LCO \\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769-R01- HB.docx 1 of 59 General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 6769 January Session, 2023 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING REAL ESTATE LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: Section 1. Section 20-311 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 2 As used in this chapter and sections 2 to 7, inclusive, of this act, unless 3 the context otherwise requires: 4 (1) "Advertising" (A) means disseminating, publishing or causing to 5 be posted by way of any (i) print media, including, but not limited to, 6 outdoor signage and periodicals, (ii) audio or video broadcast, 7 streaming or other electronic dissemination, or (iii) written or 8 photographic material disseminated or posted via online, telephonic 9 notification, electronic mail or other electronic means, and (B) does not 10 include any (i) stockholder communication, including, but not limited 11 to, any annual report, interim financial report, proxy material, 12 registration statement, securities prospectus or application for listing a 13 security on a stock exchange, (ii) prospectus, property report, offering 14 statement or other document that any federal agency or agency of 15 another state requires be delivered to a prospective purchaser, (iii) 16 communication addressed to, and relating to the account of, a person 17 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 2 of 59 who has executed a contract for the purchase of a subdivider's lands, 18 except if such communication concerns the sale of additional lands, or 19 (iv) press release or other communication delivered to a media outlet for 20 general information or public relations purposes, provided no charge is 21 imposed by such media outlet for publication or use of any part of such 22 communication; 23 (2) "Affiliated" means having a working relationship with a real estate 24 licensee by way of an (A) employer-employee relationship, or (B) 25 independent contractor relationship; 26 (3) "Associate broker" means a real estate broker who (A) is affiliated 27 with a supervising licensee as an independent contractor or employed 28 by a supervising licensee, and (B) has the authority to engage in the real 29 estate business on behalf of such supervising licensee; 30 (4) "Business entity" means any association, corporation, limited 31 liability company, limited liability partnership or partnership; 32 [(1)] (5) "Commercial real estate transaction" means any transaction 33 involving the sale, exchange, lease or sublease of real property other 34 than (A) real property containing any building or structure occupied, or 35 intended to be occupied, by not more than four families, or (B) a single 36 building lot to be used for family or household purposes; 37 [(2)] (6) "Commission" means the Connecticut Real Estate 38 Commission appointed under the provisions of section 20-311a; 39 (7) "Confidential information" means any fact concerning a person's 40 assets, expenses, income, liabilities, motivations to purchase, rent or sell 41 real property and previous offers received or made to purchase or lease 42 real property which (A) a client has not authorized for release, or (B) is 43 not (i) a matter of general knowledge, (ii) part of a public record or file 44 to which access is authorized pursuant to section 1-210, or (iii) otherwise 45 subject to disclosure under any other provision of the general statutes 46 or regulations of Connecticut state agencies; 47 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 3 of 59 (8) "Custodial broker" means any individual who is (A) licensed as a 48 real estate broker, and (B) temporarily appointed solely to (i) conclude 49 the real estate business matters of another broker who is deceased or 50 incapacitated, (ii) transition such matters to a real estate broker who is 51 alive and not incapacitated, or (iii) assist in transitioning the deceased 52 or incapacitated broker's ownership interest in a business entity that is 53 engaged in the real estate business for the purpose of satisfying the 54 requirements established in section 20-312, as amended by this act; 55 (9) "Department" means the Department of Consumer Protection; 56 [(3)] (10) "Designated agency" means the appointment by a real estate 57 broker of one or more brokers or salespersons affiliated with or 58 employed by the real estate broker to solely represent a buyer or tenant 59 as a designated buyer's agent and appoint another to represent a seller 60 or landlord as a designated seller's agent in a transaction; 61 (11) "Designated broker" means the individual real estate broker 62 whom a real estate broker business entity names as the individual 63 broker responsible for the supervision and overall operation of such 64 business entity's engagement in the real estate business in this state; 65 [(4)] (12) "Designated buyer agent" means a [broker or salesperson] 66 real estate licensee, other than a leasing agent, who is designated by the 67 real estate broker by whom such real estate licensee is employed, or with 68 whom [the broker or salesperson] such real estate licensee is affiliated, 69 [or employed to] solely to represent a named buyer or tenant client of 70 the real estate broker during the term of a buyer representation 71 agreement or authorization; 72 [(5)] (13) "Designated seller agent" means a [broker or salesperson] 73 real estate licensee, other than a leasing agent, who is designated by the 74 real estate broker by whom such real estate licensee is employed, or with 75 whom [the broker or salesperson] such real estate licensee is affiliated, 76 [or employed to] solely to represent a named seller or landlord client of 77 the real estate broker during the term of a listing agreement or 78 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 4 of 59 authorization; 79 (14) "Development owner" means (A) the owner of record of a 80 multiunit development that is offered for lease, or (B) the parent 81 company of such owner of record if such parent company holds a one 82 hundred per cent ownership interest in such owner of record; 83 [(6) "Engaging in the real estate business"] (15) "Engage in the real 84 estate business" means to, while acting for another and for a fee, 85 commission or other valuable consideration, [in the listing for sale, 86 selling, exchanging, buying or renting, or offering or attempting to 87 negotiate a sale, exchange, purchase or rental of] negotiate for or offer, 88 or attempt to list for sale, sell, exchange, buy or rent, an estate or interest 89 in real estate or [a resale of] to resell a mobile manufactured home, as 90 defined in [subdivision (1) of section 21-64, or collecting upon a loan 91 secured or to be secured by a mortgage or other encumbrance upon or 92 transfer of real estate] section 21-64; 93 (16) "Incapacity" means any physical or mental incapacity which 94 prevents an individual from substantially satisfying such individual's 95 duties and responsibilities as a real estate licensee; 96 (17) "Influence residential real estate appraisals" includes, but is not 97 limited to, refusing or intentional failing to refer a homebuyer, or 98 encouraging other real estate licensees not to refer a homebuyer, to a 99 mortgage broker or lender, as such terms are defined in section 36a-760, 100 based solely on the fact that the mortgage broker or lender uses an 101 appraiser who has provided an appraisal reflecting a fair market value 102 estimate that was less than the sale contract price; 103 (18) "Leasing agent" means any individual who (A) acts as an agent 104 for a principal for a commission, fee or other valuable consideration, and 105 (B) engages in leasing or renting activity, including, but not limited to, 106 (i) collecting security deposits, (ii) offering or attempting to negotiate a 107 rental, or (iii) collecting, offering or attempting to collect rent for the use 108 of real estate; 109 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 5 of 59 (19) "Multiunit development" means any residential property with at 110 least fifty units that are leased or available to be leased; 111 (20) "Negotiate" means acting, directly or indirectly, as an 112 intermediary by facilitating, or participating in, communications 113 between parties related to the parties' interests in a real estate or mobile 114 manufactured home transaction; 115 (21) "Nonmaterial fact concerning real property" means any fact, set 116 of facts or circumstances surrounding real property which includes, but 117 is not limited to, the fact that (A) an occupant of real property is or has 118 been infected with a disease on the list of reportable diseases, emergency 119 illnesses and health conditions issued by the Commissioner of Public 120 Health pursuant to section 19a-2a, or (B) the real property was at any 121 time suspected to have been the site of a death or felony; 122 [(7)] (22) "Person" means any individual [, partnership, association, 123 limited liability company or corporation] or business entity; 124 (23) "Promotional note" (A) means any promissory note that (i) is 125 secured by a trust deed executed (I) on unimproved real property, (II) 126 after construction of an improvement of real property but before the first 127 sale of such property so improved, or (III) as a means of financing the 128 first purchase of such property so improved, and (ii) is subordinate, or 129 which by its terms may become subordinate, to any other trust deed on 130 such property, and (B) does not include any note which was executed 131 more than three years prior to being offered for sale or was secured by 132 a first trust deed on real property in a subdivision, which evidences a 133 bona fide loan made in connection with the financing of the usual costs 134 of the development of one or more residential, commercial or industrial 135 buildings on the property under a written agreement providing (i) for 136 either the disbursement of the loan funds as costs are incurred or in 137 relation to the progress of the work, and (ii) for title insurance insuring 138 the priority of the security as against mechanic's liens or for the final 139 disbursement of at least ten per cent of the loan funds after the 140 expiration of the period for the filing of mechanic's liens; 141 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 6 of 59 (24) "Prospective party" means any person that communicates with a 142 real estate licensee in contemplation of potential representation by the 143 real estate licensee in a real estate transaction; 144 [(8)] (25) "Real estate broker" or "broker" means (A) any person [, 145 partnership, association, limited liability company or corporation which 146 acts for another person or entity and for a fee, commission or other 147 valuable consideration, lists for sale, sells, exchanges, buys or rents, or 148 offers or attempts to negotiate a sale, exchange, purchase or rental of, an 149 estate or interest in real estate, or a resale of a mobile manufactured 150 home, as defined in subdivision (1) of section 21-64, or collects or offers 151 or attempts to collect rent for the use of real estate] engaged in the real 152 estate business, and (B) any person [, partnership, association, limited 153 liability company or corporation] employed by or on behalf of the owner 154 or owners of lots or other parcels of real estate, at a stated salary, upon 155 commission, upon a salary and commission basis or otherwise to sell 156 such real estate, or any parts thereof, in lots or other parcels, and who 157 sells or exchanges, or offers, attempts or agrees to negotiate the sale or 158 exchange of, any such lot or parcel of real estate; 159 (26) "Real estate licensee" means any leasing agent, real estate broker 160 or real estate salesperson licensed pursuant to this chapter; 161 [(9)] (27) "Real estate salesperson" or "salesperson" means [a person] 162 any individual who is affiliated with [any real estate broker as an 163 independent contractor or employed by a real estate broker to list for 164 sale, sell or offer for sale, to buy or offer to buy or to negotiate the 165 purchase or sale or exchange of real estate, or to offer for resale, a mobile 166 manufactured home, as defined in subdivision (1) of section 21-64, or to 167 lease or rent or offer to lease, rent or place for rent any real estate, or to 168 collect or offer or attempt to collect rent for the use of real estate] a 169 supervising licensee to (A) engage in the real estate business for or on 170 behalf of such [real estate broker, or who offers, sells or attempts to sell 171 the real estate or mobile manufactured homes of a licensed broker] 172 supervising licensee, or (B) if such individual is acting for another 173 person as a designated seller agent or designated buyer agent, [lists for 174 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 7 of 59 sale, sells, exchanges, buys or rents, or offers or attempts to negotiate a 175 sale, exchange, purchase or rental of, an estate or interest in real estate, 176 or a resale of a mobile manufactured home, as defined in subsection (a) 177 of section 21-64, or collects or offers or attempts to collect rent for the 178 use of real estate, but does not include employees of any real estate 179 broker whose principal occupation is clerical work in an office, or 180 janitors or custodians engaged principally in that occupation] engage in 181 the real estate business; 182 (28) "Real estate transaction" means any transaction in which (A) real 183 property is legally transferred to another person, or (B) a lease 184 agreement is executed between a landlord and a tenant; 185 (29) "Residential real property" means any one to four-family 186 residential real estate located in this state, including, but not limited to, 187 (A) a cooperative or condominium where the total number of units in 188 such cooperative or condominium does not exceed four units, and (B) 189 any individual unit within a multiunit development; 190 (30) "School" means any person that offers prelicensing or continuing 191 education courses approved pursuant to this chapter and sections 3 and 192 4 of this act; 193 (31) "Supervising licensee" means the real estate broker that is 194 responsible for controlling and supervising another real estate licensee 195 or a team; 196 [(10)] (32) "Team" means [a group] any combination of at least two 197 licensed real estate brokers, designated brokers or real estate 198 salespersons who are affiliated with the same [sponsoring real estate 199 broker] supervising licensee and engage in advertising as a group using 200 a team name; and 201 [(11)] (33) "Team name" means the name used to refer to a team in 202 team advertisements. 203 Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective April 1, 2024) (a) No associate broker shall 204 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 8 of 59 engage in the real estate business unless the supervising licensee that is 205 responsible for controlling and supervising the associate broker (1) 206 knows that such associate broker is engaging in the real estate business, 207 and (2) has consented to such associate broker engaging in the real estate 208 business. 209 (b) Each supervising licensee shall be responsible for the actions of 210 the associate brokers who are under such supervising licensee's control 211 and supervision to the same extent that such supervising licensee would 212 be responsible for such associate brokers if such associate brokers were 213 real estate salespersons affiliated with such supervising licensee. 214 (c) If an associate broker's affiliation with a supervising licensee is 215 terminated, the associate broker shall notify the department of such 216 termination not later than fourteen calendar days after such termination 217 or such associate broker's affiliation with another supervising licensee, 218 whichever occurs first. 219 (d) Each associate broker shall comply with all advertising 220 requirements and standards that apply to real estate brokers, and shall 221 include the name of the supervising licensee who controls and 222 supervises such associate broker at a prominent location in all of such 223 associate broker's advertisements. 224 Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective April 1, 2024) (a) (1) A school shall register 225 with the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the 226 Commissioner of Consumer Protection, prior to offering any 227 prelicensing or continuing education course. Such form shall include an 228 attestation by the school that: 229 (A) All courses offered by such school comply with the requirements 230 established in section 4 of this act; and 231 (B) All instructors teaching courses at such school are qualified 232 pursuant to subsection (c) of this section and section 4 of this act. 233 (2) No school shall offer any prelicensing or continuing education 234 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 9 of 59 course in this state unless such school maintains an active registration 235 with the department under this section. 236 (b) Each school registration issued pursuant to this section shall 237 expire biennially, and the initial registration fee and renewal fee for each 238 such school registration shall be one hundred dollars. 239 (c) No school shall permit an instructor to teach a course approved 240 under chapter 392 of the general statutes unless such school has 241 determined that the instructor has: 242 (1) At least five years of experience as a practicing real estate licensee; 243 (2) Expertise, or a professional designation from an institute or 244 society, in the field in which such instructor proposes to teach; or 245 (3) Experience teaching a course in a formal education program or 246 has attended an accredited college or university extension instructors' 247 seminar. For collegiate level courses that are part of a degree program, 248 the instructor shall have (A) teaching experience and a master's degree 249 in an appropriate field, or (B) such other combination of qualifications 250 as the commission may, in the commission's discretion, approve. 251 (d) No school shall offer any course that does not satisfy the 252 requirements established in section 4 of this act. 253 Sec. 4. (NEW) (Effective April 1, 2024) (a) Each school that is registered 254 with the department pursuant to section 3 of this act shall register with 255 the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner 256 of Consumer Protection, each prelicensing or continuing education 257 course that such school intends to offer in this state. The fee to register 258 each course under this section shall be fifty dollars, and each course 259 registration application submitted to the department pursuant to this 260 section shall include: 261 (1) An outline of the course content detailing the total duration of 262 such course and the amount of time spent on each subject covered as 263 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 10 of 59 part of such course; 264 (2) The name of, and contact information for, each course instructor; 265 (3) A copy of the certificate issued to students upon completion of 266 such course; 267 (4) The cancellation and refund policy available to students for such 268 course; 269 (5) An attestation by the school that such course meets all the 270 requirements established in this section, section 20-314a of the general 271 statutes, as amended by this act, and all regulations adopted pursuant 272 to chapter 392 of the general statutes; and 273 (6) If such course is provided on an in-person basis, the location at 274 which such course is provided on an in-person basis. 275 (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section, 276 a school that offers more than one course may submit to the department 277 a template course completion certificate for the department's 278 consideration. If the department approves a template course completion 279 certificate, the school that submitted such certificate to the department 280 may use such template to issue all course completion certificates and not 281 be required to submit a copy of such certificates to the department 282 pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section. 283 (c) No prelicensing or continuing education course shall qualify 284 towards the prelicensing or continuing education requirements 285 established for a real estate license under chapter 392 of the general 286 statutes unless such course has been approved by the department 287 pursuant to this section. 288 (d) The department shall not approve any prelicensing course under 289 this section unless such course is provided on an in-person basis or by 290 way of electronic means that incorporates a live online format. 291 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 11 of 59 (e) (1) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (2) of this subsection, 292 each school that offers a continuing education course under this section 293 shall ensure that no student may complete such course in less time than 294 the total course duration specified in the application that such school 295 filed with the department for such course pursuant to subsection (a) of 296 this section. 297 (2) If a school offers a course described in subdivision (1) of this 298 subsection by electronic means, the school may satisfy the requirements 299 established in subdivision (1) of this subsection by: 300 (A) Offering a live online course format using telecommunications 301 technology that allows for real-time audio communication between the 302 instructor and students; or 303 (B) Using technology that prohibits a student from completing the 304 course in less time than the total course duration specified in the 305 application that such school filed with the department for such course 306 pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. 307 (f) If a school offers any prelicensing or continuing education course 308 under this section by electronic means that do not allow for real-time 309 audio communication between the instructor and students, such school 310 shall include in such course periodic interactive assessments to confirm 311 each student's level of comprehension of, and engagement with, such 312 course. 313 (g) Each course registration issued pursuant to this section shall 314 expire five years after such registration is issued. 315 Sec. 5. (NEW) (Effective April 1, 2024) (a) If a real estate licensee 316 engages in the real estate business and a buyer or renter of real estate 317 uses an interpreter, other than the real estate licensee or an employee of 318 the real estate licensee, in conducting a real estate transaction or 319 negotiations, the real estate licensee shall provide to the buyer or renter 320 and interpreter, and obtain the buyer's or renter's and interpreter's 321 signatures on, forms containing the following language: 322 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 12 of 59 "I, (name of buyer or renter), used (name of interpreter) to act as my 323 interpreter during this real estate transaction or these negotiations. The 324 obligations of this contract or other written agreement were explained 325 to me in my native language by the interpreter. I understand the 326 contract or other written agreement. 327 (signature of buyer or renter) 328 (relationship of interpreter to buyer or renter) 329 I, (name of interpreter), acted as interpreter during this real estate 330 transaction or these negotiations. The obligations of the contract or other 331 written agreement were explained to (name of buyer or renter) in their 332 native language. I understand the contract or other written agreement. 333 (signature of interpreter) 334 (relationship of interpreter to buyer or renter)." 335 (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, if a real estate 336 licensee engages in the real estate business and acts as an interpreter for 337 a buyer or renter in conducting a transaction or negotiations, the real 338 estate licensee shall provide to the buyer or renter, and obtain the 339 buyer's or renter's signature on, a form containing the following 340 language written in the buyer's or renter's native language: 341 "This real estate transaction or these negotiations were conducted in 342 (buyer's or renter's native language), which is my native language. I 343 voluntarily choose to have the Real Estate (Broker/Salesperson/Leasing 344 Agent) act as my interpreter during the negotiations. The obligations of 345 the contract or other written agreement were explained to me in my 346 native language. I understand the contract or other written agreement." 347 (c) If a language that cannot be reduced to writing is used to conduct 348 a real estate transaction or negotiations, the form required under 349 subsection (b) of this section shall be in the English language. 350 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 13 of 59 Sec. 6. (NEW) (Effective April 1, 2024) (a) If a real estate broker dies or 351 is incapacitated, the executor of such broker's estate or any other person 352 who is legally authorized to act on behalf of such broker in a financial 353 transaction may apply to the department, in a form and manner 354 prescribed by the department, for the appointment of a custodial broker. 355 If the department approves an application for the appointment of a 356 custodial broker, the department shall appoint a custodial broker for the 357 deceased or incapacitated broker. Except as provided in subsection (b) 358 of this section, each custodial broker who is appointed pursuant to this 359 subsection shall serve for a term not to exceed one hundred eighty days. 360 (b) The department may, in the department's discretion, extend a 361 custodial broker's term beyond one hundred eighty days if the 362 department receives a hardship application that is submitted to the 363 department in a form and manner prescribed by the department. 364 (c) Each custodial broker shall act to preserve the financial interests 365 of the deceased or incapacitated real estate broker, or the estate of the 366 deceased real estate broker, for whom such custodial broker is 367 appointed. 368 (d) No real estate broker who is appointed as a custodial broker to 369 conclude the business of a deceased or incapacitated individual real 370 estate broker shall negotiate the purchase, sale or lease of any real estate 371 on behalf of such deceased or incapacitated broker unless: 372 (1) The prospective purchaser, seller, lessor or lessee of such real 373 estate entered into a preexisting buyer agreement, listing agreement or 374 leasing agreement with such deceased or incapacitated broker; and 375 (2) The prospective purchaser or lessor of such real estate has 376 executed a contract or paid a deposit to a seller or lessee to reserve a 377 right to purchase or lease such real estate from such seller or lessee. 