LCO \\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881-R01- SB.docx 1 of 30 General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 881 January Session, 2019 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: Section 1. (NEW) (Effective from passage) As used in this section and 1 sections 2 to 13, inclusive, of this act: 2 (1) "Covered worker" means an individual who (A) (i) has earned 3 not less than two thousand three hundred twenty-five dollars from one 4 or more employers during the employee's highest earning quarter 5 within the base period, and (ii) is employed by an employer or not 6 currently employed, (B) is a self-employed individual or sole 7 proprietor who has earned not less than two thousand three hundred 8 twenty-five dollars during the worker's highest earning quarter within 9 the base period, or (C) is a member of a collective bargaining unit that 10 has negotiated inclusion in the program, in accordance with chapter 68 11 of the general statutes or sections 7-467 to 7-477, inclusive, of the 12 general statutes; 13 (2) "Administrator" means the Labor Department or such quasi-14 public agency, as defined in section 1-120 of the general statutes, as the 15 Labor Commissioner may designate; 16 (3) "Employ" means to allow or permit to work; 17 (4) "Employee" means an individual engaged in service to an 18 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 2 of 30 employer in this state in the business of the employer and includes a 19 self-employed individual or sole proprietor in the state; 20 (5) "Employer" means a person engaged in any activity, enterprise 21 or business who employs one or more employees, and includes any 22 person who acts, directly or indirectly, in the interest of an employer to 23 any of the employees of such employer and any successor in interest of 24 an employer. "Employer" does not include the state, or a municipality, 25 or a local or regional board of education, except when a collective 26 bargaining unit negotiates inclusion of the members of that collective 27 bargaining unit in the program, in accordance with chapter 68 of the 28 general statutes or sections 7-467 to 7-477, inclusive, of the general 29 statutes; 30 (6) "Family and medical leave compensation" or "compensation" 31 means the paid leave provided to covered workers from the Family 32 and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund; 33 (7) "Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program" or "program" 34 means the program established in section 2 of this act; 35 (8) "Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund" or "trust" 36 means the trust fund established in section 3 of this act; 37 (9) "Person" means one or more individuals, partnerships, 38 associations, corporations, limited liability companies, business trusts, 39 legal representatives or any organized group of persons; 40 (10) "Base period" means the first four of the five most recently 41 worked quarters; and 42 (11) "Base weekly earnings" means an amount equal to one twenty-43 sixth, rounded to the next lower dollar, of the average of a worker's 44 total wages, as defined in subsection (b) of section 31-222 of the general 45 statutes, paid during the two quarters of the worker's base period in 46 which such wages were highest. 47 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 3 of 30 Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a 48 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. The program shall be 49 administered by the administrator and shall offer up to twelve 50 workweeks of family and medical leave compensation to covered 51 workers during any twelve-month period. The program shall offer two 52 additional weeks of family and medical leave compensation to a 53 covered worker for a serious health condition that occurs during a 54 pregnancy. 55 (b) On or before October 1, 2020, the administrator shall begin 56 collecting contributions to the Family and Medical Leave Insurance 57 Trust Fund, established in section 3 of this act and, on and after 58 January 1, 2022, shall begin to provide compensation to covered 59 workers. For the purposes of this section and sections 3 to 13, inclusive, 60 of this act, the administrator shall have the power to (1) determine 61 whether an individual meets the requirements for compensation under 62 this section; (2) require a covered worker's claim for compensation 63 pursuant to this section be supported by certification pursuant to 64 section 31-51mm of the general statutes, as amended by this act, and 65 subsection (d) of section 31-51ss of the general statutes; (3) examine, or 66 cause to be produced or examined, any books, records, documents, 67 contracts or other papers relevant to the eligibility of a covered worker; 68 (4) summon and examine under oath such witnesses as may provide 69 information relevant to a covered worker's claim for family and 70 medical leave compensation; (5) establish procedures and forms for the 71 filing of claims for compensation, including the certification required 72 for establishing eligibility for such compensation; and (6) ensure the 73 confidentiality of records and documents relating to medical 74 certifications, recertifications or medical histories of covered workers 75 or covered workers' family members pursuant to section 31-51oo of the 76 general statutes, as amended by this act. 77 (c) (1) Beginning on or before October 1, 2020, each employee shall 78 contribute one-half of one per cent of his or her weekly earnings to the 79 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund, in a manner and 80 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 4 of 30 form prescribed by the administrator pursuant to section 6 of this act. 81 (2) On September 1, 2022, and on each September first thereafter, the 82 administrator shall publish the following information: (A) The total 83 amount of benefits paid by the administrator during the previous fiscal 84 year, as well as the total amount required for the administration of the 85 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program in such year; (B) the 86 total amount remaining in the trust fund at the close of such fiscal year; 87 (C) the total amount equal to one hundred forty per cent of the 88 previous fiscal year's expenditure for benefits paid and for the 89 administration of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program; 90 (D) the amount by which the total amount remaining in the trust fund 91 at the close of the previous fiscal year is less than or greater than one 92 hundred forty per cent of the previous fiscal year's expenditure for 93 benefits paid and for the administration of the Family and Medical 94 Leave Insurance Program. On November 1, 2022, and on each 95 November first thereafter, the Labor Commissioner shall announce a 96 revision to the contribution rate set forth in subdivision (1) of this 97 subsection to ensure that the trust fund shall maintain or achieve an 98 annualized amount of not less than one hundred forty per cent of the 99 previous fiscal year's expenditure for benefits paid and for the 100 administration of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. 101 Effective on January first of the calendar year following each such 102 announcement, the revised contribution rate announced by the Labor 103 Commissioner under this subsection shall supersede the rate 104 previously set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection or established 105 in accordance with this subsection. 106 (3) The amount of earnings subject to contributions for a given year 107 shall not exceed the Social Security contribution and benefit base, as 108 determined pursuant to 42 USC 430, as amended from time to time, 109 and shall be utilized to provide compensation to covered workers 110 pursuant to this subsection and subsections (d) to (f), inclusive, of this 111 section. 