House committee examines H-134 off-ramp from current-use tax to spur housing development

The House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency & Forestry discussed bill H-134 on proposed changes to the state's current‑use tax program intended to encourage housing development, particularly workforce and entry‑level homes.

Chairman Durfee opened the discussion, saying the committee has “3 bills” under consideration and that “as written the 3 mile radius is excessive and that essentially covers the entire state.” The committee had invited state agency staff and mapping experts to offer technical input before any markup.

Commissioner Farrell, representing the administration, told the committee, “I love the idea of some off ramp to current use, that would incentivize development to housing.” Farrell said the administration and agencies have discussed the bill with the committee and are watching how H-134 would interact with work already underway on future land‑use mapping and interim Act 250 exemptions.

Representative Richard Nelson, who described the bill’s intent, said it was meant to target “affordable workforce housing” and suggested the language could be broadened to say “residential housing” so it would not be used to create large single‑lot luxury homes. Representative Jed Lipsky emphasized the bill’s focus on “entry level housing” for young Vermonters and local workers.