Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted

S 117 — An act relating to wage and hour, unemployment compensation, and workers' compensation

Last action — Senate Message: Signed by Governor 5/28/2025

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 13, 2025. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Phil Scott (Republican) on May 29, 2025.

Prognosis

Advancing 50% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

376 added · 375 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill S.117 now includes a provision to extend the deadline for the completion of a modernized unemployment insurance system by one year, pushing it to July 1, 2026. This is important because it allows more time to ensure that the system is properly updated and functional. Additionally, the bill maintains various enhancements to employee pay recovery, minimum wage calculations, and unemployment insurance notifications, which aim to improve workers’ rights and streamline processes. These changes are designed to provide clearer guidelines and better support for employees and employers alike.

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AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 1 of 21 S.117 An act relating to rulemaking on safety and health standards and technical corrections on employment practices and unemployment compensation It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 1 of 22 S.117 Introduced by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Date:
March 13, 2025 Subject:
Labor;
safety;
employment practices;
wage and hour;
notice of potential layoffs;
unemployment compensation Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to modify the formal rulemaking requirements for the State’s Occupational Safety and Health Plan.
This bill also proposes to clarify the employee’s share of recovery where an employer has willfully withheld pay.
This bill also proposes to clarify how the minimum wage is calculated and to remove the Commissioner of Labor’s authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities.
This bill also proposes changes to the notice requirement for potential layoffs.
This bill also proposes to provide employers and claimants with the option to receive unemployment insurance notices and determinations electronically.
This bill also proposes to clarify reporting, for unemployment insurance purposes, when a successor divides the operation of an employer’s business.
This bill also proposes to amend the statutory definition of the highest benefit cost rate used to calculate the tax rate schedule for unemployment insurance.
This bill also proposes to round down the earnings on weekly claims with respect to disregarded earnings.
This bill also BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 2 of 22 proposes to resume the short-term compensation program effective with completion of the modernization of the unemployment insurance system and to extend the deadline for implementation of the modernized system by one year to July 1, 2026.
An act relating to rulemaking on safety and health standards and technical corrections on employment practices and unemployment compensation It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
(i) provide notice of the proposed rule to interested parties, including affected employers and trade organizations that are known to the Commissioner;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 3 of 22 (i) provide notice of the proposed rule to interested parties, including affected employers and trade organizations that are known to the Commissioner;
VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 2 of 21 (ii) post the proposed rule or standard to the Department’s website for at least 30 days;
(ii) post the proposed rule or standard to the Department’s website for at least 30 days;
and (II) the text of the rule or standard.
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 4 of 22 (II) the text of the rule or standard.
(D) After adopting a rule or standard pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision (a)(1), the Department shall create a file containing all papers VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 3 of 21 and records used or created during the adoption of the rule or standard.
(D) After adopting a rule or standard pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision (a)(1), the Department shall create a file containing all papers and records used or created during the adoption of the rule or standard.
chapter 25, subchapter 3 shall not apply to the Commissioner’s adoption in its entirety of any rule or standard adopted by the U.S.
chapter 25, subchapter 3 shall not BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 5 of 22 apply to the Commissioner’s adoption in its entirety of any rule or standard adopted by the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration pursuant to the act for which the State is required to adopt a VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 4 of 21 rule or standard that is at least as effective as the federal rule or standard in order to maintain the approval of the State’s Occupational Safety and Health Plan.
Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration pursuant to the act for which the State is required to adopt a rule or standard that is at least as effective as the federal rule or standard in order to maintain the approval of the State’s Occupational Safety and Health Plan.
(ii) The filing with the Secretary of State shall include:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 6 of 22 (ii) The filing with the Secretary of State shall include:
VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 5 of 21 (bb) a summary of the dates on which the Department complied with the requirements of this subdivision (a)(1);
(bb) a summary of the dates on which the Department complied with the requirements of this subdivision (a)(1);
(B) Upon request of 25 or more persons made in relation to a rule or standard proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection (a), the Commissioner shall be required to adopt the proposed rule or standard VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 6 of 21 pursuant to the rulemaking procedures set forth in 3 V.S.A.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 7 of 22 (B) Upon request of 25 or more persons made in relation to a rule or standard proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection (a), the Commissioner shall be required to adopt the proposed rule or standard pursuant to the rulemaking procedures set forth in 3 V.S.A.
RULES AND STANDARDS (a) Subject to the procedures set forth in section 204 of this chapter, the The Commissioner shall adopt rules and standards necessary to implement the purposes and duties set forth in this subchapter insofar as they relate to safety and to enforcement of the VOSHA Code.
RULES AND STANDARDS (a) Subject to the procedures set forth in section 204 of this chapter, the The Commissioner shall adopt rules and standards necessary to implement the BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 8 of 22 purposes and duties set forth in this subchapter insofar as they relate to safety and to enforcement of the VOSHA Code.
VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 7 of 21 (b) Subject to the procedures set forth in section 204 of this chapter, the The Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Human Services, shall adopt rules and standards necessary to implement the purposes of the VOSHA Code and duties imposed by the Code, insofar as they relate to health.
(b) Subject to the procedures set forth in section 204 of this chapter, the The Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Human Services, shall adopt rules and standards necessary to implement the purposes of the VOSHA Code and duties imposed by the Code, insofar as they relate to health.
* * * Sec.
* * * BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 9 of 22 Sec.
WAGES (a)(1) Beginning on January 1, 2022, an employer shall not employ any employee at a rate of less than $12.55, and on each subsequent January 1, the VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 8 of 21 minimum wage rate shall be increased by five percent or the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index, CPI-U, U.S.
WAGES (a)(1) Beginning on January 1, 2022, an employer shall not employ any employee at a rate of less than $12.55, and on each subsequent January 1, the minimum wage rate shall be increased by five percent or the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index, CPI-U, U.S.
* * * Notice of Potential Layoffs * * * Sec.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 10 of 22 * * * Notice of Potential Layoffs * * * Sec.
VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 9 of 21 (1) “Affected employees” means employees who may be expected to experience an employment loss as a consequence of a proposed or actual business closing or mass layoff by their employer.
(1) “Affected employees” means employees who may be expected to experience an employment loss as a consequence of a proposed or actual business closing or mass layoff by their employer.
(i) full-time employees;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 11 of 22 (i) full-time employees;
* * * VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 10 of 21 (7) “Mass layoff” means a permanent employment loss of at least 50 20 employees at one or more worksites in Vermont during any 90-day period.
* * * (7) “Mass layoff” means a permanent employment loss of at least 50 20 employees at one or more worksites in Vermont during any 90-day period.
Notwithstanding any requirement in this chapter that the Commissioner mail notices and determinations, the Commissioner may provide claimants and employers with the option to authorize communications from the Commissioner to be delivered electronically.
Notwithstanding any requirement in this chapter that the Commissioner mail notices and determinations, the Commissioner may provide claimants and employers with BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 12 of 22 the option to authorize communications from the Commissioner to be delivered electronically.
VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 11 of 21 Sec.
Sec.
The employing unit’s experience rating record shall not be relieved of these charges, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, unless the Commissioner determines that failure to comply was due to unavoidable accident or mistake.
The employing unit’s experience rating record shall not be relieved of these charges, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, unless the BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 13 of 22 Commissioner determines that failure to comply was due to unavoidable accident or mistake.
* * * VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 12 of 21 Sec.
* * * Sec.
ASSESSMENT PROVIDED When any employer fails to pay any contributions or payments required under this chapter, the Commissioner shall make an assessment of contributions against the employer together with applicable interest and VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 13 of 21 penalty.
ASSESSMENT PROVIDED BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 14 of 22 When any employer fails to pay any contributions or payments required under this chapter, the Commissioner shall make an assessment of contributions against the employer together with applicable interest and penalty.
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* * * VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 14 of 21 Sec.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 15 of 22 * * * Sec.
VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 15 of 21 (b) After a hearing pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the petitioner shall be promptly notified electronically or by ordinary or certified mail of the findings of fact, conclusions, and decision of the referee.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 16 of 22 (b) After a hearing pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the petitioner shall be promptly notified electronically or by ordinary or certified mail of the findings of fact, conclusions, and decision of the referee.
If a person to whom a notice has been sent files with the Commissioner within 60 days after the date of the notice a sworn statement to the effect that the notice was not received, or if the Commissioner is satisfied that the addressee did not VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 16 of 21 receive the notice, a new notice shall be sent to that person and the appeal period shall commence to run from the date on which the new notice is sent.
If a person to whom a notice has been sent files with the Commissioner within 60 days after the date of the notice a sworn statement to the effect that the notice was not received, or if the Commissioner is satisfied that the addressee did not BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 17 of 22 receive the notice, a new notice shall be sent to that person and the appeal period shall commence to run from the date on which the new notice is sent.
If the VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 17 of 21 predecessors’ rates were not identical, the Commissioner shall determine a rate based on the combined experience of all the predecessor employers.
If the BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 18 of 22 predecessors’ rates were not identical, the Commissioner shall determine a rate based on the combined experience of all the predecessor employers.
(3) If a successor, upon acquisition of an employer under subdivision (1) of this subsection, divides operation of the successor business between two or more corporate entities, the successor shall designate one of the corporate entities involved in successor’s business operations as the filing successor for VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 18 of 21 purposes of quarterly wage reporting and benefit rate assignment.
(3) If a successor, upon acquisition of an employer under subdivision (1) of this subsection, divides operation of the successor business between two or more corporate entities, the successor shall designate one of the corporate entities involved in successor’s business operations as the filing successor for BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 19 of 22 purposes of quarterly wage reporting and benefit rate assignment.
(2)(A) The highest benefit cost rate shall be determined by dividing the highest amount of benefit payments made during a consecutive 12-month period that ended within the 10-year period ending on the preceding December 31, by the total wages paid during the four calendar quarter periods that ended within that 12-month period is the highest annual ratio within the 10-year period ending on the preceding December 31, of benefits paid, including the State’s share of extended benefits, for taxpaying employers divided by total VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 19 of 21 wages paid in covered employment for taxpaying employers for the same period.
(2)(A) The highest benefit cost rate shall be determined by dividing the highest amount of benefit payments made during a consecutive 12-month period that ended within the 10-year period ending on the preceding December 31, by the total wages paid during the four calendar quarter periods that ended within that 12-month period is the highest annual ratio within the 10-year period ending on the preceding December 31, of benefits paid, including the BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 20 of 22 State’s share of extended benefits, for taxpaying employers divided by total wages paid in covered employment for taxpaying employers for the same period.
* * * VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 20 of 21 Sec.
* * * BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 21 of 22 Sec.
INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION (a)(1) The Secretary of Digital Services and the Commissioner of Labor shall, to the greatest extent possible, plan and carry out the development and implementation of a modernized information technology system for the VT LEG #382108 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 21 of 21 unemployment insurance program so that the modernized system is ready and able to implement on or before July 1, 2025 2026 the changes to the unemployment insurance weekly benefit amount set forth in Secs.
INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION (a)(1) The Secretary of Digital Services and the Commissioner of Labor shall, to the greatest extent possible, plan and carry out the development and implementation of a modernized information technology system for the BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.117 Page 22 of 22 unemployment insurance program so that the modernized system is ready and able to implement on or before July 1, 2025 2026 the changes to the unemployment insurance weekly benefit amount set forth in Secs.
VT LEG #382108 v.1
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Amendments

2 amendments

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Action History

  1. Senate Message: Signed by Governor 5/28/2025

  2. Signed by Governor on May 28, 2025

  3. Delivered to Governor on May 22, 2025

  4. Senate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in

  5. Title amended

  6. As passed by Senate and House

  7. House proposal of amendment concurred in

  8. House proposal of amendment; text

  9. New Business/House Proposal of Amendment

  10. House proposal of amendment

  11. Entered on Notice Calendar

  12. House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment

  13. Read third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

  14. Action Calendar: Unfinished Business

  15. Action Calendar: Third Reading

  16. Third Reading ordered

  17. Report of Committee on Commerce and Economic Development agreed to

  18. Rep. Nigro of Bennington recommended for the Committee on Appropriations

  19. Rep. Burkhardt of South Burlington recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means

  20. Rep. Bosch of Clarendon reported for the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development

  21. Read second time

  22. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  23. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  24. Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)

  25. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  26. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

  27. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  28. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development

  29. Read 3rd time & passed

  30. New Business/Third Reading

  31. 3rd reading ordered

  32. Reported favorably by Senator Brennan for Committee on Appropriations

  33. Read 2nd time

  34. Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations

  35. Committee Bill for Second Reading

  36. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  37. Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations

  38. New Business/Committee Bill for Second Reading

  39. Favorable report by Committee on Appropriations

  40. Committee Bill for Second Reading

  41. Entered on Notice Calendar

  42. Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31

  43. Committee Bill for Second Reading

  44. Entered on Notice Calendar

  45. Committee bill read first time & placed on Notice Calendar per Senate Rule 48

Sponsors

  • Housing and General Affairs Senate Committee on Economic Development · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 189 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (189)

189 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors S 117?
S 117 is sponsored by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs.
What is the current status of S 117?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 13, 2025. Enacted.
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