HARTFORD, Conn. – Governor Ned Lamont is urging the General Assembly to pass legislation that would expand and strengthen Connecticut’s paid sick days laws. Lamont, along with State Senator Julie Kushner and other lawmakers, emphasized the need for this expansion during a press conference. They argued that the current law leaves many workers without protection.
Lamont’s proposal aims to ensure that more workers in the state have the opportunity to take time off when they are sick or need to care for a sick family member. It also includes safeguards for small businesses to prevent the misuse of paid sick leave. Under the current law, only employers with more than 50 employees are required to provide paid sick days. However, the new legislation would make it mandatory for all employers, regardless of the number of employees, to offer paid sick days.
The proposal would also broaden the definition of who qualifies as a family member for the purpose of using paid sick days. Currently, workers are only allowed to use their paid sick days to care for themselves, a spouse, or their child. However, under the new legislation, employees would be able to use their paid sick days to care for their parents and domestic partners as well.
According to Lamont, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency of modernizing the state’s paid sick days statutes. He emphasized that workers should not have to choose between going to work sick and risking the spread of illness or sacrificing a day’s wage and being unable to support themselves and their families.
In addition to these changes, the proposal includes several other provisions. It prohibits employers from requiring workers to search for a replacement when accessing their paid sick days. It also prevents employers from eliminating an employee’s accrued paid sick days when there is a change in ownership or job site. Moreover, the legislation enables employees to use their paid sick days during a public health emergency, such as when a worksite is closed by a public health authority or when a family member’s childcare facility is ordered to close.
Importantly, the proposed legislation adds protections for small businesses. Employers would have the right to request reasonable documentation if an employee uses three or more consecutive paid sick days. They would also have the discretion to take action if paid sick days are misused.
Lamont’s proposal, known as Senate Bill 12, recently underwent a public hearing in the Labor and Public Employees Committee and is currently awaiting further legislative action. It aims to address the gaps in the current paid sick days laws and adapt to the evolving landscape of work in a post-pandemic world.
In conclusion, Governor Lamont is calling for the expansion and strengthening of Connecticut’s paid sick days laws to better protect workers and their families. The proposed legislation includes provisions to ensure that all employees have access to paid sick days, expands the definition of a family member, and introduces safeguards for small businesses. The bill, Senate Bill 12, is now pending further legislative action after a recent public hearing.