The proposed bill, Substitute House Bill No. 6062, aims to prohibit any individual or entity engaged in trade or commerce within the state from directly advertising legend drugs to consumers, effective October 1, 2025. A "legend drug" is defined as a medication that requires a prescription for dispensing, is restricted to licensed practitioners, or must be labeled for prescription use under federal law. However, the bill allows pharmaceutical manufacturers registered with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to promote or provide information about these drugs to prescribing practitioners through their pharmaceutical representatives. Violations of this prohibition will be classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA).

To implement this bill, the DCP is authorized to adopt necessary regulations. The fiscal impact of the bill includes costs associated with hiring additional staff to handle the anticipated increase in complaints and enforcement actions, estimated at $165,000 for FY 26 and $210,000 for FY 27, along with fringe benefits costs. The bill's provisions are designed to enhance consumer protection by limiting direct advertising of prescription medications, thereby potentially reducing misleading information and promoting safer pharmaceutical practices.