OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 715

AN ACT REQUIRING EMPLOYERS TO CITE A REASON FOR TERMINATION OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

SUMMARY:

With one exception, this bill requires all employers that terminate an employee to provide the employee, at the time of firing, with a written explanation of the reason or reasons for the termination. The exception is for situations where such a notice is not required under the terms of an employment agreement executed by the two parties before the termination date.

Under current law, (1) private sector employers do not have to provide a reason for firing an employee and (2) the state may not terminate a state employee with civil service status except for good cause, which must be stated during termination. (Unionized public and private sector employees typically cannot be fired without good cause under the terms of the union contract. )

The bill requires the employer to keep a copy of the written explanation for one year following the termination date.

The bill subjects violators to a $ 300 civil penalty imposed by the Labor Department. This penalty is in addition to any other applicable penalty that may be imposed under workers' compensation and minimum wage laws. The bill authorizes the department to ask the attorney general to start a civil action to recover these civil penalties if necessary.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2010

COMMITTEE ACTION

Labor and Public Employees Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute