The bill amends Vermont's labor laws with a focus 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 going to the employee and the other half retained for administrative costs. Additionally, the bill establishes a minimum wage of $12.55 starting January 1, 2022, with future adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index or a fixed percentage increase, whichever is smaller. It also facilitates electronic communication between the Commissioner and employers or claimants regarding unemployment compensation processes and modernizes the unemployment insurance information technology system, with implementation pushed to 2026.

In terms of workers' compensation, the bill enhances support for injured employees by entitling them to medical case management services based on healthcare provider recommendations. It mandates that employers provide translation services for non-English speaking injured employees to ensure they understand their rights and can navigate the claims process effectively. 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, with penalties increasing for subsequent late payments. Employers are required to report late payments quarterly for one year, and 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