Substitute House Bill No. 7078 proposes significant amendments to Connecticut's real estate laws, particularly focusing on the removal of unauthorized occupants from properties and updates to real estate licensing requirements. The bill allows property owners or their authorized agents to request police assistance for the immediate removal of unauthorized persons, defined as individuals unlawfully occupying a property without a valid lease or proof of residency. This process requires the submission of an affidavit to the police, detailing the circumstances of the unauthorized occupation, and mandates that police officers verify the affidavit before serving a notice to vacate. Additionally, the bill establishes a civil cause of action for individuals wrongfully removed from a property, enabling them to seek damages and attorney's fees.

In terms of real estate licensing, the bill revises continuing education requirements, mandating that applicants for a two-year renewal license complete a minimum of two hours of approved courses. It also updates terminology by replacing "real estate salesperson" with "real estate agent" throughout the legislation. Other key provisions include a study by the Department of Consumer Protection on residential property wholesaling practices, the introduction of a fee structure for licensees who fail to meet continuing education requirements, and the requirement for sellers of residential properties to provide detailed disclosures about the property's condition. Overall, the bill aims to enhance clarity, efficiency, and consumer protection within the real estate sector while modernizing the language and practices associated with real estate transactions.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-319, 20-311, 20-312a, 20-314, 20-324l, 20-325l, 20-327b, 20-329a, 20-526, 31-222, 47-100
INS Joint Favorable Substitute: 20-319, 20-311, 20-312a, 20-314, 20-324l, 20-325l, 20-327b, 20-329a, 20-526, 31-222, 47-100
File No. 466: 20-319, 20-311, 20-312a, 20-314, 20-324l, 20-325l, 20-327b, 20-329a, 20-526, 31-222, 47-100