Substitute Senate Bill No. 1357, also known as Public Act No. 25-111, introduces significant amendments to various consumer protection statutes in Connecticut, particularly focusing on the regulation of architects and the licensing of real estate professionals. The bill establishes an Architectural Licensing Board within the Department of Consumer Protection, which will oversee the licensing process, maintain records, and enforce continuing professional education requirements for architects. Notably, it introduces a new category for retired architects, termed Architect Emeritus, and mandates that licensed architects complete twelve hours of continuing professional education for license renewal. The bill also modifies the licensing process for real estate professionals, allowing applicants without registered apprenticeships to sit for examinations and streamlining the application process for licensure.

In addition to architectural and real estate regulations, the bill enhances consumer protections in various sectors, including health clubs, charitable organizations, and the sale of motor vehicles. It establishes the Connecticut Health Club Guaranty Fund to reimburse consumers in case of health club closures and introduces clearer cancellation terms for health club contracts. The bill also mandates that charitable organizations register annually with the Department of Consumer Protection and imposes stricter compliance measures for fundraising activities. Furthermore, it updates regulations regarding the sale of food and cosmetic items at auctions, requiring prior notification to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. Overall, the bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight, improve consumer protections, and ensure compliance across multiple 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