March 19, 2010

REP. BUTLER TO LOOK AT CHRO HEARINGS

State Representative Larry Butler, who represents Waterbury in the Connecticut General Assembly, has been appointed by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan to co-chair a panel charged with improving how the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) handles cases.

2009 legislation created a task force to recommend how best to establish a Division of Administrative Hearings within CHRO. The division would conduct impartial hearings on contested cases brought by or before the departments of Children and Families, Transportation and Motor Vehicles, in addition to the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners as well as CHRO.

"CHRO deals with sensitive issues of rights and justice, which require a fair and consistent hearing process," Butler said. "We will also have to look at federal guidelines and restrictions as well as potential funding issues for training and additional staff."

In addition to lawmakers and executive branch designees, task force membership includes representatives of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women. Butler expects to begin by assessing the viability of placing such a division within CHRO and setting the scope of matters it will hear.

Butler said his panel will also consider the possibility of moving some current functions within CHRO, particularly related to affirmative action plan responsibilities and compliance, to the Department of Administrative Services and the Attorney General's office.

Rep. Butler serves as Vice-chair of the Legislature's Housing Committee and is also on the Finance, Revenue & Bonding and Human Services Committees.