CT SB00004

Expands domestic violence victim service grants to nine judicial districts (Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, Stamford-Norwalk, Litchfield, and Waterbury) with maximum grants of $200,000, or $400,000 for the district with the highest restraining order applications.

Creates civil liability for knowingly transmitting intimate images without consent via electronic device, with damages of at least $500, plus attorney fees, costs, and potential punitive damages and injunctions.

Prohibits nondisclosure and nondisparagement agreements in employment that restrict discussion of discriminatory practices, harassment, retaliation, wage violations, or sexual assault; violators face $10,000 statutory damages plus attorney fees.

Expands pregnancy discrimination protections to require reasonable accommodations unless they create undue hardship, and grants employees right to leave for domestic violence-related medical care, counseling, legal services, and safety planning.

Adds domestic violence victim status as protected class in employment discrimination law and requires employers to maintain confidentiality of victim status information.