The House of Representatives has put off the floor vote on one controversial bill for the third time this month.
The vote on H.867, a bill that would change Vermont’s legal definitions of an independent contractor versus an employee, was scheduled for March 17, then anticipated on March 29 and scheduled for March 31, before being delayed again.
The bill has moved out of the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs, which voiced concerns about its effects on labor. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee is now taking testimony on potential amendments to the bill.
House Speaker Shap Smith issued a statement explaining that he recommended sending the bill back because it appeared the current version wouldn’t pass, given the many questions about its effect on workplaces.
“It is important that a proposal of this significance has an opportunity to make it all the way through the legislative process,” he said. “… I am optimistic that a deal can be reached if all parties work together to develop consensus. If a compromise is struck, I am committed to finding a resolution and putting the bill on the floor.”
Rep. Heidi Scheuermann, R-Stowe, a supporter who sits on the House Commerce Committee, said she was disappointed that the House leadership decided more work is needed.
“I don’t agree,” Scheuermann said. “I think I’m willing to look at things, but it’s a little frustrating. We’ve worked really hard on this bill, and it’s an 11-0 vote out of the committee of jurisdiction, and I think leadership should appreciate that and support that.”
Annie Noonan, the labor commissioner, said the bill is still being worked on. “The Department of Labor is still very committed to working with the Legislature to see if a bill can be produced,” she said.
