Vermont advocates push House Bill 461 to expand unpaid leave for LGBTQIA and domestic violence survivors

The Senate Economic Development meeting held on April 16, 2025, focused on House Bill 461, which aims to expand employee access to unpaid leave in Vermont. The meeting featured testimony from representatives of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), who expressed strong support for the bill and highlighted its significance for various employee groups.

The first key point discussed was the inclusion of LGBTQIA employees in the proposed unpaid leave expansion. The VBSR representative noted that 12 states have already broadened their paid family leave programs to encompass LGBTQIA individuals, emphasizing the importance of this inclusion for the estimated 19,000 LGBTQIA employees in Vermont.

Another critical aspect of House Bill 461 is the explicit recognition of miscarriage as a medical event eligible for leave. The representative stressed that miscarriages often do not require hospitalization or medication, yet they are significant health events that should be covered under family and medical leave policies.

The discussion also addressed the need for "safe leave" provisions for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The representative pointed out that only six of the thirteen states with paid family leave laws currently allow for leave related to these issues. They highlighted the economic impact of intimate partner violence, noting that millions of workers miss work due to its effects, which can lead to reduced productivity and increased turnover for businesses.

The VBSR representative further discussed the broader economic implications of expanding paid family and medical leave. They argued that caregiving is essential to Vermont's economy and that a lack of paid leave can lead to significant financial and cultural costs for employers. The representative noted a gender equity issue, as women are disproportionately affected by the need to leave the workforce for caregiving responsibilities.

Finally, the testimony concluded with a call for the legislature to support House Bill 461 as a crucial step toward a more equitable and inclusive paid family and medical leave policy in Vermont. The representative emphasized that expanding this program would not only benefit employees and their families but also strengthen the state's workforce amid ongoing labor shortages.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the needs of diverse employee groups and the economic benefits of a robust family leave policy, setting the stage for further discussions and potential legislative action on House Bill 461.