Month: May 2018

Flexer Leads Senate Passage of Time’s Up Act Bill Overhauls Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

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Flexer Leads Senate Passage of Time’s Up Act Bill Overhauls Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Fulfilling a promise the caucus made at the beginning of the General Assembly’s legislative session, the Senate Democrats today declared “time’s up” on sexual harassment and sexual assault and led passage (31-5) of the Time’s Up Act, a legislative package that includes a massive overhaul of Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws.

Senate Bill 132 passed the Senate at 4:37 a.m. Friday after a three-hour debate during which Republicans attempted to tack on an amendment that would have weakened current laws, as well as the proposed bill. That amendment failed on an 18-18 party-line vote.

“Because of the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements, victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault across the country are speaking out and seeking justice like we’ve never seen before. In Connecticut alone, we saw a 37 percent increase in filed sexual harassment complaints in the last three months of 2017 compared to the same time the year before,” Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) said. “It’s important that we who are elected to represent the public are responsive to this change that is finally happening by making sure we have the best policies to protect victims and help them seek justice. The Time’s Up Act does just that by eliminating the statute of limitations on certain sexual assault crimes, making sure everyone know their rights by requiring employers to offer training in the workplace, and expanding Connecticut’s mandated reporter laws. Today we are sending a clear message to anyone who has experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment that we hear you, we believe you, we stand with you, and we will protect you.”

The Senate Democrats’ Time’s Up Act reforms Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws and processes to create stronger protections for victims and to increase penalties for offenders by:

  • reforming the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaint process by extending deadlines to file complaints
  • strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s mandated reporter laws
  • eliminating statutes of limitation for all Class B and C felonies, and extending the statute of limitations for class D felonies from 5 to 25 years and for class A misdemeanors from 1 to 5 years.
  • increasing financial penalties for offenders
  • setting a universal process for investigations of harassment complaints against school administrators, and
  • requiring increased training and education of sexual harassment in Connecticut workplaces.

The Time’s Up Act will result in more than 70 percent of Connecticut employees having two hours of sexual harassment training, which can be fulfilled by accessing online video and materials provided by CHRO.

  • At employers with 20 or more employees, all employees will need to satisfy the training requirement.
  • At employers with less than 20 employees, only supervisors need to satisfy the training.
  • Beginning on October 1, 2018 and thereafter, employer must ensure training of new hires within 6 months of employment start date.
  • As of October 1, 2018, then current employees will have 1 year (October 1, 2019 deadline)
  • Employers do not have to hire outside consultants for the training, there is no need for HR to do training in house, there is minimal expense to employers.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Posted on by Webmaster

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Fulfilling a promise the caucus made at the beginning of the General Assembly’s legislative session, the Senate Democrats today declared “time’s up” on sexual harassment and sexual assault and led passage (31-5) of the Time’s Up Act, a legislative package that includes a massive overhaul of Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws.

The Senate Democrats’ Time’s Up Act reforms Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws and processes to create stronger protections for victims and to increase penalties for offenders by:

  • reforming the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaint process by extending deadlines to file complaints
  • strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s mandated reporter laws
  • eliminating statutes of limitation for all Class B and C felonies, and extending the statute of limitations for class D felonies from 5 to 25 years and for class A misdemeanors from 1 to 5 years.
  • increasing financial penalties for offenders
  • setting a universal process for investigations of harassment complaints against school administrators, and
  • requiring increased training and education of sexual harassment in Connecticut workplaces.

“Senate Democrats proposed the Time’s Up Act because everyone should be able to go and earn a living free from fear that they will be subject to sexual harassment,”said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “As we stand the midst of a national reckoning over sexual assault and sexual harassment, this overhaul of Connecticut laws will go a long way to providing critical protections for Connecticut residents.”

“We must eliminate inappropriate behavior and harassment in the workplace,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “Once law, the Time’s Up Act will establish Connecticut a national leader when it comes to stamping out sexual assault and harassment.”