378 (e) No business entity shall engage in the real estate business while 379 the designated broker for such business entity is deceased or 380 incapacitated unless a custodial broker has been appointed for such 381 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 14 of 59 business entity. 382 (f) If a custodial broker is appointed to serve as a designated broker 383 for a business entity, the business entity may engage in the real estate 384 business to the same extent that such business entity would engage in 385 such business if such designated broker was not a custodial broker. 386 (g) No real estate salesperson or team member shall engage in the real 387 estate business while the supervising licensee that is responsible for 388 controlling and supervising such salesperson or team is deceased or 389 incapacitated unless a custodial broker has been appointed for such 390 supervising licensee. 391 Sec. 7. (NEW) (Effective April 1, 2024) (a) No leasing agent shall engage 392 in the real estate business except for leasing or renting real property that 393 is exclusively used for residential occupancy. No licensed real estate 394 broker or salesperson shall be required to obtain a leasing agent license 395 to perform leasing activities. Leasing agents shall not engage in any 396 activity that requires a real estate broker's or real estate salesperson's 397 license, including, but not limited to, selling, offering, listing, 398 negotiating, referring or showing for sale, entering into lease-to-own 399 agreements or leasing commercial real estate. A leasing agent shall be 400 employed by a development owner. A leasing agent shall not offer 401 leasing services for any person that is not a development owner. No 402 leasing agent shall engage in the real estate business concerning any 403 property other than on behalf of the owner of record of a multiunit 404 development that employs such leasing agent. A leasing agent shall 405 obtain a written contract from the development owner to demonstrate 406 such employment prior to engaging in any leasing activity at such 407 development. Such contract shall be made available to the department, 408 and produced by the leasing agent in an electronic form, upon a request 409 by the department for such contract. 410 (b) If a leasing agent's affiliation with a development owner is 411 terminated, the leasing agent shall notify the department of such 412 termination not later than fourteen calendar days after such termination 413 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 15 of 59 or such leasing agent's affiliation with another development owner, 414 whichever occurs first. 415 Sec. 8. Section 20-311b of the general statutes is repealed and the 416 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 417 (a) Within thirty days after the appointment of the members of the 418 commission, the commission shall meet in the city of Hartford for the 419 purpose of organizing by selecting such officers other than a 420 chairperson as the commission may deem necessary and appropriate. A 421 majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum 422 for the exercise of the powers or authority conferred upon it. 423 (b) [(1)] The commission shall authorize the [Department of 424 Consumer Protection] department to issue licenses to real estate 425 [brokers and real estate salespersons] licensees. 426 [(2)] (c) The commission shall administer the provisions of this 427 chapter as to licensure and issuance, renewal, suspension or revocation 428 of licenses concerning the real estate business. 429 [(c)] (d) The commission shall be provided with the necessary office 430 space in Hartford by the Commissioner of Administrative Services. The 431 place of business of the commission and all files, records and property 432 of the commission shall at all times be and remain at such office, except 433 that inactive files shall be stored at a location designated by the 434 commission. 435 [(d)] (e) The commission shall hold meetings and hearings in 436 Hartford, in space provided by the Commissioner of Administrative 437 Services, or at such places outside of Hartford as shall be determined by 438 the chairman of the commission. The commission shall meet at least 439 once in each three-month period and may meet more often at the call of 440 its chairman. The chairman of the commission shall call a meeting of the 441 commission whenever requested to do so by a majority of the members 442 of the commission. 443 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 16 of 59 [(e)] (f) The commission shall vote on all matters requiring a decision 444 and votes shall be recorded in the commission's minutes. 445 Sec. 9. Section 20-312 of the general statutes is repealed and the 446 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 447 (a) No person shall act as a real estate [broker or real estate 448 salesperson] licensee without a license issued by the commission or the 449 Commissioner of Consumer Protection, unless exempt under this 450 chapter. The [Commissioner of Consumer Protection] commissioner 451 may enter into any contract for the purpose of administratively 452 processing the renewal of licenses on behalf of the commission. 453 (b) The practice of engaging in the real estate business, or the offer to 454 [practice real estate brokerage] engage in the real estate business in this 455 state by [individual licensed real estate brokers or real estate 456 salespersons as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or 457 limited liability partnership, a] real estate licensees, as a business entity 458 is permitted, provided: 459 (1) A material part of the business entity's business [of which] 460 includes engaging in the real estate [brokerage, is permitted, provided 461 (1) the] business; 462 (2) The business entity's personnel [of such corporation, limited 463 liability company, partnership or limited liability partnership] who 464 engage in the real estate [brokerage] business [as real estate brokers or 465 real estate salespersons, and the real estate brokers whose ownership, 466 control, membership or partnership interest is credited toward the 467 requirements of subdivision (3) of this subsection, are licensed or 468 exempt from licensure under this chapter, (2) the corporation, limited 469 liability company, partnership or limited liability partnership] are 470 licensed, or exempt from licensure, under this chapter; 471 (3) The business entity has been issued a real estate broker license [by 472 the commission as provided] as set forth in this section; [and] 473 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 17 of 59 (4) The business entity has paid the license or renewal fee required 474 for a real estate broker's license as set forth in section 20-314, as amended 475 by this act; [,and (3) except for] and 476 (5) The business entity is a publicly traded corporation or, if the 477 business entity is not a publicly traded corporation: 478 (A) [with respect to a corporation other than a nonstock corporation,] 479 The business entity is a stock corporation and one or more real estate 480 brokers, who are either licensed or exempt from licensure under this 481 chapter, own or control fifty-one per cent or more of the total issued 482 shares of the corporation; [,] 483 (B) [with respect to] The business entity is a nonstock corporation [,] 484 and one or more real estate brokers, who are licensed or exempt from 485 licensure under this chapter, constitute at least fifty-one per cent of the 486 members of the nonstock corporation; [,] 487 (C) [with respect to] The business entity is a limited liability company 488 [,] and one or more real estate brokers, who are licensed or exempt from 489 licensure under this chapter, own or control at least fifty-one per cent of 490 the interest in the limited liability company, as defined in section 34-491 243a; [,] or 492 (D) [with respect to] The business entity is a partnership or limited 493 liability partnership [, one or more real estate brokers'] and the 494 partnership interest, as defined in section 34-301, of one or more real 495 estate brokers, who are licensed or exempt from licensure under this 496 chapter, constitutes at least fifty-one per cent of the total partnership 497 interest. [No such corporation, limited liability company, partnership or 498 limited liability partnership shall be relieved of responsibility for the 499 conduct or acts of its agents, employees or officers by reason of its 500 compliance with this section, nor shall any individual practicing real 501 estate brokerage be relieved of responsibility for real estate services 502 performed by reason of the individual's employment or relationship 503 with such corporation, limited liability company, partnership or limited 504 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 18 of 59 liability partnership. The Real Estate Commission may refuse to 505 authorize the issuance or renewal of a license if any facts exist that 506 would entitle the commission to suspend or revoke an existing license.] 