Senate Bill No. 332 (File No. 260) proposes an amendment to the 2024 supplement to the general statutes, specifically section 31-275(1), to expand the definition of "arising out of and in the course of his employment" for public works department employees. The amendment includes a new provision that would cover employees during their direct travel to and from their place of abode and work under certain conditions, such as being subject to emergency calls, responding to a direct order to appear at work when nonessential employees are excused, or after working two or more consecutive days of mandatory overtime. The bill also defines "public works department" and includes renumbering of subsequent clauses due to the insertion of the new provision.

The fiscal impact statement of the bill indicates potential costs to the state and self-insured municipalities beginning in fiscal year 2025, due to an expected increase in medical and indemnity claims and premium costs for workers' compensation benefits. Fully or partially insured municipalities may also see increased premiums. The bill is identified as a state mandate, potentially leading to additional expenditures from local revenues. The ongoing fiscal impact is expected to continue into the future, subject to inflation. SB332 is set to become effective on October 1, 2024, and has passed the Labor and Public Employees Committee with a vote of 8-4 in favor on March 19, 2024.