Connecticut Senate Bill SB00213

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25

Caption

An Act Repealing Certain Provisions Of Pa 20-1 Of The July Special Session, Also Known As The Police Accountability Act.

Impact

If passed, SB00213 is expected to have significant implications for the functioning and oversight of law enforcement in the state. Supporters of the bill believe that repealing these provisions will empower police officers by reducing legal vulnerabilities, thereby allowing them to perform their duties without the fear of unmerited legal actions. This could lead to a shift in how law enforcement interacts with communities, particularly in terms of accountability and civil rights protections.

Summary

SB00213 is a legislative proposal aimed at repealing certain provisions of the Police Accountability Act (PA 20-1). Specifically, the bill seeks to eliminate sections 52-571k and 54-33o of the general statutes and reverse amendments made to sections 53a-22 and 54-33b. The primary intention behind this bill is to repeal restrictions that are considered burdensome to law enforcement, with the proponents arguing that these restrictions expose officers and municipalities to unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SB00213 is likely to center on the balance between law enforcement autonomy and community accountability. Critics of the repeal, including representatives of civil rights groups, may argue that removing these provisions could lead to a lack of accountability for police actions, thereby jeopardizing the safety and rights of citizens. The tension between ensuring officer protection and upholding community rights will be a focal point in the legislative debate over this bill.