Bill > H0239

This bill establishes new rights and protections for temporary State employees in Vermont by amending existing statutes. Specifically, the bill requires that temporary or seasonal employees receive whistleblower protections, be paid according to the most applicable job classification and pay scale, and receive the same leave benefits as comparable classified State employees. The bill also prohibits terminating temporary employees without good cause and mandates that employees working in temporary positions for six months or more receive health insurance coverage that meets Affordable Care Act standards. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "State employee" to include certain temporary workers who work more than 1,280 hours per year in one or more positions for two years, effectively providing a pathway for long-term temporary employees to be considered State employees and potentially gain collective bargaining rights. These changes aim to improve job security, compensation, and benefits for temporary State workers, recognizing their significant contributions to Vermont's government workforce. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for the new requirements.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.239