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VermontH.5272025-2026 SessionHouse

An act relating to extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. § 248a

Sponsored By: Laura H Sibilia (Independent)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Vermont communications applicants get three more years

The law takes effect upon passage. It extends Vermont's communications-facility approval process by three years, moving its sunset from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029. Beginning July 1, 2029, the Public Utility Commission cannot accept or act on new applications through this process. That date limits new filings; it is not the law's effective date.

More public input on Vermont communications projects

Applicants must give written notice at least 60 days before filing for approval of a Vermont communications facility. Notice goes to local governing bodies, municipal and regional planning commissions, and owners of record of adjoining properties. State recipients include the secretaries of Natural Resources and Transportation, the Division for Historic Preservation, and the Public Service Commissioner. The Public Service Director for Public Advocacy must also receive notice. The Land Use Review Board receives notice when the telecommunications facility already has a permit under Vermont's land-use law. Each municipal and regional planning commission must also receive a copy of the application. Notices to local governing bodies and planning commissions must explain participation rights and how to obtain the state's guide. During the 60-day notice period, the local governing body or planning commission must hold a publicly announced meeting. The meeting requirement excludes legally defined minor modifications and facilities of limited size and scope. The applicant and Department of Public Service must attend. The Department must consider meeting comments when advising the Commission and deciding whether to hire additional personnel.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Laura H Sibilia

    Independent • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 174 • No: 103

House vote • 5/26/2026

Which was disagreed to on a Roll Call Failed -- Needed 71 of 141 to Pass -- Yeas = 52, Nays = 89

Yes: 52 • No: 89 • Other: 1

House vote • 5/26/2026

Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 68 of 136 to Pass -- Yeas = 122, Nays = 14

Yes: 122 • No: 14 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on June 15, 2026

    5/29/2026House

  2. Signed by Governor on June 15, 2026

    5/29/2026House

  3. Delivered to Governor on June 9, 2026

    5/29/2026House

  4. House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment

    5/28/2026House

  5. Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 68 of 136 to Pass -- Yeas = 122, Nays = 14

    5/26/2026House

  6. Senate proposal of amendment concurred in

    5/26/2026House

  7. Rep. Higley of Lowell demanded yeas and nays

    5/26/2026House

  8. Which was disagreed to on a Roll Call Failed -- Needed 71 of 141 to Pass -- Yeas = 52, Nays = 89

    5/26/2026House

  9. Rep. Pritchard of Pawlet demanded yeas and nays

    5/26/2026House

  10. Rep. Pritchard of Pawlet moved to concur in the Senate proposal of amendment with a further amendment thereto

    5/26/2026House

  11. Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney

    5/26/2026House

  12. Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/26/2026House

  13. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/22/2026Senate

  14. Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth

    5/22/2026Senate

  15. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/22/2026Senate

  16. Proposal of amendment not agreed to

    5/22/2026Senate

  17. Pending third reading, motion to amend Senate proposal of amendment offered by Senator(s) Heffernan

    5/22/2026Senate

  18. New Business/Third Reading

    5/22/2026Senate

  19. 3rd reading ordered

    5/21/2026Senate

  20. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance agreed to

    5/21/2026Senate

  21. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Chittenden for Committee on Finance

    5/21/2026Senate

  22. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance

    5/21/2026Senate

  23. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

    5/21/2026Senate

  24. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance

    5/20/2026Senate

  25. New Business/Second Reading

    5/20/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 129)Opens in a new window

    6/18/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    6/2/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    6/2/2026

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/22/2026

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)

    5/22/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House (Unofficial)

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    1/5/2026

    PDF

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