Senate Bill No. 8, also known as Public Act No. 25-64, aims to enhance protections for workers and their rights, particularly in relation to unemployment benefits during labor disputes. The bill modifies section 31-236 of the general statutes by repealing subdivision (3) of subsection (a) and replacing it with new provisions effective October 1, 2025. Notably, the bill stipulates that individuals whose unemployment is due to a labor dispute, other than a lockout, will not be eligible for benefits unless certain conditions are met. These conditions include that the labor dispute must be continuous for fourteen days if it begins on or after December 14, 2026, and that the individual is not participating in or directly interested in the dispute.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a lockout and outlines the circumstances under which it occurs, emphasizing the employer's actions in relation to employee work availability during a labor dispute. The language changes include the deletion of the word "provided" and the insertion of "except that," along with specific criteria regarding participation in labor disputes and the conditions under which unemployment benefits may be granted. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on June 23, 2025.