An act relating to wage and hour, unemployment compensation, and workers' compensation
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Extra money for workers denied wages
When the Commissioner finds that an employer willfully withheld wages, the employer must pay an extra amount. That amount can reach twice the unpaid wages, on top of the wages owed. The worker receives half of the extra money recovered. The Commissioner keeps the other half for administrative and collection costs.
Care coordination and translation for injured workers
Injured workers have a right to medical case management when a provider’s recommendation or recovery evidence reasonably supports it. Case managers help assess needs, coordinate care with providers and the worker’s family, and review treatment results. They cannot provide medical care or adjust claims. Employers must also pay for translation services for injured workers who are not fluent in English. Translation helps workers understand their rights and take part in recovery and the claims process.
Unemployment benefit increases have linked start dates
The temporary maximum weekly benefit increase starts July 1, 2026, or earlier when the Labor Commissioner determines implementation is possible. This increase, in Section 52d, does not start if Section 52c takes effect before that start trigger is met. A separate weekly benefit increase under Section 52e starts July 1, 2026, only if Section 52c is already effective. Section 52e also requires that Section 52d has not taken effect before July 1, 2026. Each increase covers benefit weeks beginning after its effective date; the supplied provisions do not give the increase amounts.
Yearly minimum wage increases for workers
Vermont adjusts its minimum wage each January 1, and the wage cannot decrease. The increase is the smaller of 5% or the inflation increase measured by CPI-U, or a replacement index. The measure uses the U.S. city average, without seasonal adjustments, for the 12 months before the previous September 1. The inflation percentage is rounded to one decimal place before comparison with 5%. The new hourly wage is rounded to the nearest cent.
Prior unemployment supplement ends for claimants
The law repeals the prior unemployment insurance supplement retroactively to October 7, 2021. People who qualified lose access to that supplement from that date. The supplied provision does not give the supplement’s dollar amount.
Decision deadlines for injured workers’ care coordination
Insurers must respond in writing to case-management approval requests within 14 days: approve, deny, or schedule an exam or records review. With an exam or review, a decision is due within 45 days; the Commissioner can grant one 10-day extension. After a missed 14-day deadline, the worker or treating provider can request a Department order. The Department gives the insurer notice and five days to respond, then issues an interim order within five days unless evidence shows the whole claim is disputed. Insurers cannot deny based on a whole-claim dispute after an interim order to pay benefits; the Commissioner can approve reasonably supported services after denial.
Regular payments and fees for injured workers
For awarded or undisputed workers’ compensation benefits, employers must set a weekly payment weekday and notify the worker and Department. Payments count as paid when mailed or deposited, and must be sent by that weekday. Employers must explain the direct-deposit option and use it when the worker chooses it. Late payments carry a fee equal to the greater of $10 or the applicable percentage of the benefit payment. The percentage is 5% for the first late payment, 10% for the second, and 15% for each later one.
Electronic unemployment notices can start deadlines
The Commissioner can offer unemployment claimants and employers the choice to authorize electronic communications. The law permits electronic delivery of benefit decisions, requests, assessments, hearing notices, and appeal decisions. Employers can request or authorize electronic notice for specified decisions. Electronic delivery can start response and appeal deadlines. When nonreceipt protections apply, a new notice resets the appeal period; wage-reporting and misclassification deadlines run 10 calendar days after a request is sent.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Senate Message: Signed by Governor 5/28/2025
5/29/2025SenateSigned by Governor on May 28, 2025
5/29/2025SenateDelivered to Governor on May 22, 2025
5/22/2025SenateSenate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in
5/20/2025SenateTitle amended
5/16/2025SenateAs passed by Senate and House
5/16/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment concurred in
5/16/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment; text
5/16/2025SenateNew Business/House Proposal of Amendment
5/16/2025SenateHouse proposal of amendment
5/15/2025SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
5/15/2025SenateHouse message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment
5/14/2025HouseRead third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/13/2025HouseAction Calendar: Unfinished Business
5/13/2025HouseAction Calendar: Third Reading
5/12/2025HouseThird Reading ordered
5/9/2025HouseReport of Committee on Commerce and Economic Development agreed to
5/9/2025HouseRep. Nigro of Bennington recommended for the Committee on Appropriations
5/9/2025HouseRep. Burkhardt of South Burlington recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means
5/9/2025HouseRep. Bosch of Clarendon reported for the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
5/9/2025HouseRead second time
5/9/2025HouseAction Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
5/9/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
5/8/2025HouseReferred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)
5/1/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
5/1/2025House
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 40)Opens in a new window
6/3/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
5/21/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
5/21/2025
House Proposal of Amendment
5/14/2025
House Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/14/2025
As Passed by the Senate
3/26/2025
As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)
3/26/2025
As Introduced
3/12/2025
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