tier 1A/B and that he’s hopeful for those designations to grow across the state. He also shared reservations that currently Act 181 is implementing more restrictions than the regular process of Act 250 across much of the State. Rep Bishop mentioned that he’s supportive of how S.325 came out of the Senate and would be interested to hear from the LURB on the rulemaking and implementation of the road rule. Rep. Hango mentioned that the LURB is currently holding public comment period on the draft Road Construction Jurisdiction Guidance, more information linked here.
Meeting Recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bgxCeYPM8_yP_lXwq8CQiUAmuIoi-MG0/view?usp=drive_link
Rural Caucus Listening Session Resources:
