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

This bill (S.117) updates Vermont's wage, unemployment, and workers' compensation laws. It establishes a $12.55 minimum wage starting January 1, 2022, with annual increases tied to either 5% or the Consumer Price Index (capped at 5%), and allows lower wages for learners, apprentices, and workers with disabilities under specific conditions. Employers who willfully withhold wages face penalties of up to double the unpaid amount, with half paid to the employee and half covering administrative costs. The bill also modernizes unemployment processes by enabling electronic communication for notices and requiring employers to submit separation information within 10 days of requests to determine claimant eligibility.