WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 264

An act relating to collective bargaining for Assistant Attorneys General

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kesha Ram Hinsdale and 1 co-sponsor

Bill grants Vermont's Assistant Attorneys General collective bargaining rights to negotiate wages, benefits, and employment conditions with the state.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Government Operations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 264

Legislative bill overview

S 264 would grant Assistant Attorneys General in Vermont the legal right to engage in collective bargaining with the state. Currently, these positions are classified in a way that excludes them from collective bargaining protections. The bill seeks to reclassify or amend labor law to allow AAGs to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions as a group.

Why is this important

Assistant Attorneys General are mid-level legal professionals who handle significant prosecutorial and administrative work for the state but have limited voice in their employment terms. Allowing collective bargaining could affect state budget negotiations, attorney retention in the AG's office, and set precedent for other excluded state employee classifications. This touches on broader questions about public sector labor rights and government workforce stability.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Union negotiations could increase payroll and benefits costs for the state, affecting the budget
  • Government operations: The AG's office may argue that collective bargaining complicates management flexibility and hiring decisions for legal positions requiring high discretion
  • Scope questions: Whether this should apply only to AAGs or could expand to other excluded state professional positions, creating cascading budget pressures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.