Substitute Senate Bill No. 184, Public Act No. 24-21, is an act concerning the renting or leasing of passenger motor vehicles, with an effective date of July 1, 2024. The bill amends Section 14-153b of the general statutes by redefining "passenger motor vehicle" to exclude certain luxury and oversized vehicles, as well as sport utility vehicles designed to transport six or more passengers. It prohibits rental companies from requiring customers to show proof of holding a credit card as a condition for renting a vehicle, although companies may still require a reasonable deposit and suitable identification from customers paying in cash. Additionally, the bill specifies that additional drivers are not required to show proof of holding a credit card or debit card, provided they have a valid driver's license and the primary customer has a credit or debit card.

The bill also amends Section 14-15b of the general statutes, clarifying the definitions of "collision damage waiver," "rental motor vehicle," and introducing the term "loss of use." It mandates that rental contracts with collision damage waiver provisions must comply with existing laws and provide clear notice regarding the lessee's personal insurance coverage and the costs associated with the waiver. The bill prohibits false or misleading statements related to the sale of collision damage waivers and allows rental contracts to include provisions for recovering loss of use due to vehicle damage, with certain limitations on the amount that can be collected. Violations of these provisions are considered unfair or deceptive trade practices.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-153b, 14-15b
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-153b, 14-15b
File No. 316: 14-153b, 14-15b
JUD Joint Favorable: 14-153b, 14-15b
Public Act No. 24-21: 14-153b, 14-15b