Connecticut House Bill HB06656

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/17
• Refer: 1/24/17

Caption

An Act Concerning An Employee's Duty To Provide Notice Of A Claim For Workers' Compensation To His Or Her Employer.

Impact

By formalizing the requirement that employees notify the human resources department of their intent to file a claim, HB 6656 seeks to enhance communication and ensure that employers are promptly informed of any potential workers' compensation claims. This is expected to benefit both parties by providing a clearer framework for claims processing. Furthermore, the expansion of this notification requirement is positioned as a necessary update to public act 16-112, which previously applied narrower conditions.

Summary

House Bill 6656 aims to amend the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the procedure for notifying employers of workers' compensation claims. The proposed legislation specifically amends section 31-294c to require that all employees who intend to file a claim must send a written notice of that claim directly to the human resources department at their principal place of employment. This change is intended to create a more streamlined and clear process for both employees and employers regarding workers' compensation claims.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 6656 may include concerns regarding the comprehensive nature of the notification process. Some stakeholders may argue that imposing a standardized requirement could overwhelm human resources departments, especially in larger organizations. Others may raise questions about the adequacy of the written notice itself, including whether it allows sufficient flexibility for employees who may face difficulties in adhering to the formalities required. While proponents may argue that the bill enhances accountability and expediency in handling claims, opposition may stem from apprehensions about its potential implications for employees who are already navigating a complex and often challenging claim process.