CT SB00284

Establishes a Division of Administrative Hearings within the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, effective October 1, 2010, to conduct impartial hearings in contested cases.

Creates the position of Chief Administrative Law Adjudicator to serve as chief executive officer of the Division and appoint administrative law adjudicators, with requirements that new adjudicators be admitted to practice law in Connecticut for at least two years.

Transfers all full-time and permanent part-time employees of the Department of Children and Families, Department of Transportation, and Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities whose duties involve conducting hearings to the Division, with protections for their salaries, seniority, benefits, and collective bargaining rights.

Requires the Division to conduct hearings and render proposed final decisions or final decisions in contested cases for specified agencies; allows other agencies to voluntarily refer cases to the Division with the Chief Administrative Law Adjudicator's consent.

Requires the Chief Administrative Law Adjudicator to compile annual statistics on Division operations by January 1 each year and submit reports to the Governor and General Assembly on hearings held, decisions rendered, case reversals, and pending proceedings.