The bill amends Vermont's labor laws, focusing on wage and hour regulations, unemployment compensation, and workers' compensation. It introduces a provision that requires employers to pay an additional amount not exceeding twice the unpaid wages if the Commissioner determines that wages were willfully withheld, with half of this amount allocated to the employee and the other half to the Commissioner for administrative costs. The bill also establishes a minimum wage of $12.55 starting January 1, 2022, with annual increases based on a fixed percentage or the Consumer Price Index, ensuring that the minimum wage cannot decrease. Additionally, it allows for electronic communication between the Commissioner and employers or claimants, and it defines "medical case management" in the context of workers' compensation.

Further amendments enhance support for injured employees by entitling them to medical case management services based on healthcare provider recommendations. Employers are required to provide translation services for non-English speaking employees to ensure they understand their rights and can engage effectively in their recovery process. The bill also outlines procedures for preauthorization of medical case management services, requiring insurers to respond within 14 days, and introduces a late fee structure for delayed benefit payments, which must be reported quarterly to the Commissioner. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 21-204, 21-224, 21-342a, 21-384, 21-385, 21-411, 21-1308, 21-1314, 21-1314a, 21-1330, 21-1331, 21-1332, 21-1337a, 21-1357, 21-1325, 21-1326, 21-1338a, 21-1462
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 21-204, 21-224, 21-342a, 21-384, 21-385, 21-411, 21-1308, 21-1314, 21-1314a, 21-1330, 21-1331, 21-1332, 21-1337a, 21-1357, 21-1325, 21-1326, 21-1338a, 21-1462
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 21-204, 21-224, 21-342a, 21-384, 21-385, 21-411, 21-1308, 21-1314, 21-1314a, 21-1330, 21-1331, 21-1332, 21-1337a, 21-1357, 21-1325, 21-1326, 21-1338a, 21-1462
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 21-204, 21-224, 21-342a, 21-384, 21-385, 21-411, 21-1308, 21-1314, 21-1314a, 21-1330, 21-1331, 21-1332, 21-1337a, 21-1357, 21-1325, 21-1326, 21-1338a, 21-1462, 21-602, 21-640b, 21-650
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 21-342a, 21-384, 21-385, 21-1308, 21-1314, 21-1314a, 21-1330, 21-1331, 21-1332, 21-1337a, 21-1357, 21-1325, 21-1326, 21-1338a, 21-1462, 21-602, 21-640b, 21-650
As Enacted: 21-342a, 21-384, 21-385, 21-1308, 21-1314, 21-1314a, 21-1330, 21-1331, 21-1332, 21-1337a, 21-1357, 21-1325, 21-1326, 21-1338a, 21-1462, 21-602, 21-640b, 21-650