Substitute House Bill No. 7078 introduces significant amendments to Connecticut's real estate laws, focusing on the removal of unauthorized occupants from properties and updating licensing requirements for real estate professionals. The bill allows property owners or their authorized agents to request the immediate removal of unauthorized individuals by police through a formal affidavit process, provided certain conditions are met, such as the absence of valid residency documentation. Additionally, it establishes a civil cause of action for individuals wrongfully removed from a property, allowing them to seek damages and attorney's fees. The bill also replaces the term "salesperson" with "agent" throughout the legislation, modernizing the terminology used in the industry.

Moreover, the bill mandates that real estate licensees complete continuing education requirements for license renewal, specifying that courses must be at least two hours long. It introduces a fee structure for those who fail to meet these requirements and requires the Department of Consumer Protection to conduct a study on residential property wholesaling practices. The bill also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of real estate professionals, including the definition of "agent" and the duties of designated agents. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the regulatory framework governing real estate practices in Connecticut, ensuring better education, compliance, and clarity within the industry.

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