Senate Bill No. 1442 seeks to amend existing laws related to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) by expanding definitions and protections against discrimination, particularly for victims of domestic violence. The bill introduces the term "employer's agent" to clarify who is authorized to make employment decisions and broadens the definition of "discrimination" to include sexual orientation, civil union status, and domestic violence victim status. It repeals and replaces several sections of the general statutes, including Section 46a-51, Section 46a-81c, and Section 46a-64c, to emphasize the prohibition of discriminatory practices in employment and housing while updating language to be gender-neutral. The bill also adds protections for domestic violence victims in housing transactions and modifies existing housing discrimination laws to include this new protected class.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for handling discrimination complaints, mandating timely investigations and allowing for early legal intervention. It eliminates the two-year statute of limitations for filing complaints in Superior Court, replacing it with a 90-day window after receiving a release of jurisdiction from CHRO. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which certain forms of discrimination may be permissible, such as denying housing to unrelated individuals who are not married. Key deletions include the removal of outdated language and the mention of "status as a veteran" in several sections, indicating a shift in focus towards protecting victims of domestic violence. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with minimal expected fiscal impacts.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable:
File No. 760: