Senate Bill No. 912, also known as File No. 14, proposes amendments to the general statutes to change the employment status of Probate Court system employees, effective October 1, 2023. The bill amends subsection (g) of section 45a-8a, specifying that employees of the Regional Children's Probate Court shall not be considered state employees, except for the purposes of chapter 68, which pertains to collective bargaining rights. Additionally, it amends section 45a-21 to classify Probate Court employees as state employees for the purpose of chapter 68, thereby granting them collective bargaining rights. The bill also includes changes to sections 5-270, 5-278, and 5-275 to incorporate Probate Courts into the collective bargaining laws and allows for the formation of up to two separate bargaining units for Probate Court employees.

The bill's fiscal impact statement acknowledges potential costs to the Probate Court Administration Fund and the General Fund, including one-time costs for legal counsel and equipment for new human resources employees, as well as recurring costs for additional staff salary and benefits. SB 912 also stipulates that Probate Court employees who opt not to engage in collective bargaining will maintain their status as at-will employees. The probate court administrator, or a designated representative, is required to negotiate with the employees on behalf of the probate court starting from the bill's effective date. The bill includes technical and conforming changes to align with the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
LAB Joint Favorable:
File No. 14: