Substitute Senate Bill No. 7 introduces significant changes to Connecticut's Paid Sick Days law, which will take effect on October 1, 2024. The bill expands the definition of "Child" to include a broader range of relationships and removes the term "Day or temporary worker" from the definitions. It also redefines "Employer" to include any entity employing individuals in the state, eliminating the previous 50-employee threshold and certain exclusions. New definitions for "Family member," "Grandchild," and "Parent" are added, and the term "Mental health wellness day" is now applicable to all employees. The bill removes the detailed list of occupations under "Service worker," suggesting a wider application of the law. Additionally, the bill amends the accrual rate of paid sick leave to one hour for every thirty hours worked and outlines conditions for employee transfers, employer succession, and the retention and use of accrued sick leave.

The bill also prohibits employers from requiring employees to find a replacement worker when taking paid sick leave and allows for the use of paid sick leave for a variety of reasons, including personal or family member's illness, injury, health condition, medical care, preventative care, and situations related to public health emergencies, family violence, or sexual assault. Employers may request documentation for leave of three or more consecutive days but cannot require details of the illness or the nature of family violence or sexual assault. The bill mandates written notice to employees about their entitlement to paid sick leave and the terms of use, with the Labor Commissioner responsible for creating a model poster and notice. Employers are required to maintain records for three years and provide notice of paid sick leave on employee pay stubs, with civil penalties for violations and the Labor Commissioner authorized to adopt regulations to implement the law.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 31-57s, 31-57u, 31-57v, 31-57w
LAB Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-57s, 31-57u, 31-57v, 31-57w
File No. 339: 31-57s, 31-57u, 31-57v, 31-57w