Connecticut General Statutes § 4‑61dd and sections 4‑61dd‑1 through 4‑61dd‑7 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies explain whistleblower retaliation and how these complaints are reviewed and decided by the Office of Public Hearings within the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
Together, the statute and regulations describe who is protected, what actions are not allowed, and how whistleblower retaliation complaints move through the hearing process.
These statutes and regulations apply only to whistleblower retaliation complaints. They do not apply to complaints in general or to other types of CHRO cases.
Whistleblower retaliation statute
(Connecticut General Statutes § 4‑61dd)
Section 4‑61dd of the Connecticut General Statutes protects state employees and people applying for state jobs who report wrongdoing.
Under this law, an employer may not take retaliatory action against a person who reports, in good faith, a violation or suspected violation of a state or federal law or regulation to a public body.
Retaliation can include actions such as firing, suspending, or demoting an employee. It can also include other negative employment actions taken because the person made a report.
A person who believes they were retaliated against may file a whistleblower retaliation complaint with the Office of Public Hearings within the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The complaint must be filed within ninety days of the alleged retaliatory action.
If the presiding officer determines that retaliation occurred, they may order relief. This relief may include reinstatement to a job, back pay, and restoration of employment benefits.
Whistleblower retaliation regulations
(Regs. of Conn. State Agencies §§ 4‑61dd‑1 to 4‑61dd‑7)
The whistleblower retaliation regulations explain how the Office of Public Hearings handles complaints filed under section 4‑61dd. These regulations focus on the hearing process and how decisions are made.
Definitions (§ 4‑61dd‑1)
The regulations define key terms used in whistleblower retaliation cases.
“Office” refers to the Office of Public Hearings within the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
“Presiding officer” means a human rights referee appointed under section 46a‑57 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Filing of complaints (§ 4‑61dd‑2)
A whistleblower retaliation complaint must be submitted in writing. It must be signed by the complainant and include facts that explain the alleged retaliatory action.
Notice and scheduling (§ 4‑61dd‑3)
After the Office receives a complaint, it notifies the complainant and the respondent. The Office then schedules a hearing.
Hearings (§ 4‑61dd‑4)
Hearings are conducted by a presiding officer. The hearing process follows Connecticut administrative law and applicable regulations.
Evidence (§ 4‑61dd‑5)
The presiding officer may accept evidence that is relevant, material, and reliable. Formal court rules of evidence do not apply during these hearings.
Decisions (§ 4‑61dd‑6)
After the hearing is complete, the presiding officer issues a written decision. The decision includes findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Final orders (§ 4‑61dd‑7)
Final decisions are issued in accordance with section 4‑180 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Whistleblower retaliation statute (C.G.S. § 4‑61dd)
Whistleblower retaliation regulations (Regs. §§ 4‑61dd‑1 to 4‑61dd‑7)
