Connecticut House Bill HB05944

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Treatment Of Public And Private Employers And Employees During A Declaration Of Emergency.

Impact

The bill proposes that any limitations or restrictions on business operations mandated through an emergency declaration should be uniformly applied to both state agencies and private entities. This means that if state employees are allowed to work under certain conditions, then similar conditions should be extended to private employers and their employees. The expectation is that this will reduce confusion and potential inequality faced by various sectors during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 5944 addresses the treatment of public and private employers and their employees during a declared emergency. The primary aim of the bill is to amend existing laws to ensure that state actions during emergencies do not disproportionately affect businesses and their employees. The bill specifically seeks to remove the governor's authority to declare certain businesses as essential or non-essential during public health or civil preparedness emergencies. This change is intended to provide businesses with a more equitable operating environment during crises.

Contention

Noteworthy among the potential points of contention regarding HB 5944 is the requirement for the state to provide full financial compensation if any imposed limitations on private employers and their employees are found to be unequal compared to those on state agencies. There may be concerns about the financial implications this would place on the state budget, especially during emergency situations that already strain fiscal resources.

Policy implications

Should HB 5944 be enacted, it would necessitate a reevaluation of how emergency declarations are handled at the state level, with a focus on equality and fairness in regulatory approaches. The bill sets a precedent for requiring equal treatment in labor policies during crises, which might influence future legislation related to labor rights and emergency management.