Substitute Senate Bill No. 1357, also known as Public Act No. 25-111, amends various statutes concerning the Department of Consumer Protection and the Architectural Licensing Board. The bill establishes a five-member board appointed by the Governor, consisting of two public members and three architects, and introduces new regulations for architectural licensing examinations, appeals, and continuing professional education (CPE) requirements for license renewal. It mandates quarterly meetings for the board to review license applications and modifies the practice of architecture in Connecticut by prohibiting the use of the title "architect" without a valid license. The bill replaces "continuing education" with "continuing professional education" and exempts certain architects from CPE requirements. Additionally, it outlines penalties for non-compliance with CPE and modifies the process for aggrieved persons seeking compensation from the Real Estate Guaranty Fund.

The bill further revises licensing and apprenticeship training requirements, allowing applicants without registered apprenticeships to sit for examinations if they demonstrate equivalent experience. It establishes a fee structure for late reporting of CPE hours and introduces new provisions for the issuance of stop work orders by the Department of Consumer Protection. The bill also enhances consumer protection in various sectors, including health clubs and charitable organizations, by establishing clearer regulations and requirements for transparency in contracts and fundraising activities. Notably, it increases the maximum claim amount from the New Home Construction Guaranty Fund from $30,000 to $50,000 and mandates that charitable organizations register annually with the Department of Consumer Protection. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance consumer protection, and ensure compliance within the architectural and construction professions, as well as other consumer-related sectors.

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
Public Act No. 25-111: 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, 14-62a, 2-313, 1-84