House Bill No. 6638, Public Act No. 23-145, is a legislative act that revises the state's antidiscrimination statutes, with an effective date of July 1, 2023. The bill amends Section 46a-58 of the general statutes to include "age" as a protected category, thereby making it a discriminatory practice to deprive any person of rights, privileges, or immunities on account of age. It also specifies that certain acts, such as desecrating public property or religious objects, placing burning crosses or nooses with the intent to intimidate, are violations of this section, with penalties ranging from a class A misdemeanor to a class C felony. The bill updates Section 46a-51 with new definitions and clarifications for terms such as "blind," "commission," "discriminatory practice," and "mental disability," and outlines the roles of various entities in preventing discrimination.

The bill also expands the definition of "Race" to include ethnic traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. A new definition for "Sexual orientation" is introduced, encompassing a person's identity in relation to the gender(s) they are attracted to. The bill specifies exemptions for religious organizations from certain anti-discrimination provisions, particularly in matters of employment, discipline, faith, internal organization, or ecclesiastical rule, as well as for the conduct and administration of ROTC programs at higher education institutions. Additionally, the bill repeals section 46a-81a of the general statutes. These changes are set to become effective on July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable:
File No. 615:
File No. 760:
Public Act No. 23-145: