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Bill

S 6

An act relating to repealing the Commissioner of Labor’s authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with a disability

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alison Clarkson and 2 co-sponsors

Vermont would eliminate the Labor Commissioner’s authority to recommend subminimum wages for workers with disabilities, moving to standard minimum wage for all.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 6

Overview

S.6 (Session 2025-2026, Vermont) aims to repeal the Commissioner of Labor’s authority to recommend a subminimum wage for individuals with a disability. The bill shifts the state away from a subminimum wage framework toward a system that does not authorize such recommendations by the labor commissioner.

Purpose and intent

  • Eliminate the formal authority for the Commissioner of Labor to recommend a subminimum wage for workers with disabilities.
  • Move Vermont toward higher wage standards and broader inclusion of workers with disabilities in regular wage structures.
  • Align Vermont policy with evolving federal and state practices that limit or eliminate subminimum wage provisions for individuals with disabilities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeal of authority: The bill removes or supersedes the Commissioner's power to recommend a subminimum wage for employees with disabilities.
  • Operational impact: Agencies and agencies’ guidance that previously reflected or supported subminimum wage recommendations would need to be harmonized with the new policy, eliminating such recommendations.
  • Compliance framework: The bill would require employers to rely on standard minimum wage and applicable wage laws without counting on subminimum wage recommendations from the labor commissioner.
  • Scope of impact: Applies to workers with disabilities who might have been subject to subminimum wage recommendations under prior law or practice.

Who is affected

  • Employers: Businesses that might have used or relied on the Commissioner's subminimum wage recommendations for employees with disabilities may need to adjust pay practices to meet regular minimum wage standards.
  • Workers with disabilities: Individuals who would be affected by any transition away from subminimum wage policies, potentially benefiting from higher wages and broader inclusion in standard wage scales.
  • State agencies and the Department of Labor: Must implement and enforce policy changes, update guidance, forms, and compliance procedures related to wage requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral: The bill was read in the 1st reading and referred to the Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs on January 10, 2025.
  • Status: As of the provided information, the bill is in committee consideration; no final passage date or enacted status is listed.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Economic impact: Potential increase in wage costs for some employers previously leveraging subminimum wage recommendations; could affect hiring practices, especially for learners or supported-work arrangements.
  • Legal and regulatory alignment: Brings Vermont wage policy in line with moves to phase out subminimum wages for disabled workers in some other jurisdictions.
  • Transition considerations: If subminimum wage exceptions or training wage programs existed, the bill may necessitate interim programs or phased compliance, though specifics are not detailed in the provided summary.

If you would like, I can pull in the bill’s full text or committee memo for more precise language, timelines, and any fiscal notes.

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

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