Researcher: GM Page 1 4/6/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 120
AN ACT ALLOWING POLICE OFFICERS TO WEAR RELIGIOUS
HEAD COVERINGS AS PART OF A POLICE UNIFORM.
SUMMARY
This bill requires law enforcement units to allow their police
officers, while on duty, to wear religious head coverings that
correspond to the officers’ religious beliefs, except where the units
require their officers to use tight-fitting protective headgear.
Specifically, the bill requires each unit, by October 1, 2021, to adopt
or amend a policy to (1) establish standards for the personal
appearance of its officers while they are on duty and wearing a
uniform or other authorized attire and (2) allow the religious head
coverings as provided above.
By law and under the bill, a “law enforcement unit” is any state or
municipal agency or department (or tribal agency or department
created and governed under a memorandum of agreement) whose
primary functions include enforcing criminal or traffic laws;
preserving public order; protecting life and property; or preventing,
detecting, or investigating crime. “Police officers” are sworn members
of an organized local police department or the State Police; appointed
constables who perform criminal law enforcement duties; special
police officers appointed under law (e.g., those appointed to
investigate public assistance fraud); or any members of a law
enforcement unit who perform police duties (CGS § 7-294a).
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Safety and Security Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 23 Nay 2 (03/18/2021)