Bill > H0403

This bill, titled the "Agricultural Workers' Fair Labor Standards and Housing Act," introduces several key changes for agricultural workers in Vermont. First, it modifies the definition of "employee" to exclude only agricultural workers who are the employer's parent, spouse, or child, effectively removing the previous blanket exemption from minimum wage laws. The bill mandates that agricultural workers receive overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular wage rate for hours worked over 60 per week, starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new framework for inspecting farm employee housing, requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct surveys during scheduled farm inspections to assess housing conditions, including factors like cleanliness, maintenance, privacy, and safety. The surveys will be available in multiple languages, and farm employees can provide detailed feedback about their housing conditions. If housing fails to meet the Vermont Residential Rental Housing Health and Safety Code, the Division of Fire Safety can inspect the property and impose administrative penalties up to $1,000 for non-compliance. Farm employers who obstruct these surveys may also face administrative penalties. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving agricultural employers time to prepare for these new standards and requirements.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.403