Bill > H0022

This bill amends Vermont's Public Records Act and state statutes to increase transparency around employment separation agreements for public agency employees. Specifically, the bill requires that information about severance pay and benefit extension agreements (which are defined as agreements that provide additional pay or benefits to an employee after their separation from a job) be made publicly available for inspection and copying. Public agencies will now be required to publish an annual report by July 1st detailing these agreements, including the names and positions of individuals receiving benefits, total amount paid, specific benefits conferred, duration of the agreement, and reasons for employment termination. The bill also provides additional enforcement mechanisms for public records requests, such as allowing courts to assess punitive damages up to $2,500 against agencies that improperly withhold or delay access to public records. Additionally, the bill requires public agencies to retroactively publish reports covering benefit extension agreements from 2018 through 2025, with the new reporting requirements taking effect on July 1, 2025. This legislation aims to increase government transparency and provide public oversight of employment separation practices in state agencies.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.22