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 practices that infringe on individuals' rights, particularly in relation to housing discrimination and the misuse of pricing algorithms. 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 modifies existing laws regarding the burden of proof in affordable housing appeals, requiring commissions to substantiate their decisions with adequate evidence. If a court finds that a decision was made in bad faith or to cause undue delay, it may award attorney's fees to the appealing party.

Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to use algorithmic devices to set rental rates or occupancy levels for residential units, categorizing such practices as violations of the Connecticut Antitrust Act. The bill defines "algorithmic device" and "nonpublic competitor data," and establishes civil penalties for violations, which can reach up to $100,000 for individuals and $1 million for businesses. The AG is granted the authority to seek injunctive relief and punitive damages, with penalties ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 based on the severity of the violation. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

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