House Bill 5422 (sHB5422 File No. 456) proposes amendments to the general statutes concerning hate and bias crimes, with an effective date of October 1, 2024. The bill modifies the conditions under which the court may impose sentences of probation or conditional discharge, allowing for the court or the Court Support Services Division to determine restitution for victims. It also renumbers an existing condition for the defendant's rehabilitation. The bill revises section 46a-58, defining discriminatory practices and violations related to hate crimes, and outlines specific acts that constitute violations, such as desecrating property, placing burning crosses or nooses on property without consent, and the intent behind such acts. It stipulates penalties for these violations, including class A misdemeanor or class D felony charges, with fines not less than one thousand dollars, and higher penalties for property damage exceeding certain amounts. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision requiring offenders to participate in anti-bias or diversity awareness programs or community service related to their violation and specifies that the minimum fine amounts may not be reduced unless the court provides reasons on the record.

The bill also amends Section 53-37a to classify the act of depriving someone of their constitutional rights on account of certain protected characteristics while concealing one's identity as a class D felony and mandates participation in an anti-bias or diversity awareness program or community service. Amendments to Sections 53a-181j, 53a-181k, and 53a-181l include similar provisions for mandatory participation in anti-bias programs or community service. The bill revises Section 51-279f, expanding the State-Wide Hate Crimes Advisory Council to include the head of the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy at The University of Connecticut and ensuring representation of organizations committed to decreasing hate crimes and improving diversity awareness. The Governor is to appoint two chairpersons for the council. The bill introduces insertions, such as the requirement for the council to review intimidation statutes and align them more closely with federal hate and bias crime statutes, and a fiscal note indicates a potential minimal cost to the Judicial Department for the required anti-bias training. The bill has been favorably reported by the Judiciary Committee.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 53-37a, 51-279f
JUD Joint Favorable: 53-37a, 51-279f
File No. 456: 53-37a, 51-279f