CT SB00291

Requires judges and family support magistrates to conduct open court inquiries of parties prior to proceedings to determine whether circumstances exist that would disqualify them under state law or the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Adds gender-neutral language ("or her") to existing disqualification standards in Section 51-39 regarding judges' relationships to parties, pecuniary interests, and ecclesiastical affiliations.

Establishes a process allowing the Attorney General to investigate complaints of corruption, unethical practices, violations of law, mismanagement, and abuse of authority in municipal police departments, with authority to reject reports if other remedies exist or matters are frivolous or untimely.

Prohibits municipal police departments from taking or threatening personnel actions against employees who report wrongdoing to the Attorney General and establishes procedures for adjudicating retaliation claims through human rights referees with remedies including reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees.

Directs the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee to study conflicts of interest in the criminal justice system and report findings by February 1, 2014.