The bill H.950 introduces the Pay Act for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, which aims to adjust compensation for certain State employees in Vermont. It outlines provisions for collective bargaining agreements with the Vermont State Employees Association and the Vermont Troopers Association. For fiscal year 2027, employees will receive an average step increase of 1.9 percent and a 2 percent across-the-board increase, culminating in a total increase of 5.9 percent for most classified employees. In fiscal year 2028, the step increase remains at 1.9 percent, while the across-the-board increase rises to 3 percent, leading to a total increase of 4.9 percent.

The bill also amends the statutory salaries for various State officers and judges, effective from July 2026 through July 2027, with notable increases for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, department heads, and judicial officers. It ensures that the compensation for the Probate judge of the Chittenden District is for full-time service and allows all Probate judges to access employee benefits available to exempt employees of the Judicial Department. Furthermore, the bill specifies appropriations from the General Fund and other sources to fund these salary increases and collective bargaining agreements, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 32-1003, 32-1003(c), 32-1141, 32-1142, 32-1182, 32-1183