Bill > SB01035

This bill aims to limit the misuse of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in employment settings by introducing new restrictions on how employers can use such agreements. Specifically, the bill renders void any provisions in employment agreements that prohibit employees or independent contractors from discussing or disparaging conduct they reasonably believe to be discriminatory, harassing, retaliatory, a wage violation, or a sexual assault. The legislation applies to current, former, and prospective employees, and extends to various types of agreements including employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, and settlement agreements. Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to sign agreements with such void provisions, from retaliating against employees who disclose such conduct, or from attempting to enforce these prohibited provisions. The bill does allow for protecting legitimate trade secrets and confidential information that does not involve illegal acts. If an employer violates these provisions, they can be held liable for actual damages or $10,000, whichever is greater, as well as attorneys' fees and costs. The law will take effect on October 1, 2025, and applies to agreements signed before that date if they were entered into at the start of employment or during employment. The bill is modeled after similar laws in other states like California, New Jersey, and Washington, and is designed to provide greater protection for employees and transparency in workplace conduct.

Justice, Labor and Employment

Labor and Public Employees Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01035&which_year=2025