CT SB00821

Prohibits employers from discharging, discriminating against, or retaliating against employees who make good-faith reports of child abuse or neglect, testify in related proceedings, or attempt to do so, effective October 1, 2013

Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions against employers who violate these protections, with penalties up to $2,500 and other equitable relief

Expands whistleblower protections under Connecticut law to explicitly include employees reporting suspected child abuse or neglect incidents, in addition to other violations of law or regulation

Permits employees to file civil actions within 90 days of alleged violations seeking reinstatement, back wages, and benefits, with courts able to award attorney's fees to prevailing parties

Provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for persons making good-faith reports of child abuse or neglect, while subjecting those who knowingly file false reports to fines up to $2,000 or imprisonment up to one year