Bill Summary: Raised Bill No. 318

• Effective July 1, 2020, prohibits employers from disciplining or discharging employees for exercising First Amendment rights or Connecticut constitutional rights to free speech, religion, and association, provided such activity does not substantially interfere with job performance or the working relationship.

• Employers cannot require employees to attend employer-sponsored meetings or listen to communications whose primary purpose is to convey the employer's opinion on political or religious matters; violations result in liability for damages, including punitive damages and reasonable attorney's fees.

• Provides exceptions allowing employers to communicate legally required information, job-duty-related information, and permitting higher education institutions to include employee communications in coursework, symposia, or academic programs.

• Permits casual conversations between employees and management participation when not required, and allows meetings limited to managerial and supervisory employees without triggering restrictions.

• Exempts religious corporations, entities, associations, and educational institutions that qualify under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 from these restrictions regarding religious speech to employees performing work connected with religious activities.