CT HB05277

State shall indemnify members of university special police forces from financial loss and legal expenses arising from civil rights deprivation claims, provided the deprivation was not wanton, reckless, or malicious and occurred during the officer's duties or employment.

State shall pay reasonable legal fees and costs for officers who retain attorneys to defend against civil rights claims in two scenarios: (1) the officer is found not to have acted in a wanton, reckless, or malicious manner, or (2) no punitive damages are assessed against the officer.

Effective date is July 1, 2012, and the act amends Section 10a-142 of the Connecticut General Statutes.