Substitute Senate Bill No. 90, also known as Public Act No. 26-77, 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," which now includes specific categories like blindness and intellectual disability, and the introduction of "protected social category," encompassing identities such as race, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. The bill redefines hate crime classifications, replacing terms like "intimidation based on bigotry or bias" with more specific categories such as "hate crime causing physical injury" and "hate crime affecting property," each carrying distinct penalties. Minimum fines for these offenses are established and cannot be reduced without court justification, enhancing the legal framework surrounding hate crimes.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions addressing discriminatory practices and false reporting, defining various forms of hate crimes and establishing penalties for offenses such as damaging houses of worship and making threats based on protected social categories. It also expands protections against discrimination in housing and public accommodations, ensuring individuals with disabilities can access public places with service animals and prohibiting discrimination based on status as a victim of domestic violence or trafficking. The bill mandates the establishment of a Hate Crimes Advisory Council and requires a review of hate crime laws by the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, aiming to strengthen legal responses to hate crimes and enhance public safety. Overall, the legislation reflects a commitment to combat discrimination and provide comprehensive protections for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f
File No. 558: 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f
Public Act No. 26-77: 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f