summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
This bill proposes to enhance enforcement of employment laws by permitting employees, representative organizations, and whistleblowers to bring civil actions on behalf of the Commissioner of Labor to enforce certain provisions of Title 21 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for employees, representative organizations, and whistleblowers to bring public enforcement actions on behalf of the Vermont Commissioner of Labor to address potential violations of employment laws. The bill defines key terms such as "aggrieved employee" (an employee who has experienced a workplace violation), "relator" (the party bringing the enforcement action), and "representative organization" (a nonprofit or union advocating for employees). Under the new law, a relator can file a public enforcement action in court, seeking penalties and injunctive relief similar to what the Commissioner could pursue. The bill includes detailed procedural requirements, such as submitting a notice to the Commissioner and allowing the Commissioner to investigate or intervene in the action. If successful, the relator can receive a percentage of the recovered penalties (30% if the Commissioner does not intervene, 20% if the Commissioner does), with the remaining funds going to the Department of Labor. Importantly, the bill prohibits retaliation against employees who participate in these enforcement actions and requires the Commissioner to maintain a public database of all such actions. The legislation also creates a Community Outreach and Workforce Education Special Fund, which will receive 25% of the recovered penalties to support worker rights education and assistance programs.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (11)
Kate Logan (D)*,
Conor Casey (D),
Brian Cina (D),
Esme Cole (D),
Mari Cordes (D),
Troy Headrick (D),
Jay Hooper (D),
Kate McCann (D),
Jubilee McGill (D),
Monique Priestley (D),
Chloe Tomlinson (D),
Last Action
House Committee on General and Housing Hearing (00:00:00 4/8/2025 ) (on 04/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.336 |
BillText | https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0336/H-0336%20As%20Introduced.pdf |
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