Press Releases
07/07/2021
Attorney General Tong Applauds Signing of Bill to Strengthen Civil Rights Enforcement in Connecticut
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today applauded the signing of legislation that will strengthen civil rights enforcement in Connecticut.
“The signing of Public Act No. 21-128 into law is a historic moment for civil rights enforcement in Connecticut. Hate and discrimination are real threats to our state and to our nation, and the civil rights promised to us all should be enjoyed equally,” Attorney General Tong said. “My office is ready to take on this important work and to proactively seek justice for those whose rights and liberties are under attack. Thank you to all of the legislators who helped pass this bill and to Governor Lamont for signing this important bill into law.”
Public Act No. 21-128, An Act Concerning the Duties of the Office of the Attorney General, formally recognizes the Attorney General's role in combating hate and defending civil rights. The bill went into effect on July 1, 2021 and was signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday.
The law brings Connecticut into line with our sister states by formalizing the ability of the Attorney General to investigate and – where the evidence warrants – bring civil rights lawsuits to stop large-scale, systematic violations of existing constitutional and statutory rights. The legislation also allows the Office of the Attorney General to pursue civil enforcement of our state’s hate crimes laws.
In June, the bill passed the state Senate by a bipartisan vote of 26-9 and the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 96-51.
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