An act relating to miscellaneous employee rights and protections

This bill establishes new protections for Vermont employees by granting paid voting leave, requiring good cause for termination, and safeguarding employee free speech rights. It mandates that employers provide at least two hours of paid leave on election days and Town Meeting Day for eligible voters, while also prohibiting retaliation for exercising these rights. The legislation adds a "good cause" standard for firing employees, defining it as a legitimate business reason or employment of less than 90 days, and prevents employers from discriminating against workers for exercising First Amendment rights unless it materially interferes with job performance. Additionally, the bill restricts employers from asking about job status on applications or interfering with employees' efforts to seek other employment, and designates such interference as an unfair labor practice for public sector employers.