Connecticut Makes Changes to Leave of Absence Laws

Connecticut has amended two existing laws that provide leaves of absence for eligible employees, effective Oct. 1, 2025.

Law 1: Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act

Connecticut has amended its state Family and Medical Leave Act, or CTFMLA, to expand the definition of employees who are eligible for a leave of absence. Those who are newly eligible are employees of a public school operator or a nonpublic elementary or secondary school:

• Whose position does not require a professional certification under Connecticut law
• Who have been employed for at least three months during the previous twelve-month period by a public school operator or nonpublic elementary or secondary school

As a reminder, CTFMLA entitles an eligible employee to unpaid, job-protected leave for the following reasons:

• Birth of a child
• Placement of a child for adoption or foster care
• Care of a family member with a serious health condition
• Employee’s own serious health condition
• To serve as an organ or bone marrow donor
• Qualifying exigencies related to a family member’s active-duty service in the armed forces
• Care of a family member with a serious injury or illness incurred on active duty in the armed forces

Law 2: Personal Protected Leave

Connecticut has also amended its law that allows a reasonable leave of absence for employees who have experienced domestic violence to now also include those who have experienced sexual assault or trafficking in persons. Leave under this law can be taken for the following purposes:

• To seek attention for injuries
• To obtain services, including safety planning
• To obtain psychological counseling
• To take actions to increase safety from future incidents, including relocation
• To obtain legal services, assist in the prosecution of the offense or participate in related legal proceedings

If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding these laws, including how The Standard can help with compliance support, please contact your account manager or a representative near you.