Senate Bill No. 1248 seeks to strengthen consumer protections in Connecticut by establishing clear guidelines for businesses that offer consumer goods and services. The bill prohibits businesses from advertising prices that exclude mandatory fees or costs, requiring all fees to be disclosed at the time of advertisement, with exceptions for certain taxes and fees. It also amends existing laws regarding automatic renewal provisions in consumer agreements, mandating that businesses provide clear means for consumers to prevent automatic renewals or terminate services. The bill introduces new definitions and repeals outdated provisions, aiming for transparency and fairness in consumer transactions, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for businesses with automatic renewal agreements, including sending annual reminders to consumers about renewal terms and providing easy cancellation options. It mandates that businesses must allow consumers to manage their agreements online and respond promptly to cancellation requests. The bill also updates housing laws, requiring landlords to include all periodic fees in advertised rents and creating a standardized rental terms summary form. Violations of these provisions are classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices, and the bill necessitates additional staffing for the Department of Consumer Protection to implement these changes, with a projected cost of $172,328 for FY 27.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 42-158ff
GL Joint Favorable: 42-158ff
File No. 330: 42-158ff