Senate Bill No. 348 seeks to enhance workers' compensation coverage for employees of public works departments by revising the definition of "arising out of and in the course of his employment" in section 31-275 of the general statutes. The bill introduces new provisions that specifically include public works employees in scenarios such as responding to emergency calls while off duty, being ordered to report to work when nonessential employees are excused, or after working consecutive mandatory overtime shifts. Additionally, the definition of "public works department" is clarified to refer to state or municipal departments responsible for public works and improvements. The bill repeals the previous subdivision (1) of section 31-275 and replaces it with this updated language.

The intent of SB 348 is to ensure that injuries sustained during travel between home and the workplace are recognized as work-related, thereby qualifying public works employees for workers' compensation benefits. This expansion aligns their coverage with that of 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers, Department of Correction employees, police officers, and firefighters, who already enjoy similar protections. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and while it may have a fiscal impact on the Department of Administrative Services and various municipalities due to increased eligibility for claims, it is not expected to significantly affect the Workers' Compensation Commission. The Labor and Public Employees Committee reported the bill favorably with a vote of 9 in favor and 4 against.