“Tonight Connecticut Democrats declared that ‘Time’s Up’ for companies that turn a blind eye to sexual harassment in the workplace. Time’s up for men in positions of power who think they can get away with sexual harassment against their female colleagues. Time’s up for people who blame and shame sexual assault victims who speak out against their attackers,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “Victims will be heard, companies must protect them, and if they don’t there will be consequences. Every woman and man deserves to work in an environment free from harassment and fear of retaliation. I am proud to stand up for victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault and vote in favor of this bill.”

“How many stories have we heard over the past year, all across America, of women being sexually harassed or assaulted in the workplace? The floodgates have opened, and we are compelled to act,” said Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford). “The Time’s Up bill is action—real action—to address the scourge of sexual harassment in American workplaces. We may not end it, but we will reduce it, and here in Connecticut we are sending a message that we take this problem seriously and we will not tolerate it.”

“I have heard the stories of many of the survivors of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It’s heartbreaking to hear about this unacceptable behavior, which takes place in too many places,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain). “Passing the Time’s Up Act is the right thing to protect women in Connecticut. Today we fulfilled a promise that we all made as Senate Democrats to strengthen our laws and combat this crisis.”

“Connecticut Democrats have made it our mission to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace by strengthening our workplace training policies and making it easier for victims to seek justice,” said Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield). “I want to express my deepest appreciation to the courageous victims who stepped forward and shared their stories before the Judiciary Committee. Your voices made passage of this legislation possible.”

The Time’s Up Act will result in more than 70 percent of Connecticut employees having two hours of sexual harassment training, which can be fulfilled by accessing online video and materials provided by CHRO.

  • At employers with 20 or more employees, all employees will need to satisfy the training requirement.
  • At employers with less than 20 employees, only supervisors need to satisfy the training.
  • Beginning on October 1, 2018 and thereafter, employer must ensure training of new hires within 6 months of employment start date.
  • As of October 1, 2018, then current employees will have 1 year (October 1, 2019 deadline)
  • Employers do not have to hire outside consultants for the training, there is no need for HR to do training in house, there is minimal expense to employers.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

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Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Fulfilling a promise the caucus made at the beginning of the General Assembly’s legislative session, the Senate Democrats today declared “time’s up” on sexual harassment and sexual assault and led passage (31-5) of the Time’s Up Act, a legislative package that includes a massive overhaul of Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws.

The Senate Democrats’ Time’s Up Act reforms Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws and processes to create stronger protections for victims and to increase penalties for offenders by:

  • reforming the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaint process by extending deadlines to file complaints
  • strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s mandated reporter laws
  • eliminating statutes of limitation for all Class B and C felonies, and extending the statute of limitations for class D felonies from 5 to 25 years and for class A misdemeanors from 1 to 5 years.
  • increasing financial penalties for offenders
  • setting a universal process for investigations of harassment complaints against school administrators, and
  • requiring increased training and education of sexual harassment in Connecticut workplaces.

“Senate Democrats proposed the Time’s Up Act because everyone should be able to go and earn a living free from fear that they will be subject to sexual harassment,”said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “As we stand the midst of a national reckoning over sexual assault and sexual harassment, this overhaul of Connecticut laws will go a long way to providing critical protections for Connecticut residents.”

“We must eliminate inappropriate behavior and harassment in the workplace,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “Once law, the Time’s Up Act will establish Connecticut a national leader when it comes to stamping out sexual assault and harassment.”

“Tonight Connecticut Democrats declared that ‘Time’s Up’ for companies that turn a blind eye to sexual harassment in the workplace. Time’s up for men in positions of power who think they can get away with sexual harassment against their female colleagues. Time’s up for people who blame and shame sexual assault victims who speak out against their attackers,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “Victims will be heard, companies must protect them, and if they don’t there will be consequences. Every woman and man deserves to work in an environment free from harassment and fear of retaliation. I am proud to stand up for victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault and vote in favor of this bill.”

