AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR INCAPACITY BENEFITS UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT.

HB 6969 modifies Connecticut's Workers' Compensation Act to clarify eligibility for wage replacement benefits after workplace injuries. It specifically prevents employees who have retired from the workforce from receiving benefits if their incapacity occurs after retirement (Section 1(a)). The bill maintains existing rules that provide 75% of an injured worker's average weekly earnings (after tax deductions) for total incapacity, with minimum and maximum payment limits, and includes special provisions for injuries causing permanent disability or employer safety violations. The change takes effect October 1, 2025, directly affecting retired workers who become incapacitated post-retirement.