VermontVermont law updates worker rehabilitation notices and apprenticeship access
Starting July 1, 2026, injured workers get notice of a future rehabilitation request option, while a working group reviews services and apprenticeship programs receive updates.
What it does
The Department of Labor’s rights notice explains that an injured worker may request rehabilitation services later if the injury affects the worker’s ability to earn the same wage as before.
A working group reviews how vocational rehabilitation serves eligible injured workers and recommends ways to make services timely and cost-effective. It reports to legislative committees by December 15, 2026.
The act updates Vermont apprenticeship programs, including changes to match federal regulations and wider access for underrepresented communities.
Argument forA notice about the right to request rehabilitation may help injured workers seek support if an injury affects their ability to earn their former wage.
Argument againstBecause the group only makes recommendations, injured workers might not see faster or more affordable services unless lawmakers or others act on them.
More detail
The Department of Labor includes the right to request vocational rehabilitation in its notice explaining an injured worker’s rights. The notice is for an injured worker. The notice explains that a worker may request services in the future if the injury affects the worker’s ability to earn the preinjury wage. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.
A Vocational Rehabilitation Working Group recommends ways to improve services for injured workers. The group reviews services for eligible injured workers. The group considers initial screening, vocational rehabilitation, and wage replacement benefits. The group must provide a written report on or before December 15, 2026. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.
The act updates provisions for Vermont apprenticeship programs. These provisions concern Vermont apprenticeship programs. The summary says some updates align with federal regulations and describes expanded access for underrepresented communities, but gives no further details. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Senate Message: Signed by Governor Phil Scott May 21, 2026Latest
- May 22Signed by Governor Phil Scott on May 21, 2026Became Law
- May 15Delivered to Governor on May 15, 2026To Governor
- May 8Senate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred inMinor
- May 7As passed by Senate and HouseMajor
- May 7Title amended
- May 7House proposal of amendment concurred inMinor
- May 7House proposal of amendment; textMinor
- May 7Unfinished Business/House Proposal of AmendmentMinor
- May 6Unfinished Business/House Proposal of AmendmentMinor
- May 5New Business/House Proposal of AmendmentMinor
- May 1House proposal of amendmentMinor
- May 1Entered on Notice Calendar
- May 1House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment
- Apr 29Read third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendmentPassed 2nd Chamber
- Apr 29Action Calendar: Third ReadingMinor
- Apr 28Third Reading orderedMinor
- Apr 28Report of Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, as amended, agreed to
- Apr 28Report of Committee on Commerce and Economic Development amended as recommended by Committee on Appropriations
- Apr 28Rep. Nigro of Bennington recommended for the Committee on Appropriations
- Apr 28Rep. Cooper of Pownal reported for the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
- Apr 28Read second timeMinor
- Apr 28Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Apr 24Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Apr 22Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)
- Apr 22Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
- Mar 17Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic DevelopmentMinor
- Mar 12Title amended as recommended by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
- Mar 12Read 3rd time & passedPassed 1st Chamber
- Mar 12New Business/Third ReadingMinor
- Mar 113rd reading ordered
- Mar 11Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs agreed to
- Mar 11Reported favorably by Senator Watson for Committee on AppropriationsMinor
- Mar 11Read 2nd time, reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by Senator Weeks for Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- Mar 11Favorable report by Committee on AppropriationsMinor
- Mar 11Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- Mar 11New Business/Second ReadingMinor
- Mar 10Favorable report by Committee on AppropriationsMinor
- Mar 10Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- Mar 10Second ReadingMinor
- Mar 10Entered on Notice Calendar
- Feb 24Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31
- Feb 24Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsMinor
- Feb 24Second ReadingMinor
- Feb 24Entered on Notice Calendar
- Jan 6Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsIntroduced
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