Month: May 2019

Senator Moore Applauds Senate Passage Of Minimum Wage Legislation

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Senator Moore Applauds Senate Passage Of Minimum Wage Legislation

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the Senate passed a bill designed to raise Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage to $15 an hour in five yearly steps by June 1, 2023, and then indexing the minimum wage to the federal Employment Cost Index after that. Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) praised the passage of the bill.

“Today is a great day for Connecticut working families,” said Senator Moore. “I’ve anticipated this day since I introduced a “Fight for Fifteen” legislation in 2015. I salute the work the Labor Committee has done to bring it to fruition. As a result, we will begin to lift low-income families out of poverty. Too many families across our state are living paycheck to paycheck. Too many women and people of color are disproportionately low-wage workers and struggle daily to make ends meet. This legislation will put more money in the pockets of individuals, lift families out of poverty, and finally gives Connecticut workers the honest wage they deserve. It’s a start and long overdue.”

House Bill 5004, “An Act Increasing the Minimum Wage,” increases Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage from the current $10.10 per hour to:

  • $11.00 on October 1, 2019
  • $12.00 on September 1, 2020
  • $13.00 on August 1, 2021
  • $14.00 on July 1, 2022
  • $15.00 on June 1, 2023

Current state law provides a “tip credit” to employers of hotel and restaurant staff and to bartenders who customarily receive tips. The tip credit allows employers to count these employee tips as a percentage of their minimum wage requirement, thus reducing the employer’s share of the minimum wage — as long as the tips make up the difference.

The new minimum wage bill freezes the employer’s share of these employees’ minimum wage requirement at their current values ($6.38 for hotel and restaurant staff, and $8.23 for bartenders), but the bill also requires the tip credit’s value to correspondingly increase to make up for the difference between the employer’s share and the bill’s minimum wage increases. Thus, it allows employers to count these employees’ tips towards the difference between the employer’s share and the increasing minimum wage, as long as the tips make up the difference.

The bill also addresses the issue of so-called training or youth wages. Starting October 1, 2019, the bill changes the “training wage” that employers may pay to learners, beginners, and people under age 18. Current state law generally allows employers to pay these employees as low as 85% of the regular minimum wage for their first 200 hours of employment. Today’s bill eliminates the training wage exceptions for learners and beginners, and now limits the training wage only to people under age 18 (except for emancipated minors.) Therefore, today’s bill requires learners and beginners who are at least age 18 to be paid the full minimum wage.

The bill also requires the training wage to be the greater of $10.10 or 85% of the minimum wage, and it allows employers to pay the training wage to people under age 18 for the first 90 days, rather than 200 hours, of their employment.

Starting on January 1, 2024, and on each January 1 every year after that, the bill requires the minimum wage to be adjusted by the percent change in the federal Employment Cost Index (ECI) for all civilian workers’ wages and salaries over the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year, as calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

An August 2018 Quinnipiac University poll of more than 1,000 Connecticut state residents found that nearly two-thirds of state residents (63%) support increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour, including 73% of women, 67% of people over age 67, 65% of people ages 18-24, 56% of unaffiliated voters, and 33% of Republicans.

Once signed by Governor Lamont, the bill will become law.

Senator Haskell Votes For Democrats “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

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Senator Haskell Votes For Democrats “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Early this morning, Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) led the passage of Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penalties, extend the statute of limitations for sexual assault and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in the workplace. We must have an obligation to address sexual assault and harassment. This legislation is long overdue,” said Sen. Haskell. “By extending statutes of limitations and requiring sexual harassment training in workplaces, we send a strong message: time’s up for anyone who thinks they can take advantage of others. I’m so grateful to go to work every day with champions of this cause like Senator Mae Flexer.”

Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Cases of Sexual Assault

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape of an adult — five years — is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have no statute of limitations for rape or a limit longer than Connecticut’s.

Senate Bill 3 would extend our existing statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from five years to 25 years for Class B, C, and D felony sexual assault (e.g., forced rape, rape by drugs, forced sexual contact). For a non-felony (e.g. unwanted sexual contact, and other class A misdemeanors), the statute of limitations would extend from one year to 10 years. In each of these cases, if the victim is 18, 19, or 20, the statute of limitations is 30 years following the victim’s 21st birthday, effectively the victim’s 51st birthday.

Under current law, the most serious sexual assault crimes committed against minors are class A felonies and there is no statute of limitations for these crimes. But, for all other felonies and misdemeanor sexual assault committed against a minor, the current statute of limitations is 5 years from when the crime is reported, but no later than the victim’s 48th birthday. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for all sexual assault crimes committed against a minor.