112 (4) Notwithstanding section 31-71e of the general statutes, an 113 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 5 of 30 employer may withhold or divert the portion of an employee's wages 114 that corresponds to the contribution rate established pursuant to this 115 subsection for the purpose of remitting such wages to the Family and 116 Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund. 117 (5) If, after notice, an employee or employer fails to make a payment 118 required by this section, a state collection agency, as defined in section 119 12-35 of the general statutes, shall collect such contribution and interest 120 by any means provided in sections 12-35, 31-265 and 31-266 of the 121 general statutes. 122 (d) The weekly compensation offered to covered workers shall be 123 equal to ninety per cent of a covered worker's base weekly earnings up 124 to an amount equal to forty times the minimum fair wage, as defined 125 in section 31-58 of the general statutes, and sixty-seven per cent of that 126 worker's base weekly earnings above an amount equal to forty times 127 the minimum fair wage, except that the weekly compensation shall not 128 exceed an amount equal to sixty times the minimum fair wage. If the 129 Internal Revenue Service determines that family and medical leave 130 compensation is subject to federal income tax and a covered worker 131 elects to have federal income tax deducted and withheld from his or 132 her compensation, the administrator shall deduct and withhold the 133 amount specified in the United States Internal Revenue Code in a 134 manner consistent with state law. 135 (e) A covered worker shall receive compensation under this section 136 for leave taken for one or more of the reasons listed in subparagraphs 137 (A) to (E), inclusive, of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 31-138 51ll of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or the reasons listed 139 in subsection (i) of said section or section 31-51ss of the general 140 statutes, if such covered worker (1) provides notice to the 141 administrator, and such covered worker's employer, if applicable, of 142 the need for such compensation in a form and a manner as prescribed 143 by the administrator, and (2) upon the request of the administrator, 144 provides certification of such covered worker's need for compensation 145 in accordance with the provisions of section 31-51mm of the general 146 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 6 of 30 statutes, as amended by this act, to the administrator and such 147 employer, if applicable. 148 (f) A covered worker may receive compensation under this section 149 for intermittent leave, provided such leave shall not be less than four 150 consecutive hours of leave in any workweek. If family and medical 151 leave benefits are taken for four hours or more, but for less than one 152 full week, such hourly compensation shall be determined on a pro rata 153 basis at the discretion of the administrator. 154 (g) A covered worker may receive compensation under this section 155 concurrently with any employer-provided employment benefits, 156 provided the total compensation of such covered worker during such 157 period of leave shall not exceed such covered worker's regular rate of 158 compensation. 159 (h) No covered worker shall receive compensation under this 160 section concurrently with compensation under chapter 567 or 568 of 161 the general statutes or any other state or federal program that provides 162 wage replacement. 163 (i) No covered worker shall receive compensation under this section 164 during the greater of the first forty work hours or seven calendar days 165 of such leave in any twelve-month period, unless taken upon the birth 166 of a son or daughter of the covered worker or upon the placement of a 167 son or daughter with the covered worker for adoption or foster care; 168 except that a covered worker may utilize accrued sick or vacation pay 169 or other paid leave provided under an employer policy during the first 170 forty work hours or seven calendar days of such leave. Covered 171 workers taking family or medical leave for which benefits are not 172 payable under this subsection shall be entitled to the protections of 173 section 31-51nn of the general statutes. 174 (j) Any moneys expended from the General Fund for the purpose of 175 administering the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, or 176 providing compensation to covered workers, shall be reimbursed to 177 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 7 of 30 the General Fund by the administrator over a period established by the 178 administrator. 179 Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a fund 180 to be known as the "Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund" 181 for the purpose of providing family and medical leave compensation 182 to covered workers. The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust 183 Fund shall be a nonlapsing fund held by the State Treasurer separate 184 and apart from all other moneys, funds and accounts. Investment 185 earnings credited to the trust shall become part of the trust. 186 (b) The trust shall constitute an instrumentality of the state and shall 187 perform essential governmental functions in accordance with the 188 provisions of this section. The trust shall receive and hold all payments 189 and deposits and premiums intended for the trust, as well as gifts, 190 bequests, endowments or federal, state or local grants and any other 191 funds from any public or private source and all earnings until 192 disbursed in accordance with the provisions of this section. 193 (c) The amounts on deposit in the trust shall not constitute property 194 of the state and the trust shall not be construed to be a department, 195 institution or agency of the state. Amounts on deposit in the trust shall 196 not be commingled with state funds and the state shall have no claim 197 to or against, or interest in, such funds. Any contract entered into by or 198 any obligation of the trust shall not constitute a debt or obligation of 199 the state and the state shall have no obligation to any designated 200 beneficiary or any other person on account of the trust and all amounts 201 obligated to be paid from the trust shall be limited to amounts 202 available for such obligation on deposit in the trust. The trust shall 203 continue in existence as long as it holds any deposits or has any 204 obligations and until its existence is terminated by law and upon 205 termination any unclaimed assets shall return to the state. Property of 206 the trust shall be governed by section 3-61a of the general statutes. 207 (d) The State Treasurer shall be responsible for the receipt and 208 investment of moneys held by the trust. The trust shall not receive 209 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 8 of 30 deposits in any form other than cash. No depositor or designated 210 beneficiary may direct the investment of any contributions or amounts 211 held in the trust other than the specific fund options provided for by 212 the trust. 213 (e) The assets of the trust shall be used for the purpose of (1) 214 distributing family and medical leave compensation to covered 215 workers, (2) educating and informing persons about the program, and 216 (3) paying the operational, administrative and investment costs of the 217 trust, including those incurred pursuant to section 6 of this act. 218 Sec. 4. (NEW) (Effective from passage) The State Treasurer, on behalf 219 of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund and for 220 purposes of the trust, shall: 221 (1) Receive and invest moneys in the trust in any instruments, 222 obligations, securities or property in accordance with sections 3 and 5 223 of this act; 224 (2) Procure insurance as the State Treasurer deems necessary to 225 protect the trust's property, assets, activities or deposits or 226 contributions to the trust; and 227 (3) Apply for, accept and expend gifts, grants or donations from 228 public or private sources to carry out the objectives of the trust. 229 Sec. 5. (NEW) (Effective from passage) The State Treasurer shall invest 230 the amounts on deposit in the Family and Medical Leave Insurance 231 Trust Fund in a manner reasonable and appropriate to achieve the 232 objectives of the trust, exercising the discretion and care of a prudent 233 person in similar circumstances with similar objectives. The State 234 Treasurer shall give due consideration to rate of return, risk, term or 235 maturity, diversification of the total portfolio within the trust, 236 liquidity, the projected disbursements and expenditures and the 237 expected payments, deposits, contributions and gifts to be received. 238 The State Treasurer shall not require the trust to invest directly in 239 obligations of the state or any political subdivision of the state or in 240 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 9 of 30 any investment or other fund administered by the State Treasurer. The 241 assets of the trust shall be continuously invested and reinvested in a 242 manner consistent with the objectives of the trust until disbursed upon 243 order of the administrator or expended on expenses incurred by the 244 operations of the trust. 245 Sec. 6. (NEW) (Effective from passage) The administrator, in 246 consultation with the State Treasurer and the Department of Revenue 247 Services, shall establish the procedures necessary to implement the 248 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. The administrator 249 shall: 250 (1) Design, establish and operate the program to ensure 251 transparency in the management of the program and the Family and 252 Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund through oversight and ethics 253 review of plan fiduciaries; 254 (2) Design and establish the process by which employees shall 255 contribute a portion of their salary or wages to the trust; 256 (3) Evaluate and establish the process by which employers may 257 credit employee premiums to the trust through payroll deposit; 258 (4) Ensure that contributions to the trust collected from employees 259 shall not be used for any purpose other than to provide compensation 260 to covered workers or to satisfy any expenses, including employee 261 costs, incurred to implement, maintain, advertise and administer the 262 program; 263 (5) Establish and maintain a secure Internet web site that displays all 264 public notices issued by the administrator and such other information 265 as the administrator deems relevant and necessary for the 266 implementation of the program and for the education of the public 267 regarding the program; and 268 (6) Not later than January 1, 2020, submit a report, in accordance 269 with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint 270 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 10 of 30 standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of 271 matters relating to labor regarding any recommendations for 272 legislative action that may be necessary for the implementation or 273 administration of the program. 274 Sec. 7. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2020) The administrator, in 275 consultation with the State Treasurer, shall conduct a public education 276 campaign to inform individuals and employers about the Family and 277 Medical Leave Insurance Program. Such campaign shall include, but 278 not be limited to, information about (1) the requirements for receiving 279 family and medical leave compensation, (2) how to apply for such 280 compensation, and (3) the circumstances for which such compensation 281 may be available. The administrator may use funds contributed to the 282 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund for purposes of the 283 public education campaign. Information distributed or made available 284 under the campaign shall be available in English and Spanish and in 285 any other language as prescribed by the administrator. 286 Sec. 8. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) (1) Employers may apply to 287 the administrator for approval to meet their obligations under sections 288 1 to 13, inclusive, of this act through a private plan, which the 289 administrator shall evaluate in coordination with the Insurance 290 Department. To be approved as meeting an employer's obligations 291 under sections 1 to 13, inclusive, of this act, a private plan shall confer 292 all of the same rights, protections and benefits provided to employees 293 under sections 1 to 13, inclusive, of this act, impose no additional 294 conditions or restriction on the use of family or medical leave beyond 295 those explicitly authorized by said sections or by regulations issued 296 pursuant to section 31-51qq, of the general statutes, as amended by this 297 act, and cost employees no more than the cost charged to employees 298 under the state program. 299 (2) In order to be approved as meeting an employer's obligations 300 under sections 1 to 13, inclusive, of this act, a private plan shall also 301 comply with the following provisions: (A) If the private plan is in the 302 form of self-insurance, the employer shall furnish a bond running to 303 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 11 of 30 the state, with a surety company authorized to transact business in the 304 state as surety, in such form as may be approved by the administrator 305 and in such amount as may be required by the department; (B) the 306 plan shall provide coverage for all eligible employees throughout their 307 period of employment; (C) if the plan provides for insurance, the forms 308 of the policy shall be issued by an approved insurer; and (D) the plan 309 shall have been approved by a majority vote of the employer's 310 employees. 311 (b) The administrator may withdraw approval for a private plan 312 granted under subsection (a) of this section when terms or conditions 313 of the plan have been violated. Causes for plan termination include, 314 but shall not be limited to, the following: (1) Failure to pay benefits; (2) 315 failure to pay benefits timely and in a manner consistent with the 316 public plan; (3) failure to maintain an adequate security deposit; (4) 317 misuse of private plan funds; (5) failure to submit reports as required 318 by regulations adopted by the administrator; or (6) failure to comply 319 with sections 1 to 13, inclusive, of this act or the regulations adopted 320 hereunder or both. 321 (c) An employee covered by a private plan approved under this 322 section shall retain all applicable rights under sections 31-51kk to 31-323 51qq, inclusive, of the general statutes, as amended by this act. 324 (d) A denial of family or medical leave benefits by a private plan 325 shall be subject to appeal before the administrator and Superior Court 326 as provided by section 9 of this act. 327 Sec. 9. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Any covered worker aggrieved 328 by a denial of compensation under the Family and Medical Leave 329 Insurance Program may file a complaint with the commissioner. Upon 330 receipt of any such complaint, the commissioner shall conduct an 331 investigation and make a finding regarding jurisdiction and whether a 332 violation of sections 1 to 13, inclusive, of this act, has occurred. If the 333 commissioner makes a finding that the agency has no jurisdiction or 334 that no violation of such sections has occurred, the commissioner shall 335 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 12 of 30 dismiss the complaint and issue a release of jurisdiction allowing the 336 complainant to bring a civil action in Superior Court. Any action 337 brought by the complainant in accordance with this subsection shall be 338 brought not later than ninety days after the date of the receipt of the 339 release from the commissioner. The employee may be awarded all 340 appropriate relief, including any compensation or benefits to which the 341 covered worker otherwise would have been eligible if such denial had 342 not occurred. If the commissioner makes a finding that a violation of 343 sections 1 to 13, inclusive, of this act, has occurred, there shall be a 344 mandatory settlement conference and, in the absence of a settlement, 345 the commissioner shall hold a hearing. After the hearing, the 346 commissioner shall send each party a written copy of the 347 commissioner's decision. The commissioner may award the covered 348 worker all appropriate relief, including any compensation or benefits 349 to which the covered worker otherwise would have been eligible if 350 such denial had not occurred. Any party aggrieved by the decision of 351 the commissioner may appeal the decision to the Superior Court in 352 accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 of the general statutes. 