CT SB00243

Increases the wage threshold for employer chargeability exemptions from $500 to $1,000 for base periods commencing on or after January 1, 2015, preventing employers from being charged unemployment benefits for employees earning below this amount.

Adds a new exemption preventing employer accounts from being charged for benefits paid to claimants discharged or suspended due to loss of an operator license resulting from drug or alcohol testing conducted under sections 14-44k, 14-227a, or 14-227b, regardless of whether testing occurred off-duty.

Updates gender-neutral language throughout the unemployment compensation statute by replacing "him" and "his" with "the individual," "or her," and "or her" respectively.

Establishes a civil penalty of up to $50 for employers' first violation and up to $100 for subsequent violations of employee termination notice requirements under section 31-222-9 of Connecticut regulations, effective October 1, 2014.

Maintains employer contribution rate schedules and experience rating formulas while preserving fund balance requirements and solvency adjustment mechanisms for the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.