An act relating to making State lands available for farming by citizens of State-recognized Native American Indian tribes

H.343 would allow certified citizens of Vermont's State-recognized Native American Indian tribes to lease State-owned lands for farming. The bill requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to identify suitable lands (without disturbing wildlife corridors or timber) by July 2027 and issue leases for up to five years, renewable twice. Leases must comply with Vermont's Required Agricultural Practices, and the Secretary must establish an application process and recommend a fee structure by 2027. This directly affects tribal members seeking agricultural land access and State lands managed by the Agency of Natural Resources. The bill does not change land ownership but creates a formal leasing mechanism for farming use.