353 Sec. 10. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2021) Each employer shall, at the 354 time of hiring, and annually thereafter, provide notice to each of the 355 employer's employees (1) of the entitlement to family and medical 356 leave under sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, of the general 357 statutes, as amended by this act, and 31-51ss of the general statutes 358 and the terms under which such leave may be used, (2) that retaliation 359 by the employer against the employee for requesting, applying for or 360 using family and medical leave for which the employee is eligible is 361 prohibited, and (3) that the employee has a right to file a complaint 362 with the Labor Commissioner for any violation of said sections. An 363 employee claiming to be aggrieved in relation to such a complaint filed 364 with the Labor Commissioner may bring an action in the superior 365 court for the judicial district of Hartford within one year from the date 366 of the alleged aggrievement. The Labor Commissioner may adopt 367 regulations, in accordance with chapter 54 of the general statutes, to 368 establish additional requirements concerning the means by which 369 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 13 of 30 employers shall provide such notice. 370 Sec. 11. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) Any individual or covered 371 worker participating in the program who wilfully makes a false 372 statement or misrepresentation regarding a material fact, or wilfully 373 fails to report a material fact, to obtain family and medical leave 374 compensation shall be disqualified from receiving any compensation 375 under the program for two years after making such false statement or 376 misrepresentation or failing to report such material fact. 377 (b) If family and medical leave compensation is paid to an 378 individual or covered worker erroneously or as a result of wilful 379 misrepresentation by such individual or covered worker, or if a claim 380 for family and medical leave compensation is rejected after 381 compensation is paid, the administrator may seek repayment of 382 benefits from the individual or covered worker having received such 383 compensation and may also, in the case of wilful misrepresentation, 384 seek payment of a penalty in the amount of fifty per cent of the 385 benefits paid as a result of such misrepresentation. The administrator 386 may, in his or her discretion, waive, in whole or in part, the amount of 387 any such payments where the recovery would be against equity and 388 good conscience. 389 (c) If family and medical leave compensation is paid to an 390 individual or covered worker as a result of wilful misrepresentation by 391 any health care provider, as defined in section 31-51kk of the general 392 statutes, as amended by this act, the administrator shall notify the 393 Labor Commissioner and may seek payment of a penalty from such 394 health care provider in the amount of fifty per cent of the benefits paid 395 as a result of such misrepresentation. The administrator may, in his or 396 her discretion, waive, in whole or in part, the amount of any such 397 payments where the recovery would be against equity and good 398 conscience. 399 (d) A health care provider shall complete a medical certification of a 400 patient's serious medical condition at the request of the patient. No 401 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 14 of 30 health care provider shall charge a patient a fee for such service. 402 Sec. 12. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Nothing in sections 31-51kk to 403 31-51qq, inclusive, of the general statutes, as amended by this act, and 404 31-51ss of the general statutes or sections 2 to 13, inclusive, of this act, 405 shall be construed to (1) prevent employers from providing any 406 benefits that are more expansive than those provided for under said 407 sections, (2) diminish any rights provided to any covered worker 408 under the terms of the covered worker's employment or a collective 409 bargaining agreement, or (3) interfere with, impede or in any way 410 diminish the right of an employee to bargain collectively with his or 411 her employer through a representative of his or her choosing, in order 412 to establish wages or conditions of work in excess of the applicable 413 minimum pursuant to sections 3-13c of the general statutes, as 414 amended by this act, 31-51kk to 31-51mm, inclusive, of the general 415 statutes, as amended by this act, 31-51oo to 31-51qq, inclusive, of the 416 general statutes, as amended by this act, and sections 1 to 13, inclusive, 417 of this act. 418 Sec. 13. (Effective from passage) Not later than July 1, 2022, and 419 annually thereafter, the administrator shall report, in accordance with 420 section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of 421 the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to 422 appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and labor, and to the 423 Office of Policy and Management, on (1) the projected and actual 424 participation in the program, (2) the balance of the trust, (3) the size of 425 employers at which covered workers are employed, (4) the reasons 426 covered workers are receiving family and medical leave compensation, 427 (5) the success of the administrator's outreach and education efforts, 428 and (6) demographic information of covered workers, including 429 gender, age, town of residence and income level. 430 Sec. 14. Section 31-51kk of the general statutes is repealed and the 431 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019): 432 As used in sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended by 433 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 15 of 30 this act: 434 (1) "Eligible employee" means an employee who has [been 435 employed (A) for at least twelve months by the employer with respect 436 to whom leave is requested; and (B) for at least one thousand hours of 437 service with such employer during the twelve-month period preceding 438 the first day of the leave] earned not less than two thousand three 439 hundred twenty-five dollars from one or more employers during the 440 employee's highest earning quarter within the base period, as defined 441 in section 1 of this act; 442 (2) "Employ" includes to allow or permit to work; 443 (3) "Employee" means any person engaged in service to an employer 444 in the business of the employer; 445 (4) "Employer" means a person engaged in any activity, enterprise 446 or business who employs [seventy-five] one or more employees, and 447 includes any person who acts, directly or indirectly, in the interest of 448 an employer to any of the employees of such employer and any 449 successor in interest of an employer, [but] as well as any partnership, 450 association, corporation, or business trust that contracts with self-451 employed individuals for services and is required to report the 452 payment for services to such individuals on IRS Form 1099-MISC for 453 more than fifty per cent of its workforce, and shall not include [the 454 state,] a municipality [,] or a local or regional board of education; [, or a 455 private or parochial elementary or secondary school. The number of 456 employees of an employer shall be determined on October first 457 annually;] 458 (5) "Employment