The bill S.230, introduced by Senator Perchlik, aims to mandate that employers grant requests for flexible work arrangements, provided these requests do not conflict with business operations. The bill amends 21 V.S.A. § 309 to require employers to consider employee requests for flexible working arrangements at least twice a year. It defines flexible working arrangements to include changes in work hours, days, or locations, while explicitly excluding vacation and routine shift scheduling. The bill emphasizes that employers must engage in good faith discussions with employees regarding these requests and outlines specific criteria under which a request may be deemed inconsistent with business operations.

Key changes in the bill include the deletion of the phrase "whether could be granted in a manner that" and the insertion of "shall grant the request in the event the request is not inconsistent with its business operations or its legal or contractual obligations." Additionally, the bill specifies that it will take effect on July 1, 2026. This legislation seeks to enhance work-life balance for employees while ensuring that business needs are also considered.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 21-309