HB 6901 Summary

• Requires "covered employers" (those with 500+ employees in Connecticut or franchisors whose franchisees collectively employ 500+ in the state) to pay a quarterly fee to the Labor Commissioner based on low-wage workers.

• Fee structure: $1 per hour worked by any employee earning $15/hour or less who has been on payroll for at least 90 calendar days, assessed quarterly starting January 1, 2018.

• Collected fees are deposited into the General Fund; employers have dispute resolution rights including investigation by the commissioner and appeal to Superior Court with prevailing parties awarded attorney's fees.

• Prohibits covered employers from designating employees as independent contractors, reducing hours, or terminating employees to avoid fee obligations.

• Excludes private nonprofit entities, state agencies, and political subdivisions from coverage; also exempts employees at seasonal facilities open six months or less annually.