benefits" means all benefits provided or made 459 available to employees by an employer, including group life insurance, 460 health insurance, disability insurance, sick leave, annual leave, 461 educational benefits and pensions, regardless of whether such benefits 462 are provided by practice or written policy of an employer or through 463 an "employee benefit plan", as defined in Section 1002(3) of Title 29 of 464 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 16 of 30 the United States Code; 465 (6) "Grandchild" means a grandchild related to a person by (A) 466 blood, (B) marriage, (C) adoption by a child of the grandparent, or (D) 467 foster care by a child of the grandparent; 468 (7) "Grandparent" means a grandparent related to a person by (A) 469 blood, (B) marriage, (C) adoption of a minor child by a child of the 470 grandparent, or (D) foster care by a child of the grandparent; 471 [(6)] (8) "Health care provider" means (A) a doctor of medicine or 472 osteopathy who is authorized to practice medicine or surgery by the 473 state in which the doctor practices; (B) a podiatrist, dentist, 474 psychologist, optometrist or chiropractor authorized to practice by the 475 state in which such person practices and performs within the scope of 476 the authorized practice; (C) an advanced practice registered nurse, 477 nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or clinical social worker authorized 478 to practice by the state in which such person practices and performs 479 within the scope of the authorized practice; (D) Christian Science 480 practitioners listed with the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, 481 Massachusetts; (E) any health care provider from whom an employer 482 or a group health plan's benefits manager will accept certification of 483 the existence of a serious health condition to substantiate a claim for 484 benefits; (F) a health care provider as defined in subparagraphs (A) to 485 (E), inclusive, of this subdivision who practices in a country other than 486 the United States, who is licensed to practice in accordance with the 487 laws and regulations of that country; or (G) such other health care 488 provider as the Labor Commissioner determines, performing within 489 the scope of the authorized practice, except that "health care provider" 490 does not mean any such person included by the commissioner on any 491 registry of providers who has wilfully misrepresented information to 492 the administrator. The commissioner may utilize any determinations 493 made pursuant to chapter 568; 494 [(7)] (9) "Parent" means a biological parent, foster parent, adoptive 495 parent, stepparent, parent-in-law or legal guardian of an eligible 496 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 17 of 30 employee or an eligible employee's spouse, [or] an individual [who 497 stood] standing in loco parentis to an eligible employee, [when the 498 employee was a son or daughter] or an individual who stood in loco 499 parentis to an eligible employee when the employee was a child; 500 [(8)] (10) "Person" means one or more individuals, partnerships, 501 associations, corporations, business trusts, legal representatives or 502 organized groups of persons; 503 [(9)] (11) "Reduced leave schedule" means a leave schedule that 504 reduces the usual number of hours per workweek, or hours per 505 workday, of an employee; 506 [(10)] (12) "Serious health condition" means an illness, injury, 507 impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves (A) inpatient 508 care in a hospital, hospice, nursing home or residential medical care 509 facility; or (B) continuing treatment, including outpatient treatment, by 510 a health care provider; 511 (13) "Sibling" means a brother or sister related to a person by (A) 512 blood, (B) marriage, (C) adoption by a parent of the person, or (D) 513 foster care placement; 514 [(11)] (14) "Son or daughter" means a biological, adopted or foster 515 child, stepchild, legal ward, or, in the alternative, a child of a person 516 standing in loco parentis, [who is (A) under eighteen years of age; or 517 (B) eighteen years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of 518 a mental or physical disability] or an individual to whom the employee 519 stood in loco parentis when the individual was a child; [and] 520 [(12)] (15) "Spouse" means a [husband or wife, as the case may be] 521 person to whom one is legally married; and 522 (16) "Family member" means a spouse, sibling, son or daughter, 523 grandparent, grandchild or parent. 524 Sec. 15. Section 31-51ll of the general statutes is repealed and the 525 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 18 of 30 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019): 526 (a) (1) Subject to section 31-51mm, as amended by this act, an 527 eligible employee shall be entitled to a total of [sixteen] twelve 528 workweeks of leave during any [twenty-four-month] twelve-month 529 period, such [twenty-four-month] twelve-month period to be 530 determined utilizing any one of the following methods: (A) 531 [Consecutive] A calendar [years] year; (B) any fixed [twenty-four-532 month] twelve-month period, such as [two] a consecutive fiscal [years] 533 year or a [twenty-four-month] twelve-month period measured forward 534 from an employee's first date of employment; (C) a [twenty-four- 535 month] twelve-month period measured forward from an employee's 536 first day of leave taken under sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, as 537 amended by this act; or (D) a rolling [twenty-four-month] twelve-538 month period measured backward from an employee's first day of 539 leave taken under sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended 540 by this act. Such employee may take up to two additional weeks of 541 leave due to a serious health condition that results from a pregnancy. 542 (2) Leave under this subsection may be taken for one or more of the 543 following reasons: 544 (A) Upon the birth of a son or daughter of the employee; 545 (B) Upon the placement of a son or daughter with the employee for 546 adoption or foster care; 547 (C) In order to care for [the spouse, or a son, daughter or parent of 548 the employee, if such spouse, son, daughter or parent has] a family 549 member with a serious health condition; 550 (D) Because of a serious health condition of the employee; 551 (E) In order to serve as an organ or bone marrow donor; or 552 (F) Because of any qualifying exigency, as determined in regulations 553 adopted by the United States Secretary of Labor, arising out of the fact 554 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 19 of 30 that the spouse, son, daughter or parent of the employee is on active 555 duty, or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty, 556 in the armed forces, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103. 557 (b) Entitlement to leave under subparagraph (A) or (B) of 558 subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section may accrue prior to the 559 birth or placement of a son or daughter when such leave is required 560 because of such impending birth or placement. 561 (c) (1) Leave under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subdivision (2) of 562 subsection (a) of this section for the birth or placement of a son or 563 daughter may not be taken by an employee intermittently or on a 564 reduced leave schedule unless the employee and the employer agree 565 otherwise. Subject to subdivision (2) of this subsection concerning an 566 alternative position, subdivision (2) of subsection (f) of this section 567 concerning the duties of the employee and subdivision (5) of 568 subsection (b) of section 31-51mm, as amended by this act, concerning 569 sufficient certification, leave under subparagraph (C) or (D) of 570 subdivision (2) of subsection (a) or under subsection (i) of this section 571 for a serious health condition may be taken intermittently or on a 572 reduced leave schedule when medically necessary. The taking of leave 573 intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule pursuant to this 574 subsection shall not result in a reduction of the total amount of leave to 575 which the employee is entitled under subsection (a) of this section 576 beyond the amount of leave actually taken. 