Substitute House Bill No. 5227 introduces new regulations for commercial mold remediation and fire and catastrophic restoration businesses in Connecticut, set to take effect on October 1, 2026. The bill mandates that individuals performing commercial mold remediation for compensation must obtain a valid certificate of registration from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), which requires proof of certification from recognized organizations and adherence to established remediation standards. Violations of these provisions will be classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Additionally, fire and catastrophic restoration businesses must secure an active DCP license, with applicants required to submit detailed information to demonstrate their qualifications. The bill also establishes a publicly accessible registry of licensed businesses and imposes fines of up to $1,000 for non-compliance.

The legislation further stipulates that restoration businesses must comply with relevant standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and enroll in emergency access systems, ensuring that employees display identification badges while working in disaster-affected areas. The initial license fee is set at $150, with a renewal fee of $100, and licenses will expire annually. The DCP is tasked with adopting regulations to implement these changes, which will enhance consumer protection by ensuring that remediation and restoration services are performed by qualified professionals. Overall, the bill aims to improve safety and accountability in the mold remediation and restoration industries in Connecticut.