Connecticut House Bill HB06451

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities.

Impact

The proposed reforms seek to address significant backlogs of cases at the CHRO by expediting the scheduling of hearings and facilitating more effective legal interventions. By granting legal counsel from the commission the right to intervene in civil or human rights cases, the bill aims to bolster the commission's role in protecting and enforcing individuals' rights. This could potentially lead to quicker resolutions of complaints brought to the commission, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of human rights protections in the state.

Summary

House Bill 06451, titled 'An Act Concerning The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities,' aims to reform the operations of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). The bill proposes amendments to chapter 814c of the general statutes, particularly allowing for nonmonetary sanctions to be imposed by the presiding officer during commission hearings if parties do not comply with orders related to producing necessary documents. This change is intended to enhance compliance and efficiency within commission proceedings.

Contention

While the intention of the bill is to improve efficiency and responsiveness in human rights cases, there may be concerns regarding the implications of allowing nonmonetary sanctions and the expansion of legal counsel intervention. Critics may argue that such measures could inadvertently undermine the fairness of the hearing process or complicate the legal landscape for individuals involved. Proponents would likely counter that these changes are essential for ensuring accountability and prompt action in human rights matters, thereby assisting those who seek justice.