A bill that would forbid employers from requiring their workers to attend certain mandatory meetings is heading to the Connecticut Senate, where it likely faces a lengthy debate, The Associated Press reports.
Early Thursday morning, the House of Representatives passed the so-called “captive audience” bill by a 78-65 margin. The vote followed about 11 hours of debate, which was longer than the House debate on the state budget.
It’s unclear when the Senate, scheduled to meet on Thursday, will act on the bill.
Under the proposal, employers could not discipline workers for refusing to attend certain mandatory meetings, mostly those about the employer’s beliefs on religion or politics.
Proponents said the legislation is about protecting workers’ rights, but Republicans said it’s too vague, would be harmful to business and lead to frivolous lawsuits.
