Connecticut HR law changes
Federal changes (apply in every state)
| Effective | Where | Topic | Change | Who it covers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | Federal (US) | Payroll & tax | 2026 Form W-4 adds deductions for qualified tips and overtime (Step 4(b)) Employers must use an employee's updated W-4 if one is submitted. | All employers that withhold federal income tax | Source 1 Source 2 |
| 2026-01-01 | Federal (US) | Payroll & tax | Qualified overtime must be reported on 2026 Forms W-2 (box 12, code TT) Applies to tax year 2026 W-2s; 2025 had transition relief. | Employers paying FLSA-required overtime | Source 1 Source 2 |
| 2026-02-27 | Federal (US) | Joint employer | NLRB restores 2020 joint-employer standard after vacated 2023 rule Replaces vacated 2023 rule text with the 2020 rule at 29 CFR 103.40. | Employers covered by the NLRA | Source 1 Source 2 |
| 2026-05-15 | Federal (US) | Overtime | DOL restores pre-2024 overtime exemption salary rules (technical amendment) Implements court judgments vacating the 2024 overtime rule; reinstates the 2019 regulatory text. | Employers covered by the FLSA | Source |
| 2026-08-01 | Federal (US) | I-9 & E-Verify | Only the Form I-9 version expiring 05/31/2027 may be used Older 08/01/23 edition expiring 07/31/2026 no longer valid; electronic systems had to update by 07/31/2026. | All employers | Source 1 Source 2 |
State and local changes
| Effective | Where | Topic | Change | Who it covers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | Connecticut | Minimum wage | Connecticut minimum wage rises to $16.94 Indexed to employment cost index. | All employers | Source |
| 2026-01-01 | Connecticut | Paid leave | Connecticut paid sick leave extends to employers with 11+ employees 1 hr per 30 worked, up to 40 hrs/yr. | Employers with 11+ CT employees | Source 1 Source 2 |
| 2026-10-01 | Connecticut | AI in hiring | Connecticut: WARN notices must say whether layoffs relate to AI; AI no defense to discrimination claims Public Act 26-15 (SB 5). | Employers subject to WARN (layoff notice) | Source 1 Source 2 |
| 2026-10-01 | Connecticut | Non-compete | Connecticut stay-or-pay promissory note ban extended to all employers PA 26-12 § 4. | All employers (previously 26+) | Source |
| 2026-10-01 | Connecticut | Pay transparency | Connecticut wage range and benefits required in all job postings (PA 26-12) Public and internal postings must include wage range and a general description of benefits. | All employers (1+ employee), incl. state and municipalities | Source 1 Source 2 |
| 2027-01-01 | Connecticut | Minimum wage | Connecticut minimum wage rises to $17.48 Announced annual adjustment. | All employers | Source |
| 2027-01-01 | Connecticut | Paid leave | Connecticut paid sick leave extends to all employers (1+ employee) Final phase of PA 24-8. | Employers with 1+ CT employee | Source 1 Source 2 |
| 2027-10-01 | Connecticut | AI in hiring | Connecticut: notice before AI-assisted employment decisions Public Act 26-15 (SB 5); plain-language and pre-decision written notice. | Employers deploying covered AI tools | Source 1 Source 2 unverified |