SB 90 — AN ACT REVISING AND CONSOLIDATING THE HATE CRIMES STATUTES.

90 (b) Hate crime by burning a cross is a (1) class A misdemeanor, for whichthecourt shallimpose afineofnot lessthanonethousanddollars, or (2) class E felony, for which the court shall impose a fine of not less than one thousand dollars if property is damaged as a consequence of such violation in an amount in excess of one thousand dollars.

(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) A person is guilty of hate crime by noose if such person places a noose or a simulation of a noose on any public property, or on any private property without the written consent of the owner, and with intent to intimidate or harass any other sSB90person /motivated Filein No.whole or in substantial part by any protected social category of such other person or another person.

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558 person motivated in whole or in substantial part by any protected social category of such other person or another person.

[Any person who, by his] (a) A person is guilty of hate crime by commercial advertisement if such person, by such person's advertisement, ridicules or holds up to contempt any person [or class of persons, on account of the creed, religion, color, denomination, nationality or race of such person or class of persons, shall be guilty of] motivatedPublic inAct wholeNo. or in substantial part by any protected social category of such other person.

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90 motivated in whole or in substantial part by any protected social category of such other person.

(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) A person is guilty of hate crime by discriminatory public accommodations practice if such person acts with intent to intimidate or harass any other person motivated in whole or in substantial part by any protected social category of such other person or another person, in violation of any provision of section 46a-64 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or 46a-81d of the general statutes, as amended by this act.

sSB90Sec. / File No.

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558 Sec.

(b)Public HateAct crimeNo. by false report is a class C felony.

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90 (b) Hate crime by false report is a class C felony.

(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) A person is guilty of hate crime by stalking if such person commits stalking in the second degree sSB90as /provided Filein No.section 53a-181d of the general statutes and intentionally directs such conduct at the other person motivated in whole or in part by any protected social category of such other person.

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558 as provided in section 53a-181d of the general statutes and intentionally directs such conduct at the other person motivated in whole or in part by any protected social category of such other person.

(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) A person is guilty of hate crime by misuse of emergency 9-1-1 system if such person misuses the emergency 9-1-1 system in violation of subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of section 53a-180d of the general statutes, as amended by this act, with specific intent to make a false alarm or complaint or report false information about another person motivated in whole or in substantialPublic partAct byNo. any protected social category of such other person.

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90 substantial part by any protected social category of such other person.

(1) In lieu of imposing the sentence authorized for the crime under section 53a-35a if the crime is a felony, impose the sentence of imprisonment authorized sSB90by /said Filesection No.for the next more serious degree of felony, or (2) in lieu of imposing the sentence authorized for the crime under section 53a-36 if the crime is a misdemeanor, impose the sentence of imprisonment authorized by said section for the next more serious degree of misdemeanor, except that if the crime is a class A misdemeanor the court shall impose the sentence of imprisonment for a class [D] E felony as authorized by section 53a-35a.

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558 by said section for the next more serious degree of felony, or (2) in lieu of imposing the sentence authorized for the crime under section 53a-36 if the crime is a misdemeanor, impose the sentence of imprisonment authorized by said section for the next more serious degree of misdemeanor, except that if the crime is a class A misdemeanor the court shall impose the sentence of imprisonment for a class [D] E felony as authorized by section 53a-35a.

Subsection (d) of section 54-56e of the general statutes is repealedPublic andthefollowingAct issubstitutedNo. inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2026):

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90 repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2026):

When determining any conditions of probation to order for a person entering such program who was charged with a misdemeanor that did not involve the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person or a motor vehicle violation, the court shall sSB90consider /ordering Filethe No.person to perform community service in the community in which the offense or violation occurred.

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558 consider ordering the person to perform community service in the community in which the offense or violation occurred.

IfPublic theAct defendantNo. is charged with a violation of section [46a-58] 53-37, as amended by this act, 53-37a, 53a-181j, as amended by this act, 53a-181k, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 of this act, the court may order that as a condition of such probation the defendant participate in a hate crimes diversion program as provided in subsection (e) of this section.

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90 If the defendant is charged with a violation of section [46a-58] 53-37, as amended by this act, 53-37a, 53a-181j, as amended by this act, 53a-181k, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 of this act, the court may order that as a condition of such probation the defendant participate in a hate crimes diversion program as provided in subsection (e) of this section.

(b) Nothing in section 53-37 of the general statutes, as amended by thisact, 53a-181jofthegeneralstatutes,asamendedby thisact,53a-181k of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 of this act, shall be construed to limit the sSB90jurisdiction /and Filepowers No.of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Attorney General under chapter 814c of the general statutes.

558Public 13Act sSB90 File No.

55826-77 jurisdiction14 and powers of the42 CommissionSubstitute onSenate HumanBill RightsNo. and Opportunities and the Attorney General under chapter 814c of the general statutes.

90 (c) Nothing in section 53-37 of the general statutes, as amended by thisact, 53a-181jofthegeneralstatutes,asamendedby thisact,53a-181k of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 ofthisact,shall beconstruedto affect theauthority of any court to order financial restitution pursuant to subsection (c) of section 53a-28 of the general statutes for any victim of a violation of section 53-37 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, 53a-181j of the general statutes, as amended by this act, 53a-181k of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 of this act.

(a) It shall be a discriminatory practice in violation of this section for any person to subject, or cause to be subjected, any other person to the deprivationofanyrights,privilegesorimmunities,securedordeprivationofanyrights, privilegesorimmunities,securedor protected by the Constitution or laws of this state or of the United States, on account of religion, national origin, alienage, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, blindness, mental disability, physicaldisability,age,statusasaveteran,statusasavictimofdomestic violence, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons.

sSB90Public /Act File No.

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55890 (c) Any person who places a burning cross or a simulation thereof on any public property, or on any private property without the written consent of the owner, and with intent to intimidate or harass any other person or group of persons, shall be in violation of subsection (a) of this section.

(3) The minimum amount of any fine imposed by the provisions of thisPublic sectionAct mayNo. not beremittedor reduced by the court unless the court states on the record its reasons for remitting or reducing such fine.

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55890 15this sSB90section Filemay No.not beremittedor reduced by the court unless the court states on the record its reasons for remitting or reducing such fine.

558 (4)Thecourt may order restitutionfor any victimofaviolationofthis section pursuant to subsection (c) of section 53a-28.] (e) Nothing in section 53-37, as amended by this act, 53a-181j, as amended by this act, 53a-181k, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 of this act, shall be construed to limit the meaning of any discriminatory practice as described in this section.

(3) for a place of public accommodation, resort or amusement to restrict or limit thePublic rightAct ofNo. a mother to breast-feed her child;

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90 the right of a mother to breast-feed her child;

or (5) to deny any person with a disability or any person training an animal as a service animal to assist a person with a disability, accompanied by such service sSB90animal, /full Fileand No.equal access to any place of public accommodation, resort or amusement.

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558 animal, full and equal access to any place of public accommodation, resort or amusement.

(3) The provisions of this section with respect to the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of physical disability shall not require any person to modify his property in any way or provide a higher degree of carePublic forAct aNo. physically disabled person, including, but not limited to blind or deaf persons, than for a person not physically disabled.

(4)26-77 The18 provisions of this42 sectionSubstitute withSenate respectBill to the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of creed shall not apply to the practice of granting preference in admission of residents into a nursing home as defined in section 19a-490, if (A) the nursing home is owned, operated by or affiliated with a religious organization, exempt from taxation for federal income tax purposes and (B) the class of persons granted sSB90 / File No.

55890 17care sSB90for Filea No.physically disabled person, including, but not limited to blind or deaf persons, than for a person not physically disabled.

558(4) The provisions of this section with respect to the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of creed shall not apply to the practice of granting preference in admission of residents into a nursing home as defined in section 19a-490, if (A) the nursing home is owned, operated by or affiliated with a religious organization, exempt from taxation for federal income tax purposes and (B) the class of persons granted preference in admission is consistent with the religious mission of the nursing home.

(1) To refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, status as a veteran,Public statusAct asNo. a victim of domestic violence, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons.

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90 veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons.

(3) To make, print or publish, or cause to be made, printed or sSB90published /any Filenotice, No.statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, status as a veteran, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

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558 published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, status as a veteran, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

(B) It shall be a violation of this subdivision for any person to restrict or attempt to restrict the choices of any buyer or renter to purchase or rent a dwelling (i) to an area which is substantially populated, even if less than a majority, by persons of the same protected class as the buyer or renter, (ii) while such person is authorized to offer for sale or rent anotherPublic dwellingAct whichNo. meets the housing criteria as expressed by the buyer or renter to such person, and (iii) such other dwelling is in an area which is not substantially populated by persons of the same protected class as the buyer or renter.

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90 another dwelling which meets the housing criteria as expressed by the buyer or renter to such person, and (iii) such other dwelling is in an area which is not substantially populated by persons of the same protected class as the buyer or renter.

(5) For profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective sSB90entry /into Filethe No.neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, creed,color,nationalorigin,ancestry,sex, genderidentityorexpression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, status as a veteran, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons.

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558 entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, creed,color,nationalorigin,ancestry,sex,genderidentityorexpression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, status as a veteran, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons.

(C)Public ForAct purposesNo. of this subdivision, discrimination includes:

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90 (C) For purposes of this subdivision, discrimination includes:

(iii) in connection with the design and construction of covered multifamily dwellings for the first occupancy after March 13, 1991, a failure to design and construct those dwellings in such manner that they comply with the requirements sSB90of /Section File804(f) No.of the Fair Housing Act or the provisions of the state building code as adopted pursuant to the provisions of sections 29-269 and 29-273, whichever requires greater accommodation.

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558 of Section 804(f) of the Fair Housing Act or the provisions of the state building code as adopted pursuant to the provisions of sections 29-269 and 29-273, whichever requires greater accommodation.

(8) To deny any person access to or membership or participation in any multiple-listing service, real estate brokers' organization or other service,Public organization,Act orNo. facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings, or to discriminate against him in the terms or conditions of such access, membership or participation, on account of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, status as a veteran, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons.

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90 service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings, or to discriminate against him in the terms or conditions of such access, membership or participation, on account of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, status as a veteran, status as a victim of sexual assault or status as a victim of trafficking in persons.

(b) (1) The provisions of this section shall not apply to (A) the rental of a room or rooms in a single-family dwelling unit if the owner actually maintains and occupies part of such living quarters as his residence or (B) a unit in a dwelling containing living quarters occupied or intended sSB90to /be Fileoccupied No.by no more than two families living independently of each other, if the owner actually maintains and occupies the other such living quarters as his residence.

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558 to be occupied by no more than two families living independently of each other, if the owner actually maintains and occupies the other such living quarters as his residence.

(4) The provisions of this section with respect to the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of familial status shall not apply to housing for older persons as defined in sectionPublic 46a-64bAct orNo. to a unit in a dwelling containing units for no more than four families living independently of each other, if the owner of such dwelling resides in one of the units.

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90 section 46a-64b or to a unit in a dwelling containing units for no more than four families living independently of each other, if the owner of such dwelling resides in one of the units.

(d) Nothing in this section or section 46a-64b shall be construed to invalidate or limit any state statute or municipal ordinance that requires dwellings to be designed and constructed in a manner that affords persons with physical or mental disabilities greater access than is sSB90required /by Filethis No.section or section 46a-64b.

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558 required by this section or section 46a-64b.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, complaints alleging a violation of this section shall be investigated within one hundredPublic daysAct ofNo. filing and a final administrative disposition shall be made within one year of filing unless it is impracticable to do so.

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90 hundred days of filing and a final administrative disposition shall be made within one year of filing unless it is impracticable to do so.

or (2) to discriminate, segregate or sSB90separate /on Fileaccount No.of sexual orientation or civil union status.

558 23 sSB90 File No.

558 separate on account of sexual orientation or civil union status.

Sec.Public Act No.

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90 Sec.

(B) It shall be a violation of this subdivision for any person to restrict or attempt to restrict the choices of any buyer or renter to purchase or rent a dwelling (i) to an area which is substantially populated, even if less than a sSB90majority, /by Filepersons No.of the same sexual orientation or civil union status as the buyer or renter, (ii) while such person is authorized to offer for sale or rent another dwelling which meets the housing criteria as expressed by the buyer or renter to such person and (iii) such other dwelling is in an area which is not substantially populated by persons ofthesamesexualorientationorcivilunionstatusasthebuyerorrenter.

558As 24used sSB90in Filethis subdivision, "area" means municipality, neighborhood Public Act No.

55826-77 majority,26 by persons of the42 sameSubstitute sexualSenate orientationBill orNo. civil union status as the buyer or renter, (ii) while such person is authorized to offer for sale or rent another dwelling which meets the housing criteria as expressed by the buyer or renter to such person and (iii) such other dwelling is in an area which is not substantially populated by persons ofthesamesexualorientationorcivilunionstatusasthebuyerorrenter.

As90 used in this subdivision, "area" means municipality, neighborhood or other geographic subdivision which may include an apartment or condominium complex.

sSB90(c) /Nothing Filein No.this section prohibits a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than sexual orientation or civil union status.

558(d) 25Notwithstanding sSB90any Fileother provision of this chapter, complaints Public Act No.

55826-77 (c)27 Nothing in this section prohibits a person engaged in the business of furnishing42 appraisalsSubstitute ofSenate realBill propertyNo. to take into consideration factors other than sexual orientation or civil union status.

(d)90 Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, complaints alleging a violation of this section shall be investigated within one hundred days of filing and a final administrative disposition shall be made within one year of filing unless it is impracticable to do so.

(3) commits threatening in the second sSB90degree /as Fileprovided in section 53a-62, as amended by this act, and in the commission of such offense such person uses or is armed with and Public Act No.

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55890 degree as provided in section 53a-62, as amended by this act, and in the commission of such offense such person uses or is armed with and threatens the use of or displays or represents by such person's words or conduct that such person possesses a pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun or other firearm;

Section 53a-62 of the general statutes is repealed and the sSB90Public /Act File No.

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55890 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2026):

(1) Initiates or circulates aPublic falseAct report or warning of an alleged occurrence or impending occurrence of a fire, explosion, catastrophe or emergency under circumstances in which it is likely that public alarm or inconvenience sSB90 / File No.

55826-77 2830 sSB90of File42 Substitute Senate Bill No.

55890 a false report or warning of an alleged occurrence or impending occurrence of a fire, explosion, catastrophe or emergency under circumstances in which it is likely that public alarm or inconvenience will result;

[for a violation of subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of subsection (a) of this section, or (2) class C felony for a violation of subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of this section.] (c) In addition to any sentence imposed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, if (1) a person is convicted of an offense in violation of subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section that resulted in a large scale emergency response, (2) any agency or department of the state or political subdivision of the state requests financial restitution for costs associated with such emergency response, and (3) the court finds that the agency or department of the state or political subdivision of the state incurred costs associated with such emergency response as a result of suchPublic offense,Act theNo. court shall order the offender to make financial restitution under terms that the court determines are appropriate.

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90 such offense, the court shall order the offender to make financial restitution under terms that the court determines are appropriate.

(C) sSB90therehabilitative /effect Fileontheoffender No.ofthepayment ofrestitutionand the method of payment;

558 29 sSB90 File No.

558 therehabilitative effect ontheoffender ofthepayment ofrestitutionand the method of payment;

(a) A person is guilty of falsely reporting an incident resulting in serious physical injury or death when such person commits the crime of (1) falsely reporting an incident in the first degree as provided in subdivision(1),(2)or(3)ofsubsection(a)ofsection53a-180,asamendedPublic byAct thisNo. act, or (2) falsely reporting an incident in the second degree as provided in subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of subsection (a) of section 53a- 180c, as amended by this act, [or (3) falsely reporting an incident in the first degree as provided in subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 53a-180orfalselyreportinganincidentintheseconddegreeasprovided in subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 53a-180c,] and such false report described in subdivision (1) [,] or (2) [or (3)] of this subsection results in the serious physical injury or death of another person.

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55890 30subdivision(1),(2)or(3)ofsubsection(a)ofsection53a-180,asamended sSB90by Filethis No.act, or (2) falsely reporting an incident in the second degree as provided in subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of subsection (a) of section 53a- 180c, as amended by this act, [or (3) falsely reporting an incident in the first degree as provided in subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 53a-180orfalselyreportinganincidentintheseconddegreeasprovided in subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 53a-180c,] and such false report described in subdivision (1) [,] or (2) [or (3)] of this subsection results in the serious physical injury or death of another person.

558 (b) Falsely reporting an incident resulting in serious physical injury or death is a [(1)] class C felony.

[for a violation of subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of subsectionPublic (a)Act ofNo. this section, or (2) class E felony for a violation of subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of this section.] Sec.

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90 subsection (a) of this section, or (2) class E felony for a violation of subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of this section.] Sec.

[, or (3) violates subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection with specific intent to make a false alarm or complaint or report false information about another person or group of persons because of the sSB90actual /or Fileperceived No.race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression of such other person or group of persons.] (b) Misuse of the emergency 9-1-1 system is a [(1)] class B misdemeanor.

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558 actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression of such other person or group of persons.] (b) Misuse of the emergency 9-1-1 system is a [(1)] class B misdemeanor.

[, or (4) such person intentionally directs such conduct at the other person, in whole or in part, because of the actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression of suchPublic otherAct person.]No. (b) Stalking in the first degree is a class D felony.

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90 such other person.] (b) Stalking in the first degree is a class D felony.

sSB90(c) /No Fileaction No.shall be brought under this section but within three years from the date of the act complained of.

558 32 sSB90 File No.

558 (c) No action shall be brought under this section but within three years from the date of the act complained of.

(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-181l] 53- 37,Public asAct amendedNo. by this act, 53a-181j, as amended by this act, 53a-181k, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 of this act, 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.

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90 37, as amended by this act, 53a-181j, as amended by this act, 53a-181k, as amended by this act, or 53a-181l, as amended by this act, or section 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 of this act, 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.

Any civil penalty that is received pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the General sSB90Fund. / File No.

558 33 sSB90 File No.

558 Fund.

(e) Nothing in this section shall permit the Attorney General to assert anyPublic claimAct againstNo. 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.

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90 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.

Subsection (a) of section 51-279f of the general statutes is sSB90repealed /andthefollowing Fileissubstituted No.inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2026):

558 34 sSB90 File No.

558 repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2026):

the president of the ConnecticutPublic HispanicAct BarNo. Association;

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90 Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association;

(2) wherever the words "mentally retarded", "mentally retarded person"or"mentallyretardedpersons"are usedinthefollowinggeneral statutes, the words "intellectual disability", "person with intellectual disability" or "persons with intellectual disability" shall be substituted sSB90inlieuthereof;and(3)whereverthewords"mentalretardation"areused /in Filethe No.following general statutes, the words "intellectual disability" shall be substituted in lieu thereof:

558 35 sSB90 File No.

558 inlieuthereof;and(3)whereverthewords"mentalretardation"areused in the following general statutes, the words "intellectual disability" shall be substituted in lieu thereof:

Subsection (c) of section 53a-13 of the general statutes is repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1,Public 2026):Act No.

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90 1, 2026):

(a) When imposing sentence of probation or conditional discharge, sSB90the /court Filemay, No.as a condition of the sentence, order that the defendant:

558 36 sSB90 File No.

558 the court may, as a condition of the sentence, order that the defendant:

(4) make restitution of the fruits of the defendant's offense orPublic makeAct restitution,No. in an amount the defendant can afford to pay or provideinasuitablemanner,forthelossordamagecausedthereby.

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90 or make restitution, in an amount the defendant can afford to pay or provideinasuitablemanner,forthelossordamagecausedthereby.

(7) refrain fromviolating any criminal law ofthe UnitedStates,United States, this state or any other state;

(13) if sSB90convicted /of Filea criminal offense against a victim who is a minor, a nonviolent sexual offense or a sexually violent offense, as defined in section 54-250, or of a felony that the court finds was committed for a sexual purpose, as provided in section 54-254, register such person's identifying factors, as defined in section 54-250, with the Commissioner Public Act No.

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55890 convicted of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor, a nonviolent sexual offense or a sexually violent offense, as defined in section 54-250, or of a felony that the court finds was committed for a sexual purpose, as provided in section 54-254, register such person's identifying factors, as defined in section 54-250, with the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection when required pursuant to section 54-251, 54-252 or 54-253, as the case may be;

Said commissionandcouncil,at a minimum, shall consider the (1) penalty structure, including the gradation of penalties and degrees of such offenses, (2) penalties of such offenses when compared with other offenses under this state's laws that are not hate crimes but otherwise have substantially similar elements to the elements of those offenses that are hate crimes, and (3) penalties of such offenses when compared with penalties of similar hate crimes offenses of other sSB90jurisdictions. / File No.

558Public 38Act sSB90 File No.

55826-77 jurisdictions.41 of 42 Substitute Senate Bill No.

90 (b) As part of said commission's and said council's review, the commission and council shall determine whether the penalties for this state's hate crimes are appropriate when reviewed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.

ThisGovernor's actAction: shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:

SectionApproved 1May October26, 1, 2026 53a-181iPublic Sec.Act No.

226-77 October42 1,of 202642 53a-181j Sec.

3 October 1, 2026 53a-181k Sec.

4 October 1, 2026 53a-181l Sec.

5 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

6 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

7 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

8 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

9 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

10 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

11 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

12 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

13 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

14 October 1, 2026 53-37 Sec.

15 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

16 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

17 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

18 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

19 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

20 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

21 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

22 October 1, 2026 53a-40a Sec.

23 October 1, 2026 54-56e(d) Sec.

24 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

25 October 1, 2026 46a-58 sSB90 / File No.

558 39 sSB90 File No.

558 Sec.

26 October 1, 2026 46a-64 Sec.

27 October 1, 2026 46a-64c Sec.

28 October 1, 2026 46a-81d Sec.

29 October 1, 2026 46a-81e October 1, 2026 Sec.

30 53a-61aa Sec.

31 October 1, 2026 53a-62 Sec.

32 October 1, 2026 53a-180 Sec.

33 October 1, 2026 53a-180a Sec.

34 October 1, 2026 53a-180c Sec.

35 October 1, 2026 53a-180d Sec.

36 October 1, 2026 53a-181c October 1, 2026 Sec.

37 52-571c Sec.

38 October 1, 2026 3-129f Sec.

39 October 1, 2026 29-7d(a)(1) Sec.

40 October 1, 2026 51-279f(a) Sec.

41 October 1, 2026 17a-210d(a) Sec.

42 October 1, 2026 53a-13(c) Sec.

43 October 1, 2026 53a-16 Sec.

44 October 1, 2026 53a-30(a) Sec.

45 from passage New section JUD Joint Favorable Subst.

sSB90 / File No.

558 40 sSB90 File No.

558 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.

In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.

Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.

OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:

Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 27 $ FY 28 $ Judicial Dept.

(Probation);

GF - Potential Minimal Minimal Correction, Dept.

Cost Judicial Dept.

GF - Potential See Below See Below Cost Resources of the General Fund GF - Potential See Below See Below Revenue Gain Note:

GF=General Fund Municipal Impact:

None Explanation Sections 1 – 21 and 25 – 37 label certain crimes, ranging from class D misdemeanors to class B felonies, as hate crimes when motivated by a victim's protected social category, which results in a potential cost to the Department of Correction and the Judicial Department for incarceration or probation and a potential revenue gain to the General Fund from fines.

On average, the marginal cost to the state for incarcerating an offender for the year is $3,300 while the average marginal cost for supervision in the community is less than $600 each year for adults and $450 each year for juveniles.

Section22 extendspersistent offender statusto certainoffenderswho 1Inmate marginal cost is based on increased consumables (e.g., food, clothing, water, sewage, living supplies, etc.) This does not include a change in staffing costs or utility expenses because these would only be realized if a unit or facility opened.

2Probation marginal cost is based on services provided by private providers and only includes costs that increase with each additional participant.

This does not include a cost for additional supervision by a probation officer unless a new offense is anticipated to result in enough additional offenders to require additional probation officers.

sSB90 / File No.

558 41 sSB90 File No.

558 commit a hate crime under the bill.

The section also decreases the penalty for the persistent offender's crime of a class A misdemeanor to correspond with a class E felony instead of a class D felony.

This section results in a net potential cost to the Department of Correction and the Judicial Department for incarceration or probation and a potential revenue gain to the General Fund from fines.

Sections 23 and 44 expand eligibility for the existing Hate Crimes Diversion program to include all hate crimes which results in a cost to the Judicial Department.

The average cost per participant is approximately $3,300.

Between FY 20 and FY 25, a total of 35 participants were ordered to complete the program.

This bill substantially increases the number of individuals who may be required to complete the program, and the actual annual cost depends upon the number of crimes committed and judicial discretion to refer to the program.

Section 38 expands the Office of Attorney General's (OAG) authority to investigate hate crimes resulting in a potential revenue gain to the state depending onthenumber ofhate crimes committed.

The OAGcan issue a civil penalty of up to $2,500 per hate crime.

All remaining sections result in no fiscal impact to the state as the affected agencies have the resources and capacity to meet the bill's requirements.

The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to inflation, number of hate crimes committed, and the number of participants referred to the Hate Crimes Diversion program.

sSB90 / File No.

558 42 sSB90 File No.

558 OLR Bill Analysis sSB 90 AN ACT REVISING AND CONSOLIDATING THE HATE CRIMES STATUTES.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Generally, combines the various classes protected against crimes motivated by bias under current law into one protected social category for hate crimes under the bill;

establishes definitions for some of the protected categories §§ 1-21 & 25-37 — HATE CRIMES Labels as specific hate crimes (1) certain crimes under current law that are penalized as a hate crime if based on bigotry or bias, (2) crimes with enhanced penalties if motivated by bias, and (3) certain discriminatory practices under current law Extends persistent offender status to certain offenders who commit a hate crime under the bill or whose crime was designated a hate crime by a sentencing judge Allows a court to require a hate crime offender for any hate crime under the bill to participate in a hate crimes diversion program as a condition of probation under the existing accelerated rehabilitation program Specifies that its provisions do not limit (1) someone’s rights to file a discrimination complaint with CHRO, (2) CHRO’s jurisdiction and power, or (3) the court’s authority The bill extends the attorney general’s authority to investigate hate crimes, initiate legal action, and seek relief to apply to all hate crimes under the bill Expands the Hate Crimes Investigative Unit’s duties to prevent and detect criminal activity involving hate crimes to apply to all hate crimes under the bill Expands the Statewide Hate Crimes Advisory Council membership by adding the director of the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy at UConn;

requires the governor’s appointees to also be representative of the people protected by the bill’s hate crimes sSB90 / File No.

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558 Makes minor, technical, and conforming changes Allows the court to require offenders of any of the hate crimes under the bill participate in certain anti-bias programs as a condition of probation or conditional discharge Requires the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, in consultation with the State-Wide Hate Crimes Advisory Council, to review Connecticut’s hate crime laws to determine appropriateness of the penalties and to report the findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2027 SUMMARY This bill makes several changes consolidating all the various hate crimes under current law.

A section-by-section analysis appears below.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

October 1, 2026, except the provision on the Sentencing Commission’s hate crime and penalties review is effective on passage.

§ 1 — PROTECTED SOCIAL CATEGORY Generally, combines the various classes protected against crimes motivated by bias under current law into one protected social category for hate crimes under the bill;

establishes definitions for some of the protected categories Existing law protects various classes of people against certain crimes motivated by bias based on the victim’s protected class.

The bill generally combines the various protected classes under current law into one protected social category under the bill’s various hate crime laws.

Under the bill, a “protected social category” is a person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ethnicity, disability, alienage, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, (if 60 or over), or any combination of these attributes.

In doing so, in some instances, the bill adds color, alienage, national origin, andage as protected categories for some hate crimes, as specified below.

Defined Terms The bill defines the protected social categories as shown below.

sSB90 / File No.

558 44 sSB90 File No.

558 “Disability” means any intellectual, mental, or physical disability or blindness.

(Under the bill, someone is blind if their central visual acuity doesnotexceed20/200inthebettereyewithcorrectinglenses,oriftheir visual acuity is greater than 20/200 but has a limitation in the fields of vision so that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle that is twenty degrees or less.) “Gender identity or expression” means a person’s gender-related identity, appearance, or behavior,whether or not it isdifferent fromthat traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned sex at birth.

The gender-related identity can be shown by providing evidence such as medical history, care or treatment of the gender-related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related identity, or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held, part of a person’s core identity, or not being asserted for an improper purpose.

“Race” includes ethnic traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles (for example, wigs or headwraps).

“Religion” includes denomination, creed, and any aspect of religious observance and practice as well as belief.

“Sex” includes pregnancy, child-bearing capacity, sterilization, fertility, or related medical conditions.

“Sexual orientation” means a person’s identity in relation to the gender or genders to which they are romantically, emotionally, or sexually attracted, including any identity that a person (1) may have previously expressed, or (2) is perceived by another person to hold.

Background — Related Bill HB 5557, favorably reported by the Human Services Committee, changes the statutory definition of “intellectual disability” from an IQ- based definition to one from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

sSB90 / File No.

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558 §§ 1-21 & 25-37 — HATE CRIMES Labels as specific hate crimes (1) certain crimes under current law that are penalized as a hate crime if based on bigotry or bias, (2) crimes with enhanced penalties if motivated by bias, and (3) certain discriminatory practices under current law The bill specifically labels as a hate crime, certain crimes under current law that, when motivated by bias against the victim’s protected social category, are penalized as hate crimes depending on the offender’s actions and the harm that resulted.

Physical Injury, Physical Contact, Affecting Property, Advocacy or Urging (§§ 2-4, 6, 7, 10 & 37) The bill labels current law’s intimidation crimes that are based on bigotry or bias as specific hate crimes as shown in the table below.

Al so, under the bill, for some of these crimes the offender must have acted intentionally rather than maliciously, where applicable.