Statutes of Limitations for Civil Cases of Sexual Assault

In addition, Senate Bill 3 makes changes to the statute of limitations for civil cases of sexual assault. Currently the statute of limitations for a victim under 18 is the victim’s 48th birthday. Under the bill, the statute of limitations for a victim under 21 is the victim’s 51st birthday. This is a significant change for those victims aged 18, 19, and 20 who currently must bring claims within the default statute of limitations for torts, which is 3 years.

Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Currently, employers with only 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to supervisory employees within six months of their employment. Senate Bill 3 requires employers with three or more employees to provide training to all employees, not just supervisors. The bill requires the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to make training materials available online. Employers may then use these resources to comply with the training requirement.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.

Senator Flexer Leads Passage Of Democrats “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

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Senator Flexer Leads Passage Of Democrats “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) led the passage of Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allow more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training. The legislation passed unanimously by a 35-0 vote.

“I’m thrilled that the Senate passed this critical legislation,” said Senator Mae Flexer. “For far too long, Connecticut has had antiquated laws surrounding sexual assault and workplace harassment. Today, we took a concrete step to change those outdated laws as well as the status quo around what is considered acceptable behavior. In the era of ‘Time’s Up’ and ‘Me Too,’ society’s view on the issue of sexual assault and harassment is finally changing. Passing this bill sends a message to victims that we believe you and we hear you, and I’m hopeful that the House will do the same.”

Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Cases of Sexual Assault

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape of an adult — five years — is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have no statute of limitations for rape or a limit longer than Connecticut’s.

Senate Bill 3 would extend our existing statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from five years to 20 years for Class B, C, and D felony sexual assault (e.g., forced rape, rape by drugs, forced sexual contact). For a non-felony (e.g. unwanted sexual contact, and other class A misdemeanors), the statute of limitations would extend from one year to 10 years. In each of these cases, if the victim is 18, 19, or 20, the statute of limitations is 30 years following the victim’s 21st birthday, effectively the victim’s 51st birthday.

Under current law, the most serious sexual assault crimes committed against minors are class A felonies and there is no statute of limitations for these crimes. But, for all other felonies and misdemeanor sexual assault committed against a minor, the current statute of limitations is 5 years from when the crime is reported, but no later than the victim’s 48th birthday. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for all sexual assault crimes committed against a minor.

Statutes of Limitations for Civil Cases of Sexual Assault

In addition, Senate Bill 3 makes changes to the statute of limitations for civil cases of sexual assault. Currently the statute of limitations for a victim under 18 is the victim’s 48th birthday. Under the bill, the statute of limitations for a victim under 21 is the victim’s 51st birthday. This is a significant change for those victims aged 18, 19, and 20 who currently must bring claims within the default statute of limitations for torts, which is 3 years.

Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Currently, employers with only 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to supervisory employees within six months of their employment. Senate Bill 3 requires employers with three or more employees to provide training to all employees, not just supervisors. The bill requires the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to make training materials available online. Employers may then use these resources to comply with the training requirement.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.

 

Senator Anwar Advocates For Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

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Senator Anwar Advocates For Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Early this morning, Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the passage of Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allow more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

“Sexual assault is a crime that robs women of their agency. It is a crime that can change and ruin lives. We must do what we can to fight it,” said Sen. Anwar. “By extending statutes of limitations for criminal and civil penalties for sexual assault, and mandating sexual harassment training in the workplace, we emphasize to our state that this is something we will not tolerate.”

Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Cases of Sexual Assault

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape of an adult — five years — is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have no statute of limitations for rape or a limit longer than Connecticut’s.

Senate Bill 3 would extend our existing statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from five years to 25 years for Class B, C, and D felony sexual assault (e.g., forced rape, rape by drugs, forced sexual contact). For a non-felony (e.g. unwanted sexual contact, and other class A misdemeanors), the statute of limitations would extend from one year to 10 years. In each of these cases, if the victim is 18, 19, or 20, the statute of limitations is 30 years following the victim’s 21st birthday, effectively the victim’s 51st birthday.

Under current law, the most serious sexual assault crimes committed against minors are class A felonies and there is no statute of limitations for these crimes. But, for all other felonies and misdemeanor sexual assault committed against a minor, the current statute of limitations is 5 years from when the crime is reported, but no later than the victim’s 48th birthday. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for all sexual assault crimes committed against a minor.