“How many stories have we heard over the past year, all across America, of women being sexually harassed or assaulted in the workplace? The floodgates have opened, and we are compelled to act,” said Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford). “The Time’s Up bill is action—real action—to address the scourge of sexual harassment in American workplaces. We may not end it, but we will reduce it, and here in Connecticut we are sending a message that we take this problem seriously and we will not tolerate it.”

“I have heard the stories of many of the survivors of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It’s heartbreaking to hear about this unacceptable behavior, which takes place in too many places,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain). “Passing the Time’s Up Act is the right thing to protect women in Connecticut. Today we fulfilled a promise that we all made as Senate Democrats to strengthen our laws and combat this crisis.”

“Connecticut Democrats have made it our mission to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace by strengthening our workplace training policies and making it easier for victims to seek justice,” said Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield). “I want to express my deepest appreciation to the courageous victims who stepped forward and shared their stories before the Judiciary Committee. Your voices made passage of this legislation possible.”

The Time’s Up Act will result in more than 70 percent of Connecticut employees having two hours of sexual harassment training, which can be fulfilled by accessing online video and materials provided by CHRO.

  • At employers with 20 or more employees, all employees will need to satisfy the training requirement.
  • At employers with less than 20 employees, only supervisors need to satisfy the training.
  • Beginning on October 1, 2018 and thereafter, employer must ensure training of new hires within 6 months of employment start date.
  • As of October 1, 2018, then current employees will have 1 year (October 1, 2019 deadline)
  • Employers do not have to hire outside consultants for the training, there is no need for HR to do training in house, there is minimal expense to employers.

Moore Applauds Senate Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

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Moore Applauds Senate Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Fulfilling a promise the caucus made at the beginning of the General Assembly’s legislative session, Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) today declared “time’s up” on sexual harassment and sexual assault and led passage (31-5) of the Senate Democrats’ Time’s Up Act, a legislative package that includes a massive overhaul of Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws.

“Tonight Connecticut Democrats declared that ‘Time’s Up’ for companies that turn a blind eye to sexual harassment in the workplace. Time’s up for men in positions of power who think they can get away with sexual harassment against their female colleagues. Time’s up for people who blame and shame sexual assault victims who speak out against their attackers,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “Victims will be heard, companies must protect them, and if they don’t there will be consequences. Every woman and man deserves to work in an environment free from harassment and fear of retaliation. I am proud to stand up for victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault and vote in favor of this bill.”

The Senate Democrats’ Time’s Up Act reforms Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws and processes to create stronger protections for victims and to increase penalties for offenders by:

  • reforming the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaint process by extending deadlines to file complaints
  • strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s mandated reporter laws
  • eliminating statutes of limitation for all Class B and C felonies, and extending the statute of limitations for class D felonies from 5 to 25 years and for class A misdemeanors from 1 to 5 years.
  • increasing financial penalties for offenders
  • setting a universal process for investigations of harassment complaints against school administrators, and
  • requiring increased training and education of sexual harassment in Connecticut workplaces.

The Time’s Up Act will result in more than 70 percent of Connecticut employees having two hours of sexual harassment training, which can be fulfilled by accessing online video and materials provided by CHRO.

  • At employers with 20 or more employees, all employees will need to satisfy the training requirement.
  • At employers with less than 20 employees, only supervisors need to satisfy the training.
  • Beginning on October 1, 2018 and thereafter, employer must ensure training of new hires within 6 months of employment start date.
  • As of October 1, 2018, then current employees will have 1 year (October 1, 2019 deadline)
  • Employers do not have to hire outside consultants for the training, there is no need for HR to do training in house, there is minimal expense to employers.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Posted on by Webmaster

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Fulfilling a promise the caucus made at the beginning of the General Assembly’s legislative session, the Senate Democrats today declared “time’s up” on sexual harassment and sexual assault and led passage (31-5) of the Time’s Up Act, a legislative package that includes a massive overhaul of Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws.