Table:

Intimidation Crimes Based on Bigotry or Bias Crime Label Crime Label Penalties Under Current Law Under the Bill (Under the bill) 1st degree intimidation Hate crime causing Class C Felony based on bigotry or bias physical injury (§ 2) (Minimum fine of $3,000) 2nd degree intimidation Hate crime causing Class D felony based on bigotry or bias physical contact (§ 3) (Minimum fine of $1,000) 2nd degree intimidation Hate crime by threat of Class D felony based on bigotry or bias physical contact (§ 6) (Minimum fine of $1,000) 3rd degree intimidation Hate crime affecting Class D felony or based on bigotry or bias property (§ 4) Class E felony (Minimum fine of $1,000) 3rd degree intimidation Hate crime by threat to Class D felony or based on bigotry or bias property (§ 7) Class E felony (Minimum fine of $1,000) 3rd degree intimidation Hate crime by advocacy or Class E felony based on bigotry or bias urging (§ 10) (Minimum fine of $1,000) As under current law, for the bill’s newly labeled crimes, the judge must state on the record any reason to remit or reduce the fine shown in sSB90 / File No.

558 46 sSB90 File No.

558 the table above.

(By law, a class C felony is punishable by a fine up to $10,000, one to years in prison, or both.

A class D felony is punishable by a fine up to $5,000, up to five years in prison, or both.

A class E felony is punishable by a fine up to $3,500, up to three years in prison, or both.) Under current law, these crimes address certain actions that intimidate or harass another person and are motivated, in whole or in substantial part by the person’s actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

The bill’s new protected social category expands these hate crimes to include those actions that are motivated in whole or in substantial part by the person’s actual or perceived age, color, alienage, and national origin.

Hate Crime Causing Physical Injury.

Under the bill, a person is guilty ofa “hate crime causing physical injury” when he or she acts with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person, motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category, and intentionally causes that person or another person physical injury.

Under current law, this is punishable as 1st degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias if the person acted maliciously.

Under the bill and current law, this is a class C felony, with a $3,000 mandatory minimum fine.

Hate Crime Causing Physical Contact.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime causing physical contact” when he or she acts with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person, motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category, and intentionally causes physical contact with him or her.

Current lawpenalizesthisbehavior as2nddegree intimidationbased on bigotry or bias if done maliciously.

Under the bill, and current law, this is a class D felony, with a $1,000 mandatory minimum fine.

sSB90 / File No.

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558 Hate Crime by Threat of Physical Contact.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by threat of physical contact” when he or she, with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person, motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category, threatens, by word or act, to cause physical contact with the other person, if there is reasonable cause to believe that the act will occur.

Under current law, this is another form of 2nd degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias if done maliciously.

Under the bill and current law, this is a class D felony, with a $1,000 mandatory minimum fine.

Hate Crime Affecting Property.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a“hatecrimeaffecting property” whenheorsheactswithspecificintent to intimidate or harass another person, motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category, and (1) intentionally damages, destroys, or defaces the other person’s real or personal property or (2) damages, destroys, or defaces a third person’s real or personal property.

Under current law, this is punishable as 3rd degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias, a class E felony with a $1,000 mandatory minimum fine.

The bill increases the penalty to a class D felony with the mandatory minimum fine when the offender intentionally damages the victim’s property.

It maintains the E felony penalty, with the mandatory minimum fine, when the offender’s actions damage a third person’s property.

Hate Crime by Threat to Property.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by threat to property” when he or she, with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person, motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category, threatens, by word or act, to damage, destroy or deface any real or personal property of (1) the other person, if there is reasonable cause to believe that it will happen, or (2) a third person, if there is reasonable cause to believe that it will happen.

sSB90 / File No.

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558 Under current law, this is punishable as 3rd degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias, a class E felony with a $1,000 mandatory minimum fine.

The bill increases the penalty to a class D felony, with the mandatory minimum fine, when the victim’s property is threatened.

It maintains the E felony penalty, with the mandatory minimum fine, when the threat involves a third person’s property.

Hate Crime by Advocacy or Urging.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a hate crime by advocacy or urging if he or she, with specific intent to intimidate or harass another person, motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category, advocates or urges another person to damage, destroy, or deface any real or personal property of a third person, if there is reasonable cause to believe that it will happen.

Under current law, this is punishable as 3rd degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias.

Under the bill and current law, this is a class E felony with a $1,000 mandatory minimum fine.

Civil Action for Damages.

By law, a person alleging injury (“the injured party”) due to the crimes listed above can sue for damages for his or her injury.

The court must award triple damages if the injured party prevails and may award equitable relief and reasonable attorney’s fees.

The injured party must file the lawsuit within three years of the alleged acts.

The bill makes conforming changes to apply this provision to the newly labeled hate crimes under this category of crimes.

Hate Crime Affecting a House of Religious Worship (§§ 5 & 25) Under the bill, it is a “hate crime affecting a house of religious worship” for a person, having no reasonable ground to believe that he or she has a right to do so, intentionally damages, destroys, or defaces any house of religious worship.

The bill applies to this crime the same penalties as current law’s penalties for desecrating a house of religious worship.

Under the bill, a hate crime affecting a house of religious worship is a:

sSB90 / File No.

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558 1.

class D felony, with a $1,000 minimum fine if the property damage is $10,000 or less, or 2.

class C felony, with a $3,000 minimum fine if the property damage is more than $10,000.

Under the bill, “desecrating a house of worship” remains a discriminatory practice, but without a specific penalty.

Threatening a House of Religious Worship or Religiously- Affiliated Community Center (§§ 8, 9, 30 & 31) Under current law, the penalties for the crimes of 1st and 2nd degree threatening are enhanced to a class C and class D felony, respectively, if the elements of the underlying crime are met and the threat has certain intended effects during certain times of the day (for example, to cause the evacuation of a house of religious worship) or involves certain buildings (for example, a religiously-affiliated community center).

The bill classifies these enhanced penalties as two hate crime-specific threatening crimes but maintains current law’s elements and penalties.

The bill specifically labels these crimes as:

1.

hate crime by threatening of a house of religious worship or religiously-affiliated community center in the first degree, a class C felony, and 2.

hate crime by threatening of a house of religious worship or religiously-affiliated community center in the second degree, a class D felony.

Under the bill, a “religiously-affiliated community center” is real property (1) used for recreational, social, or educational services and (2) owned or leased by a nonprofit organization that holds the property out as being affiliated with a religion.

