The bill H.33 aims to enhance access to unpaid family and medical leave in Vermont, providing job protection for employees who need time off due to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, bereavement, and qualifying exigencies. It seeks to remove barriers for LGBTQ+ families in accessing caregiving leave and introduces new reporting requirements to assess the impact of these changes. Key amendments include the introduction of definitions for bereavement leave, domestic partner, safe leave, and qualifying exigency, while also expanding the scope of family members eligible for leave. The bill allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for safe leave and bereavement, ensuring employees can return to the same or comparable job after their leave.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding employee leave, emphasizing that collective bargaining agreements or employment benefit programs cannot undermine the rights established under this subchapter. It allows employees to waive some rights at the time of leave, provided the waiver is informed and voluntary. The legislation also introduces provisions for short-term family leave for specific family-related activities, broadening the definition of eligible family members, and permits leave for attending court proceedings related to abuse or stalking. New reporting requirements will mandate employers to track leave usage, including data on nontraditional family structures and barriers to accessing leave, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 21-471, 21-472, 21-472a, 21-472c