577 (2) If an employee requests intermittent leave or leave on a reduced 578 leave schedule under subparagraph (C), (D) or (E) of subdivision (2) of 579 subsection (a) or under subsection (i) of this section that is foreseeable 580 based on planned medical treatment, the employer may require the 581 employee to transfer temporarily to an available alternative position 582 offered by the employer for which the employee is qualified and that 583 (A) has equivalent pay and benefits, and (B) better accommodates 584 recurring periods of leave than the regular employment position of the 585 employee, provided the exercise of this authority shall not conflict 586 with any provision of a collective bargaining agreement between such 587 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 20 of 30 employer and a labor organization which is the collective bargaining 588 representative of the unit of which the employee is a part. 589 (d) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, leave 590 granted under subsection (a) of this section may consist of unpaid 591 leave. 592 (e) (1) If an employer provides paid leave for fewer than [sixteen] 593 twelve workweeks, the additional weeks of leave necessary to attain 594 the sixteen workweeks of leave required under sections 5-248a and 31-595 51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, may be provided 596 [without compensation] with compensation, through the Family and 597 Medical Leave Insurance Program established pursuant to section 2 of 598 this act. 599 (2) (A) An eligible employee may elect [, or an employer may 600 require the employee,] to substitute any of the accrued paid vacation 601 leave, personal leave or family leave of the employee for leave 602 provided under subparagraph (A), (B) or (C) of subdivision (2) of 603 subsection (a) of this section for any part of the [sixteen-week] twelve-604 week period of such leave under said subsection or under subsection 605 (i) of this section for any part of the twenty-six-week period of such 606 leave. 607 (B) An eligible employee may elect [, or an employer may require 608 the employee,] to substitute any of the accrued paid vacation leave, 609 personal leave, or medical or sick leave of the employee for leave 610 provided under subparagraph (C), (D) or (E) of subdivision (2) of 611 subsection (a) of this section for any part of the [sixteen-week] twelve-612 week period of such leave under said subsection or under subsection 613 (i) of this section for any part of the twenty-six-week period of leave, 614 except that nothing in section 5-248a or sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, 615 inclusive, as amended by this act, shall require an employer to provide 616 paid sick leave or paid medical leave in any situation in which such 617 employer would not normally provide any such paid leave. 618 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 21 of 30 (f) (1) In any case in which the necessity for leave under 619 subparagraph (A) or (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this 620 section is foreseeable based on an expected birth or placement of a son 621 or daughter, the employee shall provide the employer with not less 622 than thirty days' notice, before the date of the leave is to begin, of the 623 employee's intention to take leave under said subparagraph (A) or (B), 624 except that if the date of the birth or placement of a son or daughter 625 requires leave to begin in less than thirty days, the employee shall 626 provide such notice as is practicable. 627 (2) In any case in which the necessity for leave under subparagraph 628 (C), (D) or (E) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) or under subsection 629 (i) of this section is foreseeable based on planned medical treatment, 630 the employee (A) shall make a reasonable effort to schedule the 631 treatment so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer, 632 subject to the approval of the health care provider of the employee or 633 the health care provider of the [son, daughter, spouse or parent of the 634 employee] family member, as appropriate; and (B) shall provide the 635 employer with not less than thirty days' notice, before the date the 636 leave is to begin, of the employee's intention to take leave under said 637 subparagraph (C), (D) or (E) or said subsection (i), except that if the 638 date of the treatment requires leave to begin in less than thirty days, 639 the employee shall provide such notice as is practicable. 640 (g) In any case in which [a husband and wife] two spouses entitled 641 to leave under subsection (a) of this section are employed by the same 642 employer, the aggregate number of workweeks of leave to which both 643 may be entitled may be limited to [sixteen] twelve workweeks during 644 any [twenty-four-month] twelve-month period, if such leave is taken: 645 (1) Under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) 646 of this section; or (2) to care for a sick [parent] family member under 647 subparagraph (C) of said subdivision. In any case in which [a husband 648 and wife] two spouses entitled to leave under subsection (i) of this 649 section are employed by the same employer, the aggregate number of 650 workweeks of leave to which both may be entitled may be limited to 651 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 22 of 30 twenty-six workweeks during any twelve-month period. 652 (h) Unpaid leave taken pursuant to sections 5-248a and 31-51kk to 653 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, shall not be construed to 654 affect an employee's qualification for exemption under chapter 558. 655 (i) Subject to section 31-51mm, as amended by this act, an eligible 656 employee who is the spouse, son or daughter, parent or next of kin of a 657 current member of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, who 658 is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, is otherwise 659 in outpatient status or is on the temporary disability retired list for a 660 serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty shall be entitled to 661 a one-time benefit of twenty-six workweeks of leave during any 662 twelve-month period for each armed forces member per serious injury 663 or illness incurred in the line of duty. Such twelve-month period shall 664 commence on an employee's first day of leave taken to care for a 665 covered armed forces member and end on the date twelve months 666 after such first day of leave. For the purposes of this subsection, (1) 667 "next of kin" means the armed forces member's nearest blood relative, 668 other than the covered armed forces member's spouse, parent, son or 669 daughter, in the following order of priority: Blood relatives who have 670 been granted legal custody of the armed forces member by court 671 decree or statutory provisions, brothers and sisters, grandparents, 672 aunts and uncles, and first cousins, unless the covered armed forces 673 member has specifically designated in writing another blood relative 674 as his or her nearest blood relative or any other individual whose close 675 association with the employee is the equivalent of a family member for 676 purposes of military caregiver leave, in which case the designated 677 individual shall be deemed to be the covered armed forces member's 678 next of kin; and (2) "son or daughter" means a biological, adopted or 679 foster child, stepchild, legal ward or child for whom the eligible 680 employee or armed forces member stood in loco parentis and who is 681 any age. 682 (j) Leave taken pursuant to sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, as 683 amended by this act, shall not run concurrently with the provisions of 684 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 23 of 30 section 31-313. 