Unlike current law, the bill does not specify that the affiliation is with an organized religion.

1st Degree.

Under the bill a person is guilty of a “hate crime by threatening of a house of religious worship or religiously-affiliated sSB90 / File No.

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558 community center in the first degree” if the person commits 1st degree threatening (see below) with the intent to cause an evacuation of a building or the grounds of a house of religious worship or religiously- affiliated community center, during operational hours or when the building or grounds are being used for religious or community services, or used for activities sponsored by the house of worship or community center.

Under current law and the bill, this is a class C felony.

By law, 1st degree threatening includes threatening to commit a violent crime or a crime using a hazardous substance with intent to cause, or with reckless disregard of the risk of causing (1) evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or public transportation facility;

(2) serious public inconvenience;

or (3) for hazardous substance crimes, a person to be terrorized (CGS § 53a-61aa).

2nd Degree.

Under the bill a person is guilty of a “hate crime by threatening of a house of religious worship or religiously-affiliated community center in the second degree” if the person commits 2nd degree threatening (see below) and the person threatened is in a building or on the grounds during operational hours or when they are being used for religious or community services, or for activities sponsored by the house of worship or community center.

Under current law and the bill, this is a class D felony.

By law, 2nd degree threatening consists of (1) intentionally causing, or attempting to cause, someone to fear imminent serious physical injury by physical threat or (2) threatening to commit a violent crime with intent to terrorize someone or with reckless disregard for the risk of doing so (CGS § 53a-62).

Deprivation of Rights and Placing Burning Cross or Noose on Property (§§ 11-13 & 25) The bill specifically labels as hate crimes, certain violations of the human rights statutes that are punished as crimes under current law.

In some instances, certain protected classes under existing law are not considered a protected social category for the bill’s hate crimes.

The bill also makes a slight change to some of the penalties, as summarized sSB90 / File No.

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558 below.

Hate Crime by Deprivation of Civil Rights.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by deprivation of civil rights” when he or she subjects, or causes to be subjected, any other person to the deprivation of any legally guaranteed rights, privileges, or immunities, secured or protected by state or federal laws or by the Connecticut or U.S.

constitutions, motivatedinwhole or insubstantialpart by any protected social category of the other person or another person.

This is already a crime under existing law;

the bill specifically labels it as a hate crime.

Current law also includes as protected classes for this crime, a person’s status as a veteran, or a victim of domestic violence, domesticsexualassault, or human trafficking;however,thebilldoesnot include them as a protected social category.

Similarly, current law has age as a protected class but the bill limits age as a protected social category to people aged 60 or older.

So, under the bill, acts motivatedby the victim’s status as a veteran, domestic violence victim, sexual assault victim, human trafficking victim, or age are not hate crimes and do not have a specific penalty, though these remain discriminatory practices under existing law.

Hate Crime by Burning a Cross.

Under existing law and the bill, it is a crime to place a burning cross or simulation of one on public property, or on private property without the owner’s written consent, with the intent to intimidate or harass another person.

The bill labels this crime “hate crime by burning a cross.” Hate Crime by Noose.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crimebynoose”ifheorsheplacesanooseorsimulationofoneonpublic property, or on private property without the owner’s written consent, with the intent to harass someone motivated in whole or in substantial part by any protected social category of the other person or another person.

This is already a crime under existing law;

the bill specifically labels it as a hate crime.

Current law also includes as protected classes for this sSB90 / File No.

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558 crime a person’s status as a veteran, or a victim of domestic violence, domesticsexualassault, or humantrafficking;however,thebilldoesnot include them as a protected social category.

Similarly, current law has age as a protected class but the bill limits age as a protected social category to people aged 60 or older.

So, under the bill, acts motivatedby the victim’s status as a veteran, domestic violence victim, sexual assault victim, human trafficking victim, or age are not hate crimes and do not have a specific penalty, though these remain discriminatory practices under existing law.

Penalties.

Under the bill, the offenses described above are class A misdemeanors, but it is a class E felony if the act results in more than $1,000 of property damage.

Under current law this crime is also a class A misdemeanor, however, if the damages are more than $1,000, it is a class D felony.

Both the bill and existing law impose a minimum fine of $1,000 whether the crime is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Commercial Advertisement (§ 14) It is a class D misdemeanor under current law for anyone by advertisement to ridicule or hold up to contempt anyone or class of people based on their creed, religion, color, denomination, nationality, or race.

The bill labels this crime “hate crime by commercial advertisement” if motivated in whole or in substantial part by any protected social category.

Bydoingso,thebillincludesdisability,sex,sexualorientation, gender identity or expression, alienage, and age s additional protected categories.

As under current law and under the bill this is a class D misdemeanor.

The bill specifies that for this provision, “advertisement” only includes commercial speech.

Housing and Public Accommodations (§§ 15, 16 & 26-29) The bill labels as specific hate crimes, certain discriminatory housing and public accommodations practices that are illegal under current law.

As under current law, under the bill these crimes are class D sSB90 / File No.

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558 misdemeanors punishable by a fine up to $250, up to 30 days in prison, or both.

The bill also specifies that it must not be construed to limit the meaning of any discriminatory practice as described in the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) antidiscrimination statutes.

The protected classes under the antidiscrimination statutes generally include race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, intellectual disability, mental disability, physical disability, including, blindness or deafness, status as a veteran, or status as a domestic violence victim, sexual assault victim, or human trafficking victim.

Hate Crime by Discriminatory Public Accommodations Practice.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by discriminatory public accommodations practice” if he or she commits any discriminatory public accommodation practice, such as denying someone full and equal accommodations based on a protected class status.

Hate Crime by Discriminatory Housing Practice.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by discriminatory housing practice” if he or she engages in any discriminatory housing practice, such as refusing to sell or rent a dwelling to someone based on a protected class status.

False Reporting (§§ 17-19 & 32-34) Current law enhances the penalties for (1) falsely reporting an incident in the 1st degree;

(2) falsely reporting an incident resulting in serious physical injury or death;

and (3) falsely reporting an incident in the 2nd degree under circumstances when the false report is done with specific intent to falsely report another person or group of people because of their actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

sSB90 / File No.

