Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192
AN ACT CONCERNING CR UMBLING CONCRETE FOU NDATIONS.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. Subsections (b) to (h), inclusive, of section 38a-91vv of the
general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective July 1, 2019):
(b) In addition to any other requirements imposed by law applicable
to captive insurance companies, the captive insurance company
established pursuant to this section shall:
(1) Upon request of the joint standing committees of the General
Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to planning and
development, public safety and housing, or the Governor, make
recommendations regarding the expansion of eligibility for financial
assistance pursuant to this section and modifications to improve the
efficiency and operation of the captive insurance company in order to
serve its public purpose;
(2) Establish a board of directors who shall serve in a volunteer
capacity. The membership of the board of directors shall include, but
need not be limited to, a real estate agent or broker, two owners of
residential buildings who have concrete foundations that have Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite, a chief executive or such
chief executive's designee of a municipality in which residential
buildings with concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the
presence of pyrrhotite are located, an individual with professional
investment experience and currently registered as an investment
adviser pursuant to title 36b, the executive directors of the Capitol
Region Council of Governments and the [Eastern Region]
Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments or such executive
directors' designees and representatives from the insurance and
banking industries, who shall not have professional relationships with
any bank or insurance company that has a financial interest in
residential buildings subject to the provisions of this section and
sections 7-374b, 8-441, 8-442, 8-443, 8-444, subparagraph (B) of
subdivision (20) of subsection (a) of section 12-701 and section 29-265f.
The speaker, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, the
president pro tempore of the Senate and the Senate Republican
president pro tempore shall each appoint a member of the General
Assembly as a nonvoting, ex-officio member of the board of directors.
It shall not constitute a conflict of interest for a member of the board of
directors, who is the owner of a residential building which has a
concrete foundation that has deteriorated due to the presence of
pyrrhotite, or the spouse or dependent child of such member, to apply
for or receive assistance from the captive insurance company
established under this section, to repair or replace such concrete
foundation, provided such member shall abstain from deliberation,
action or vote by the board of directors in specific respect to such
member's application or the application of such spouse or dependent
child;
(3) Develop eligibility requirements and underwriting guidelines for
financial assistance for repair or replacement of concrete foundations.
Such requirements and guidelines shall, not later than [thirty] fifteen
days prior to their adoption, amendment or modification, be published Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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on a public Internet web site maintained by the captive insurance
company;
[(4) Develop in coordination with the Department of Housing,
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and participating lenders in
the Collapsing Foundations Credit Enhancements Program,
established pursuant to section 8-442, a single, unified application for
owners of residential buildings to apply for all financial assistance
available pursuant to this section and sections 8-442 and 8-443;]
[(5)] (4) Provide financial assistance to such owners of residential
buildings for the repair or replacement of concrete foundations that
have deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite, including, but not
limited to, financial reimbursement to [homeowners] owners who
have had such repair or replacement performed prior to October 31,
2017;
[(6)] (5) Assist such owners of residential buildings to obtain
additional financing necessary to fully fund the repair or replacement
of concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence of
pyrrhotite;
[(7)] (6) Approve contractors or other vendors for eligibility to
perform foundation repairs or replacements on behalf of claimants;
[(8)] (7) Disburse such financial assistance to approved contractors
or other vendors on behalf of claimants;
[(9)] (8) Ensure that the financial assistance is used solely for costs of
repairing and replacing concrete foundations that have deteriorated
due to the presence of pyrrhotite;
[(10)] (9) Require the disclosure of the amount of all financial
compensation received by an owner of such a residential building, if
any, arising out of a claim for coverage under the property coverage Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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provisions of the personal risk insurance policy, including, but not
limited to, a homeowners policy, for foundation deterioration due to
the presence of pyrrhotite and ensure that such amount is considered
when determining the amount of financial assistance offered to such
owner;
[(11)] (10) When appropriate, apply for, qualify for and receive any
federal funds made available under any federal act, for assistance to
owners of residential buildings [and residential condominium units]
having concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence
of pyrrhotite. To the extent permissible under federal law, all such
federal funds shall be deposited into the Crumbling Foundations
Assistance Fund established pursuant to section 8-441; and
[(12)] (11) Enter into agreements, as necessary, with the Connecticut
Housing Finance Authority and any participating lender, as defined in
section 8-442, to develop and implement additional loan programs or
financial products to assist such owners to repair or replace concrete
foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite,
while employing terms and conditions that are preferable to the open
market.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, such captive
insurance company shall not be considered a state agency for purposes
of any provision of the general statutes, and shall not be considered to
perform a governmental function for purposes of chapter 14. Such
captive insurance company may, subject to the provisions of this
section, do all things necessary and desirable in its discretion to
accomplish its purposes, including hiring employees and contracting
for administrative or operational services, and entering into
agreements with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority created
pursuant to section 8-244, as amended by this act, and any
participating lender, as defined in section 8-442, to develop and
implement additional loan programs or financial products that will Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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assist owners of residential buildings to repair or replace concrete
foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite on
terms and conditions that are preferable to the open market. Not more
than ten per cent of all moneys allocated or made available to the
captive insurance company in any calendar year shall be used for
administrative or operational costs.
(d) Employees and agents of the captive insurance company shall
not be deemed state employees, except that employees and directors
shall be subject to the provisions of sections 1-84, 1-84a, 1-84b, 1-85 and
1-86. Any agent, consultant or contractor of the captive insurance
company shall be subject to the provisions of sections 1-86e and 1-
101nn. The Office of State Ethics shall have the authority to enforce the
provisions of this subsection.
(e) Notwithstanding sections 38a-11 and 38a-91bb, the captive
insurance company shall not be required to pay a license fee for the
first year of licensure or a renewal fee for any year thereafter, as set
forth in said sections.
(f) In addition to any report required to be filed by not-for-profit
entities generally under regulations of the Internal Revenue Service,
the captive insurance company shall submit quarterly reports to the
joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance
of matters relating to insurance, finance, planning and development,
housing and public safety on its operation and financial condition.
Such quarterly reports shall include, but need not be limited to,
information concerning: (1) Moneys allocated or made available to it
pursuant to this section, (2) total financial assistance and financial
assistance, by town, provided to owners of such residential buildings
pursuant to this section, (3) administrative and operational
expenditures, (4) the total number and number, by town, of
applications for assistance received during the quarter and to date, (5)
the total number and number, by town, of applications for assistance Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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granted during the quarter and to date, (6) the average time to process
applications, and (7) the total number and number, by town, of
applications pending and amount of such claims.
(g) The joint standing committees of the General Assembly having
cognizance of matters relating to insurance, finance, planning and
development, housing and public safety shall, not less than annually,
hold a joint public hearing on the operation and financial condition of
the captive insurance company.
(h) A decision on an application for assistance pursuant to this
section shall be made in writing and provided to the [homeowner]
owner and shall include the information relied upon and the basis for
such decision, including the relevant eligibility and underwriting
criteria. An owner of such a residential building may request a review
of any decision by the captive insurance company relating to such
[homeowner] owner not later than thirty days after the decision. A
final determination on such a request for review shall be made in
writing and provided to the [homeowner] owner not later than thirty
days after receipt of the [homeowner's] owner's request, unless an
extension is agreed to by the [homeowner] owner. The final
determination shall be subject to approval by the board of directors.
There shall be no right to appeal such final determination.
Sec. 2. Section 8-440 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2019):
For purposes of sections 7-374b, sections 8-441 to 8-444, inclusive,
[and] sections 12-701, 29-265f and 38a-91vv, as amended by this act,
and sections 7 to 11, inclusive, of this act, "residential building" means
[a one-family, two-family, three-family or four-family dwelling
including, but not limited to, a condominium unit or dwelling in a
planned unit development] (1) a single-family or multifamily
residential dwelling, including, but not limited to, (A) a residential Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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unit in a condominium, as such terms are defined or used in section
47-68a, or (B) a unit that is used for residential purposes and located in
a common interest community, as such terms are defined in section 47-
202, and (2) a building containing one or more of the units described in
subparagraph (A) or (B) of subdivision (1) of this section.
Sec. 3. Section 38a-331 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) [Beginning on January 1, 2019, until December 31, 2029, there
shall be imposed a surcharge at the rate of twelve dollars on the named
insured under each policy of homeowners insurance delivered, issued
for delivery, renewed, amended or endorsed on or after January 1,
2019, for a personal risk insurance policy on owned dwellings with
four or fewer units or on condominiums.] (1) There is imposed a
twelve-dollar surcharge on the issuance or renewal of each insurance
policy providing:
(A) Personal risk insurance coverage for an owned dwelling in this
state with four or fewer units, except for a mobile home;
(B) Coverage for an individual unit in this state that is part of a
condominium, as such terms are defined in section 47-68a; or
(C) Coverage for an individual unit in this state that is part of a
common interest community and exclusively used for residential
purposes, as such terms are defined in section 47-202.
(2) The surcharge imposed under this subsection shall be assessed
on insurance policies issued or renewed during the period beginning
on January 1, 2019, and ending on December 31, 2029. Such surcharge
is not premium and shall not be considered premium for any purpose.
(b) Payment of the surcharge imposed under subsection (a) of this
section shall be the obligation of the person that is first listed as an Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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insured under the policy, provided collection and remittance of such
surcharge may be effected in such manner as the insurer, insured and
any mortgagee may reasonably determine. Such surcharge is payable
in full upon commencement or renewal of coverage, and no portion of
such surcharge shall be reimbursed, whether on policy cancellation or
otherwise.
[(b)] (c) (1) Acting on behalf of, and as a collection agent of the
Healthy Homes Fund established pursuant to section 8-446, as
amended by this act, each admitted [and nonadmitted] insurer, or, for
nonadmitted insurers, one or more surplus lines brokers licensed
pursuant to section 38a-794 procuring from the nonadmitted insurer
an insurance policy providing coverage of a type described in
subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section, shall remit to the
Insurance Commissioner, not later than the thirtieth day of April
annually, all surcharges imposed under subsection (a) of this section
on the named insured that were collected during the calendar year
next preceding. [for each such policy delivered, issued or renewed
before January first of the then current calendar year.] Each such
remittance shall include documentation, in the form and manner
prescribed by the commissioner, to substantiate the total surcharge
amount being remitted by such insurer or licensee.
(2) All such remittances under subdivision (1) of this subsection,
except for the amount of remittances equal to the cost of funding an
administrative officer position at the Insurance Department to facilitate
the surcharge collection, shall be deposited in the Healthy Homes
Fund established in section 8-446, as amended by this act. Not later
than thirty days after such deposit in the Healthy Homes Fund, eighty-
five per cent of such deposits shall be transferred to the Crumbling
Foundations Assistance Fund established in section 8-441.
(3) The surcharge imposed [pursuant to] under subsection (a) of this
section shall constitute a special purpose assessment for the purposes Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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of section 12-211.
[(c)] (d) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance
with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.
Sec. 4. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 8-446 of the general statutes
are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective
from passage):
(a) There is established an account to be known as the "Healthy
Homes Fund" which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the
General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law
to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be
expended by the Department of Housing for the purposes of:
(1) Funding of not more than one million dollars, from remittances
transferred pursuant to section 38a-331, as amended by this act, for the
period beginning January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019, shall
be remitted to the Department of Economic and Community
Development to be used for grants-in-aid to homeowners with homes
located in the immediate vicinity of the West River in the Westville
section of New Haven and Woodbridge for structurally damaged
homes due to subsidence and to homeowners with homes abutting the
Yale Golf Course in the Westville section of New Haven for damage to
such homes from water infiltration or structural damage due to
subsidence; and
(2) Funding a program, and any related administrative expense, to
reduce health and safety hazards in residential dwellings in
Connecticut, including, but not limited to, lead, radon and other
contaminants or conditions, through removal, remediation, abatement
and other appropriate methods. For purposes of this subdivision,
"administrative expense" means any administrative or other cost or
expense incurred by the Department of Housing in carrying out the Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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provisions of this section, including, but not limited to the hiring of
necessary employees and entering into necessary contracts.
