CT HB05381

Allows relators (whistleblowers or representative organizations) to bring public enforcement actions on behalf of the state in Superior Court against employers for violations of Title 31 and certain anti-discrimination statutes, effective October 1, 2020.

Establishes a default civil penalty of $500 for each party aggrieved by each violation during each two-week period when no specific penalty is prescribed by law; courts may reduce penalties if they would be arbitrary and oppressive or confiscatory.

Requires relators to provide written notice to state officials and the Attorney General before filing an action; the state has 30 days to intervene as of right, or may only intervene thereafter for good cause shown.

Distributes recovered civil penalties as follows: when state has not intervened (30% relator, 20% Attorney General, 50% enforcement agency); when state has intervened (20% relator, 30% Attorney General, 50% enforcement agency).

Prohibits retaliation against relators and creates a rebuttable presumption that adverse actions taken within 90 days of filing are retaliatory; prevailing relators are entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and service awards.