507 (c) A [corporation, limited liability company, partnership or limited 508 liability partnership] business entity desiring a real estate broker license 509 shall file with the commission or the [commissioner] Commissioner of 510 Consumer Protection an application on such forms and in such manner 511 as prescribed by the [Department of Consumer Protection] department. 512 Each such [corporation, limited liability company, partnership or 513 limited liability partnership] business entity shall file with the 514 commission, [a designation of at least one individual licensed or 515 qualified to be licensed as a real estate broker in this state who shall be 516 in charge of the real estate brokerage business of such corporation, 517 limited liability company, partnership or limited liability partnership in 518 this state] in a form and manner prescribed by the department, the 519 identity of, and contact information for, at least one designated broker. 520 Such [corporation, limited liability company, partnership or limited 521 liability partnership] business entity shall notify the commission of any 522 change in [such designation] the identity of, or contact information for, 523 such designated broker not later than thirty days after such change 524 becomes effective. 525 (d) The Real Estate Commission may impose a fine of not more than 526 [one] five thousand dollars per violation on any [corporation, limited 527 liability company, partnership or limited liability partnership] person 528 that engages in the real estate business, including, but not limited to, 529 leasing or rental activity, without a license required by this section. Any 530 such imposition of a fine by the commission shall be a proposed final 531 decision and submitted to the [commissioner] Commissioner of 532 Consumer Protection in accordance with the provisions of subsection 533 (b) of section 21a-7. 534 (e) [(1) (A) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, 535 each] Each team shall register, on a form and in a manner prescribed by 536 the [commissioner] Commissioner of Consumer Protection, with the 537 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 19 of 59 [Department of Consumer Protection] department. Each initial 538 registration shall be valid for a period of one year and be subject to 539 renewal for additional one-year periods. Each team shall pay to the 540 department an initial registration fee of five hundred sixty-five dollars 541 when the team files its initial registration, and a registration renewal fee 542 of three hundred seventy-five dollars when the team files each 543 registration renewal, pursuant to this subparagraph. Each team shall 544 include in each registration form that the team files with the department 545 pursuant to this [subparagraph] subsection: 546 [(i) The] (1) Such team's team name, which shall: 547 [(I)] (A) Include the full name of at least one licensed real estate 548 broker or real estate salesperson who is part of [the] such team or be 549 immediately followed by "at/of [full name of the [sponsoring real estate 550 broker] team's supervising licensee]"; 551 [(II)] (B) Not include the name of any individual who is not a licensed 552 real estate broker or real estate salesperson; and 553 [(III)] (C) With the exception of "team", not include any abbreviation, 554 term or phrase, including, but not limited to, "associates", "company", 555 "corporation", "group", "LLC", "real estate" or "realty", that implies that 556 [the] such team is a business entity; 557 [(ii)] (2) The name of, and contact information for, [the] such team's 558 [sponsoring real estate broker] supervising licensee, who shall serve as 559 [the] such team's primary contact, ensure that [the] such team complies 560 with all applicable laws and regulations concerning team 561 advertisements and ensure that [the] such team timely files accurate 562 registration forms and registration updates with the department 563 pursuant to this [subdivision] subsection; and 564 [(iii)] (3) The name and contact information for each real estate broker 565 or real estate salesperson who is part of [the] such team. 566 [(B)] (f) A team shall send notice to the department disclosing any 567 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 20 of 59 change to the information contained in the team's registration form. The 568 team shall send such notice to the department, on a form and in a 569 manner prescribed by the [commissioner] Commissioner of Consumer 570 Protection, not later than twelve days after the date of such change. A 571 team may transfer the team's registration from one supervising licensee 572 to another supervising licensee, without applying for a new team 573 registration, if (1) all members of such team transfer to such other 574 supervising licensee, and (2) both supervising licensees agree to such 575 transfer. 576 [(C)] (g) Each team shall comply with all advertising requirements 577 and standards that apply to real estate brokers, and shall include the 578 name of [the] such team's [sponsoring real estate broker] supervising 579 licensee at a prominent location in all of [the] such team's 580 advertisements. 581 [(2) The commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, engage 582 the services of such third parties that the commissioner deems necessary 583 to assist the commissioner in implementing the provisions of 584 subdivision (1) of this subsection, provided no expenditure of state 585 funds shall be made to cover the cost of hiring a consultant to make 586 programmatic changes to the licensing system.] 587 Sec. 10. Section 20-312b of the general statutes is repealed and the 588 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 589 A [licensed] real estate [broker or real estate salesperson] licensee 590 shall not be considered an employee under the provisions of section 31-591 275 if substantially all of the remuneration for the services performed by 592 such [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee, whether paid in cash or 593 otherwise, is directly related to sales or other output rather than to the 594 number of hours worked, and such services are performed by the 595 [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee pursuant to a written contract 596 that contains the following provisions: 597 (1) The [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee, for purposes of 598 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 21 of 59 workers' compensation, is engaged as an independent contractor 599 associated with the person for whom services are performed; 600 (2) The [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee shall be paid a 601 commission based on [his] such real estate licensee's gross sales or 602 leases, if any, without deduction for taxes, which commission shall be 603 directly related to sales, leases or other output; 604 (3) The [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee shall not receive 605 any remuneration related to the number of hours worked and shall not 606 be treated as an employee with respect to such services for purposes of 607 workers' compensation; 608 (4) The [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee shall be permitted 609 to work any hours [he] such real estate licensee chooses; 610 (5) The [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee shall be permitted 611 to work out of [his] such real estate licensee's own home or the office of 612 the person for whom services are performed; 613 (6) The [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee shall be free to 614 engage in outside employment; 615 (7) The person for whom the services are performed may provide 616 office facilities and supplies for the use of the [broker or salesperson] 617 real estate licensee, but [the broker or salesperson] such real estate 618 licensee shall otherwise pay [his] such real estate licensee's own 619 expenses, including, but not limited to, automobile, travel and 620 entertainment expenses; and 621 (8) The contract may be terminated by either party to such contract at 622 any time upon notice given to the other party to such contract. 623 Sec. 11. Section 20-314 of the general statutes is repealed and the 624 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 625 (a) Licenses shall be granted under this chapter only to persons who 626 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 22 of 59 bear a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness and fair dealing and 627 who are competent to transact the business of a leasing agent, real estate 628 broker or real estate salesperson in such manner as to safeguard the 629 interests of the public. 