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558 The bill specifically labels the crimes subject to enhanced penalties as hate crimes as described below, and adds alienage, national origin, color, and age, as protected social categories.

Hate Crime by False Report.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by false report” if he or she commits certain elements of falsely reporting an incident in the 1st degree (see below), with specific intent to falsely report another person motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category.

Under the bill, as under existing law, this is a class C felony.

By law, and the bill, a person commits falsely reporting an incident in the 1st degree when, knowing the information reported, conveyed,or circulated to be false or baseless, he or she:

1.

starts or circulates a false report or warning about an alleged or impending fire, explosion, catastrophe, or emergency under circumstances in which it is likely that public alarm or inconvenience will result;

2.

reports, by word or action, to any official or quasi-official agency or organization that deals with emergencies involving danger to life or property, an alleged or impending fire, explosion, or other catastrophe or emergency that did not happen or does not exist;

or 3.

violates (1) or (2) above with intent to cause a large scale emergency response (CGS § 53a-180).

Hate Crime by False Report to Law Enforcement.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by false report to law enforcement” if he or she falsely reports an incident to a law enforcement officer or agency by committing falsely reporting an incident in the 2nd degree, with specific intent to falsely report another person motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category of the other person.

As under existing law, under the bill this is a class E felony.

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558 By law, and under the bill, a person can commit falsely reporting an incident in the 2nd degree when, knowing the information reported, conveyed, or circulated to be false or baseless, he or she gratuitously reports to a law enforcement officer or agency (1) an alleged offense or incident that did not happen, (2) an allegedly impending offense or incident that is not about to happen, or (3) false information about an actual offense or incident or the alleged implication of the person in the report (CGS § 53a-180c).

Hate Crime by False Report Resulting in Serious Physical Injury or Death.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by false report resulting in serious physical injury or death” if either of the crimes above and the false report results in another person’s serious physical injury or death.

Under the bill, as under existing law, this is a class B felony.

Hate Crime by Stalking (§§ 20 & 36) Under the bill, a person is guilty of a “hate crime by stalking” if he or she commits 2nd degree stalking (see below) and intentionally directs the conduct at the other person motivated in whole or in part by the other person’s protected social category.

Under current law, this is punishable as 1st degree stalking when the conduct is intentionally directed at the other person, in whole or in part, because of the that person’s actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

The bill labels this crime “hate crime by stalking” and adds alienage, national origin, color, and age, if age 60 or older, as protected social categories.

As under existing law, this is a class D felony.

2nd Degree Stalking.

By law, someone commits 2nd degree stalking when he or she:

1.

knowingly engages in conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (a) fear for his or her, or a third person’s, physical safety;

(b) suffer emotional distress;

or (c) sSB90 / File No.

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558 fear injury to or the death of an animal owned by or in possession and control of the specific person;

2.

has already been asked to stop and intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, with intent to harass, terrorize, or alarm, engages in conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear that his or her employment, business, or career is threatened;

or 3.

for no legitimate purpose and with intent to harass, terrorize, or alarm, by meansofelectroniccommunication, discloses a specific person’spersonally identifiableinformationwithout theperson’s consent, knowing, that under the circumstances, the disclosure wouldcauseareasonablepersontosufferemotionalstressorfear for their physical safety or that of a third person (CGS § 53a- 181d).

Misuse of the Emergency 9-1-1 System (§§ 21 & 35) Under current law, a person is guilty of misuse of the emergency 9-1- system when he or she (1) dials or otherwise causes E 9-1-1 to be called to make a false alarm or complaint;

(2) purposely reports false information that could result in dispatching emergency services;

or (3) does either of these actions with specific intent to make a false alarm or complaint or report false information about another person or group of people because of their actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

The bill instead relabels the crime’s bias-motivated component ((3) above) as “hate crime by misuse of emergency 9-1-1 system” and makes a person guilty of it if he or she misuses the system as described above, with specific intent to make a false alarm or complaint or report false information about another person motivated in whole or in substantial part by the other person’s protected social category.

Under the bill, as under existing law, this is a class A misdemeanor.

§ 22 — PERSISTENT OFFENDER sSB90 / File No.

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558 Extends persistent offender status to certain offenders who commit a hate crime under the bill or whose crime was designated a hate crime by a sentencing judge Under current law, when a court finds that someone is a persistent offender of a crime involving bigotry or bias, it must (1) for a felony, impose the prison sentence authorized for the next more serious degree of felony or (2) for a misdemeanor, impose the prison sentence authorized for the next more serious misdemeanor, except if the persistent offense is a class A misdemeanor the court must impose the prison sentence for a class D felony.

Under the bill, for a persistent offender of a hate crime that is a class A misdemeanor, the court must impose the prison sentence for a class E felony instead.

Under current law, a persistent offender of crimes involving bigotry or bias is a person convicted of any of the following crimes after having been previously convicted of one of them:

(1) intimidation based on bigotry or bias;

(2) deprivation of rights, desecration of property, cross burning, or placing a noose;

or (3) deprivation of rights by a person wearing a mask or hood.

Under the bill a person is a persistent offender of a hate crime if he or she:

1.

is convicted of any of the hate crimes under the bill and 2.

was previously convicted of any of the bill’s hate crimes in effect before October 1, 2026.

§ 23 — ACCELERATED PRETRIAL REHABILITATION Allows a court to require a hate crime offender for any hate crime under the bill to participate in a hate crimes diversion program as a condition of probation under the existing accelerated rehabilitation program By law, a court can require an offender to participate in a hate crimes diversion program as a condition of probation under accelerated rehabilitation (AR).

Under current law, this applies to people charged with (1) deprivation of rights, desecration of property, cross burning, and placing a noose;

(2) deprivation of a person’s civil rights by a person sSB90 / File No.

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558 wearing a mask or hood;

or (3) intimidation based on bigotry or bias.

The bill expands this to include all the hate crimes under the bill.

§ 24 — CHRO’S JURISDICTION AND COURT’S AUTHORITY Specifies that its provisions do not limit (1) someone’s rights to file a discrimination complaint with CHRO, (2) CHRO’s jurisdiction and power, or (3) the court’s authority The bill specifies that its hate crimes provisions should not be construed to:

1.