Connecticut Senate Bill SB00358

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Requiring Employers To Allow Volunteer Firefighters And Ambulance Personnel To Respond To Emergency Calls During Work Hours.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify current employment laws by requiring businesses to accommodate volunteer emergency responders without mandating compensation for the time spent responding to calls. This means that while employers will have to allow their employees to leave work for emergencies, they will not be financially liable for wages lost during that time. The intent is to increase the pool of responders who can act quickly in critical situations, potentially saving lives and improving community safety.

Summary

SB00358 is an act that mandates employers to permit volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel to respond to emergency calls during their work hours. The proposal aims to address the growing need for immediate response to emergencies by allowing more personnel to be available during the day when such incidents typically occur. The bill highlights the significance of enhancing volunteer emergency services, particularly in communities where these volunteers are critical to effective emergency management.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding how this bill impacts employee rights and business operations. Critics might argue that requiring employers to allow time off for emergency responses could disrupt business productivity and workflow. Additionally, there could be concerns expressed about the fairness of unpaid time off, particularly in lower-income job sectors where every hour of pay is vital. Supporters, however, are likely to argue that the social benefits of increased emergency response outweigh the potential drawbacks for businesses.