Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
A bill that would offer statewide paid leave to employees of Connecticut’s federally recognized tribes gained final passage in the House on Thursday night.
The bill would also extend paid leave to sexual assault victims.
Senate Bill 222 next heads to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk for his signature. It would change Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance law and its family violence leave law.
The state’s paid leave program is employee-funded and offers up to 12 weeks of partial pay for employees who are on unpaid leave for events such as the birth of a child or if an employee needs to get services following domestic violence.
The bill allows the governor the authority to enter into an agreement with any of the state’s federally recognized tribes to offer paid leave benefits to any employees of the tribe or tribally owned businesses.
It broadens the state’s family violence law so that victims of sexual assault can get paid leave.
S.B. 222 puts into law requirements for employers to register with the Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Authority. It also requires that health care providers have information about the leave program on display.
Representatives from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribe submitted testimony in support of the bill.
“We appreciate this language and the Mohegan Tribe welcomes the opportunity to continue to build on the strong government-to-government partnership between this Legislature and Connecticut’s Tribes,” Mohegan Tribe chief of staff Chuck Bunnell wrote in public testimony.
Proponents of the bill say it would expand benefits to cover victims of sexual assault, who are disproportionately likely to be women and disproportionately likely to be in a racial or ethnic minority group.
Republicans objected, saying the bill could put more burden on employers, would cost employees money and that the legislature should maintain oversight of the contract with the tribes. They filed several amendments, none of which passed.
Labor and Public Employees Committee vice chair Rep. Derell Wilson, D-Norwich, said the bill language was crafted to ensure that the agreement respected the sovereignty of the tribes.
The Senate bill works alongside a House Bill that representatives passed last week to expand paid sick leave in Connecticut to gradually cover nearly every employee by 2027.
S.B. 222 passed with a vote of 108-41, largely along party lines, with two not voting.
This special edition informs and connects businesses with nonprofit organizations that are aligned with what they care about. Each nonprofit profile provides a crisp snapshot of the organization’s mission, goals, area of service, giving and volunteer opportunities and board leadership.
Learn moreHartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeDelivering Vital Marketplace Content and Context to Senior Decision Makers Throughout Greater Hartford and the State ... All Year Long!
Read HereThis special edition informs and connects businesses with nonprofit organizations that are aligned with what they care about. Each nonprofit profile provides a crisp snapshot of the organization’s mission, goals, area of service, giving and volunteer opportunities and board leadership.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering Vital Marketplace Content and Context to Senior Decision Makers Throughout Greater Hartford and the State ... All Year Long!
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments