The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1222, aims to amend the definition of "arising out of and in the course of his employment" within the context of workers' compensation coverage for public works department employees. The bill introduces new provisions that specifically include public works department employees in the definition of employment-related activities. This includes scenarios where these employees are subject to emergency calls while off duty, respond to direct orders to appear at work when nonessential employees are excused, or work consecutive mandatory overtime shifts. The bill defines "public works department" as a state or municipal department responsible for the construction, regulation, or maintenance of public works and improvements.

In addition to the new insertions, the bill also repeals the existing subdivision (1) of section 31-275 and replaces it with the updated language. Notably, the bill deletes the previous subparagraph (iv) and renumbers the subsequent subparagraphs accordingly. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and the Workers' Compensation Commission is tasked with adopting regulations to implement these provisions by January 1, 2006.