Substitute Senate Bill No. 436 seeks to improve work scheduling practices for employees in sectors such as retail, food services, hospitality, and long-term health care, effective October 1, 2026. The bill mandates that employers provide new employees with a written statement of their availability and a good faith estimate of their anticipated work schedule before employment begins. Employers must notify employees of their work schedules at least fourteen days in advance and provide written notice of any changes, along with compensation for changes made without proper notice. Specifically, employees are entitled to one hour of pay for certain changes that increase their hours or shift times, and half of their regular pay for hours lost due to schedule changes, with exceptions for mutual agreements or employee requests.

Additionally, the bill prohibits employers from scheduling shifts that begin less than eleven hours after the end of a previous shift unless the employee consents in writing. Employers are required to prioritize scheduling existing employees for their desired hours before hiring new staff and must maintain accurate records of employee work schedules for three years. The bill allows employees or their representatives to file complaints in Superior Court for violations, seeking compensatory damages and civil penalties of up to $200 per violation. Whistleblower protections are also included, enabling individuals to report violations and seek damages on behalf of the state. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, predictability, and fairness in employee scheduling practices.