Bill > SB01312

This bill implements several changes to labor laws, focusing on four key areas: unemployment benefits, the Unemployed Workers' Advocate position, occupational disease reporting, and technical statutory updates. First, the bill reduces the time frame for employers to protest unemployment benefit charges from 60 to 40 days, making the process more expedient. Second, it changes the Unemployed Workers' Advocate position from a politically appointed role to a classified civil service position, requiring the advocate to work full-time and have expertise in unemployment compensation and workers' advocacy. Third, the bill mandates that physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses report suspected occupational diseases to the Labor Department within 48 hours, providing detailed information about the patient, employer, and nature of the disease, with potential civil penalties for non-compliance. The reporting requirement covers diseases related to exposure to substances like lead, phosphorus, arsenic, and others, though the reports cannot be used as evidence in civil or workers' compensation cases. Lastly, the bill makes technical corrections to labor statutes, including updating references and clarifying provisions related to employer account charges for unemployment benefits under various circumstances, such as natural disasters, employee misconduct, or shared work programs.

Labor and Employment

Labor and Public Employees Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01312&which_year=2025