Bill > H0356

This bill creates the Unemployment Compensation Benefit Modernization Advisory Committee to help the Vermont Department of Labor improve its technological systems for delivering unemployment benefits. The committee will consist of 10 members, including legislators from both the House and Senate, Department of Labor and Agency of Digital Services employees, labor and employer representatives, and a legal aid attorney. The committee's primary responsibilities include monitoring the implementation of technological upgrades, requesting information, making recommendations, and assisting with testing. Members will meet at least every two months, with the first meeting scheduled by May 1, 2025, and they will submit quarterly reports to key legislative committees detailing their progress and recommendations. The committee will be required to draft these reports in consultation with the Department of Labor and will include the department's response. Legislative and other non-government members will receive per diem compensation and expense reimbursement for up to eight meetings. The committee is set to cease operations on June 30, 2026, or when it determines by a two-thirds vote that the technological upgrades have been successfully implemented, whichever is later. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Business and Industry

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.356