630 (b) Each application for a license or for a renewal thereof shall be 631 made in writing, on such forms and in such manner as is prescribed by 632 the [Department of Consumer Protection and accompanied by such 633 evidence in support of such application as is prescribed by the 634 commission. The commission may require such information with regard 635 to an applicant as the commission deems desirable, with due regard to 636 the paramount interests of the public, as to the honesty, truthfulness, 637 integrity and competency of the applicant and, where the applicant is a 638 corporation, association or partnership, as to the honesty, truthfulness, 639 integrity and competency of the officers of such corporation or the 640 members of such association or partnership] department. 641 (c) In order to determine the competency of any applicant for a real 642 estate [broker's license or a real estate salesperson's] licensee's license, 643 the commission or Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall, on 644 payment of an application fee of one hundred twenty dollars by an 645 applicant for a real estate broker's license or an application fee of eighty 646 dollars by an applicant for a leasing agent's or real estate salesperson's 647 license, subject such applicant to personal written examination as to the 648 applicant's competency to act as a leasing agent, real estate broker or 649 real estate salesperson, as the case may be. [Such] Each examination 650 shall be prepared by the [Department of Consumer Protection] 651 department or by a national testing service designated by the 652 [Commissioner of Consumer Protection] commissioner and shall be 653 administered to applicants by the [Department of Consumer Protection] 654 department or by such testing service at such times and places as the 655 commissioner may deem necessary. The commission or [Commissioner 656 of Consumer Protection] commissioner may waive the uniform portion 657 of the written examination requirement in the case of an applicant who 658 has taken the national testing service examination in another state 659 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 23 of 59 within two years from the date of application and has received a score 660 deemed satisfactory by the commission or [Commissioner of Consumer 661 Protection] commissioner. The [Commissioner of Consumer Protection] 662 commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, 663 establishing passing scores for examinations. In addition to such 664 application fee, applicants taking the examination administered by a 665 national testing service shall be required to pay directly to such testing 666 service an examination fee covering the cost of such examination. Each 667 payment of such application fee shall entitle the applicant to take such 668 examination within the one-year period from the date of payment. 669 [(d) (1) (A) Each applicant applying for a real estate broker's license 670 on or after July 1, 2016, but before January 1, 2022, shall, before being 671 admitted to such examination, prove to the satisfaction of the 672 commission or the Commissioner of Consumer Protection that the 673 applicant (i) (I) has been actively engaged for at least two years as a 674 licensed real estate salesperson under the supervision of a licensed real 675 estate broker in this state, (II) has successfully completed a course 676 approved by the commission or commissioner in real estate principles 677 and practices of at least sixty classroom hours of study, (III) has 678 successfully completed a course approved by the commission or 679 commissioner in real estate legal compliance consisting of at least fifteen 680 classroom hours of study, (IV) has successfully completed a course 681 approved by the commission or commissioner in real estate brokerage 682 principles and practices consisting of at least fifteen classroom hours, 683 and (V) has successfully completed two elective courses, each consisting 684 of fifteen classroom hours of study, as prescribed by the commission or 685 commissioner, or (ii) has equivalent experience or education as 686 determined by the commission or commissioner.] 687 [(B)] (d) (1) Each applicant [applying for a real estate broker's license 688 on or after January 1, 2022,] shall, before being admitted to such 689 examination, prove to the satisfaction of the commission or the 690 Commissioner of Consumer Protection that the applicant [(i) (I)] (A) (i) 691 has been actively engaged as a licensed real estate salesperson under the 692 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 24 of 59 supervision of a [licensed real estate broker in this state for a] 693 supervising licensee, who is licensed in this state, for a minimum period 694 of three years immediately preceding the date the applicant filed such 695 applicant's application, during which period such salesperson engaged 696 in the real estate business for at least one thousand five hundred hours 697 [during the three years immediately preceding the date on which such 698 applicant filed such applicant's application,] and such supervising 699 [licensed real estate broker] licensee, or such supervising [licensed real 700 estate broker's] licensee's authorized representative, has certified the 701 accuracy of a record of such applicant's active engagement on a form 702 provided by such applicant to such supervising [licensed real estate 703 broker] licensee or authorized representative, [(II)] (ii) has successfully 704 completed a course approved by the commission or commissioner in 705 real estate principles and practices of at least sixty classroom hours of 706 study, [(III)] (iii) has successfully completed a course approved by the 707 commission or commissioner in real estate legal compliance consisting 708 of at least fifteen classroom hours of study, [(IV)] (iv) has successfully 709 completed a course approved by the commission or commissioner in 710 real estate brokerage principles and practices consisting of at least 711 fifteen classroom hours, [(V)] (v) has successfully completed two 712 elective courses, each consisting of fifteen classroom hours of study, as 713 prescribed by the commission or commissioner, and [(VI)] (vi) has 714 represented a seller, buyer, lessor or lessee in at least four real estate 715 transactions that closed during the three years immediately preceding 716 the date on which such applicant filed such applicant's application, or 717 [(ii)] (B) has equivalent experience or education as determined by the 718 commission or commissioner. Each supervising [licensed real estate 719 broker] licensee, or authorized representative of such supervising 720 [licensed real estate broker] licensee, shall certify the accuracy or 721 inaccuracy of a record provided by an applicant to such supervising 722 [licensed real estate broker] licensee or authorized representative under 723 subparagraph [(B)(i)(I)] (A)(i) of this subdivision not later than ninety 724 days after such applicant provides such record to such supervising 725 [licensed real estate broker] licensee or authorized representative. 726 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 25 of 59 (2) The commission or the [Commissioner of Consumer Protection] 727 commissioner shall waive the elective courses under subparagraph 728 [(A)(i)(V) or (B)(i)(V)] (A)(v) of subdivision (1) of this subsection if the 729 applicant has successfully completed at least twenty real estate 730 transactions within five years immediately preceding the date of 731 application. [As used in this subdivision, "real estate transaction" means 732 any transaction in which real property is legally transferred to another 733 party or in which a lease agreement is executed between a landlord and 734 a tenant.] 735 (3) Each applicant for a real estate salesperson's license shall, before 736 being admitted to such examination, prove to the satisfaction of the 737 commission or the [Commissioner of Consumer Protection ] 738 commissioner that the applicant (A) has successfully completed a course 739 approved by the commission or commissioner in real estate principles 740 and practices consisting of at least sixty classroom hours of study, or (B) 741 has equivalent experience or education as determined by the 742 commission or commissioner. 743 (4) Each applicant for a leasing agent license shall, before being 744 admitted to such examination, prove to the satisfaction of the 745 commission or the commissioner that the applicant (A) has successfully 746 completed a course or courses approved by the commission or 747 commissioner in real estate leasing, including, but not limited to, 748 training on fair housing law, landlord tenant law and security deposit 749 management, consisting of at least twenty classroom hours of study, or 750 (B) has equivalent experience or education as determined by the 751 commission or commissioner. 