Connecticut House Bill HB06899

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/17
• Refer: 1/25/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Revisions To The Complaint Resolution Process Within The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities.

Impact

If passed, HB06899 would significantly amend Chapter 814c of the general statutes by instituting a complaint tracking system that guarantees adherence to statutory timelines for complaint processing. It would implement uniform procedures for handling complaints and specifically segregate housing discrimination complaints from other types. This separation is pivotal as it recognizes the unique complexities associated with housing discrimination issues and allows for more focused and effective resolutions in this critical area.

Summary

House Bill 06899 aims to improve the complaint resolution process within the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) by addressing several key areas. The bill outlines the necessity for the CHRO to enhance data capabilities that currently hinder effective tracking and processing of complaints. Furthermore, it mandates improved reporting mechanisms to the General Assembly and the Governor regarding the performance of CHRO divisions. These changes seek to create a more efficient and accountable complaint resolution framework that benefits all stakeholding parties, particularly those who are marginalized and face discrimination.

Contention

While the bill closely focuses on streamlining processes within the CHRO, debates surrounding this legislation may arise, particularly concerning the perceived effectiveness of the proposed measures. Critics might argue that even with these amendments, the underlying issues of discrimination and inefficient responses may not be adequately addressed. Additionally, the introduction of independent mediators for complaint resolution, while seen as a necessary step towards fairness, could raise concerns about the availability of resources or potential impacts on the existing workload at the CHRO.