| Update Applicable to: | Effective Date |
| All Employers in Connecticut, regardless of size | October 1, 2025 |
What happened?
On July 8, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill (HB) 7236 (Public Act 25-139), expanding Connecticut’s anti-discrimination law to protect victims of sexual assault and human trafficking.
Overview:
Effective October 1, 2025, employers of all sizes must provide these individuals the same protections as victims of domestic violence, including:
- Freedom from discrimination in employment.
- Reasonable leave for medical care, counseling, legal proceedings, or safety planning.
- Workplace accommodations to ensure safety and support.
The law also:
- Prohibits public agencies from disclosing the location of shelters or transitional housing for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, even under FOIA requests (Public Act 25-70).
- Expands training requirements for law enforcement, courts, medical staff, and schools on human trafficking awareness.
- Creates an affirmative defense for minors charged with misdemeanors if the offense resulted from being trafficked.
Source References
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