Substitute House Bill No. 7209 seeks to strengthen legal protections in housing matters by enhancing the authority of the Attorney General (AG) to investigate and take action against discriminatory practices and the misuse of pricing algorithms in setting rental prices. The bill introduces provisions that allow the AG to pursue civil actions, with damages awarded to injured parties and civil penalties imposed for violations. It also enables the AG to petition the court for relief in cases of housing discrimination. Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes regarding the burden of proof in affordable housing appeals, requiring commissions to justify their decisions and allowing for the awarding of attorney's fees if a decision is found to be made in bad faith or to cause undue delay.

Moreover, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of algorithmic devices to determine rental rates or occupancy levels for residential units, categorizing such practices as unlawful under the Connecticut Antitrust Act. It defines key terms such as "algorithmic device" and "nonpublic competitor data," and establishes significant civil penalties for violations, including up to $100,000 for individuals and $1 million for businesses. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to combat discrimination in housing and regulate the use of technology in rental pricing, while also potentially generating revenue for the state through imposed penalties.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 3-129g
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 3-129g
File No. 753: 3-129g