(b) The Department of Housing shall notify the Department of
Public Health not later than thirty days after the deposit of remittances
in the Healthy Homes Fund pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection
[(b)] (c) of section 38a-331, as amended by this act. Not later than thirty
days after the deposit of remittances pursuant to subdivision (2) of
subsection [(b)] (c) of section 38a-331, as amended by this act, the
Department of Public Health shall notify each municipal health
department in the state annually regarding funds available pursuant to
the Healthy Homes Fund established pursuant to subsection (a) of this
section.
Sec. 5. Section 20-327b of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2019):
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each person who
offers residential property in the state for sale, exchange or for lease
with option to buy, shall provide a written residential condition report
or reports to the prospective purchaser at any time prior to the
prospective purchaser's execution of any binder, contract to purchase,
option or lease containing a purchase option. A photocopy, duplicate
original, facsimile transmission or other exact reproduction or
duplicate of the written residential condition report or reports
containing the prospective purchaser's written receipt shall be attached
to any written offer, binder or contract to purchase. A photocopy,
duplicate original, facsimile transmission or other exact reproduction
or duplicate of the written residential condition report or reports
containing the signatures of both seller and purchaser shall be attached
to any agreement to purchase the property.
(b) The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this
section: (1) Any transfer from one or more co-owners solely to one or Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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more of the co-owners; (2) transfers made to the spouse, mother,
father, brother, sister, child, grandparent or grandchild of the
transferor where no consideration is paid; (3) [transfers pursuant to an
order of the court; (4)] transfers of newly-constructed residential real
property for which an implied warranty is provided under chapter
827; [(5)] (4) transfers made by executors, administrators, trustees or
conservators; [(6)] (5) transfers by the federal government, any political
subdivision thereof or any corporation, institution or quasi-
governmental agency chartered by the federal government; [(7)
transfers by deed in lieu of foreclosure; (8)] (6) transfers by [the state of
Connecticut or] this state; (7) except as provided in subsections (g) and
(h) of this section, transfers by any political subdivision [thereof; (9)] of
this state; (8) transfers of property which was the subject of a contract
or option entered into prior to January 1, 1996; and [(10)] (9) except as
provided in subsections (g) and (h) of this section, any transfer of
property acquired by a judgment of strict foreclosure or by foreclosure
by sale or by a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
(c) The provisions of this section shall apply only to transfers by
sale, exchange or lease with option to buy, of residential real property
consisting of not less than one nor more than four dwelling units
which shall include cooperatives and condominiums, and shall apply
to all transfers, with or without the assistance of a licensed real estate
broker or salesperson, as defined in section 20-311.
(d) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall, within
available appropriations, prescribe the written residential [disclosure
report] condition reports required by this section and sections 20-327c
to 20-327e, inclusive, as amended by this act. The written residential
[disclosure report] condition reports shall be based upon [a template]
templates that the commissioner shall prescribe. Such [template]
templates shall: Fit on pages being not more than eight and one-half
inches in height and eleven inches in width, with type size no smaller Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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than nine-point type, other than checkboxes or section headers, which
may be in a smaller size; include the address of the subject property on
each page; include page numbers on each page; include section
headings in bold type and include space for the buyer and the seller's
initials on each page, except the signature page. [The report] Each
written residential condition report, other than the written residential
condition report required pursuant to subsections (g) and (h) of this
section, shall contain the following, in the order indicated:
(1) A section entitled "Instructions to Sellers"
You MUST answer ALL questions to the best of your knowledge.
Identify/Disclose any problems regarding the subject property.
YOUR REAL ESTATE LICENSEE CANNOT COMPLETE THIS
FORM ON YOUR BEHALF.
UNK means Unknown, N/A means Not Applicable.
If you need additional space to complete any answer or explanation,
attach additional page(s) to this form. Include subject property
address, seller's name and the date.
(2) Pursuant to the Uniform Property Condition Disclosure Act, the
seller is obligated to answer the following questions and to disclose
herein any knowledge of any problem regarding the following:
(A) A subsection entitled "Subject Property"
(i) Name of seller(s)
(ii) Street address, municipality, zip code
(B) A subsection entitled "General Information"
(i) Indicate the YEAR the structure was built: Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 13 of 36
(ii) Indicate HOW LONG you have occupied the property: If not
applicable, indicate with N/A.
(iii) Does anyone else claim to own any part of your property,
including, but not limited to, any encroachment(s)? If YES, explain:
(iv) Does anyone other than you have or claim to have any right to
use any part of your property, including, but not limited to, any
easement or right-of-way? If YES, explain:
(v) Is the property in a flood hazard area or an inland wetlands
area? If YES, explain:
(vi) Do you have any reason to believe that the municipality in
which the subject property is located may impose any assessment for
purposes such as sewer installation, sewer improvements, water main
installation, water main improvements, sidewa lks or other
improvements? If YES, explain:
(vii) Is the property located in a municipally designated village
district, municipally designated historic district or listed on the
National Register of Historic Places? If YES, explain:
(viii) Special Statement: Information concerning village districts and
historic districts may be obtained from the municipality's village or
historic district commission, if applicable.
(ix) Is the property located in a special tax district? If YES, please
explain:
(x) Is the property subject to any type of land use restrictions, other
than those contained within the property's chain of title or that are
necessary to comply with state laws or municipal zoning? If YES,
explain:
(xi) Is the property located in a common interest community? If Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 14 of 36
YES, is it subject to any community or association dues or fees? Please
explain:
(xii) Do you have any knowledge of prior or pending litigation,
government agency or administrative actions, orders or liens on the
property related to the release of any hazardous substance? If YES,
please explain:
(C) A subsection entitled "Leased Equipment"
Does the property include any Leased or Rented Equipment that
would necessitate or obligate either of the following: The assignment
or transfer of the lease or rental agreement(s) to the buyer or the
replacement or substitution of the equipment by the buyer? If YES,
indicate by checking ALL items that apply: PROPANE FUEL TANK;
WATER HEATER; SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM; FIRE ALARM
SYSTEM; SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA ; WATER TREATMENT
SYSTEM; SOLAR DEVICES; MAJOR APPLIANCES; OTHER
(D) A subsection entitled "Mechanical/Utility Systems"
(i) Heating system problems? If YES, explain. List Fuel Types.
(ii) Hot water heater Type: Age: Hot water problems? If YES,
explain:
(iii) Is there an underground storage tank? If YES, give AGE of tank
and LOCATION.
(iv) Are you aware of any problems with the underground storage
tank? If YES, explain:
(v) During the time you have owned the property, has there ever
been an underground storage tank located on the property? If YES, has
it been removed? If YES, what was the date of removal and what was
the name and address of the person or business who removed such Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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underground storage tank? Provide any and all written documentation
of such removal within your control or possession by attaching a copy
of such documentation to this form.
(vi) Air conditioning problems? If YES, explain: Air conditioning
Type: Central; Window; Other
(vii) Plumbing system problems? If YES, explain:
(viii) Electrical System problems? If YES, explain:
(ix) Electronic security system problems? If YES, explain:
(x) Are there carbon monoxide or smoke detectors located in a
dwelling on the property? If YES, state the NUMBER of such detectors
and whether there have been problems with such detectors;
(xi) Fire sprinkler system problems? If YES, explain:
(E) A subsection entitled "Water System"
(i) Domestic Water System Type: Public; Private Well; Other
(ii) If Public Water:
(I) Is there a separate expense/fee for water usage? If YES, is the
expense/fee for water usage flat or metered? Give the AMOUNT and
explain:
(II) Are there any UNPAID water charges? If YES, state the amount
unpaid:
(iii) If Private Well:
Has the well water been tested for contaminants/volatile organic
compounds? If YES, attach a copy of the report. Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 16 of 36
(iv) If Public Water or Private Well: Are you aware of any problems
with the well, or with the water quality, quantity, recovery, or
pressure? If YES, explain:
(F) A subsection entitled "Sewage Disposal System"
(i) Sewage Disposal System Type: Public; Septic; Cesspool; Other
(ii) If Public Sewer:
(I) Is there a separate charge made for sewer use? If YES, is it Flat or
Metered?
(II) If it is a Flat amount, state amount and due dates:
(III) Are there any UNPAID sewer charges? If any unpaid sewer
charges, state the amount:
(iii) If Private:
(I) Name of service company
(II) Date last pumped: AND frequency:
(III) For any sewage system, are there problems? If YES, explain:
(G) A subsection entitled "Asbestos/Lead"
(i) Are asbestos containing insulation or building materials present?
If YES, location:
(ii) Is lead paint present? If YES, location:
(iii) Is lead plumbing present? If YES, location:
(H) A subsection entitled "Building/Structure/Improvements"
(i) Is the foundation made of concrete? If NO, explain: Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 17 of 36
(ii) Foundation/Slab problems or settling? If YES, explain:
(iii) Basement Water Seepage/Dampness? If YES, explain Amount,
Frequency and Location:
(iv) Sump pump problems? If YES, explain:
(v) Do you have any knowledge of any testing or inspection done by
a licensed professional related to a foundation on the property? If YES,
disclose the testing or inspection method, the areas or locations that
were tested or inspected, the results of such testing or inspection and
attach a copy of the report concerning such testing or inspection.
(vi) Do you have any knowledge of any repairs related to a
foundation on the property? If YES, [explain:] describe such repairs,
disclose the areas repaired and attach a copy of the report concerning
such repairs.
(vii) Do you have any knowledge related to the presence of
pyrrhotite in a foundation on the property? If YES, explain:
[(vii)] (viii) Roof type; Age?
[(viii)] (ix) Roof leaks? If YES, explain:
[(ix)] (x) Exterior siding problems? If YES, explain:
[(x)] (xi) Chimney, Fireplace, Wood or Coal Stove problems? If YES,
explain:
[(xi)] (xii) Patio/deck problems? If YES, explain:
[(xii)] (xiii) If constructed of Wood, is the Wood Treated or
Untreated?
[(xiii)] (xiv) Driveway problems? If YES, explain: Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 18 of 36
[(xiv)] (xv) Water drainage problems? If YES, explain:
[(xv)] (xvi) Interior Floor, Wall and/or Ceiling problems? If YES,
explain:
[(xvi)] (xvii) Fire and/or Smoke damage? If YES, explain:
[(xvii)] (xviii) Termite, Insect, Rodent or Pest Infestation problems?
If YES, explain:
[(xviii)] (xix) Rot or Water damage problems? If YES, explain:
[(xix)] (xx) Is house insulated? If YES, Type: Location:
[(xx)] (xxi) Has a test for Radon been performed? If YES, attach a
copy of the report.
[(xxi)] (xxii) Is there a Radon Control System in place? If YES,
explain:
[(xxii)] (xxiii) Has a Radon control system been in place in the
previous 12 months? If YES, explain:
(I) The Seller should attach additional pages to further explain any
item(s) above. Indicate here the number of additional pages attached:
(J) Questions contained in subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of this
subdivision shall contain checkboxes indicating "yes", "no", "not
applicable" or "unknown".
(3) The written residential [disclosure] condition report shall contain
the following immediately below the questions contained in
subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of subdivision (2) of this
subsection:
A certification by the seller in the following form: Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 19 of 36
SELLER'S CERTIFICATION
"To the extent of the seller's knowledge as a property owner, the
seller acknowledges that the information contained above is true and
accurate for those areas of the property listed. In the event a real estate
broker or salesperson is utilized, the seller authorizes the brokers or
salespersons to provide the above information to prospective buyers,
selling agents or buyers' agents.
.... (Date) .... (Seller)
.... (Date) .... (Seller)"
(4) The written residential [disclosure] condition report shall contain
the following in a separate section immediately below the seller's
certification:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
(A) RESPONSIBILITIES OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS
This report in no way relieves a real estate broker of the broker's
obligation under the provisions of section 20-328-5a of the Regulations
of Connecticut State Agencies to disclose any material facts. Failure to
do so could result in punitive action taken against the broker, such as
fines, suspension or revocation of license.
(B) STATEMENTS NOT TO CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY
Any representations made by the seller on the written residential
[disclosure] condition report shall not constitute a warranty to the
buyer.
(C) NATURE OF [DISCLOSURE] REPORT
This Residential Property Condition [Disclosure] Report is not a
substitute for inspections, tests and other methods of determining the Substitute House Bill No. 7179
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physical condition of property.
(D) INFORMATION ON THE RESIDENCE OF CONVICTED
FELONS
Information concerning the residence address of a person convicted
of a crime may be available from law enforcement agencies or the
Department of Public Safety.
(E) BUILDING PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
Prospective buyers should consult with the municipal building
official in the municipality in which the property is located to confirm
that building permits and certificates of occupancy have been issued
for work on the property.
(F) HOME INSPECTION
Buyers should have the property inspected by a licensed home
inspector.
(G) CONCRETE FOUNDATION
Prospective buyers may have a concrete foundation inspected by a
licensed professional engineer who is a structural engineer for
deterioration of the foundation due to the presence of pyrrhotite.
(5) The written residential [disclosure] condition report shall contain
the following immediately below the statements contained in
subparagraphs (A) to (G), inclusive, of subdivision (4) of this
subsection:
A certification by the buyer in the following form:
BUYER'S CERTIFICATION
"The buyer is urged to carefully inspect the property and, if desired, Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 21 of 36
to have the property inspected by an expert. The buyer understands
that there are areas of the property for which the seller has no
knowledge and that this [disclosure statement] report does not
encompass those areas. The buyer also acknowledges that the buyer
has read and received a signed copy of this [statement] report from the
seller or seller's agent.
.... (Date) .... [(Seller)] (Buyer)
.... (Date) .... [(Seller)] (Buyer)"
(e) On or after January 1, 1996, the Commissioner of Consumer
Protection shall make available the written residential [disclosure
report] condition reports prescribed in accordance with the provisions
of this section and sections 20-327c to 20-327e, inclusive, as amended
by this act, to the Division of Real Estate, all municipal town clerks, the
Connecticut Association of Realtors, Inc., and any other person or
institution that the commissioner believes would aid in the
dissemination and distribution of such [form] forms. The
commissioner shall also cause information concerning such [form]
forms and the completion of such [form] forms to be disseminated in a
manner best calculated, in the commissioner's judgment, to reach
members of the public, attorneys and real estate licensees.
(f) Any written residential [disclosure] condition report prescribed
in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 20-327c
to 20-327e, inclusive, as amended by this act, shall take effect for new
listings thirty days following posting of the notice regarding such
report on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site.
(g) In any transfer of residential real property that is located in a
municipality that the Capitol Region Council of Governments
determines is affected, or potentially affected, by crumbling
foundations and was acquired by a political subdivision of this state or
was acquired by a judgment of strict foreclosure or by foreclosure by Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 22 of 36
sale or by a deed in lieu of foreclosure, the owner or political
subdivision shall, through a written residential condition report
described in subsection (h) of this section, disclose to the prospective
purchaser of such real property, at any time prior to the prospective
purchaser's execution of any binder, contract to purchase, option or
lease containing a purchase option, any facts that are within such
owner's or political subdivision's actual knowledge concerning:
(1) The presence of pyrrhotite in any concrete foundation on such
property;
(2) Any damage or deterioration in any concrete foundation on such
property, including, but not limited to, any damage or deterioration
caused by the presence of pyrrhotite in any foundation on such
property; and
(3) Any repairs or remediation to any concrete foundation on such
property.
(h) In any transfer of residential real property that is located in a
municipality that the Capitol Region Council of Governments
determines is affected, or potentially affected, by crumbling
foundations and was acquired by a political subdivision of this state or
was acquired by a judgment of strict foreclosure or by foreclosure by
sale or by a deed in lieu of foreclosure, the owner or political
subdivision shall satisfy the provisions of subsection (g) of this section
through a written residential condition report prescribed by the
Commissioner of Consumer Protection pursuant to subsection (d) of
this section, which report shall be entitled "Residential Foundation
Condition Report" and exclusively contain the following in the
following order:
(1) A section entitled "Instructions to Sellers"
You MUST answer ALL questions based on your knowledge. You Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 23 of 36
are not required to undertake investigations or inspections of the
foundation to verify your answers.
YOUR REAL ESTATE LICENSEE CANNOT COMPLETE THIS
FORM ON YOUR BEHALF.
UNK means Unknown, N/A means Not Applicable.
If you need additional space to complete any answer or explanation,
attach additional page(s) to this form. Include subject property
address, seller's name and the date.
