WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 691

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FILING OF DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS WITH THE SUPERIOR COURT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 2 co-sponsors

SB 691 allows Connecticut residents to file discrimination and harassment complaints directly to Superior Court instead of first requiring administrative agency review.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#complaint #discrimination #harassment #superiorcourt
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 691

Legislative bill overview

SB 691 would establish a direct filing mechanism allowing individuals to submit discrimination and harassment complaints directly to Connecticut Superior Court, rather than requiring initial filing with the state's administrative agency (currently the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities). The bill streamlines the legal process by potentially bypassing the administrative review stage that typically precedes court litigation.

Why is this important

This change affects access to justice for people alleging workplace, housing, or public accommodation discrimination. It could accelerate case resolution for complainants but may reduce the investigative and settlement role that administrative agencies currently provide, potentially overwhelming courts with cases that might otherwise be resolved administratively or increasing legal costs for complainants who lose administrative guidance.

Potential points of contention

  • Court system capacity: Superior Courts may lack resources to handle a potential surge in discrimination cases currently filtered through administrative agencies first
  • Loss of administrative expertise: The CHRO provides specialized investigation, mediation, and settlement services at no cost to complainants; direct court filing eliminates this alternative dispute resolution pathway
  • Defendant burden: Employers and housing providers may face increased litigation costs from cases that previously resolved through administrative channels
  • Access disparities: Individuals without legal representation may struggle more in court proceedings versus the more accessible administrative process

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.