(a) All state, local and private agencies shall have a duty to cooperate with any investigation conducted by the Office of the Victim Advocate. Consistent with the provisions of the general statutes concerning the confidentiality of records and information, the Victim Advocate shall have access to, including the right to inspect and copy, any records necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Victim Advocate as provided in section 46a-13c. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to waive a victim's right to confidentiality of communications or records as protected by any provision of the general statutes or common law.

(b) In the performance of his responsibilities under section 46a-13c, the Victim Advocate may communicate privately with any victim or person who has received, is receiving or should have received services from the state. Such communications shall be confidential and not be subject to disclosure except as provided in subsection (a) of section 46a-13e.

(c) The Victim Advocate may apply for and accept grants, gifts and bequests of funds from other states, federal and interstate agencies and independent authorities and private firms, individuals and foundations, for the purpose of carrying out his responsibilities.

(P.A. 98-231, S. 3; P.A. 00-200, S. 9; P.A. 01-195, S. 33, 181.)

History: P.A. 00-200 amended Subsec. (a) by requiring all state, local and private agencies to have duty to cooperate with any investigation conducted by the Office of Victim Advocate, and deleted “to the same extent as a victim would have access to such records.” following “section 46a-13c.”; P.A. 01-195 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), effective July 11, 2001.