Statutes of Limitations for Civil Cases of Sexual Assault

In addition, Senate Bill 3 makes changes to the statute of limitations for civil cases of sexual assault. Currently the statute of limitations for a victim under 18 is the victim’s 48th birthday. Under the bill, the statute of limitations for a victim under 21 is the victim’s 51st birthday. This is a significant change for those victims aged 18, 19, and 20 who currently must bring claims within the default statute of limitations for torts, which is 3 years.

Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Currently, employers with only 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to supervisory employees within six months of their employment. Senate Bill 3 requires employers with three or more employees to provide training to all employees, not just supervisors. The bill requires the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to make training materials available online. Employers may then use these resources to comply with the training requirement.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.

 

Senator Cohen Applauds Passage of Democrats’ “TIME’S UP” Sexual Harassment Bill

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Senator Cohen Applauds Passage of
Democrats’ “TIME’S UP” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) applauded the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment,” which advanced by a unanimous vote. Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allow more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and provide more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

“I am pleased to see this important piece of legislation advanced out of the state Senate,” said Sen. Cohen. “The current manner in which our state handles sexual assault does not protect survivors. Twenty other states have longer limits for their statute of limitations than Connecticut, which has one of the shortest in the nation. We need to do all we can to ensure justice as a result of these crimes and additionally to ensure everyone is aware of what is and what is not acceptable behavior. There is no excuse for Connecticut to continue down this road and I am proud that today we took a stand and said enough is enough.”

Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Cases of Sexual Assault

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape of an adult — five years — is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have no statute of limitations for rape or a limit longer than Connecticut’s.

Senate Bill 3 would extend our existing statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from five years to 20 years for Class B, C, and D felony sexual assault (e.g., forced rape, rape by drugs, forced sexual contact). For a non-felony (e.g. unwanted sexual contact, and other class A misdemeanors), the statute of limitations would extend from one year to 10 years. In each of these cases, if the victim is 18, 19, or 20, the statute of limitations is 30 years following the victim’s 21st birthday, effectively the victim’s 51st birthday.

Under current law, the most serious sexual assault crimes committed against minors are class A felonies and there is no statute of limitations for these crimes. But, for all other felonies and misdemeanor sexual assault committed against a minor, the current statute of limitations is 5 years from when the crime is reported, but no later than the victim’s 48th birthday. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for all sexual assault crimes committed against a minor.

Statutes of Limitations for Civil Cases of Sexual Assault

In addition, Senate Bill 3 makes changes to the statute of limitations for civil cases of sexual assault. Currently the statute of limitations for a victim under 18 is the victim’s 48th birthday. Under the bill, the statute of limitations for a victim under 21 is the victim’s 51st birthday. This is a significant change for those victims aged 18, 19, and 20 who currently must bring claims within the default statute of limitations for torts, which is 3 years.

Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Currently, employers with only 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to supervisory employees within six months of their employment. Senate Bill 3 requires employers with three or more employees to provide training to all employees, not just supervisors. The bill requires the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to make training materials available online. Employers may then use these resources to comply with the training requirement.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.

Senator Anwar Votes To Support Legislation Removing Barrier From Veterans Receiving State Services

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Senator Anwar Votes To Support Legislation Removing Barrier From Veterans Receiving State Services

HARTFORD, CT – Early this morning, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), who serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, voted with the Senate to approve legislation removing a significant barrier blocking veterans from receiving certain services. It further redefines the definition of “wartime service,” removing redundant text from current laws.

Senate Bill No. 861, “An Act Concerning the Definition of ‘Service in Time of War’ and State Residency Requirements for Certain Veterans’ Services,” removes a two-year residency requirement for veterans to utilize the Department of Veterans Affairs’ residential services program. Veterans who were not residents of Connecticut prior to enlistment previously had to live in the state for two years before being eligible for the program.

The legislation additionally strikes language from the definition of “wartime service” to clarify that qualifying wartime service may be less than a required ninety days if an individual left the military due to injury incurred in the line of duty. That aligns the state’s language with federal law and adjusts it to accommodate current state practice.

The legislation, which passed the Veterans’ Affairs Committee by a unanimous vote, received support from Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas Saadi and Connecticut Veterans and Military Coalition Chairman Daniel Thurston.

“By making these changes, we remove a barrier that would otherwise block veterans from receiving key services,” said Sen. Anwar. “Veterans should not have to live in our state for two years after serving our country before receiving the services they’ve earned. It additionally refines the definition of ‘wartime service,’ taking into account veterans who have been injured in the line of duty. I am happy to see it pass and look forward to its progression to the House.”