(2) Pursuant to the Uniform Property Condition Disclosure Act, the
seller is obligated to answer the following questions and to disclose
herein any knowledge of any problem regarding the following:
(A) A subsection entitled "Subject Property"
(i) Name of seller(s)
(ii) Street address, municipality, zip code
(B) A subsection entitled "Information About the Foundation"
(i) Do you have any knowledge related to the presence of pyrrhotite
in any concrete foundation on the subject property? If YES, explain:
(ii) Are you aware of any damage or deterioration in any concrete
foundation on the subject property, including, but not limited to, any
damage or deterioration caused by the presence of pyrrhotite in any
concrete foundation on the property? If YES, explain:
(iii) Are you aware of any repairs or remediation to any concrete
foundation on the subject property? If YES, explain:
(3) In a separate section immediately below the questions contained
in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the following information in the Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 24 of 36
following form:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
(A) RESPONSIBILITIES OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS
This report in no way relieves a real estate broker of the broker's
obligation under the provisions of section 20-328-5a of the Regulations
of Connecticut State Agencies to disclose any material facts. Failure to
do so could result in punitive action taken against the broker, such as
fines, suspension or revocation of license.
(B) STATEMENTS NOT TO CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY
Any representations made by the seller in this residential
foundation condition report shall not constitute a warranty to the
buyer.
(C) NATURE OF REPORT
This report is not a substitute for inspections, tests and other
methods of determining the physical condition of the foundation.
Prospective buyers may have a concrete foundation inspected by a
licensed professional engineer who is a structural engineer for
deterioration of the foundation due to the presence of pyrrhotite.
(4) Immediately following the information contained in subdivision
(3) of this subsection, a certification by the buyer in the following form:
BUYER'S CERTIFICATION
"The buyer is urged to carefully inspect the foundation and, if
desired, to have the foundation inspected by an expert. The buyer
understands that there are parts of the property, including the
foundation, for which the seller has no knowledge and that this report
does not encompass those parts. The buyer also acknowledges that the Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 25 of 36
buyer has read and reviewed a signed copy of this report from the
seller or the seller's agent.
.... (Date) .... (Buyer)
.... (Date) .... (Buyer)"
(5) Immediately below the buyer's certification, a certification by the
seller in the following form:
SELLER'S CERTIFICATION
"To the extent of the seller's knowledge as an owner of a property
acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure, the seller
acknowledges that the information contained above is true and
accurate. In the event a real estate broker or salesperson is utilized, the
seller authorizes the broker or salesperson to provide the above
information to prospective buyers, selling agents or buyers' agents.
.... (Date) .... (Seller)
.... (Date) .... (Seller)"
Sec. 6. Section 20-327c of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2020):
(a) On or after January 1, 1996, every agreement to purchase
residential real estate, for which a written residential condition report
is, or written residential condition reports are, required pursuant to
section 20-327b, as amended by this act, shall include a requirement
that the seller credit the purchaser with the sum of five hundred
dollars at closing should the seller fail to furnish the written residential
condition report or reports as required by sections 20-327b to 20-327e,
inclusive, as amended by this act.
(b) (1) No seller who credits a purchaser pursuant to subsection (a)
of this section shall, by reason of such credit, be excused from Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 26 of 36
disclosing to the purchaser any defect in the residential real estate if
such defect:
(A) Is subject to disclosure pursuant to section 20-327b, as amended
by this act;
(B) Is within the seller's actual knowledge of such residential real
estate; and
(C) Significantly impairs (i) the value of such residential real estate,
(ii) the health or safety of future occupants of such residential real
estate, or (iii) the useful life of such residential real estate.
(2) A purchaser may, without limiting any other remedies available
to the purchaser, bring a civil action in the judicial district in which the
residential real estate is located to recover actual damages from a seller
who fails to disclose any defect described in subdivision (1) of this
subsection to such purchaser.
Sec. 7. (NEW) (Effective from passage) As used in this section and
sections 8 to 11, inclusive, of this act:
(1) "Authority" means the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
created under section 8-244 of the general statutes, as amended by this
act;
(2) "Bank" means a bank or an out-of-state bank, each as defined in
section 36a-2 of the general statutes;
(3) "Captive insurance company" means the captive insurance
company established pursuant to section 38a-91vv of the general
statutes, as amended by this act;
(4) "Credit union" means a Connecticut credit union or a federal
credit union, each as defined in section 36a-2 of the general statutes; Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 27 of 36
(5) "Department" means the Department of Banking;
(6) "Eligible borrower" means the owner or occupant of a residential
building who has received a participation agreement from the captive
insurance company;
(7) "Eligible financial institution" means a bank or credit union that
has a physical presence in this state;
(8) "Participation agreement" means an agreement by the captive
insurance company to pay for a portion of the cost to repair or replace a
concrete foundation that has deteriorated due to the presence of
pyrrhotite; and
(9) "Residential building" has the same meaning as provided in
section 8-440 of the general statutes, as amended by this act.
Sec. 8. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The authority shall
administer a supplemental collapsing foundation loan program to
guarantee the repayment of loans made by an eligible financial
institution to an eligible borrower pursuant to sections 7 to 11,
inclusive, of this act. Subject to the cessation of new claim approvals
under subsection (d) of section 10 of this act, the authority shall submit
all processed claims to the Comptroller, who shall pay from the
General Fund any and all claims submitted by the authority.
(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, any
eligible financial institution may participate in the loan guarantee
program after providing the department and the authority with
advance written notice of the eligible financial institution's intention to
participate in the program. Such notice shall be in the form and
manner prescribed by the department and the authority, and shall
include contact information for the eligible financial institution.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude an eligible
financial institution that has elected to participate in the program from Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 28 of 36
issuing loans to eligible borrowers outside of the loan guarantee
program.
(2) An eligible financial institution may suspend its participation in,
or withdraw from, the loan guarantee program five business days after
providing advance written notice to the department and the authority
specifying the date on which such suspension or withdrawal becomes
effective. Such withdrawal or suspension shall not affect the eligible
financial institution's ability to submit a guarantee claim on any loan
for which the eligible financial institution provided notice to the
authority pursuant to subsection (d) of this section prior to the
effective date of the withdrawal or suspension.
(3) Not later than September 1, 2019, the department and the
authority shall each publish on their Internet web sites a summary of
the program and a list of the eligible financial institutions that have
elected to participate in the program. The list shall be updated from
time to time and shall include the contact information of each
participating eligible financial institution. The department shall also
provide information concerning the loan guarantee program to
mortgage servicers licensed pursuant to section 36a-718 of the general
statutes.
(c) (1) The authority may develop, in consultation with
representatives from the banking industry, one or more standard
promissory note and mortgage deed forms that may be used by
eligible financial institutions making loans under the program
pursuant to section 9 of this act.
(2) Not later than September 1, 2019, the authority shall develop, in
consultation with representatives from the banking industry, (A)
reasonable standards an eligible financial institution may rely upon to
demonstrate good faith collection efforts described in subsection (a) of
section 10 of this act, and (B) a readily accessible communication portal Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 29 of 36
by which participating eligible financial institutions may verify in real
time the total dollar amount of loans that have been reported to the
authority pursuant to subsection (d) of this section and the total dollar
amount of claims submitted to the Comptroller pursuant to subsection
(a) of section 10 of this act. The forms and standards developed
pursuant to this section shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be
closely aligned with existing forms, policies and procedures used by
eligible financial institutions participating in the program, but shall not
require post-delinquency collection efforts extending beyond ninety
days.
(d) Each eligible financial institution that makes a loan pursuant to
section 9 of this act, shall notify the authority in writing not later than
one business day after making the loan, specifying the amount of the
loan and any other information about the borrower and the loan the
authority may request. When the total amount of loans reported to the
authority reaches twenty million dollars, the authority shall
immediately close participation in the program under subsection (a) of
this section and notify each eligible financial institution participating
in the program. A participating eligible financial institution may
condition the availability of any loan commitment on the availability of
the loan guarantee program.
Sec. 9. (NEW) (Effective from passage) Each eligible financial
institution that is participating in the program may make loans to an
eligible borrower, provided:
(1) The eligible borrower demonstrates to the satisfaction of the
financial institution that the eligible borrower has a participation
agreement with the captive insurance company.
(2) The loan shall (A) be secured by a mortgage deed on the eligible
borrower's residential building, (B) be made in accordance with the
eligible financial institution's underwriting policy and standards, (C) Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 30 of 36
be in an amount not to exceed seventy-five thousand dollars, and (D)
bear an interest rate that does not exceed the applicable rate of the
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston for Amortizing Advances through
the New England Fund program. For the purposes of this subdivision,
"applicable rate" means the New England Fund rate that (i) is
published on the Internet web site of the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Boston as of the date the interest rate is locked-in by the eligible
borrower and financial institution, and (ii) has an advance term and
amortization schedule that most closely corresponds to the term and
amortization schedule of the loan being made by the participating
eligible financial institution.
(3) The eligible financial institution may recover up to eight
hundred dollars from the eligible borrower for expenses paid by the
eligible financial institution to third parties for services related to
processing the application and closing the loan, including obtaining a
credit report, flood certification, title search, appraisal or other
valuation, and any recording fees. Such expenses may be financed as
part of the loan subject to the seventy-five-thousand-dollar limit
described in subparagraph (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection or
paid separately by the eligible borrower.
(4) The loan agreement shall require the eligible borrower to repay
the loan in full not later than twenty years after the date the loan is
issued.
(5) The loan proceeds shall be used by the borrower only for eligible
repair expenses. For the purposes of this subdivision, "eligible repair
expenses" means repair or replacement expenses that are (A) necessary
to complete the repair or replacement of the foundation, or (B)
otherwise necessary to restore the functionality and appearance of the
property to the extent that the functionality and appearance of the
property were compromised by the deterioration of the foundation or
the demolition and construction process, including, but not limited to, Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 31 of 36
the repair or replacement of wall framing, drywall, paint and other
wall finishes, porches or decks, gutters, landscaping, outbuildings or
sheds and swimming pools. "Eligible repair expenses" do not include
any costs associated with significant upgrades to the property that are
not otherwise included in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this
subdivision. A participating eligible financial institution may decline
an application for a loan under the program that includes a request to
fund expenses associated with upgrades to the property that may not
qualify as eligible repair expenses, but the failure to do so shall not
affect the ability of the eligible financial institution to include the loan
in the loan guarantee program for the full amount of principal
extended to the eligible borrower.
Sec. 10. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) An eligible financial
institution that has made a good faith effort to collect the outstanding
principal from a loan issued pursuant to section 9 of this act may make
a claim to the authority for recovery of an amount equal to the
outstanding principal for such loan. Except as provided in subsection
(d) of this section, if the eligible financial institution demonstrates to
the satisfaction of the authority that the eligible financial institution
has made a good faith effort to collect the outstanding principal from
the eligible borrower in accordance with the financial institution's loan
servicing and collection policies, the authority shall process and
submit the claim to the Comptroller for payment. Upon payment of a
claim by the Comptroller, and as a condition of such payment, (1) the
loan shall be assigned to the state, and (2) the authority, as agent for
the state, shall have the right to continue collection efforts on the loan.
Any amount necessary for payment by the Comptroller to honor loan
guarantees under this section shall be deemed appropriated from the
General Fund, and any funds collected by the authority in accordance
with this subsection shall be deposited to the General Fund.
(b) The authority shall maintain records in the regular course of Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 32 of 36
administration of the loan guarantee program, including a record of
loans issued and of payments made to honor loan guarantees issued
under this section.
(c) The authority may terminate any loan guarantee if the financial
institution misrepresents any information pertaining to the guarantee
or fails to comply with any requirements of this section in connection
with the guarantee of the underlying loan.
(d) The total amount of claims processed by the authority and paid
by the Comptroller to honor loan guarantees under this section shall
not exceed two million dollars. When the total amount of claims
processed by the authority and paid by the Comptroller reaches two
million dollars, the authority shall immediately cease to process claims
and shall notify the Comptroller and each eligible financial institution
participating in the program that the authority has ceased honoring
loan guarantees.
Sec. 11. (NEW) (Effective from passage) The Comptroller, the authority
and the department may enter into a memorandum of understanding
to carry out the provisions of sections 7 to 12, inclusive, of this act.
Sec. 12. Subsection (a) of section 8-244 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(a) There is created a body politic and corporate to be known as the
"Connecticut Housing Finance Authority". Said authority is constituted
a public instrumentality and political subdivision of this state and the
exercise by the authority of the powers conferred by this chapter and
sections 7 to 11, inclusive, of this act shall be deemed and held to be the
performance of an essential public and governmental function. The
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority shall not be construed to be a
department, institution or agency of the state. The board of directors of Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 33 of 36
the authority shall consist of sixteen members as follows: (1) The
Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the
Commissioner of Housing, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and
Management, the Banking Commissioner and the State Treasurer, ex
officio, or their designees, with the right to vote, (2) seven members to
be appointed by the Governor, and (3) four members appointed as
follows: One by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one by the
speaker of the House of Representatives, one by the minority leader of
the Senate and one by the minority leader of the House of
Representatives. The member initially appointed by the speaker of the
House of Representatives shall serve a term of five years; the member
initially appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate shall
serve a term of four years. The members initially appointed by the
Senate minority leader shall serve a term of three years. The member
initially appointed by the minority leader of the House of
Representatives shall serve a term of two years. Thereafter, each
member appointed by a member of the General Assembly shall serve a
term of five years. The members appointed by the Governor and the
members of the General Assembly shall be appointed in accordance
with section 4-9b and among them be experienced in all aspects of
housing, including housing design, development, finance,
management and state and municipal finance, and at least one of
whom shall be selected from among the officers or employees of the
state. At least one shall have experience in the provision of housing to
very low, low and moderate income families. On or before July first,
annually, the Governor shall appoint a member for a term of five years
from said July first to succeed the member whose term expires and
until such member's successor has been appointed, except that in 1974
and 1995 and quinquennially thereafter, the Governor shall appoint
two members. The chairperson of the board shall be appointed by the
Governor. The board shall annually elect one of its appointed members
as vice-chairperson of the board. Members shall receive no
compensation for the performance of their duties hereunder but shall Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 34 of 36
be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance
thereof. The Governor or appointing member of the General Assembly,
as the case may be, shall fill any vacancy for the unexpired term. A
member of the board shall be eligible for reappointment. Any member
of the board may be removed by the Governor or appointing member
of the General Assembly, as the case may be, for misfeasance,
malfeasance or wilful neglect of duty. Each member of the board
before entering upon such member's duties shall take and subscribe
the oath of affirmation required by article XI, section 1, of the State
Constitution. A record of each such oath shall be filed in the office of
the Secretary of the State. Each ex-officio member may designate such
member's deputy or any member of such member's staff to represent
such member at meetings of the board with full power to act and vote
on such member's behalf.
Sec. 13. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2019) (a) There is established a
program to encourage the development of technologies and techniques
regarding the prevention, identification and repair of properties that
have, or may suffer from, crumbling foundations due to the presence
of pyrrhotite.
(b) Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, shall administer the
program established under subsection (a) of this section within
existing resources and, in conjunction with a volunteer panel of subject
matter experts convened by Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated,
develop criteria for the program established under subsection (a) of
this section.
(c) Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, may administer the
program established under subsection (a) of this section in
coordination with the coordinating agency from another state or other
states.
Sec. 14. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2019) (a) The Chief Data Officer Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 35 of 36
shall, in consultation with the Department of Housing, the State
Geologist, the captive insurance company established pursuant to
section 38a-91vv of the general statutes, as amended by this act, and
the volunteer panel convened pursuant to subsection (b) of section 13
of this act, develop and implement a plan to collect the data necessary
to conduct research regarding crumbling foundations.
(b) Any data collected under the plan developed and implemented
pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be confidential and
exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, as defined in section 1-
200 of the general statutes, except that the Chief Data Officer may
make such data available for research purposes subject to data sharing
agreements that maintain the confidentiality of personally identifying
information and the specific location of any property.
Sec. 15. (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a working
group to develop a model quality control plan for quarries and to
study the workforce of contractors engaged in the repair and
replacement of concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the
presence of pyrrhotite.
(b) The working group shall consist of the following members:
(1) Two appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives,
one of whom shall have expertise in residential home building and one
of whom shall have expertise in the construction industry;
(2) Two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one
of whom shall be a member of the Capitol Region Council of
Governments;
(3) One appointed by the majority leader of the House of
Representatives;
(4) One appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; Substitute House Bill No. 7179
Public Act No. 19-192 36 of 36
(5) One appointed by the minority leader of the House of
Representatives; and
(6) One appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
(c) Any member of the working group may be a member of the
General Assembly.
(d) All appointments to the working group shall be made not later
than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy
shall be filled by the appointing authority.
(e) The speaker of the House of Representatives and the president
pro tempore of the Senate shall select the chairpersons of the working
group from among the members of the working group. Such
chairpersons shall schedule the first meeting of the working group,
which shall be held not later than sixty days after the effective date of
this section.
(f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the
General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to consumer
protection shall serve as administrative staff of the working group.
(g) Not later than February 1, 2020, the working group shall submit
a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing
committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters
relating to consumer protection, in accordance with the provisions of
section 11-4a of the general statutes. The working group shall
terminate on the date that it submits such report or February 1, 2020,
whichever is later.