685 (k) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 5-248a and 31-51kk 686 to 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, all further rights granted 687 by federal law shall remain in effect. 688 Sec. 16. Section 31-51mm of the general statutes is repealed and the 689 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019): 690 (a) An employer may require that request for leave based on a 691 serious health condition in subparagraph (C) or (D) of subdivision (2) 692 of subsection (a) of section 31-51ll, as amended by this act, or leave 693 based on subsection (i) of section 31-51ll, as amended by this act, be 694 supported by a certification issued by the health care provider of the 695 eligible employee or of the [son, daughter, spouse, parent or next of 696 kin] family member of the employee, as appropriate. The employee 697 shall provide, in a timely manner, a copy of such certification to the 698 employer. 699 (b) Certification provided under subsection (a) of this section shall 700 be sufficient if it states: 701 (1) The date on which the serious health condition commenced; 702 (2) The probable duration of the condition; 703 (3) The appropriate medical facts within the knowledge of the 704 health care provider regarding the condition; 705 (4) (A) For purposes of leave under subparagraph (C) of subdivision 706 (2) of subsection (a) of section 31-51ll, as amended by this act, a 707 statement that the eligible employee is needed to care for the [son, 708 daughter, spouse or parent] family member and an estimate of the 709 amount of time that such employee needs to care for the [son, 710 daughter, spouse or parent] family member; and (B) for purposes of 711 leave under subparagraph (D) of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of 712 section 31-51ll, as amended by this act, a statement that the employee 713 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 24 of 30 is unable to perform the functions of the position of the employee; 714 (5) In the case of certification for intermittent leave or leave on a 715 reduced leave schedule for planned medical treatment, the dates on 716 which such treatment is expected to be given and the duration of such 717 treatment; 718 (6) In the case of certification for intermittent leave or leave on a 719 reduced leave schedule under subparagraph (D) of subdivision (2) of 720 subsection (a) of section 31-51ll, as amended by this act, a statement of 721 the medical necessity of the intermittent leave or leave on a reduced 722 leave schedule, and the expected duration of the intermittent leave or 723 reduced leave schedule; 724 (7) In the case of certification for intermittent leave or leave on a 725 reduced leave schedule under subparagraph (C) of subdivision (2) of 726 subsection (a) of section 31-51ll, as amended by this act, a statement 727 that the employee's intermittent leave or leave on a reduced leave 728 schedule is necessary for the care of the [son, daughter, parent or 729 spouse] family member who has a serious health condition, or will 730 assist in their recovery, and the expected duration and schedule of the 731 intermittent leave or reduced leave schedule; and 732 (8) In the case of certification for intermittent leave or leave on a 733 reduced leave schedule under subsection (i) of section 31-51ll, as 734 amended by this act, a statement that the employee's intermittent leave 735 or leave on a reduced leave schedule is necessary for the care of the 736 spouse, son or daughter, parent or next of kin who is a current member 737 of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, who is undergoing 738 medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, is otherwise in outpatient 739 status or is on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury 740 or illness incurred in the line of duty, and the expected duration and 741 schedule of the intermittent leave or reduced leave schedule. For the 742 purposes of this subsection, "son or daughter" and "next of kin" have 743 the same meanings as provided in subsection (i) of section 31-51ll, as 744 amended by this act. 745 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 25 of 30 (c) (1) In any case in which the employer has reason to doubt the 746 validity of the certification provided under subsection (a) of this 747 section for leave under subparagraph (C) or (D) of subdivision (2) of 748 subsection (a) or under subsection (i) of section 31-51ll, as amended by 749 this act, the employer may require, at the expense of the employer, that 750 the eligible employee obtain the opinion of a second health care 751 provider designated or approved by the employer concerning any 752 information certified under subsection (b) of this section for such leave. 753 (2) A health care provider designated or approved under 754 subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not be employed on a regular 755 basis by the employer. 756 (d) (1) In any case in which the second opinion described in 757 subsection (c) of this section differs from the opinion in the original 758 certification provided under subsection (a) of this section, the 759 employer may require, at the expense of the employer, that the 760 employee obtain the opinion of a third health care provider designated 761 or approved jointly by the employer and the employee concerning the 762 information certified under subsection (b) of this section. 763 (2) The opinion of the third health care provider concerning the 764 information certified under subsection (b) of this section shall be 765 considered to be final and shall be binding on the employer and the 766 employee. 767 (e) The employer may require that the eligible employee obtain 768 subsequent recertifications on a reasonable basis, provided the 769 standards for determining what constitutes a reasonable basis for 770 recertification may be governed by a collective bargaining agreement 771 between such employer and a labor organization wh ich is the 772 collective bargaining representative of the unit of which the worker is 773 a part if such a collective bargaining agreement is in effect. Unless 774 otherwise required by the employee's health care provider, the 775 employer may not require recertification more than once during a 776 thirty-day period and, in any case, may not unreasonably require 777 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 26 of 30 recertification. The employer shall pay for any recertification that is not 778 covered by the employee's health insurance. 779 Sec. 17. Section 31-51oo of the general statutes is repealed and the 780 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019): 781 Records and documents relating to medical certifications, 782 recertifications or medical histories of employees or employees' family 783 members, created for purposes of sections 5-248a and 31-51kk to 31-784 51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 2 to 13, inclusive, 785 of this act, shall be maintained as medical records pursuant to chapter 786 563a, except that: (1) Supervisors and managers may be informed 787 regarding necessary restrictions on the work or duties of an employee 788 and necessary accommodations; (2) first aid and safety personnel may 789 be informed, when appropriate, if the employee's physical or medical 790 condition might require emergency treatment; [and] (3) government 791 officials investigating compliance with sections 5-248a and 31-51kk to 792 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, and sections 2 to 13, 793 inclusive, of this act, or other pertinent law shall be provided relevant 794 information upon request; and (4) the administrator may maintain a 795 record of employees who take leave to care for a family member, and 796 of the identities of such family members, to ensure the integrity of the 797 program. 