WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 621

AN ACT MAKING THE CONNECTICUT PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE PROGRAM AN OPT-IN PROGRAM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 2 co-sponsors

SB 621 switches Connecticut's paid family and medical leave program from automatic enrollment to opt-in, likely reducing participation rates and program sustainability significantly.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Labor and Public Employees
#paidfamilyandmedicalleaveprogram
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 621

Legislative bill overview

SB 621 would convert Connecticut's paid family and medical leave insurance program from an automatic opt-out system to an opt-in system, requiring employees to actively elect participation rather than being enrolled by default. This reverses the current structure where workers are automatically enrolled unless they choose to decline coverage.

Why is this important

Participation rates are significantly affected by default enrollment rules—opt-out systems typically see 80-90% participation while opt-in systems see 10-30% participation. This change would substantially reduce the number of workers with access to paid leave benefits for childbirth, serious illness, or family caregiving, fundamentally altering the program's scope and revenue base since participation determines both coverage availability and payroll tax contributions.

Potential points of contention

  • Program viability: Reduced participation lowers payroll tax revenue, potentially requiring higher contribution rates for remaining participants or forcing benefit reductions
  • Coverage equity: Lower-income and hourly workers are less likely to opt-in to benefits, creating disparities in who can afford unpaid time off versus paid leave
  • Legislative intent: The 2019 law establishing the program presumed broad coverage as essential; this reverses that foundational policy choice based on active enrollment philosophy rather than policy substance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.