Substitute House Bill No. 5571 establishes a maximum restocking fee that businesses can charge consumers for returning consumer goods. Specifically, the bill prohibits any business from requiring a consumer to pay a fee that exceeds 5% of the purchase price of the returned item. The definitions of "business," "consumer," and "consumer good" are aligned with existing statutes, ensuring clarity in the application of the law. The bill also empowers the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to adopt regulations to implement these provisions and categorizes any violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA).

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to protect consumers from excessive fees associated with returning goods. It applies to all businesses, regardless of their profit status, and includes a broad definition of consumer goods. The legislation does not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as the Department of Consumer Protection is equipped to handle the enforcement of these regulations without additional resources.