Connecticut House Bill HB06871

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Service Contract Agreements And A Reasonable Rate Of Return For Consumers.

Impact

This legislation is designed to enhance consumer protection laws concerning service contracts in the state. By mandating that service contract providers offer a reasonable rate of return or credits in specified circumstances, the bill intends to increase transparency and fairness in service agreements. This change could lead to more accountable practices among providers, making it a crucial step towards consumer rights reform in financial transactions related to consumer goods.

Summary

House Bill 06871 aims to amend the general statutes to ensure that service contract providers for consumer goods offer a reasonable rate of return to consumers. This is particularly applicable to situations where consumers enter into service contract agreements but either do not utilize the services or pay fees that surpass the replacement cost of the goods covered under such contracts. The bill seeks to protect consumers from excessive service fees and provide them financial relief by establishing a framework for refunds or credits.

Contention

One potential area of contention with HB 06871 is the balance between consumer protection and the operational viability for service contract providers. Some stakeholders may argue that imposing requirements for refunds or credits might increase operational costs for these providers, potentially leading to higher fees for consumers or a reduction in services offered. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding how 'reasonable' is defined in terms of rates of return, which could lead to varying interpretations and challenges in enforcement.