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 other qualifying exigencies. It specifically addresses barriers faced by 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, and safe leave, as well as an expanded definition of family member to include a wider range of relationships. The bill allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for safe leave and bereavement leave, while also permitting the use of accrued sick leave or short-term disability insurance during their leave.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding employee leave, ensuring that collective bargaining agreements or employment benefit programs cannot undermine the rights established under this subchapter. Employees may voluntarily waive some rights, provided that any changes are mutually agreed upon. The legislation also introduces provisions for short-term family leave for specific activities, such as attending school events or medical appointments, and includes leave related to legal proceedings involving abuse or stalking. The Commissioner of Labor is tasked with tracking and reporting on leave usage rates, particularly focusing on diverse family structures and barriers to accessing leave. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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