CT SB00217

Establishes a Hate Crimes Investigative Unit within the Connecticut Division of State Police effective July 1, 2022, headed by a sergeant or above who serves on the State-Wide Hate Crimes Advisory Council.

Unit shall prevent and detect criminal activity violating sections related to hate crimes, compile and monitor data on such activities, and share information with other law enforcement units.

Police Officer Standards and Training Council must develop by November 1, 2022 a standardized reporting form, best practices for information sharing, public reporting mechanisms (including hotlines and websites), and a model hate crimes investigation policy.

All law enforcement units must report suspected hate crimes to the Hate Crimes Investigative Unit within 14 days of receiving notification, beginning January 1, 2023, using the standardized form and continuing to share investigation information.

Expands the State-Wide Hate Crimes Advisory Council membership to include representatives from Connecticut Bar Association, minority bar associations, Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, the Hate Crimes Investigative Unit head, and up to 30 Governor-appointed members from hate crimes prevention organizations.