CT HB05743

Expands hate crime protections under section 46a-58 to include gender identity or expression and mental disability; adds specific prohibitions against placing burning crosses or nooses with intent to intimidate or harass.

Increases criminal penalties for desecrating houses of religious worship to class D felony (up to $10,000 in damages) or class C felony (over $10,000 in damages), with mandatory minimum fines of $1,000-$3,000 that cannot be reduced without court explanation.

Upgrades intimidation based on bigotry or bias in the third degree from class A misdemeanor to class E felony, with $1,000 mandatory minimum fine; adds sex to protected characteristics in all three degrees of intimidation offenses.

Expands threatening in the first and second degree statutes to protect houses of religious worship, religiously-affiliated community centers, and day care centers during operational or religious service hours.

Creates a State-Wide Hate Crimes Advisory Council within the Office of the Chief State's Attorney to coordinate hate crime awareness programs, improve reporting, and make legislative recommendations; requires annual reports to the General Assembly.