Committee readies audit guide and minor finance policy edits for full board; considers options on employer refunds

At the Jan. 6 meeting of the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority Policy & Personnel Committee, staff told members the private‑plan audit guide was posted for public comment and drew no public responses; one internal comment prompted a minor edit clarifying 'annual notice' vs. 'annual notices' to allow future notice requirements to be reviewed during audits.

Michael said the audit guide and two finance policies (a finance and accounting policy and a credit‑card policy) are the same versions previously posted and are slated for full‑board consideration later this week. "The version that was shared with the public and that the board and committee saw a couple months ago is the exact same version we're looking to have adopted," Michael said.

On policy work for 2026, staff described a modest slate: finalize posted policies; review the employee handbook and travel policy for minor updates; monitor school‑employee claims experience following recent coverage expansions; and consider targeted changes to address employers who continue paying public contributions even though they maintain private plans. Among the options Michael described were adjusting refund calculations to withhold penalties from refunds and escalating penalties for repeat violations; staff said audits to date have not found evidence that employers double‑charged employees for contributions.

No public comments were recorded on these items during the committee meeting. The committee approved procedural minutes and adjourned; the substantive policy items will be considered by the full board on Thursday.