Press Releases
04/09/2019
LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT IN CONNECTICUT PASSES JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Attorney General William Tong issued the following statement after the Judiciary Committee voted 24 to 15 to pass legislation strengthening the Office of the Attorney General's ability to enforce civil rights laws in Connecticut.
"I want to thank the Judiciary Committee for sending a strong message today that Connecticut stands ready to protect and defend the civil rights of our residents. This bill will codify the Office of the Attorney General's ability to proactively and vigorously seek justice for those whose lives and liberties are under threat. The Office of the Attorney General has the capacity, expertise, and strong desire to take on this important work. I want to thank the wide range of diverse stakeholders who offered their support and testimony in support of a bill that now reflects a consensus approach to civil rights enforcement," said Attorney General Tong.
House Bill 7222, "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. It brings Connecticut into line with its 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.
- Twitter: @AGWilliamTong
- Facebook: CT Attorney General
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Benton
elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
860-808-5324 (office)
Consumer Inquiries:
860-808-5318
attorney.general@ct.gov