Raised Bill No. 211 Summary

• Attorney General may investigate alleged violations of statutes 53a-181j, 53a-181k, and 53a-181l, and issue subpoenas and interrogatories; information obtained cannot be used in criminal proceedings.

• Attorney General may bring civil actions in superior court seeking treble damages, civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation (if proven by clear and convincing evidence), and injunctive or equitable relief.

• Attorney General may investigate and bring civil or administrative actions against persons engaged in practices that deprive others of constitutional or statutory rights, or interfere with rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion.

• Attorney General may accept assurances of discontinuance from violators instead of filing suit; violation of such assurance constitutes prima facie proof of violation in future actions.

• Attorney General must refrain from filing actions when same parties and facts are pending before the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities; must post information on proper complaint filing procedures with that Commission.