Bill > H0347

This bill proposes several significant changes to Vermont's labor and wage laws. It increases the minimum wage to $20.00 per hour, to be implemented by January 1, 2026, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill eliminates the previous exemption for agricultural workers, gradually phasing in overtime pay for agricultural workers over a decade, with full overtime (for hours over 40 per week) to be implemented by January 1, 2036. Agricultural workers who are the employer's parent, spouse, or child remain exempt. The legislation removes the tipped minimum wage, requiring service employees to be paid the full minimum wage by January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill establishes a new salary threshold of $1,128.00 per week for employees to be classified as executives, administrators, or professionals exempt from minimum wage and overtime laws, with annual adjustments. The bill also removes the Commissioner of Labor's ability to recommend subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities and maintains the Attorney General's authority to investigate and enforce employee misclassification complaints. The changes are designed to provide more comprehensive wage protections and eliminate certain historical exemptions in labor law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.347