The Senate Democrats’ Time’s Up Act reforms Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws and processes to create stronger protections for victims and to increase penalties for offenders by:

  • reforming the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaint process by extending deadlines to file complaints
  • strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s mandated reporter laws
  • eliminating statutes of limitation for all Class B and C felonies, and extending the statute of limitations for class D felonies from 5 to 25 years and for class A misdemeanors from 1 to 5 years.
  • increasing financial penalties for offenders
  • setting a universal process for investigations of harassment complaints against school administrators, and
  • requiring increased training and education of sexual harassment in Connecticut workplaces.

“Senate Democrats proposed the Time’s Up Act because everyone should be able to go and earn a living free from fear that they will be subject to sexual harassment,”said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “As we stand the midst of a national reckoning over sexual assault and sexual harassment, this overhaul of Connecticut laws will go a long way to providing critical protections for Connecticut residents.”

“We must eliminate inappropriate behavior and harassment in the workplace,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “Once law, the Time’s Up Act will establish Connecticut a national leader when it comes to stamping out sexual assault and harassment.”

“Tonight Connecticut Democrats declared that ‘Time’s Up’ for companies that turn a blind eye to sexual harassment in the workplace. Time’s up for men in positions of power who think they can get away with sexual harassment against their female colleagues. Time’s up for people who blame and shame sexual assault victims who speak out against their attackers,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “Victims will be heard, companies must protect them, and if they don’t there will be consequences. Every woman and man deserves to work in an environment free from harassment and fear of retaliation. I am proud to stand up for victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault and vote in favor of this bill.”

“How many stories have we heard over the past year, all across America, of women being sexually harassed or assaulted in the workplace? The floodgates have opened, and we are compelled to act,” said Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford). “The Time’s Up bill is action—real action—to address the scourge of sexual harassment in American workplaces. We may not end it, but we will reduce it, and here in Connecticut we are sending a message that we take this problem seriously and we will not tolerate it.”

“I have heard the stories of many of the survivors of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It’s heartbreaking to hear about this unacceptable behavior, which takes place in too many places,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain). “Passing the Time’s Up Act is the right thing to protect women in Connecticut. Today we fulfilled a promise that we all made as Senate Democrats to strengthen our laws and combat this crisis.”

“Connecticut Democrats have made it our mission to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace by strengthening our workplace training policies and making it easier for victims to seek justice,” said Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield). “I want to express my deepest appreciation to the courageous victims who stepped forward and shared their stories before the Judiciary Committee. Your voices made passage of this legislation possible.”

The Time’s Up Act will result in more than 70 percent of Connecticut employees having two hours of sexual harassment training, which can be fulfilled by accessing online video and materials provided by CHRO.

  • At employers with 20 or more employees, all employees will need to satisfy the training requirement.
  • At employers with less than 20 employees, only supervisors need to satisfy the training.
  • Beginning on October 1, 2018 and thereafter, employer must ensure training of new hires within 6 months of employment start date.
  • As of October 1, 2018, then current employees will have 1 year (October 1, 2019 deadline)
  • Employers do not have to hire outside consultants for the training, there is no need for HR to do training in house, there is minimal expense to employers.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Posted on by Webmaster

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Time’s Up Act Overhauling Connecticut’s Sexual Harassment Laws

Fulfilling a promise the caucus made at the beginning of the General Assembly’s legislative session, the Senate Democrats today declared “time’s up” on sexual harassment and sexual assault and led passage (31-5) of the Time’s Up Act, a legislative package that includes a massive overhaul of Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws.

The Senate Democrats’ Time’s Up Act reforms Connecticut’s sexual harassment and sexual assault laws and processes to create stronger protections for victims and to increase penalties for offenders by:

  • reforming the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaint process by extending deadlines to file complaints
  • strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s mandated reporter laws
  • eliminating statutes of limitation for all Class B and C felonies, and extending the statute of limitations for class D felonies from 5 to 25 years and for class A misdemeanors from 1 to 5 years.
  • increasing financial penalties for offenders
  • setting a universal process for investigations of harassment complaints against school administrators, and
  • requiring increased training and education of sexual harassment in Connecticut workplaces.

“Senate Democrats proposed the Time’s Up Act because everyone should be able to go and earn a living free from fear that they will be subject to sexual harassment,”said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “As we stand the midst of a national reckoning over sexual assault and sexual harassment, this overhaul of Connecticut laws will go a long way to providing critical protections for Connecticut residents.”

“We must eliminate inappropriate behavior and harassment in the workplace,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “Once law, the Time’s Up Act will establish Connecticut a national leader when it comes to stamping out sexual assault and harassment.”

“Tonight Connecticut Democrats declared that ‘Time’s Up’ for companies that turn a blind eye to sexual harassment in the workplace. Time’s up for men in positions of power who think they can get away with sexual harassment against their female colleagues. Time’s up for people who blame and shame sexual assault victims who speak out against their attackers,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “Victims will be heard, companies must protect them, and if they don’t there will be consequences. Every woman and man deserves to work in an environment free from harassment and fear of retaliation. I am proud to stand up for victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault and vote in favor of this bill.”

“How many stories have we heard over the past year, all across America, of women being sexually harassed or assaulted in the workplace? The floodgates have opened, and we are compelled to act,” said Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford). “The Time’s Up bill is action—real action—to address the scourge of sexual harassment in American workplaces. We may not end it, but we will reduce it, and here in Connecticut we are sending a message that we take this problem seriously and we will not tolerate it.”

“I have heard the stories of many of the survivors of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It’s heartbreaking to hear about this unacceptable behavior, which takes place in too many places,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain). “Passing the Time’s Up Act is the right thing to protect women in Connecticut. Today we fulfilled a promise that we all made as Senate Democrats to strengthen our laws and combat this crisis.”

“Connecticut Democrats have made it our mission to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace by strengthening our workplace training policies and making it easier for victims to seek justice,” said Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield). “I want to express my deepest appreciation to the courageous victims who stepped forward and shared their stories before the Judiciary Committee. Your voices made passage of this legislation possible.”

The Time’s Up Act will result in more than 70 percent of Connecticut employees having two hours of sexual harassment training, which can be fulfilled by accessing online video and materials provided by CHRO.

  • At employers with 20 or more employees, all employees will need to satisfy the training requirement.
  • At employers with less than 20 employees, only supervisors need to satisfy the training.
  • Beginning on October 1, 2018 and thereafter, employer must ensure training of new hires within 6 months of employment start date.
  • As of October 1, 2018, then current employees will have 1 year (October 1, 2019 deadline)
  • Employers do not have to hire outside consultants for the training, there is no need for HR to do training in house, there is minimal expense to employers.

McCrory Casts Vote For Historic Supreme Court Justice Richard Robinson

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McCrory Casts Vote For Historic Supreme Court Justice Richard Robinson

State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) today joined a historic, unanimous and bipartisan vote in the state Senate to approve Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Richard A. Robinson as the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, making Justice Robinson the first African-American Chief Justice in Connecticut history.

“Richard Robinson has all the characteristics that we are looking for in a Connecticut Supreme Court chief justice: he’s conscientious, intelligent, hardworking, caring, he comes from humble beginnings and he has a distinguished legal career,” Sen. McCrory said. “Justice Robinson has also worked on issues that communities of color care about. His nomination today to be our next Supreme Court chief justice is a historic day for Connecticut, and it is my hope and expectation that Justice Robinson’s character and career will serve as a model not only for people of color, but for all Connecticut residents.”

Justice Robinson was born December 10, 1957 in Stamford, Connecticut. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Connecticut in 1979 and a Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University School of Law in 1984. He was admitted to the West Virginia Bar and the Connecticut Bar, and is a member of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia and the U.S. District Court, Connecticut.

From 1985—1988, Justice Robinson was Staff Counsel for the City of Stamford Law Department. In 1988, he became Assistant Corporation Counsel in Stamford where he remained until his appointment as a Judge of the Superior Court in 2000. He remained a Superior Court Judge for the next seven years during which time he served as Presiding Judge (Civil) for the New Britain Judicial District (May 2003—September 2006); Presiding Judge (Civil) and Assistant Administrative Judge for the Ansonia/Milford Judicial District (September 2006—September 2007); and Presiding Judge (Civil) for the Stamford Judicial District (September 2007—December 2007). He was appointed as a Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court on December 10, 2007, and a Justice of the Supreme Court on December 19, 2013.

Justice Robinson’s career is complimented by an array of public and judicial service. He served as President of the Stamford Branch of the NAACP (1988-1990); General Counsel for the Connecticut Conference of the NAACP (1988—2000); President of the Assistant Corporation Counsel’s Union (AFSCME) (1989—2000); Commissioner of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (1997—2000); Chair of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (1999—2000); New Haven Inn of Court member (2002—present); Judicial Education Curriculum Committee member (2002—2014); Judicial Education Committee member (2003—2014); Faculty at several Judicial Institutes as well as spring and fall lectures (2003—present); Civil Commission member (2005—2014); Court Annexed Mediator (2005—2014); Lawyers Assistance Advisory Board member (2007—present); Bench-Bar Foreclosure Committee (2007—2014); Legal Internship Committee (2013—2017); Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Cultural Competency (2009-present); Chairperson of the Rules Committee (2017- present); Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Diversity Award (2010); Connecticut Bar Association’s Henry J. Naruk Judiciary Award for Integrity (2017); NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut; Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows, Life Fellow.

Senator Duff E-News: Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence

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Senator Bye E-News: Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence

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Senator Looney Leads Passage of Patient-friendly Health Care Reforms

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Senator Looney Leads Passage of Patient-friendly Health Care Reforms

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) yesterday led unanimous bipartisan passage of two patient-friendly health care reforms that will reduce the time from 72 hours to 48 hours for health benefit reviews and requires health insurers to authorize a covered person’s pharmacy to dispense a temporary supply of a prescribed drug when the covered person, or his or her authorized representative, files a grievance or requests an adverse determination review related to the drug.

“Under the current system, an insurer has 72 hours to respond to an urgent care request; in some cases 72 hours can put a patient in serious danger,” said Senator Looney. “Reducing that timeframe can potentially save lives.”

Senate Bill 209, An Act Reducing the Time Frame for Urgent Care Adverse Determination Review Requests, shortens, from 72 to 48 hours, the maximum time for certain health benefit reviews. It applies to:

  1. certain urgent care initial utilization reviews,
  2. internal adverse determination reviews, and
  3. external or final adverse determination reviews.

These reviews are conducted by health carriers (e.g., insurers and HMOs) or, in the case of external or final reviews, independent review organizations (IROs) and are one factor used to determine if a specific medical service is reimbursable by the individual’s health plan.

The bill does not apply to urgent care reviews involving substance use disorders and certain mental disorders, which by law must be completed within 24 hours.

SB 380 An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage of a Prescribed Drug During Adverse Determination Reviews and External Review Processes, addresses the situation in which a patient is prescribed a drug and the insurer defies the physician’s order and determines that the drug is not medically necessary for the patient. This proposal would require the insurer to cover the drugs during the course of the appeal. It would provide protection to patients during the course of the entire appeal process.

“This legislation would assist patients in receiving appropriate care that has been authorized by a patient’s treating physician,” said Senator Looney. “In addition, it would encourage the insurer to resolve the appeal with reasonable speed. It is also important to make sure that the ACA’s protections for concurrent reviews are included in Connecticut statute.”

This bill requires health carriers (e.g., insurers and HMOs) to authorize a covered person’s pharmacy to dispense a temporary supply of a prescribed drug when the covered person, or his or her authorized representative, files a grievance or requests an adverse determination review related to the drug. The bill applies to initial utilization reviews, internal grievance reviews, and external reviews. These reviews are one factor used to determine if a specific medical service is reimbursable by the individual’s health plan.