CT SB00122

Establishes a Hate Crimes and Extremist Group Investigative Unit within the Division of State Police, headed by a sergeant or above who serves as liaison to the State-Wide Hate Crimes Advisory Council.

Defines "extremist" as an individual encouraging, condoning, justifying or supporting violent crimes or crimes intended to cause physical harm or property damage for political, ideological, religious, social or economic goals.

Requires the unit to prevent, investigate and detect alleged hate crimes under sections 53a-181j, 53a-181k, and 53a-181l, crimes motivated by bigotry or bias based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, and criminal activity by extremists or extremist groups.

Mandates all law enforcement units report alleged hate crimes and extremist activity to the unit within fourteen days and compile data regarding such crimes for annual public reporting beginning October 1, 2021.

Requires the Police Officer Standards and Training Council to develop standardized reporting forms and best practices by January 1, 2022, and biennially thereafter, and inform the public of their right to report hate crimes and extremist activity.

All provisions take effect July 1, 2021.