Substitute House Bill No. 7236 seeks to enhance protections for victims of sexual assault and human trafficking by amending existing laws related to discrimination and the composition of relevant councils. The bill repeals subsection (b) of section 46a-170, replacing it with a new structure that includes additional members, such as the Commissioner of Transportation and a municipal police chief, while increasing the total number of public members from fifteen to sixteen. It also expands the definitions of protected classes in discrimination laws to include "status as a victim of sexual assault" and "status as a victim of trafficking in persons," while removing "status as a victim of domestic violence." The bill outlines various discriminatory practices in housing and employment, ensuring that individuals are protected from discrimination based on these newly included statuses.

Additionally, the bill mandates that employers maintain confidentiality regarding an employee's victim status and allows for reasonable leave for victims to seek assistance. It establishes an affirmative defense for minors charged with misdemeanors who were victims of trafficking and requires training programs for professionals on human trafficking awareness to be delivered in various formats. The bill aims to create a more supportive legal framework for victims, improve the state's response to human trafficking and sexual assault, and enhance the overall protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 754: