Senate Hears Testimony on Independent Contractor Legislation

The Vermont Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs recently heard testimony on S. 220, a jobs bill that includes a new definition of independent contractor.

Passage of the legislation would mean independent contractors are not subject to workers’ compensation if it can be proved that they meet a number of criteria.

 

On Wednesday morning Department of Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan responded to a question from a legislator and testified in favor of the legislation.  In 2012, the Commissioner supported a similar proposal after working with representatives of labor and businesses around the state.  Any formal testimony on the bill will be heard by the Senate Finance Committee which has jurisdiction over workers' compensation.

 

The text of the bill is located here: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-220.pdf

Proposed Workers' Compensation Legislation 2014

When the Vermont Legislature heads back into session the week of January 6 there will be at least three new bills that could affect workers' compensation practice, procedure and premiums paid by employers.  They are:

Senate Bill 0220

Provided that independent contractors are not subject to workers’ compensation if it can be proved that they meet a number of criteria similar to those set forth in House Bill 0170.  The proposal also created a classification of sole contractor.  The text of the bill is located here: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-220.pdf

Senate Bill 0233

Places a restriction on the ability of an employer to obtain an independent medical examination to within a 50 mile radius of the employee’s residence.  The text of the bill is located here:  http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-233.pdf

Senate Bill 0266

Adds the value of employer paid health insurance premiums to the computation of “wages” received by a worker.  The text of the bill is located here:  http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/bills/Intro/S-266.pdf