On October 29, 2024, the Connecticut Appellate Court issued an important decision in a case brought by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities v. Yale University. The court affirmed that phrases such as “recent college graduate(s)” or “recent graduate(s)” in job
Articles Discussing General Topics In Connecticut Employment Law.
Connecticut Appellate Court Rules Employer Could Discharge Medical Marijuana User Impaired on the Job
On March 19, 2024, the Connecticut Appellate Court upheld an employer’s right to discharge an employee for being impaired on the job from medical marijuana under a state law that provides employment protections for qualified medical marijuana users.
Connecticut Employers Can Terminate Employees Impaired by Medical Marijuana While Working; Appellate Court Also Provides Guidance for Reasonable Suspicion Drug Tests
In a significant decision about workplace drug use, the Connecticut Appellate Court backed an employer’s right to terminate a worker who was impaired on the job by medical marijuana. The decision also clarified the factual basis an employer must possess to justify ordering a drug test based on suspicion of
Connecticut Appellate Court Says Constructive Discharge Limitations Period Runs From Last Act of Discrimination, Not Resignation
The Connecticut Appellate Court recently ruled that a septuagenarian teacher’s claims that she was forced to resign because of age discrimination were untimely. The ruling distinguishes Connecticut law from a 2016 Supreme Court of the United States interpretation of constructive discharge claims.
How Connecticut Employers Can Be Ready for Legislation that Became Effective January 1, 2024
With 2023 in the rearview mirror, Connecticut employers may want to confirm they have implemented the necessary changes to address legislative developments that became effective January 1, 2024.
Connecticut Minimum Wage
Connecticut Passes Law Regarding State Use of AI and Amendments to Data Privacy Law
On June 7, 2023, Connecticut’s Governor signed Senate Bill (SB) 1103, which enacted regulations regarding artificial intelligence, automated decision-making, and personal data privacy. The law sets several requirements for state agencies’ development and use of automated systems for critical decisions, including the designation of an artificial intelligence officer under the
Connecticut Offers Health Insurance Option to Striking Employees
While President Biden says he is the most pro-union president in history, many legislators in Connecticut seem determined to make theirs one of the most pro-union states. Although proponents have failed so far in annual efforts to make strikers eligible for unemployment compensation benefits, they have now managed to
Connecticut Imposes Mandatory Staffing Committees on CT Hospitals
While new Connecticut legislation stops short of prescribing specific staffing ratios, it mandates specific requirements for nurse staffing committees. The Department of Public Health will oversee hospital compliance and assess fines for violations. The legislation affects both unionized and non-union hospitals.
Connecticut Adds Protections for Health Data and Minors to Privacy Law
On June 26, 2023, the Governor of Connecticut signed Senate Bill (SB) 3 which set forth new requirements related to consumer health data and protections for minors online.
As Connecticut’s comprehensive consumer privacy law took effect on July 1, 2023, the state has expanded privacy requirements under SB 3. Similar
Connecticut Employers Have New Burdens, Avoid Others, Following 2023 Legislative Session
While significant bills impacting Connecticut employers were signed into law, proposed employer mandates on pay transparency, paid sick leave, and predictive scheduling failed to gain the necessary votes for passage in 2023. Here are some of the year’s notable legislative developments.
What Passed . . .
Effective October 1,
Connecticut Expands Paid Sick and Safe Leave Uses
On June 26, 2023, Connecticut’s governor signed SB 2, which expands the reasons covered employees can use leave under the state’s paid sick and safe leave law, effective October 1, 2023.
New Restrictions on Physician Non-Compete Agreements in Connecticut
At the close of the 2023 session, the Connecticut legislature passed Senate Bill 9, “An Act Concerning Health and Wellness for Connecticut Residents.” Buried in this legislation are amendments to the state’s physician non-compete statute, which impose additional restrictions on physician non-competes and extend similar protections to advanced practice
Connecticut Limits Noncompete Agreements for Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
On June 29, 2023, Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act No. 23-97, amending Connecticut’s noncompete law for physicians and implementing restrictions on noncompete agreements entered into with physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. The act has an effective date of July 1, 2023, but most of the material changes
Connecticut Legislature Amends Physician Non-Compete Statute, Adds Protections for APRNs, PAs
A bill to amend the state physician non-compete statute (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-14p) and to add non-compete protections for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) has passed the Connecticut legislature. Governor Ned Lamont is expected to sign the bill soon. For physicians, the new law will
Deadline Extended Until August 31, 2023 for Businesses to Comply with Connecticut’s Mandatory Retirement Program
Back in 2016, Connecticut enacted legislation that established the Connecticut Retirement Security Program, a state-run Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) program administered by the Office of the State Comptroller. After a slow start, this mandatory program officially launched in March 2022.