The bill H.656, introduced by Representative Howard of Rutland City, aims to enhance the compensation and benefits for members of the General Assembly. It proposes to provide supplemental compensation during the legislative session for members whose household income falls below their median income prior to serving in the Assembly. This supplemental payment would be calculated as the difference between their actual household income and their median income. Additionally, the bill allows members to participate in the State employees' health benefit plan under the same terms and costs as Executive Branch employees, and it includes provisions for members to join the State's Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution.

Key amendments in the bill include the insertion of provisions that establish eligibility for supplemental payments for both the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, as well as all members of the General Assembly. It also modifies the definition of "employees" to include members of the General Assembly for health insurance purposes and outlines their participation in the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. The bill specifies that these changes will take effect on January 1, 2027, while certain sections related to the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 32-1051, 32-1052, 3-631, 3-500