752 (e) The provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall not 753 apply to any renewal of a real estate broker's license, or a real estate 754 salesperson's license issued prior to October 1, 1973. 755 (f) All licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire 756 [annually] biennially. At the time of application for a real estate broker's 757 license, there shall be paid to the [commission] department, for each 758 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 26 of 59 individual applicant and for each [proposed active member or officer of 759 a firm, partnership, association or corporation] business entity, the sum 760 of [five hundred sixty-five] one thousand one hundred thirty dollars, 761 and for the [annual] biennial renewal thereof, the sum of [three hundred 762 seventy-five] seven hundred fifty dollars, except that for licenses 763 expiring on March 31, 2022, a prorated renewal fee shall be charged to 764 reflect the fact that the March 2022, renewal shall expire on November 765 30, 2023. At the time of application for a real estate salesperson's or 766 leasing agent's license, there shall be paid to the [commission two 767 hundred eighty-five] department five hundred seventy dollars and for 768 the [annual] biennial renewal thereof the sum of [two hundred eighty-769 five] five hundred seventy dollars. [Three] Six dollars of each such 770 [annual] biennial renewal fee shall be payable to the Real Estate 771 Guaranty Fund established pursuant to section 20-324a, as amended by 772 this act. A real estate broker's license issued to any [partnership, 773 association or corporation] business entity shall entitle the [individual 774 designated in the application, as provided in section 20-312] designated 775 broker, upon compliance with the terms of this chapter, but without the 776 payment of any further fee, to perform all of the acts of a real estate 777 broker under this chapter on behalf of such [partnership, association or 778 corporation] business entity. Any license which expires and is not 779 renewed [pursuant to this subsection] on or before the ninetieth day 780 following the expiration date of such license may be reinstated by the 781 commission [, if, not later than two years after the date of expiration, the 782 former licensee pays to the commission for] or department, in the 783 commission's or department's discretion, provided such license has 784 expired for less than three years and the former licensee (1) attests that 785 such former licensee did not work in this state in the occupation or 786 profession in which such former licensee was licensed while such 787 former licensee's license was lapsed, (2) pays the renewal fee due for 788 such license for the year in which such license is reinstated, and (3) 789 completes any continuing education required for such license for the 790 year preceding such reinstatement. If an applicant for reinstatement 791 worked in this state in the occupation or profession in which such 792 applicant was formerly licensed while such license was lapsed, the 793 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 27 of 59 applicant shall pay all license and late fees due and owing for the lapse 794 period and demonstrate that such applicant has completed all 795 continuing education required for such license for the year preceding 796 such reinstatement. Such late fees shall be assessed for each real estate 797 broker's license [the sum] in the amount of three hundred seventy-five 798 dollars and for each real estate salesperson's or leasing agent's license 799 [the sum] in the amount of two hundred eighty-five dollars for each year 800 or fraction thereof from the date of expiration of the previous license to 801 the date of payment for reinstatement. [, except that any] If a license has 802 lapsed for at least three years, the former licensee is ineligible for 803 reinstatement under this subsection and may apply for a new license. 804 Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this subsection, a former 805 licensee whose license expired after such former licensee entered 806 military service shall be reinstated without payment of any fee if an 807 application for reinstatement is filed with the commission [within two 808 years after the date of expiration] or department before the third 809 anniversary of such expiration date, and the former licensee provides 810 evidence that is sufficient to demonstrate to the commission or 811 department that such former licensee completed at least six hours of 812 continuing education for such license, including, but not limited to, the 813 mandatory continuing education required for such license, during the 814 calendar year preceding the date on which such application for 815 reinstatement is filed. Any such reinstated broker's license shall expire 816 on the next succeeding November thirtieth. [, except that any broker's 817 license that is reinstated before March 31, 2022, shall expire on March 818 31, 2022.] Any such reinstated real estate salesperson's license shall 819 expire on the next succeeding May thirty-first. 820 (g) [Any person whose application has been filed as provided in this 821 section and who is refused a license shall be given notice and afforded 822 an opportunity for hearing as provided in the regulations adopted by 823 the Commissioner of Consumer Protection.] Following a denial of a 824 license or license renewal application filed under this section, the 825 department shall send a notice to the applicant who filed such 826 application disclosing such denial and that such applicant may request 827 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 28 of 59 a hearing by submitting to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection a 828 written hearing request not later than thirty days after the date such 829 denial notice was sent to such applicant. If the applicant requests a 830 hearing during such thirty-day period, the department shall send a 831 notice to such applicant disclosing the grounds for such denial and 832 conduct a hearing concerning such denial in accordance with the 833 provisions of chapter 54. If the commissioner's denial is sustained after 834 such hearing, the applicant may file a new application for such license 835 or license renewal not sooner than one year after the date on which such 836 denial was sustained. 837 Sec. 12. Section 20-314a of the general statutes is repealed and the 838 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 839 (a) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection, with the advice and 840 assistance of the commission, may adopt regulations, in accordance 841 with chapter 54, relating to the approval of schools offering prelicensing 842 and continuing education courses, [in real estate principles and practice 843 and related subjects,] the content of such courses and the advertising to 844 the public of the services [of] offered by such schools. Such regulations 845 shall not require [(1)] approval of instructors at such schools. [, or (2) a 846 course to be conducted in a classroom location approved for such use 847 by a local fire marshal provided the course is conducted in a hotel, 848 restaurant or other public building or a place of public assembly, as 849 defined in section 19-13-B105 of the regulations of Connecticut state 850 agencies.] No school may be disapproved solely because the school's 851 courses are offered or taught by electronic means, and no course may be 852 disapproved solely because the course is offered or taught by electronic 853 means if such course satisfies the requirements established in section 4 854 of this act. 855 (b) The commission or department may exempt any applicant for a 856 real estate broker's license from the requirements concerning experience 857 under the provisions of subsection (d) of section 20-314, as amended by 858 this act, if the commission or department determines that such applicant 859 is unable to meet such requirements solely because such applicant has 860 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 29 of 59 been subjected to discrimination based on race, creed or color, which 861 discrimination interfered with such applicant's ability to meet such 862 requirements. 863 Sec. 13. Subsections (b) and (c) of section 20-316 of the general statutes 864 are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective 865 April 1, 2024): 866 (b) No license under this chapter shall be issued by the [Department 867 of Consumer Protection] department to any applicant (1) whose 868 application for a license as a real estate [broker or real estate salesperson] 869 licensee has, within one year prior to the date of [his] such applicant's 870 application under this chapter, been rejected in this state, in any other 871 state or in the District of Columbia, or (2) whose license as a real estate 872 [broker or real estate salesperson] licensee has, within one year prior to 873 the date of [his] such applicant's application under this chapter, been 874 revoked in this state, in any other state or in the District of Columbia. 