[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6324017,"mediaKeyId","2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9","parentId",2339920,"title","H.174 would move grievances to binding arbitration and set deadlines for unfair‑labor‑practice cases","audioSeconds",65,"startMs",3827000,"endMs",3892000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9&start=3827&end=3892","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9/thumbnail_3827000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6324017/Vermont/H174-would-move-grievances-to-binding-arbitration-and-set-deadlines-for-unfairlaborpractice-cases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324017-d2cff79667285b2562accf572093e26b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224407&Signature=XVv2pHpVBU2gHnxqcGMYXrrPlGlY2B~Yfy~KleRfZYqNS-toxN6OxLd44itWWKR4brOkakG8TGWleU9m3tX~ddjZ7Q3pe2~412uTwpVyIaB5Akb3O5yjcDI7L9ZukuCZaIR5ka7eB5ZMIFrLTlDbPZF39zBhTaKZ3ffBJgbxwMcrvJq6XV2gusFy52sJoBzNeDgnI7tzcJim0OeGA4Fs61ExaJzKz7u9ppAO6CpsQcT0t7p43J2g8Nn1R6igKuhVQqjvnTRaQGwpnPbAy1Tso8UvtOSV7ziCu1MHHJk1LrzrTG42XYqpUooXIfflhsGBDxhr25KFZWEgxZP4B2Yp8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-19T07:19:58Z","article","Representative Connor Casey (Montpelier) introduced H.174 on Feb. 18 to streamline Vermont’s labor‑relations processes. The bill would move contract‑grievance resolution from the Labor Relations Board to mandatory binding arbitration and would establish statutory timelines for filing responses, holding hearings and issuing decisions in unfair‑labor‑practice (ULP) cases.

Casey said the change is intended to reduce the backlog at the Vermont Labor Relations Board, producing faster, final outcomes for employees and employers. He said mandatory binding arbitration would replace a process that currently allows varied paths and can leave disputes unresolved for extended periods.

Committee members asked procedural questions about whether arbitration would be mandatory in all cases or remain optional; counsel indicated that the bill would remove the existing choice and make arbitration the final step in grievance disputes. The committee took no vote on H.174 during the Feb. 18 meeting and will schedule the bill for further discussion.

Ending
H.174 was introduced for committee consideration; stakeholders including labor unions and employer groups will have opportunity to comment in future hearings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House General - 2025-02-18 - 1PM","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Connor Casey introduced H.174 to shift collective‑bargaining grievance resolution to binding arbitration and impose timelines for unfair‑labor‑practice cases; the bill was introduced and not acted on during the Feb. 18 hearing.","taxTitle","General & Housing, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",30954,"location","Vermont","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6324021,"H.201 introduced to bar categorical exclusions for people with criminal records in housing and employment",86,3643000,3729000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9&start=3643&end=3729","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9/thumbnail_3643000.jpg","/articles/6324021/Vermont/H201-introduced-to-bar-categorical-exclusions-for-people-with-criminal-records-in-housing-and-employment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324021-d4cd96cd2d0c6edae3f3932ef6b7bd97/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224407&Signature=C42DbggvIOHSBcwqCDG2ZpoR6tG-r-D9WxBz46p4ays4NyIKuhedRVfh8e6~peZ~DqfHKg3Cw9paOLCUWQ9Ky18TuRDq33jtNF7PoY6U3wAnuHmGe7mQk77wB8EiFBIi8eFV5HO0~yvBV5PaJuNlhMORnUnEVqoyu3KLMfHM9J~umPFPupLKKRnab0l3wT4T9dyg5ZNP6gKmLGsiSeLp9vBHvGwQSSdK38zC2dq3qrBrcB4NA7Cp~nfAXN3N8Srr0tSnMFHnFTl0d0vl3zwA2mgjGnpOfr1oh2B6MoYtjOoz-g21RUxuzutWOthBLcvMlYxJEQlKX31Ja8xwFf68yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Troy Hedrick (cosponsor) explained H.201, carried by Representative Rachel Sanning (absent, expecting a grandchild), which would prohibit categorical discrimination based on criminal history in employment, housing and public accommodations.

