CT HB05044

Expands paid sick leave requirements to all hourly employees and non-exempt workers at employers with 20 or more employees, rather than only specific service worker occupations under previous law.

Employees at employers with 20+ employees receive paid sick leave accruing at one hour per 40 hours worked (maximum 40 hours annually); employees at smaller employers receive unpaid sick leave at the same accrual rate.

Sick leave may be used for employee or family member illness, medical care, preventative care, bonding with newborns or newly adopted children, and situations involving family violence or sexual assault, plus when workplace or school closes due to public health emergency.

Employers may not require employees to find replacement coverage while using sick leave and are prohibited from retaliatory actions against employees who request or use accrued sick leave.

Establishes enforcement through the Labor Commissioner with civil penalties up to $500 for retaliation violations and up to $100 for other violations, with employees entitled to back wages, reinstatement, and other remedies.