Connecticut has enacted legislation (Substitute Senate Bill 863) that protects employees who are absent from work for the purposes of responding to an emergency as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Substitute Senate Bill 863 takes effect October 1, 2019.
Protections:
Substitute Senate Bill 863 prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they're members of the Civil Air Patrol, or they're absent from work because they are:
- Responding to an emergency declared by the Governor or President;
- Responding to a request for assistance in an emergency, natural disaster, or life-threatening event at the request of the government, state police, or a local police department; or
- Participating in required emergency services training programs and exercises.
The time off from work may be unpaid.
Notice and Verification:
Employees who are members of the Civil Air Patrol must notify their employer that they may be called to participate in training or to serve in an emergency, natural disaster, or life-threatening event. This notice must be provided by October 31, 2019, when the employee starts working for the employer, or by the date on which the employee joins the Civil Air Patrol, whichever is latest.
Employees in need of Civil Air Patrol leave must give their employer as much notice as possible. They must also provide written verification from the Civil Air Patrol that confirms their absence is covered by the law.
Compliance Recommendations
Connecticut employers should review their policies and practices to ensure compliance with Substitute Senate Bill 863. Supervisors should also be trained on the law.
Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.