AN ACT CONCERNING PORTAL TO PORTAL WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES.

SB 1222 expands workers' compensation coverage for public works department employees by clarifying that their commute to and from work counts as "in the course of employment" during specific scenarios: when responding to emergency calls while off-duty, following direct work orders during non-working hours, or after multiple consecutive overtime shifts. This change directly affects state and municipal public works employees (e.g., road crews, maintenance staff) who handle infrastructure maintenance. The bill amends Section 31-275 of the general statutes to explicitly include these commute periods in coverage, effective October 1, 2025. It does not alter existing compensation rules but provides clearer eligibility for these employees during defined work-related circumstances.