Vermont Paid Leave and Earned Sick Time Statewide

Vermont's Earned Sick Time Act, codified in 21 V.S.A. chapter 5 subchapter 4B, requires employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 52 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year. The law applies to most employees who work an average of at least 18 hours per week for at least 20 weeks. Employees may use leave for personal illness, family caregiving, or domestic violence situations. Vermont does not have a statewide paid family medical leave program, though optional FAMLI insurance is available. Local authority to expand paid leave is largely unaddressed, allowing some municipal flexibility for public employees.

Earned sick time violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense plus restitution for unpaid leave under Department of Labor enforcement.