CT SB00371

Prohibits employers from engaging in unfair immigration-related practices against employees as retaliation for exercising labor rights under Connecticut labor law chapters 557-559, 561, 563a, 566a, 567, 568, and 571.

Defines unfair immigration-related practices to include requesting excessive documentation, checking employment authorization status outside legal requirements, filing false police reports, or threatening to contact immigration authorities.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that unfair immigration-related practices committed within 90 days of an employee exercising labor rights were retaliatory in nature.

Authorizes the Labor Commissioner to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and impose civil penalties of up to $500 for first violations and $1,000 for subsequent violations, plus potential license suspension for 30-90 days.

Allows employees to file complaints with the Labor Commissioner within 180 days of violations and provides aggrieved employees remedies including rehiring, back wages, reinstatement of benefits, and other appropriate relief, with appeal rights to Superior Court.