H 147 Vermont House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to establishing the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee

H.147 establishes the Recreational Trails Compensation Study Committee to examine whether landowners who allow public recreational trails on their property should receive compensation or benefits. The committee, composed of state officials, trail organizations, landowners, and experts, will review current trail access costs, economic impacts on Vermont, and compensation models used in other states. It must submit a report to the legislature by December 2026 with recommendations on potential compensation systems, trail standards, and new trail development criteria. This bill does not create immediate compensation requirements but mandates a study to inform future policy. The study will be funded with $250,000 in state funds for consultant support.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2025 Last action Feb 5, 2025