03/03/2022
March 3, 2022 Labor and Public Employees Cmte, HB 5249
Public Hearing Testimony of
Daryle Dudzinski, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Labor
Labor and Public Employees Committee
March 3, 2022
Good Morning Senator Kushner, Representative Porter, Senator Sampson, Representative Arora and members of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with testimony regarding House Bill 5249, AN ACT CONCERNING NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS. My name is Daryle Dudzinski and I am the Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor.
The Connecticut Department of Labor supports this proposed bill that would protect certain employees and independent contractors from onerous and unfair non-compete agreements imposed by an employer on an employee as a condition of employment. Concern about overuse of non-compete agreements has grown in recent years.
The proposed bill also recognizes the necessity of protecting legitimate business interests, such as proprietary information. It also incentivizes the use of less restrictive means, including nondisclosure and non-solicitation agreements. These types of restrictions offer businesses protection, without the dampening effect on wage growth and economic activity. Setting limits on the use of noncompete agreements in Connecticut offers a middle ground that protects workers’ rights without sacrificing business interests. The Attorney General’s Office or workers that are aggrieved by a violation of this proposed bill may bring a civil action in court.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this testimony. I am available to answer any questions you may have.
Connecticut Department of Labor • www.ct.gov/dol
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer