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House Appropriations Committee advances H.173 after adding per-diem language for working-group legislators
Summary
The House Appropriations Committee voted to advance H.173 on April 23, 2026. The bill narrows a previously proposed removal of an initial screening for vocational rehabilitation claimants, requires a clearer notice form for injured workers, creates a temporary working group to review intake and access, and adds apprenticeship language to align with federal requirements; the committee approved an amendment clarifying per diem and expense payments for two legislative working-group members.
The House Appropriations Committee voted Thursday to advance H.173, a measure addressing vocational rehabilitation and apprenticeship program language, after approving an amendment to clarify payment for legislative members serving on a short-term working group.
Sophie Sedatny, legislative counsel with the Office of Legislative Council, told the committee that H.173 originally removed an "initial screening" step that Vermont had required for workers' compensation claimants who might be eligible for vocational rehabilitation. Sedatny said the screening — performed by hireAbility in the Department for Aging and Independent Living — had drawn concerns because staff were "not necessarily familiar with workers' compensation," which can leave injured workers stuck in intake rather than receiving full vocational services.
The bill, as amended, keeps a narrower statutory change: it requires the Department to provide injured workers with a plainly written form that explains their rights, including choice of vocational rehabilitation provider,…
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