Substitute Senate Bill No. 1357, also known as Public Act No. 25-111, introduces significant amendments to various consumer protection laws in Connecticut, particularly focusing on the regulation of architects and real estate professionals. The bill establishes an Architectural Licensing Board within the Department of Consumer Protection, consisting of five members appointed by the Governor, and outlines the requirements for practicing architecture, including licensing and continuing education. It introduces new fees for license renewals and applications, as well as civil penalties for non-compliance with continuing education requirements. Additionally, the bill modifies the Real Estate Guaranty Fund processes, allowing aggrieved individuals to apply for compensation following binding arbitration or court judgments against real estate licensees, and clarifies the responsibilities of the Department of Consumer Protection in overseeing these processes.

The bill further enhances consumer protections in various sectors, including health clubs, charitable organizations, and mobile home parks. It establishes the Connecticut Health Club Guaranty Fund to reimburse consumers in case of health club closures, mandates clearer contract terms for health club memberships, and requires charitable organizations to register annually with the Department of Consumer Protection. Moreover, it introduces new definitions and requirements for automatic renewal agreements, ensuring consumers are fully informed about their rights. The legislation also addresses the sale of food and cosmetic items at auctions, requiring prior notification to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, and mandates the re-recording of real estate listing agreements to clarify ownership responsibilities. Overall, the bill aims to improve regulatory oversight, enhance consumer protection, and streamline processes across various industries.

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