Senate Bill No. 797 mandates that advertisements for motion picture exhibitions in Connecticut include a disclaimer regarding the actual start time of the movie. Specifically, if an advertisement states a scheduled start time, it must also include the statement: "The actual movie start time may be ten or more minutes after the movie start time set forth in this advertisement." This requirement applies to any advertisement published, aired, displayed, or disseminated by individuals or entities that own or operate a motion picture theater in the state.
The bill establishes a penalty for non-compliance, imposing a fine of up to $500 for each violation of this requirement. Additionally, it grants the Commissioner of Consumer Protection the authority to adopt regulations to implement the provisions of the bill. The effective date for this legislation is set for October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance consumer awareness regarding potential discrepancies in advertised movie start times, thereby improving the movie-going experience.