VT H0336

Allows employees, whistleblowers, and representative organizations to bring civil "public enforcement actions" on behalf of the Commissioner of Labor to enforce Vermont employment laws covering wages, workplace safety, and worker classification.

Relators must submit a $75 notice of claim to the Commissioner, who has 60 days to decide whether to investigate; if the Commissioner declines or fails to respond, the relator may proceed with a lawsuit in Superior Court.

Civil penalties recovered are split between the relator (20-30% depending on whether the Commissioner intervenes) and the Department of Labor (70-80%), with 25% of the Department's share funding a new Community Outreach and Workforce Education Special Fund.

Prohibits employer retaliation against employees who bring enforcement actions or cooperate with relators, with remedies including compensatory and punitive damages, reinstatement, and attorney's fees.

Excludes employees covered by collective bargaining agreements and bars actions related solely to posting/notice violations or late report submissions; takes effect upon passage.