The bill, Substitute Senate Bill No. 1357, proposes comprehensive amendments to various statutes concerning consumer protection and the regulation of professionals, particularly architects and real estate agents, in Connecticut. It establishes an Architectural Licensing Board within the Department of Consumer Protection, which will oversee licensing examinations, continuing professional education, and professional ethics for architects. Key changes include the replacement of "continuing education" with "continuing professional education," the introduction of new license renewal requirements, and the establishment of penalties for non-compliance. The bill also modifies the licensing process for real estate professionals, requiring proof of passing a written examination and the payment of specific fees. Additionally, it enhances the regulatory framework for consumer protection in areas such as food safety, health club contracts, and motor vehicle sales, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Significant provisions of the bill include the increase in maximum claims from the New Home Construction Guaranty Fund and the Health Club Guaranty Fund, the establishment of a civil penalty for architects failing to meet continuing education requirements, and the introduction of new definitions and requirements for community association managers. The bill also mandates that public property owners provide written notice before placing donation bins and clarifies the rights of consumers in home solicitation sales, including the right to cancel contracts within three business days. Overall, sSB1357 aims to enhance consumer protections, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure compliance among professionals in various sectors, with effective dates set for various provisions upon passage or by October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-289, 20-290, 20-292, 20-298, 20-324e, 20-341, 20-417a, 20-450, 20-452, 20-457, 21-35b, 21-35c, 21-35d, 21-35e, 21-35f, 21-83c, 42-110d, 42-110j, 42-134a, 42-135a, 42-158ff
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 20-289, 20-290, 20-292, 20-298, 20-324e, 20-341, 20-417a, 20-450, 20-452, 20-457, 21-35b, 21-35c, 21-35d, 21-35e, 21-35f, 21-83c, 42-110d, 42-110j, 42-134a, 42-135a, 42-158ff
File No. 569: 20-289, 20-290, 20-292, 20-298, 20-324e, 20-341, 20-417a, 20-450, 20-452, 20-457, 21-35c, 21-35d, 21-35e, 21-35f, 21-83c, 42-110d, 42-110j, 42-134a, 42-135a, 42-158ff
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 20-289, 20-290, 20-292, 20-298, 20-324e, 20-341, 20-417a, 20-450, 20-452, 20-457, 21-35b, 21-35c, 21-35d, 21-35e, 21-35f, 21-83c, 42-134a, 42-135a, 42-158ff
File No. 831: 20-289, 20-290, 20-292, 20-298, 20-324e, 20-341, 20-417a, 20-450, 20-452, 20-457, 21-35b, 21-35c, 21-35d, 21-35e, 21-35f, 21-83c, 42-134a, 42-135a, 42-158ff