The bill would require individualized consideration of an applicant’s criminal history and would not prevent employers or landlords from making lawful, narrowly tailored exclusions where a conviction is legally disqualifying or substantially related to the position or tenancy. Hedrick said the measure is intended to support rehabilitation and reduce barriers to housing and employment that can increase recidivism.

No committee vote occurred; H.201 was introduced and set for future discussion. The sponsor urged members to consider nuanced statutory language and the interplay with federal or other state laws that already bar hiring in limited circumstances.

Ending
H.201 was introduced; committee staff will schedule follow‑up testimony and stakeholder comment at a later date.","Representatives introduced H.201 to prohibit discrimination based solely on criminal history in employment, housing and public accommodations; the bill preserves exceptions for jobs where a conviction is legally disqualifying or substantially related to the position.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6324023,"Rep. Hedrick introduces bill to grant public higher‑education employees right to strike",87,3399000,3486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9&start=3399&end=3486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9/thumbnail_3399000.jpg","/articles/6324023/Vermont/Rep-Hedrick-introduces-bill-to-grant-public-highereducation-employees-right-to-strike","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324023-4521a3e23292dde0bd5a33b6b424c413/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224407&Signature=ggsqzsuC7~~H2fsm-jhEmC1vGFegnQUtHyhlIP-sssDQIINzZM0QGD4Fyz09hLcO291Lx38PqHTzqI4pzm9DmvjPA18d0GXSXyvgGtWwlZ55c97Uv-h2hjzOaWftbNEjXd5ApLU8aLdK5jGan1UurTyP8Q24KKh4jxlJaPtkECfdQhRizsVAlI~C0xYhv6jCC13B4uUTSlXPT1qAI6Gh9XIYqUAIYZbzym6L0dFzhAde~gcMbFM0vd-zttfNCK7zVttyzPZ~Y1sgGrjT~2nd2iUlXaKy24XV4mYbmtZDcq2RusZiFXebRmgsm4vc1S6BKGnO-IWtByWShI6qyyTRHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rep. Troy Hedrick (Burlington) introduced H.173 on Feb. 18, a bill that would remove a statutory prohibition on strikes by public higher‑education employees and give those employees the same right to strike currently afforded to many other public‑sector workers, including K–12 educators.

Hedrick told the House Committee on General and Housing the bill would amend the State Employees Labor Relations Act to remove the specific restriction that applies to higher education employees and would not change prohibitions on strikes by public‑safety employees such as state police or corrections officers. Hedrick emphasized that the bill does not require employees to strike; it only restores parity in collective‑bargaining rights.

The introduction was brief; no committee vote was taken on H.173 during the Feb. 18 hearing. Hedrick encouraged the committee to consult the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and campus bargaining units for technical questions and said the measure is intended to address wage compression and retention issues affecting public higher‑education staff.

Ending
H.173 was introduced to committee for consideration and will be scheduled for further discussion at a subsequent meeting. No action or vote on the bill occurred during the Feb. 18 session.","Representative Troy Hedrick introduced H.173 to remove a prohibition on strikes by public higher‑education employees, aligning their rights with K‑12 educators; bill was introduced and not debated to a vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6324028,"House committee amends H.57 to let emergency board refill survivor-benefits fund; full bill continued",390,146000,536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9&start=146&end=536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339920-016fa91f19a4654e503d1125ce3a2bf9/thumbnail_146000.jpg","/articles/6324028/Vermont/House-committee-amends-H57-to-let-emergency-board-refill-survivor-benefits-fund-full-bill-continued","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324028-ba8f45561f8a17e4fb8e0306220d246f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776224407&Signature=XY2AuH9JssMstuoFF63~KfY-dlCUZzk2AUnCOTUvumhmIUs9BQVG0oEYh8fSu0fwr7nUbSuP3OCPUAWng5xnKlrXMJ19FfypSpwyrTHO1~8bK05rDp7hIkT4RYbx1XL1WKoaciMDrcbIJ8itLKJhVFcb5LyigoWM1OHuSZJysC8Ylid8xGpdei6lT7IKC-OUVUYaothhIr0LQLEJw26OrmC15MG7BISnoZOuHAm3tElplGwtC8xl9C7BNGR6QDSukX~lknVfEDfQKRpEWljntJTIBfVlCaLOGVTV~c0L0xEU7hDSudeBIkXtegOJhehMzVlVCxv87Eqcf4he7oI1rQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on General and Housing held a hearing Feb. 18 on H.57, a bill that would make law enforcement officers eligible for a one-time survivor benefit paid from a special fund when an officer dies in the line of duty.

