Labor and Public Employees Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-903
AN ACT CONCERNING TECHNICAL AND OTHER CHANGES TO THE LABOR
Title: DEPARTMENT STATUTES.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/4/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Labor and Public Employees Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
The Labor Department needs technical changes and updates.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
KURT WESTBY, COMMISSIONER, CT DEPT. OF LABOR
Commissioner Westby's testimony explained the revisions which seek to create more
appropriate time frames for economic forecasting that identify emerging regional, state, and
national workforce needs. The DOL is required to provide a 30 year-forecast, but this data is
not available. They are requesting to change to a 10-year forecast since the agency regularly
forecasts for a 10-year cycle. It also amends the statutory requirement that the DOL appoint a
job training coordinator to develop job training programs. This is a duplicate program already
covered by the apprenticeship program. The bill codifies labor statues regarding the definition
of a "pre-apprenticeship" so that someone can earn additional on-the-job credits toward a
registered apprenticeship. The bill also amends unemployment insurance statutes regarding
the earning period used to determine eligibility and weekly benefit amounts for claimants who
have been absent from work due to a workers' compensation injury or approved medical
leave. This will ensure alignment with the information technology modernization project. The
bill also looks into a reference to the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment to
reflect current practice as directed by the federal government. Various obsolete statutes
should be repealed, including the CT Low Wage Employer Advisory Board.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
None submitted.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None submitted.
Reported by: Marie Knudsen, Assistant Clerk Date: March 15, 2021
Page 2 of 2 SB-903


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-95h, 12-217g, 31-3b, 31-22m, 31-22o, 31-230, 31-235
LAB Joint Favorable: 10-95h, 12-217g, 31-3b, 31-22m, 31-22o, 31-230, 31-235
File No. 285: 10-95h, 12-217g, 31-3b, 31-22m, 31-22o, 31-230, 31-235
Public Act No. 21-141: 10-95h, 12-217g, 31-3b, 31-22m, 31-22o, 31-230, 31-235