Substitute Senate Bill No. 1427 seeks to enhance the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program by expanding its benefits to include non-certified employees of local and regional boards of education and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. The bill introduces a new definition of "covered public employee" to explicitly include these individuals, thereby broadening the scope of eligible employees. It also updates various definitions, such as "base weekly earnings" and "covered employee," to ensure clarity and inclusivity. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of specific categories of employees previously eligible for leave, which are now encompassed under the broader definition of "eligible employees." The Labor Commissioner is tasked with adopting regulations to ensure that paraeducators are included in the updated framework.

Moreover, the bill establishes new operational procedures for the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, including the adoption of an annual budget and hiring policies, while ensuring transparency in the management of the program. It allows for the use of state administrative data to improve program delivery and evaluation and mandates the establishment of a secure website for public information. The bill also modifies eligibility criteria, allowing employees to qualify for job-protected leave after three months of employment within the previous 12-month period, rather than the three months immediately preceding the leave. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, and while the bill does not impose a fiscal impact on the Paid Leave Contribution Trust Fund, it may incur costs for local and regional school districts due to the need for temporary staff replacements.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 31-49e
LAB Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-49e, 31-49h, 31-51kk, 31-51rr
File No. 542: 31-49e, 31-49h, 31-51kk, 31-51rr