Connecticut Senate Bill SB00019

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/20
• Refer: 2/6/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Sexual Misconduct On College Campuses.

Impact

If enacted, SB00019 will impact existing state laws related to how institutions handle reports of sexual misconduct. Institutions will be required to adopt specific policies regarding sexual assault and intimate partner violence. The implementation of the climate survey is designed to create a more transparent environment where students can voice their concerns without facing repercussions for reporting incidents. Furthermore, it includes stipulations aimed at protecting students who disclose being victims of such acts from disciplinary actions related to violations that may have occurred at the time of the incident.

Summary

SB00019, titled 'An Act Concerning Sexual Misconduct On College Campuses,' seeks to establish a framework for addressing sexual misconduct within higher education institutions in the state. A major feature of the bill is the introduction of a standardized sexual misconduct climate survey meant to gauge the prevalence of incidents such as sexual assault and stalking across campuses. The bill emphasizes the importance of awareness and education around affirmative consent, highlighting that all participants must actively agree to engage in sexual activity. It defines affirmative consent in clear terms, outlining that it must be ongoing and can be revoked at any time.

Contention

The bill has been met with varying opinions. Supporters argue that it provides essential protections for students and holds institutions accountable for creating safer campus environments. Detractors, however, might raise concerns regarding the adequacy of resources for effective implementation and the potential for misuse of the reporting mechanisms. There are also apprehensions about the challenges in ensuring confidentiality and the effectiveness of the surveys in capturing genuine data concerning the experiences of students. Overall, the bill represents a significant step towards enhancing the measures taken against sexual misconduct in higher education.