The bill H.22 proposes amendments to Vermont's Public Records Act to enhance transparency regarding severance pay and benefit extension agreements for employees of public agencies. It stipulates that information related to these agreements will be available for public inspection and copying. Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of exempt public records to include provisions that allow for the public disclosure of severance pay and benefit extension agreements, while still protecting personal documents related to individual employees. Additionally, it mandates that public agencies publish an annual report detailing all benefit extension agreements executed in the previous fiscal year, including information such as the names of individuals receiving benefits, the total amounts paid, and the reasons for their employment termination.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for punitive damages against public agencies that fail to act in good faith when withholding or delaying access to public records. It also establishes a new section under Title 32, which outlines the requirements for public agencies to report on benefit extension agreements annually. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a requirement for public agencies to publish a report covering benefit extension agreements from 2018 through 2025 by January 15, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1-317, 1-319, 32-15