Governor's Bill No. 90 seeks to revise and consolidate Connecticut's hate crimes statutes by repealing and replacing several existing sections with updated definitions and classifications. Key insertions include a broader definition of "disability," the introduction of "protected social category" to encompass various identities such as race, religion, and sexual orientation, and the reclassification of offenses from "intimidation based on bigotry or bias" to "hate crime." The bill establishes minimum fines for hate crimes, with a class C felony for those causing physical injury and a class D felony for those causing physical contact or property damage, mandating fines of at least $3,000 and $1,000 respectively. Additionally, the bill introduces new offenses related to hate crimes targeting houses of worship and discriminatory practices, with specific classifications and penalties.

The legislation also aims to enhance protections against discrimination in housing and public accommodations, prohibiting discrimination based on various characteristics, including race, gender identity, and status as a victim of domestic violence. It removes the previous classification of violations as a class D misdemeanor and emphasizes timely investigations of complaints. Furthermore, the bill updates language regarding individuals with intellectual disabilities, replacing outdated terms with more respectful terminology. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal frameworks surrounding hate crimes and discrimination, ensuring comprehensive protections and accountability for offenders, with an effective date set for October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f