 

Sen. Slap Joins in Historic Senate Vote on Raising Connecticut’s Minimum Wage

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Sen. Slap Joins in Historic Senate Vote on Raising Connecticut’s Minimum Wage

State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) joined his fellow Democratic state senators early this morning in the successful, final passage of a bill that will raise Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage to $15 an hour in five yearly steps by June 1, 2023 – a change that will directly benefit a large portion of Connecticut’s workforce and help thousands of additional workers see their wages rise too.

Once the bill is passed and signed into law by Governor Lamont, the first minimum wage increase will take effect on October 1 of this year.

“Last year I introduced and helped pass a landmark pay equity bill, and today is another big step toward my goal of closing the gender wage gap in Connecticut,” Sen. Slap said. “Nearly 60 percent of minimum wage workers in Connecticut are women. This bill will help them. Increasing our minimum wage will help lift children out of poverty, it will help lift families out of poverty, and it will reward hard work.”

At its public hearing in March, Madeline Granato, policy manager for the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund, expressed her support for a $15 minimum wage.

“The current minimum wage in Connecticut is far below what is needed to meet a family’s basic financial needs,” Granato testified. “Incrementally raising the minimum wage to $15 will provide essential relief to working women and their families. Raising the minimum wage will boost economic activity and increase much-needed revenue in our state. Workers who earn more have access to additional disposable income to put directly back into the local economy, support businesses, and pay more in sales tax.”

Increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour is a popular public policy with Connecticut residents: an August 2018 Quinnipiac University poll of more than 1,000 Connecticut residents found that nearly two-thirds (63%) support increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour, including 73% of women, 67% of people over age 67, and 65% of people ages 18-24.

House Bill 5004, “AN ACT INCREASING THE MINIMUM FAIR WAGE,” increases Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage from the current $10.10 per hour to:

  • $11.00 on October 1, 2019
  • $12.00 on September 1, 2020
  • $13.00 on August 1, 2021
  • $14.00 on July 1, 2022
  • and $15.00 on June 1, 2023

Current state law provides a “tip credit” to employers of hotel and restaurant staff and to bartenders who customarily receive tips. The new minimum wage bill freezes the employer’s share of these employees’ minimum wage requirement at their current values ($6.38 for hotel and restaurant staff, and $8.23 for bartenders), but the bill also requires the tip credit’s value to correspondingly increase to make up for the difference between the employer’s share and the bill’s minimum wage increases.

Today’s minimum wage bill also addresses the issue of so-called training or youth wages. Starting October 1, 2019, the bill changes the “training wage” that employers may pay to learners, beginners, and people under age 18. Current state law generally allows employers to pay these employees as low as 85% of the regular minimum wage for their first 200 hours of employment. Today’s bill eliminates the training wage exceptions for learners and beginners, and now limits the training wage only to people under age 18.

Starting on January 1, 2024, and on each January 1 every year after that, the bill also requires the minimum wage to be adjusted by the percent change in the federal Employment Cost Index (ECI) for all civilian workers’ wages and salaries over the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year.

Senator Abrams Joins Democrats In Raising Connecticut’s Minimum Wage

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Senator Abrams Joins Democrats In Raising Connecticut’s Minimum Wage

HARTFORD, CT – Early this morning, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) proudly voted for a bill designed to raise Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage to $15 an hour in five yearly steps by June 1, 2023 – a change that will benefit nearly a third of Connecticut’s workforce.

“Hundreds of thousands of workers in Connecticut earn the minimum wage, and it’s not enough for them to make ends meet. Not even close,” said Sen. Abrams. “It has long lagged behind inflation, and it’s nowhere close to what they need to support themselves. Over the next five years, we’re taking a massive step forward to fix that. After 2023, it will ensure the minimum wage matches federal inflation. I am so proud to stand with my colleagues and usher in a brighter future for so many in our state.”

House Bill 5004, “AN ACT INCREASING THE MINIMUM FAIR WAGE,” increases Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage from the current $10.10 per hour to:

  • $11.00 on October 1, 2019
  • $12.00 on September 1, 2020
  • $13.00 on August 1, 2021
  • $14.00 on July 1, 2022
  • and $15.00 on June 1, 2023

After June 1, 2023, the bill would index Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage to changes in the federal Employment Cost Index.

