Bill > H0461

This bill expands employee access to unpaid leave in Vermont by broadening definitions and adding new types of leave, including safe leave for domestic violence victims, bereavement leave, and leave for qualifying military exigencies. The bill significantly revises the definition of "family member" to be much more inclusive, covering not just traditional family relationships but also individuals in loco parentis, domestic partners, and those with similar caregiving responsibilities. Employees working for employers with 10 or more staff (for parental leave) or 15 or more staff (for family leave) can now take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for reasons including pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, caring for a family member's serious health condition, dealing with domestic violence, or addressing a family member's military deployment. The bill also allows for two weeks of bereavement leave, permits employees to use short-term disability insurance during leave, and requires employers to provide comparable job reinstatement upon return. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes equity by ensuring LGBTQ+ families, low-income workers, and those in nontraditional family structures have equal access to caregiving leave. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving employers time to adjust their policies to comply with the new requirements.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.461