Connecticut House Bill HB06933

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19
• Refer: 3/19/19
• Report Pass: 3/21/19
• Refer: 4/1/19
• Report Pass: 4/8/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Disclosure Of The Salary Range Of A Vacant Employment Position.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06933 would represent a significant shift in how employment positions are advertised in the state. Disclosure of salary ranges could help level the playing field for job seekers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds who may face challenges in negotiating wages. The legislative discussions surrounding this bill indicate that it may also encourage fairer pay practices among employers, potentially narrowing wage gaps that disproportionately affect women and minorities. By requiring transparency in salary information, the bill seeks to foster a more equitable labor market.

Summary

House Bill 06933 aims to enhance transparency in the job market by requiring employers in the state to disclose salary ranges for advertised vacant employment positions. The bill mandates that the Labor Commissioner conduct a study to evaluate whether such a requirement should be implemented, which is to be reported to the General Assembly by January 1, 2020. The overarching goal of the bill aligns with efforts to promote fair employment practices and combat wage disparities by ensuring that job applicants have access to information regarding compensation expectations before applying for positions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 06933 appears to be generally positive among labor advocates and progressive lawmakers, who view it as a step towards improving workplace equity and transparency. However, opposition may arise from business groups concerned about potential complications in recruitment and competitive pressures. The bill's proponents argue that transparency will ultimately benefit employers by attracting qualified applicants who are well-informed about compensation, while critics may worry about rigid salary structures that could limit flexibility in negotiations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some business entities who fear that mandatory salary disclosures could lead to a less dynamic hiring process. They argue that knowledge of salary ranges may diminish flexibility in negotiations and reduce a company's competitiveness in attracting top talent. Additionally, there is the question of how comprehensive the salary range disclosures should be, particularly in relation to different roles and levels of experience, which could affect the implementation of the bill.