Bill > H0149

This bill expands equal pay protections in Vermont by amending existing employment discrimination law to include additional protected classes when determining wage discrimination. Specifically, the bill adds color, religion, ancestry, place of birth, age, and crime victim status to the existing provisions that prohibit pay differences based on sex, race, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The law maintains existing exceptions for wage differentials based on legitimate factors such as seniority, merit, production quantity or quality, or other bona fide job-related considerations. Employers who wish to pay different wages under these exceptions must demonstrate that the differential does not perpetuate compensation disparities based on the protected characteristics, is job-related, and based on a legitimate business consideration. The bill includes a provision that employers cannot reduce other employees' wages to comply with the expanded equal pay requirements. The amendments will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving employers time to review and adjust their compensation practices to ensure compliance with the expanded protections.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.149