The bill H.22 aims to amend Vermont's Public Records Act to enhance transparency regarding severance pay and benefit extension agreements for employees of public agencies. It specifies that information related to severance pay and the extension of employment benefits beyond the date of separation must be made available for public inspection and copying. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for public agencies to publish an annual report detailing all benefit extension agreements executed during the preceding fiscal year, including the names and positions of individuals receiving benefits, the total amounts paid, specific benefits conferred, the duration of agreements, and reasons for employment termination.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for punitive damages against public agencies that fail to act in good faith by improperly withholding or delaying access to public records. It also establishes a new section under Title 32, renaming the existing subchapter to "Separation; Notice and Severance Records" and outlining the definitions and requirements for benefit extension agreements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and mandates that public agencies publish a report on benefit extension agreements for the years 2018 through 2025 by January 15, 2026.

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