798 Sec. 18. Section 31-51pp of the general statutes is repealed and the 799 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019): 800 (a) (1) It shall be a violation of sections 5-248a and 31-51kk to 31-801 51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, for any employer to interfere 802 with, restrain or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any 803 right provided under said sections. 804 (2) It shall be a violation of sections 5-248a and 31-51kk to 31-51qq, 805 inclusive, as amended by this act, for any employer to discharge or 806 cause to be discharged, or in any other manner discriminate, against 807 any individual for opposing any practice made unlawful by said 808 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 27 of 30 sections or because such employee has exercised the rights afforded to 809 such employee under said sections. 810 (b) It shall be a violation of sections 5-248a and 31-51kk to 31-51qq, 811 inclusive, as amended by this act, for any person to discharge or cause 812 to be discharged, or in any other manner discriminate, against any 813 individual because such individual: 814 (1) Has filed any charge, or has instituted or caused to be instituted 815 any proceeding, under or related to sections 5-248a and 31-51kk to 31-816 51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act; 817 (2) Has given, or is about to give, any information in connection 818 with any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under 819 said sections; or 820 (3) Has testified, or is about to testify, in any inquiry or proceeding 821 relating to any right provided under said sections. 822 (c) (1) It shall be a violation of sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, 823 as amended by this act, for any employer to deny an employee the 824 right to use up to two weeks of accumulated sick leave or to discharge, 825 threaten to discharge, demote, suspend or in any manner discriminate 826 against an employee for using, or attempting to exercise the right to 827 use, up to two weeks of accumulated sick leave to attend to a serious 828 health condition of a [son or daughter, spouse or parent of the 829 employee] family member, or for the birth or adoption of a son or 830 daughter of the employee. For purposes of this subsection, "sick leave" 831 means an absence from work for which compensation is provided 832 through an employer's bona fide written policy providing 833 compensation for loss of wages occasioned by illness, but does not 834 include absences from work for which compensation is provided 835 through an employer's plan, including, but not limited to, a short or 836 long-term disability plan, whether or not such plan is self-insured. 837 (2) Any employee aggrieved by a violation of this subsection may 838 file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner alleging violation of the 839 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 28 of 30 provisions of this subsection. Upon receipt of any such complaint, the 840 commissioner shall conduct an investigation and make a finding 841 regarding jurisdiction and whether a violation of sections 31-51kk to 842 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, has occurred. If the 843 commissioner makes a finding that the agency has no jurisdiction or 844 that no violation of said sections has occurred, the commissioner shall 845 dismiss the complaint and issue a release of jurisdiction allowing the 846 complainant to bring a civil action in Superior Court. Any action 847 brought by the complainant in accordance with this subdivision shall 848 be brought not later than ninety days after the date of the receipt of the 849 release from the commissioner. The employee may be awarded all 850 appropriate relief, including rehiring or reinstatement to the 851 employee's previous job, payment of back wages and reestablishment 852 of employee benefits to which the employee otherwise would have 853 been eligible if a violation of this subsection had not occurred, as well 854 as attorney's fees. If the commissioner makes a finding that a violation 855 of sections 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, as amended by this act, has 856 occurred, there shall be a mandatory settlement conference and, in the 857 absence of a settlement, the commissioner shall hold a hearing. After 858 the hearing, the commissioner shall send each party a written copy of 859 the commissioner's decision. The commissioner may award the 860 employee all appropriate relief, including attorney's fees, rehiring or 861 reinstatement to the employee's previous job, payment of back wages 862 and reestablishment of employee benefits to which the employee 863 otherwise would have been eligible if a violation of this subsection had 864 not occurred. Any party aggrieved by the decision of the commissioner 865 may appeal the decision to the Superior Court in accordance with the 866 provisions of chapter 54. 867 (3) The rights and remedies specified in this subsection are 868 cumulative and nonexclusive and are in addition to any other rights or 869 remedies afforded by contract or under other provisions of law. 870 Sec. 19. Section 31-51qq of the general statutes is repealed and the 871 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019): 872 Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 29 of 30 On or before [January 1, 1997] July 1, 2020, the Labor Commissioner 873 shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 874 54, to establish procedures and guidelines necessary to implement the 875 provisions of sections [5-248a and] 31-51kk to 31-51qq, inclusive, as 876 amended by this act, and sections 2 to 13, inclusive, of this act, 877 including, but not limited to, procedures for hearings and redress, 878 including restoration and restitution, for an employee who believes 879 that there is a violation by the employer of such employee of any 880 provision of said sections. [In adopting such regulations, the 881 commissioner shall make reasonable efforts to ensure compatibility of 882 state regulatory provisions with similar provisions of the federal 883 Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 a nd the regulations 884 promulgated pursuant to said act.] 885 Sec. 20. Section 3-13c of the general statutes is repealed and the 886 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019): 887 Trust funds as used in sections 3-13 to 3-13e, inclusive, and 3-31b 888 shall be construed to include Connecticut Municipal Employees' 889 Retirement Fund A, Connecticut Municipal Employees' Retirement 890 Fund B, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund, Family and Medical Leave 891 Insurance Trust Fund, State's Attorneys' Retirement Fund, Teachers' 892 Annuity Fund, Teachers' Pension Fund, Teachers' Survivorship and 893 Dependency Fund, School Fund, State Employees Retirement Fund, 894 the Hospital Insurance Fund, Policemen and Firemen Survivor's 895 Benefit Fund and all other trust funds administered, held or invested 896 by the State Treasurer. 897 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections: Section 1 from passage New section Sec. 2 from passage New section Sec. 3 from passage New section Sec. 4 from passage New section Sec. 5 from passage New section Sec. 6 from passage New section Substitute Bill No. 881 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2019SB-00881- R01-SB.docx } 30 of 30 Sec. 7 January 1, 2020 New section Sec. 8 from passage New section Sec. 9 from passage New section Sec. 10 July 1, 2021 New section Sec. 11 from passage New section Sec. 12 from passage New section Sec. 13 from passage New section Sec. 14 July 1, 2019 31-51kk Sec. 15 July 1, 2019 31-51ll Sec. 16 July 1, 2019 31-51mm Sec. 17 July 1, 2019 31-51oo Sec. 18 July 1, 2019 31-51pp Sec. 19 July 1, 2019 31-51qq Sec. 20 July 1, 2019 3-13c Statement of Legislative Commissioners: In Section 1(2), the reference to section "1-121" was changed to "1-120" for accuracy; In Section 2(c)(5), "such contributable" was changed to "such contribution" for accuracy; and punctuation and internal references were changed in Sections 1(5), 2(c)(2) and 17. LAB Joint Favorable Subst. -LCO