Sec. 46a-55. (Formerly Sec. 31-125a). Commission legal counsel.

(b) The executive director may assign a commission legal counsel to represent the commission in any hearing or appeal under subparagraph (A) of subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of section 4-61dd . Commission legal counsel may intervene as a matter of right in any such hearing or appeal without permission of the parties, a hearing officer or the court.

(c) The executive director may, within available appropriations, assign a commission legal counsel to bring a civil action concerning an alleged discriminatory practice, in accordance with this subsection, in lieu of an administrative hearing pursuant to section 46a-84 , when the executive director determines that a civil action is in the public interest and if the parties to the administrative hearing mutually agree, in writing, to the bringing of such civil action by commission legal counsel. The commission legal counsel shall bring such a civil action in the Superior Court not later than ninety days following the date the commission legal counsel notifies the parties of the executive director's determination. Such civil action may be served by certified mail and shall not be subject to the provisions of section 46a-100 , 46a-101 or 46a-102 . The jurisdiction of the Superior Court in an action brought under this subsection shall be limited to such claims, counterclaims, defenses or the like that could be presented at an administrative hearing before the commission, had the complaint remained with the commission for disposition. A complainant may intervene as a matter of right without permission of the court or the parties. The civil action shall be tried to the court without a jury. If the commission legal counsel determines that the interests of the state will not be adversely affected, the complainant or attorney for the complainant shall present all or part of the case in support of the complaint. The court may grant any relief available under section 46a-104 . Where the Superior Court finds that a respondent has committed a discriminatory practice, the court shall grant the commission its fees and costs and award the commission a civil penalty, not exceeding ten thousand dollars, provided such discriminatory practice has been established by clear and convincing evidence, which shall be payable to the commission and used by the commission to advance the public interest in eliminating discrimination.