Bill S.58, introduced by Senator Brennan, aims to establish a step pay plan for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters employed by the State of Vermont. Specifically, it mandates that officers from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Liquor and Lottery, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as state firefighters, be able to reach the highest step of their applicable pay grade after 18 years and six months of service. The bill also allows for collective bargaining representatives to negotiate the specifics of the pay plan, including the number of steps and the conditions for advancement.

Additionally, the bill includes transitional provisions for those whose current pay plans do not meet the new requirements by January 1, 2025. These individuals will be transitioned to a compliant pay plan by July 1, 2025, and will be placed one step higher than they would have been under the previous plan. The act is set to take effect upon passage and will apply to all collective bargaining agreements for state employees that commence on or after July 1, 2025.