The following are bills recently introduced that might be of interest to Vermont employers. Text and other information about a bill’s status are available by clicking on the linked bill number. Note that official statements of purpose might not fully reflect the purpose or effect of the bill. If “SHORT FORM” is noted, the text of the bill is still pending. If you have any questions about the bills listed below, please contact us at info@aivt.org. If you are interested in other legislation introduced during this Legislature or during past sessions, you can click here.
HOUSE BILLS
H.383: This bill proposes to require the Secretary of State, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Agency of Digital Services to update the plans and take steps necessary to complete implementation of a one-stop portal for businesses.
H.395: This bill proposes to reduce the amount of energy from large hydroelectric plants that is considered renewable by 10 percent per year until none of that energy is considered renewable energy.
H.396: This bill proposes to have the Public Utility Commission adopt rules concerning the cost of grid upgrades.
H.415: This bill proposes to increase the minimum wage to $19.45 on July 1, 2023 and to repeal certain exemptions to the minimum wage and overtime laws. This bill also proposes to create a grant program for certain small businesses to lessen the financial impact of increases to the minimum wage on employers.
H.421: This bill proposes to require the Secretary of Natural Resources to amend the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Water Supply Rule to establish a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of zero parts per trillion for the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluoroheptanoic acid, and perfluorodecanoic acid. The bill also would propose that the Secretary of Natural Resources amend the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Water Supply Rule to establish an MCL of not more than 20 parts per trillion for any testable PFAS other than those specifically required to have an MCL of zero parts per trillion.
H.431: This bill proposes to prohibit the use, sale, or application of the pesticide chlorpyrifos and the use, sale, or application of the herbicides glyphosate and atrazine.
H.452: This bill proposes to expand apprenticeships and other workforce opportunities in this State.
SENATE
S.108: This bill proposes to reduce the number of exemptions from Vermont’s minimum wage law and increase the minimum wage so that it reaches $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2025. This bill also proposes to study the possibility of eliminating certain exemptions to the Vermont minimum wage, eliminating the tipped minimum wage, and requiring inmates in Vermont correctional institutions to be paid at least the Vermont minimum wage.
S.112: This bill proposes to make multiple changes related to the Public Utility Commission.