§ 3-129f — Investigation of allegations of intimidation based on bigotry or bias. Attorney General's authority to bring an action in the name of the state related to investigation.

(a) The Attorney General may investigate the facts and circumstances concerning any alleged violation of section 53a-181j, 53a-181k or 53a-181 l, and in connection with such investigation, issue subpoenas and written interrogatories in the same manner and to the same extent as is provided in section 35-42. No information obtained pursuant to the provisions of this subsection may be used in a criminal proceeding. (b) If the Attorney General finds that a person has committed an act that constitutes a violation of section 53a-181j , 53a-181k or 53a-181 l , the Attorney General may bring a civil action in the superior court for the judicial district in which such act occurred in the name of the state against such person. (c) In any such action, the Attorney General may obtain, for the benefit of a person adversely affected by a violation of section 53a-181j , 53a-181k or 53a-181 l , any relief to which such person may be entitled by law, including treble damages; a civil penalty not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars, per violation, provided such violation has been established by clear and convincing evidence; and declaratory, injunctive or equitable relief that the Attorney General determines is necessary to vindicate the public's interests. Any civil penalty that is received pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the General Fund. (d) Nothing in this section shall limit the right of a person adversely affected by a violation of section 53a-181j , 53a-181k or 53a-181 l to bring an action under section 52-571c or any other law that may entitle such person to relief, except that the Attorney General shall not bring an action under the provisions of this section during the pendency of a matter involving the same parties and the same alleged facts and circumstances before the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. (e) Nothing in this section shall permit the Attorney General to assert any claim against a state agency or a state officer or state employee in such officer's or employee's official capacity, regarding actions or omissions of such state agency, state officer or state employee. If the Attorney General determines that a state officer or state employee is not entitled to indemnification under section 5-141d , the Attorney General may, as it relates to such officer or employee, take any action authorized under this section.

Legislative History

(P.A. 21-128, S. 1; P.A. 22-37, S. 1.) History: P.A. 21-128 effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 22-37 made a technical change in Subsec. (e).