The bill H.551, introduced by Representative Casey of Montpelier, aims to establish overtime pay requirements for firefighters in Vermont. It proposes that no state, municipal, or county fire department may employ full-time firefighters for an average workweek exceeding 42 hours without compensating them at a rate of one and one-half times their regular wage for all hours worked beyond that threshold. The calculation of the average workweek will be based on the prior eight-week period, and it includes all paid leave as hours worked.

Additionally, the bill redesignates the relevant section of the law to include "and Overtime Pay" in the title of Subchapter 3 under 21 V.S.A. It introduces a new section, 21 V.S.A. 388, specifically addressing overtime pay for firefighters, and establishes that the act will take effect on July 1, 2026.