AN ACT CONCERNING CIVIL ACTIONS RESULTING FROM DEPRIVATION OF EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE COMMITTED BY AN ELECTED STATE OFFICIAL.

HB 5602 allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against certain elected state officials (including the Governor, legislators, and top executive officers like the Attorney General) when those officials violate equal protection rights under Connecticut law. The bill removes standard governmental immunity for such claims, meaning officials can be sued personally unless they had an objectively reasonable, good-faith belief their actions were legal at the time. It specifically targets denials of equal protection or equal privileges under the state constitution, not federal rights. This policy change directly affects how state officials can be held accountable for actions that discriminate against people or groups.