House committee advances H 5 48 to Appropriations to add mediator and staff attorney to labor board

The House Devlin Finance committee adopted draft 2.1 of H 5 48 on Feb. 5 and voted to pass the bill out of committee and send it to the Appropriations Committee for funding review.

Sophie Dedatny of the Office of Legislative Counsel presented the amendment, which would add a mediator to the Office of the Vermont Labor Relations Board and create a full‑time permanent classified staff attorney position. The amendment also increased the appropriation for the positions and associated salary and benefits from $115,000 to $250,000 as requested in the amendment language.

Members discussed the backlog at the Labor Relations Board and whether additional staff would help clear cases and fill gaps left by the loss of a federal mediator. Supporters argued the additional positions would reduce delays; one member noted the mediator could provide free mediation services if capacity allows and that confidentiality policies would need to be developed to preserve the integrity of mediation.

Committee members debated funding mechanisms and whether the appropriation would be base funding or one-time; the chair and members noted budget prioritization would be determined in Appropriations. The committee adopted the draft amendment and then called the roll. The vote recorded 'yes' responses from multiple members and a single recorded 'no' vote; the committee clerk confirmed the bill was voted out and would be referred to Appropriations.

The committee adjourned for lunch after completing the vote and resumed later for additional landlord–tenant testimony on H.772 and related measures.

Next steps: H 5 48 will go to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration of the $250,000 appropriation and any staffing provisions.