Committee members adopted an amendment to H.57, offered by Legislative Council, that authorizes the Emergency Board to transfer money into the special fund when the Legislature is not in session. The amendment was approved unanimously in committee roll call (11–0). The committee did not vote the underlying bill out; members asked a small group of committee members and Legislative Council to reconcile earlier committee edits and return with amendment language for further consideration.

Why it matters: H.57 would expand eligibility for a one-time payment that has historically been paid from a special fund administered by the Office of the State Treasurer. The committee’s amendment responds to a key operational concern raised by the treasurer’s office and others: the fund has fluctuating, non‑base funding and can be depleted when an application is filed while the Legislature is not sitting.

Treasury, funding and process
Ashley Hallan, director of policy at the Office of the State Treasurer, told the committee the treasurer’s office staffs the benefits board and administers the special fund that pays the benefit. Hallan said the statute allows payments of up to $80,000 per eligible survivor and that the board is required to make a determination within 60 days of receiving a complete application. She reported that, after a payout late last year, the fund currently contains approximately $100,000 and that the office has two pending applications that together would require about $160,000.

“We’re in support of adding additional eligible categories so long as the Legislature fully understands the financial commitment,” Hallan said, and urged the committee not to “put us in that situation” of forcing board members to decide how to allocate a depleted fund among multiple pending claims.

Hallan said the treasurer’s office requested a one‑time appropriation of $220,000 in the Senate’s budget adjustment bill (BAA), which would raise the special fund to an amount the office characterized as prudent to cover several awards.

Support and context from first‑responder groups
Christopher Hoare, president of the Vermont Police Association, testified in support of H.57, calling current survivor benefits “inequitable” and urging the committee to pass the bill. Hoare said Vermont has recorded 29 line‑of‑duty deaths since the committee’s tracking began and noted two deaths classified as duty‑related illness, one in 1932 and another in 2015 (Trooper Kyle Young).

Administrative and statutory questions
Sophie Sadatney of the Office of Legislative Council presented the amendment that would allow the Emergency Board to transfer “amounts necessary” into the special fund when the General Assembly is not in session. Committee members clarified that the statute still authorizes awards of up to $80,000 and asked whether the Emergency Board would be obligated to transfer a full $80,000 per claim; Legislative Council and counsel answered that the amendment provides authority but does not mandate specific dollar amounts from the Emergency Board.

Committee next steps
Committee members expressed a preference to finish the bill “right,” noting the committee made extensive changes last year that are not reflected in the version before the panel. Members asked Representatives Elizabeth (surname not specified in the record) and Mary (attending electronically) to work with Legislative Council to draft a follow‑up amendment that reconciles prior committee edits; the committee continued consideration of the bill to a future meeting. The adopted amendment (Emergency Board transfer authority) remains attached to the bill as drafted by Legislative Council.

Votes at a glance
- Amendment (Legislative Council language authorizing Emergency Board transfers into the special fund): approved in committee roll call, 11–0.

Ending
The committee advanced one technical change to H.57 and paused final action pending staff drafting and reconciliation of earlier committee work. Lawmakers asked the treasurer’s office to continue coordinating with appropriations staff to seek appropriations in the BAA and told Legislative Council to prepare amendment language for the committee’s next meeting.","The House Committee on General and Housing heard testimony on H.57 to extend survivor-benefit eligibility to law-enforcement officers, adopted an amendment allowing the Emergency Board to transfer money into the special fund when the Legislature is not in session, and left further changes to be drafted before voting on the underlying bill.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

H.174 would move grievances to binding arbitration and set deadlines for unfair‑labor‑practice cases

H.201 introduced to bar categorical exclusions for people with criminal records in housing and employment

Rep. Hedrick introduces bill to grant public higher‑education employees right to strike

House committee amends H.57 to let emergency board refill survivor-benefits fund; full bill continued