CT HB06477

Expands the definition of "employer" under Connecticut's occupational safety and health law to include volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance companies, effective from passage.

Exempts volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance companies from state occupational safety and health requirements if they can demonstrate they are already regulated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 USC 651 et seq.).

Limits civil penalties for first non-serious violations by volunteer fire departments and ambulance companies to a written warning instead of fines up to $1,000.

Preserves existing workers' compensation protections and common law or statutory rights for employers and employees regarding work-related injuries, diseases, or deaths.

Amendments effective from passage to sections 31-367(d), 31-369, and 31-382(c) of the Connecticut General Statutes.