Substitute House Bill No. 5419 is designed to enhance the Attorney General's authority to combat discriminatory housing practices. The bill amends Section 3-129g of the general statutes, effective October 1, 2024, to empower the Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against any person or entity that violates constitutional rights through discrimination, threats, intimidation, or coercion. The Attorney General is authorized to issue subpoenas, interrogatories, and gather information, which cannot be used in criminal proceedings. The bill allows the Attorney General to seek relief, including injunctions, damages, and civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation, with penalties going to the General Fund. The Attorney General may also negotiate assurances of discontinuance instead of pursuing civil action. The bill does not restrict individuals from filing complaints with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), nor does it limit CHRO's jurisdiction. The Attorney General is prohibited from bringing actions that are barred by the statute of limitations or repose, cannot act during CHRO proceedings, and cannot assert claims against state agencies or employees, except under certain conditions. The Attorney General is also tasked with providing information on filing CHRO complaints and may refer cases to CHRO. Additionally, the bill allows the Attorney General to petition for relief under section 46a-89 for violations of anti-discrimination housing laws.

Furthermore, the bill incorporates language from sHB 5288, expanding protections for individuals with service animals by adopting the federal definition of "service animals," which may broaden the types of animals covered under the law. It also includes provisions from sHB 5414 to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's status as a victim of sexual assault, trafficking, or stalking in state housing and public accommodation laws. The Judiciary Committee has expressed support for this substitute bill, with a vote of 32 in favor and 5 against on March 26, 2024. The bill does not specify the exact insertions or deletions from current law but indicates amendments to existing statutes to include these expanded definitions and protections.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 3-129g
File No. 455: 3-129g