Consumer Protection Bill Dies as Session Ends

The state House did not take final action on a sweeping consumer protection bill that was a top priority this session for Senate Democrats.

SB 3 prohibited all businesses from offering, advertising, or displaying a good or service for sale or lease at a price that excludes any fees or charges, with a number of notable exceptions.

The bill also banned the purchase of foreign made drones by public entities, required disclosures for voice activated connected devices, and included “right-to-repair” requirements, among other provisions.

Hotly debated throughout the legislative session, SB 3 originally included provisions establishing net neutrality in Connecticut and controversial requirements on billing procedures by streaming services.

The original bill also included broad and difficult to implement language regarding “deceptive” and “junk” fees that would have subjected businesses to potential unfair trade practice violations.

The Senate approved the bill on a 26-10 vote May 4.

While advocates negotiated many changes to address industry concerns, the House, following hours of debate in the session’s closing minutes, used a procedural motion to end discussion without taking a vote.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Wyatt Bosworth (860.244.1155) | @WyattBosworthCT.