Substitute Senate Bill No. 1237 proposes significant amendments to the operations of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC), focusing on delinquency assessments, licensing processes, and advertising regulations. The bill redefines "delinquency assessment" to include the principal amount due, penalties, and interest, and introduces a new process for lottery sales agents to apply for hardship waivers regarding delinquent accounts, allowing for payment plans if undue hardship is demonstrated. Additionally, the president of the CLC is granted the authority to reduce interest amounts owed by agents. The bill also modifies vendor licensing requirements, exempting certain ticket distribution services from needing a vendor license, and categorizes occupational licenses into four classes based on roles and responsibilities, streamlining the licensing process.

Moreover, the bill establishes a nonrefundable application fee structure for occupational licenses, mandates criminal history checks for various licenses, and allows for provisional licensing while applications are processed. It updates advertising regulations to prevent targeting individuals under the legal gambling age and prohibits misleading claims about winning chances. The bill extends the redemption period for winning lottery tickets from 180 days to 365 days, effective July 1, 2026, and allows the CLC to conduct advertising for online keno and lottery draw games with approved enhancements. Overall, these changes aim to enhance operational efficiency, improve compliance, and bolster consumer protection within the Connecticut Lottery Corporation.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-569, 12-859c
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 12-569, 12-859c
File No. 575: 12-569, 12-859c