Substitute House Bill No. 5003 (sHB5003) aims to enhance workforce development and improve working conditions for health care providers, educators, and service workers in Connecticut. Key provisions include requiring health care facilities to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees assaulted while on duty, mandating the reporting of patient violence incidents, and expanding protections for educational staff, including student teachers. The bill also prohibits employment promissory notes for all employers, establishes a task force to study benefits for individuals with disabilities earning below minimum wage, and introduces a grant program for junior firefighter initiatives. Additionally, it modifies existing laws regarding teacher contract terminations, nurse staffing plans, and employee rights related to wage transparency and workplace accommodations for conditions such as pregnancy and menopause.

The bill further enhances job security for service workers by requiring the retention of employees for at least 90 days following contract changes and mandates that employers provide clear wage information in job postings. It also expands health insurance coverage for the survivors of first responders and establishes a certified nursing assistant training program. The legislation includes provisions for virtual monitoring in home care, increased penalties for noncompliance with staffing requirements in hospitals, and mandates for remote work during inclement weather. Overall, sHB5003 seeks to create a safer and more equitable work environment while supporting the needs of various employee groups across the state.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-236a, 31-51r, 7-152b, 31-57g, 5-280, 7-477, 10-153a, 7-459b, 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225, 31-3k, 31-40w
LAB Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-236a, 31-51r, 7-152b, 31-57g, 5-280, 7-477, 10-153a, 29-221, 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225, 31-3l, 31-40w, 31-13a, 31-40z
File No. 400: 10-236a, 31-51r, 7-152b, 31-57g, 5-280, 7-477, 10-153a, 29-221, 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225, 31-3l, 31-40w, 31-13a, 31-40z