Connecticut Fair Hiring Laws

Various laws are in effect that impact employment, including some that dictate the regulations around recruiting and hiring new employees. Review our detailed guide to fair hiring laws in Connecticut and how they differ from federal regulations.

What Are Fair Hiring Laws?

Fair hiring laws are regulations administered federally by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Department of Labor (DOL). They apply across all states in the U.S., although some states have stricter laws in place. More than 180 laws cover workplace activities, protecting more than 165 million workers. Some of these related to the process of recruiting and hiring new employees.

What Are “Ban-the-Box” Laws?

Ban-the-box laws limit when an employer can ask about a candidate’s criminal history during the hiring process. The term refers to eliminating the box that must be checked on a traditional application when the individual has such a record.

Does Connecticut Have Fair Hiring Laws That Differ from Federal Fair Hiring Laws?

Yes, there are laws in place in Connecticut regarding fair hiring practices that differ from federal laws.

Do Connecticut Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Federal Equal Pay Act (EPA)?

Connecticut has a statewide law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex when determining compensation.

Do Connecticut Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?

Connecticut law prohibits discrimination in hiring based on age. It applies to employers with 3+ employees.

Do Connecticut Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Although the Connecticut law is similar to the ADA, there are some differences. One is that the state law applies to employers with 3+ employees (versus 15+ for the federal law). Additionally, the definition of disability differs slightly, with the Connecticut law not explicitly including those perceived to have a disability or incorporating the concept of substantial limits to life activities due to a disability.

Do Connecticut Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)?

Connecticut has a law that prohibits discrimination in employment situations based on the use of genetic information. It applies to employers with at least 3 employees.

Do Connecticut Hiring Laws Match or Differ from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

State law restricts against discrimination in employment based on marital status, learning disability, physical disability, a present or past mental disorder (or retardation), sexual orientation, and age. Additionally, Connecticut law is more explicit regarding sexual harassment and the discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. Prior criminal conviction cannot be the basis for hiring decisions.

Are There Different Fair Hiring Laws in Cities or Municipalities Across Connecticut?

No, there are no different fair hiring laws in cities or municipalities in Connecticut.

With the right tools, ensuring fairness when recruiting and hiring doesn’t have to cause problems. Learn more about the applicant tracking capabilities built into WorkforceHub, like automation of data tracking and reporting for valuable insights. We can help your business maintain compliance with fair hiring regulations.