Bill S.58, introduced by Senator Brennan, aims to establish a step pay plan for law enforcement officers employed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Liquor and Lottery, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as firefighters employed by the State of Vermont. The proposed legislation mandates that these personnel can reach the highest step of their applicable pay grade after 18 years and six months of service. Additionally, the bill allows for collective bargaining representatives to negotiate the specifics of the pay plan, including the number of steps, duration in each step, and conditions for advancement.

The bill includes transitional provisions for those whose pay plans do not meet the new requirements by January 1, 2025, ensuring they are transitioned to a compliant pay plan by July 1, 2025. Furthermore, it stipulates that these individuals will be placed one step higher in the new pay plan 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.