Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0364

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Refer
4/18/25  
Engrossed
4/29/25  
Refer
5/1/25  
Refer
5/2/25  
Report Pass
5/7/25  
Report Pass
5/8/25  
Enrolled
5/21/25  

Caption

An act relating to approval of the annexation of property by the Village of Swanton

Summary

H.364 is a narrow local act that approves the annexation of a specific parcel of property by the Village of Swanton in Franklin County. The bill states that the Village acquired the property at 124 First Street on April 7, 2023, that the parcel is adjacent to land already used for Village offices, and that it is contiguous with the Village boundaries. Because the Village’s charter requires both local board action and General Assembly concurrence to alter boundaries, the bill serves as the state-level approval needed to complete the annexation. The measure does not create a broad policy change; instead, it authorizes a single boundary adjustment for one identified property. Once effective, it changes the municipal boundaries of the Village of Swanton to include the annexed parcel and confirms the Village’s authority to use the property as part of its municipal footprint. The act takes effect on passage, and the Governor signed it on May 27, 2025.

Impact

The bill amends the legal status of one parcel by incorporating 124 First Street into the Village of Swanton, thereby altering municipal boundaries under the Village’s special charter provisions in 24 App. V.S.A. chapter 279, § 2(e). Its practical effect is to place the property within the Village for local governance purposes and to formalize the Village’s ownership and use of the site adjacent to its offices. The bill affects the Village of Swanton, the Town of Swanton, and the specific property owner interest represented by the Village’s acquisition.

Sentiment

The available record suggests little to no controversy around the bill. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes indicating opposition, and the measure appears to have been treated as a routine local approval bill. The General Assembly’s concurrence and the Governor’s signature indicate institutional support for the annexation.

Contention

No notable points of contention are reflected in the provided materials. The only substantive issue is the formal requirement that the General Assembly approve a boundary change under the Village’s charter, but the bill text indicates that the Village Board already approved the annexation and that the parcel is contiguous and adjacent to Village property. With no committee debate or vote record provided, there is no evidence of disagreement over the annexation itself or its local impacts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT SB496

Annexation of Territory; certain annexations are contingent upon approval of the county in which the subject property is located; provide

VT SB1342

Modifies provisions relating to annexation by certain cities

VT SB1786

Modifies provisions relating to annexation by certain cities

VT SB173

Regards school district territory annexations

VT HB1473

Pocket annexations.

VT SB220

An Act To Amend The Charter Of The Village Of Arden.

VT HB2818

Modifies provisions governing annexation of territory outside the boundaries of a city

VT HB2330

Modifies provisions relating to annexation

VT HB523

Local government; annexation contingent upon approval of county in which subject property is located; provide

VT SB124

Imposing unilateral annexation restrictions on cities and expanding the causes of action for landowners to challenge such annexations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.