The bill freezes employers’ shares of “tip credits,” which allow employers to count employee tips as a percentage of their minimum wage requirement, though it also requires tip credit value to increase and cover the difference between employers’ shares and minimum wage increases. Additionally, it changes the “training wage” for youth, eliminating a standard allowing employers to pay as low as 85 percent of the minimum wage for learners and beginners. The training wage now only applies to people under the age of 18, and is limited to the first 90 days of minors’ employment, rather than 200 hours.

Once the bill is signed into law by Governor Lamont, the first minimum wage increase will take effect on October 1 of this year.

 

Senator Abrams Champions Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

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Senator Abrams Champions Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Early this morning, Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) joined the passage of Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allow more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

“Connecticut state laws have, for far too long, not treated sexual assault with the seriousness it deserves,” said Sen. Abrams. “By extending these statutes of limitations and expanding education for sexual harassment in workplaces, we take a stand against these heinous crimes and show that they will not be taken lightly.”

Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Cases of Sexual Assault

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape of an adult — five years — is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have no statute of limitations for rape or a limit longer than Connecticut’s.

Senate Bill 3 would extend our existing statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from five years to 25 years for Class B, C, and D felony sexual assault (e.g., forced rape, rape by drugs, forced sexual contact). For a non-felony (e.g. unwanted sexual contact, and other class A misdemeanors), the statute of limitations would extend from one year to 10 years. In each of these cases, if the victim is 18, 19, or 20, the statute of limitations is 30 years following the victim’s 21st birthday, effectively the victim’s 51st birthday.

Under current law, the most serious sexual assault crimes committed against minors are class A felonies and there is no statute of limitations for these crimes. But, for all other felonies and misdemeanor sexual assault committed against a minor, the current statute of limitations is 5 years from when the crime is reported, but no later than the victim’s 48th birthday. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for all sexual assault crimes committed against a minor.

Statutes of Limitations for Civil Cases of Sexual Assault

In addition, Senate Bill 3 makes changes to the statute of limitations for civil cases of sexual assault. Currently the statute of limitations for a victim under 18 is the victim’s 48th birthday. Under the bill, the statute of limitations for a victim under 21 is the victim’s 51st birthday. This is a significant change for those victims aged 18, 19, and 20 who currently must bring claims within the default statute of limitations for torts, which is 3 years.

Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Currently, employers with only 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to supervisory employees within six months of their employment. Senate Bill 3 requires employers with three or more employees to provide training to all employees, not just supervisors. The bill requires the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to make training materials available online. Employers may then use these resources to comply with the training requirement.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.

 

Senator Needleman Votes To Approve Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

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Senator Needleman Votes To Approve Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Early this morning, State Senator Norm Needleman(D-Essex) joined the passage of Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allow more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

“The ‘Time’s Up’ movement is nearly two years old, and we only continue to hear more stories of the heinous crimes that have been committed against women,” said Sen. Needleman. “Connecticut must take action, and by passing this legislation, that’s exactly what we’re doing. By extending statutes of limitations for these crimes and extending sexual harassment training in workplaces, we send a strong message to show these crimes’ perpetrators that time is up.”

Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Cases of Sexual Assault

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape of an adult — five years — is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have no statute of limitations for rape or a limit longer than Connecticut’s.

Senate Bill 3 would extend our existing statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from five years to 25 years for Class B, C, and D felony sexual assault (e.g., forced rape, rape by drugs, forced sexual contact). For a non-felony (e.g. unwanted sexual contact, and other class A misdemeanors), the statute of limitations would extend from one year to 10 years. In each of these cases, if the victim is 18, 19, or 20, the statute of limitations is 30 years following the victim’s 21st birthday, effectively the victim’s 51st birthday.

Under current law, the most serious sexual assault crimes committed against minors are class A felonies and there is no statute of limitations for these crimes. But, for all other felonies and misdemeanor sexual assault committed against a minor, the current statute of limitations is 5 years from when the crime is reported, but no later than the victim’s 48th birthday. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for all sexual assault crimes committed against a minor.

Statutes of Limitations for Civil Cases of Sexual Assault

In addition, Senate Bill 3 makes changes to the statute of limitations for civil cases of sexual assault. Currently the statute of limitations for a victim under 18 is the victim’s 48th birthday. Under the bill, the statute of limitations for a victim under 21 is the victim’s 51st birthday. This is a significant change for those victims aged 18, 19, and 20 who currently must bring claims within the default statute of limitations for torts, which is 3 years.

Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Currently, employers with only 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to supervisory employees within six months of their employment. Senate Bill 3 requires employers with three or more employees to provide training to all employees, not just supervisors. The bill requires the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to make training materials available online. Employers may then use these resources to comply with the training requirement.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.