Substitute Senate Bill No. 296 proposes significant amendments to the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and related gaming laws, enhancing the powers of the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. The bill repeals Section 42-110d and introduces new provisions that grant the commissioner the authority to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and conduct hearings, while ensuring individuals cannot be compelled to provide self-incriminating testimony. It also allows the commissioner to issue investigative demands to suspected violators, with confidentiality maintained during investigations. Additionally, the civil penalty limit for CUTPA violations is increased from $10,000 to $25,000 per consumer, and the process for handling complaints and hearings is clarified to ensure individuals can respond and present their cases.

Moreover, the bill expands the definition of cheating in gambling, classifying actions aimed at altering sports wager outcomes as a class D felony, with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. It also establishes penalties for allowing underage individuals to participate in online gaming, classifying such violations as a class C misdemeanor. The Attorney General's authority is broadened to seek court orders against violations of sports wagering regulations, and the bill clarifies that online gaming includes both online casino gaming and sports wagering. The effective date for the bill is upon passage, with specific provisions related to CUTPA and cheating taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 651: