CT HB05054

Prohibits employers from publishing job advertisements that state or indicate unemployed individuals are disqualified, and prohibits disqualifying job applicants solely based on unemployment status, effective October 1, 2014.

Prohibits employment agencies and temporary help services from publishing discriminatory job ads, limiting access to job information, or refusing referrals based solely on an applicant's unemployment status.

Allows employers and agencies to set legitimate job qualifications, require professional licenses or credentials, specify education or experience requirements, restrict jobs to current employees, and inquire about reasons for unemployment.

Establishes the Labor Commissioner as the enforcement authority to investigate complaints and levy civil penalties of $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent violation against violating employers, agencies, or services.

Permits aggrieved parties to appeal the Labor Commissioner's decision to Superior Court and authorizes the Attorney General to recover penalties in court proceedings.