CT SB00551

Allows active volunteer firefighters and EMTs employed in one municipality to serve as volunteers in the municipality where they work during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), subject to volunteer organization acceptance.

Prohibits employers from discharging, disciplining, or reducing pay/benefits of employees who are volunteer firefighters or ambulance service members because of late arrival or absence due to emergency calls before regular hours, or leaving work to respond to calls during work hours with prior employer authorization.

Requires volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members to notify their employer in writing within 30 days of certification and to make every effort to provide advance notice of potential late arrivals or absences due to emergency calls.

Allows employees to bring legal action in superior court within one year of a violation, seeking reinstatement, back wages, and restoration of benefits, with the court authorized to award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party.

Effective date of October 1, 2011 for amendments to sections 7-322b and 7-322c of the general statutes.