Senate Bill 1111 Summary

• Establishes commission authority to bring civil actions for discriminatory practices in Superior Court instead of administrative hearings, with mutual written agreement of parties, and authorizes civil penalties up to $10,000 payable to the commission.

• Reduces penalties for posting notice violations from $1,000 to $750 for failing to post statutory provisions about employment discrimination, sexual harassment training, and remedies.

• Authorizes appointment of magistrates as presiding officers in discrimination cases when commission has available appropriations and pending complaints exceed 100, with same powers as human rights referees.

• Allows commission representatives to inspect employer workplaces during normal business hours within 12 months of a filed complaint to verify compliance with sexual harassment posting and training requirements, except residential homes without express permission.

• Expands sexual assault statutes by clarifying fourth-degree assault includes persons with mental impairment and adding new categories for school employees, coaches, those in positions of power over minors under 18, and health care professionals using false medical pretenses.