Bill > S0314

This bill proposes that when the Current Use Advisory Board, which helps determine property tax values for agricultural and managed forestland enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal Program, recommends values for the current tax year, it will also recommend an annual surcharge of $1.00 per acre for land that is posted against hunting, fishing, or trapping. This posting is done under a specific law (10 V.S.A. § 5201) to restrict public access for these activities. The revenue generated from this surcharge will be directed into the Fish and Wildlife Fund, which supports conservation efforts. Furthermore, landowners who wish to keep their land enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal Program while also posting it against these activities will need to certify this posting in writing when applying for the program or notify the Commissioner within 30 days if they post their land after enrollment, and then pay the surcharge for the remainder of the tax year. This act is set to become effective on January 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.314