Committee Hears Independent Contractor Bills

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 | 0

A bill that would give the Vermont Department of Labor authority to inspect work sites to ensure that contractors are not misclassifying employees as independent contractors, and another measure that would change the definition of independent contractor for workers' compensation purposes, are both awaiting a vote in a committee in the state House of Representatives.

Rep. William Botzow

House Bill 773 by Rep. William Botzow, D-Bennington, would authorize state labor officials to inspect places of employment and question employees to investigate possible labor law violations. The bill would also require employers to hang posters at their place of business informing workers of the difference between an employee and an independent contractor, the penalties for failing to properly classify a worker as an employee, and instructions for filing complaints.

HB 378 by Rep. Heidi E. Scheuermann, R-Stowe, and 35 other representatives from both parties, would change the definition of "independent contractor" for the workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance statutes. Scheuermann told the Vermont Watchdog news service that her intention in introducing the bill is to ensure "that the long tradition of true independent contractors is able to continue."

The House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development heard testimony on both measures Thursday, but did not take a vote, according to Vermont Watchdog.