875 (c) No real estate license [as a real estate broker or real estate 876 salesperson] shall be issued under this chapter to any person who [has 877 not attained the age of] is younger than eighteen years of age. 878 Sec. 14. Section 20-317 of the general statutes is repealed and the 879 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 880 (a) A person licensed in another state [as a real estate broker or 881 salesperson] to engage in the real estate business may become a real 882 estate [broker or real estate salesperson] licensee in this state by 883 conforming to all of the provisions of this chapter. The commission or 884 Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall recognize a current, valid 885 license issued to a currently practicing, competent real estate [broker or 886 real estate salesperson] professional engaging in the real estate business 887 in, and recognized by, another state as satisfactorily qualifying [the 888 broker or salesperson] such real estate professional for a license as a real 889 estate [broker or real estate salesperson] licensee under this chapter, 890 provided (1) the laws of the state in which [the broker or salesperson] 891 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 30 of 59 such real estate professional is licensed require that applicants for 892 licenses as real estate [brokers and real estate salespersons] licensees 893 establish their competency by written examinations, [and allow licenses 894 to be issued to residents of the state of Connecticut, licensed under this 895 chapter, without examination,] (2) the licensure requirements of such 896 state are substantially similar to or higher than those of this state, and 897 (3) [the broker or salesperson] such real estate professional has no 898 disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint pending against [the 899 broker or salesperson] such real estate professional. If [the] an applicant 900 real estate professional is licensed in a state that does not have such 901 requirements, such applicant real estate professional shall be required 902 to pass the Connecticut portion of the real estate examination. 903 (b) [Every applicant licensed in another state shall file an irrevocable 904 consent that suits and actions may be commenced against such 905 applicant in the proper court in any judicial district of the state in which 906 a cause of action may arise or in which the plaintiff may reside, by the 907 service of any process or pleading, authorized by the laws of this state, 908 on the chairperson of the commission, such consent stipulating and 909 agreeing that such service of such process or pleading shall be taken and 910 held in all courts to be as valid and binding as if service had been made 911 upon such applicant in the state of Connecticut. If any process or 912 pleadings under this chapter are served upon the chairperson, it shall 913 be by duplicate copies, one of which shall be filed in the office of the 914 commission, and the other immediately forwarded by registered or 915 certified mail, to the applicant against whom such process or pleadings 916 are directed, at the last-known address of such applicant as shown by 917 the records of the department. No default in any such proceedings or 918 action shall be taken unless it appears by affidavit of the chairperson of 919 the commission that a copy of the process or pleading was mailed to the 920 defendant as required by this subsection, and no judgment by default 921 shall be taken in any such action or proceeding within twenty days after 922 the date of mailing of such process or pleading to the out-of-state 923 defendant.] A real estate professional who satisfies the requirements 924 established in subsection (a) of this section may apply for licensure in 925 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 31 of 59 this state as set forth in section 21a-11b. 926 Sec. 15. Section 20-319 of the general statutes is repealed and the 927 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 928 (a) The commission shall authorize the [Department of Consumer 929 Protection] department to issue [an annual] a two-year renewal license 930 to any applicant who possesses the qualifications specified in, and 931 [otherwise] has otherwise complied with the provisions of, this chapter 932 and any regulation adopted [under] pursuant to this chapter. The 933 commission shall authorize [said] the department to issue [an annual] a 934 two-year renewal of a real estate broker's license to any business entity 935 licensed pursuant to subsection (b) of section 20-312, as amended by this 936 act, provided such business entity: (1) Was so licensed as of September 937 30, 2005, notwithstanding the fact such business entity does not meet the 938 requirements for publicly traded corporations required by subdivision 939 [(3)] (5) of subsection (b) of section 20-312, as amended by this act, or (2) 940 changes [its] such business entity's designated [real estate] broker 941 pursuant to subsection (c) of section 20-312, as amended by this act. 942 (b) There [is] are hereby established [an annual] two-year renewal 943 [license] licenses to be issued by the [Department of Consumer 944 Protection. Persons licensed in accordance with the provisions of this 945 chapter] department to real estate licensees. Each real estate licensee 946 who files an application with the department seeking a two-year 947 renewal license shall fulfill a continuing education requirement. 948 [Applicants] Each applicant for [an annual] a two-year renewal license 949 [for real estate brokers or real estate salespersons] shall, in addition to 950 the other requirements imposed by the provisions of this chapter, [in 951 any even-numbered year,] submit to the commission or department 952 proof [of] that such applicant is in compliance with the continuing 953 education requirements [of] established in this [subsection to the 954 commission. Each] section. Each real estate licensee shall pay [an annual 955 four-dollar] a biennial eight-dollar continuing education processing fee 956 to cover the administrative costs associated with [the review] reviewing 957 and auditing [of] continuing education submissions. The continuing 958 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 32 of 59 education requirement for real estate licensees, other than leasing 959 agents, may be satisfied by successful completion of any of the following 960 during the two-year period preceding [such] a renewal: (1) A course or 961 courses, approved by the commission or department, of continuing 962 education in current real estate practices and licensing laws, including, 963 but not limited to, practices and laws concerning common interest 964 communities, consisting of not less than twelve hours of classroom 965 study; or (2) a written examination prepared and administered by either 966 the [Department of Consumer Protection] department, or by a national 967 testing service approved by the department, which demonstrates a 968 knowledge of current real estate practices and licensing laws; or (3) 969 equivalent continuing educational experience or study as determined 970 by regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. An 971 applicant for examination under subdivision (2) of this subsection shall 972 pay the required examination fee to the national testing service, if 973 administered by such testing service, or to the [Department of 974 Consumer Protection] department, if administered by the department. 975 In order to receive a two-year renewal license under this section, a 976 leasing agent shall complete at least four hours of continuing education 977 during the two-year period beginning twenty-seven months before the 978 renewal date and ending three months before the renewal date, and at 979 least one hour of such continuing education shall address fair housing 980 law. 981 (c) If the commission or department refuses to grant [an annual] a 982 two-year renewal license, the licensee or applicant, upon written notice 983 received as provided for in this chapter, may have recourse to any of the 984 remedies provided by sections 20-314, as amended by this act, and 20-985 322. 986 (d) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection, in consultation with 987 the commission, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, 988 [concerning the approval of schools, institutions or organizations 989 offering courses in current real estate practices and licensing laws, 990 including, but not limited to, practices and laws concerning common 991 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 33 of 59 interest communities, and the content of such courses] to establish 992 continuing education requirements. Such regulations shall include, but 993 not be limited to: (1) Specifications for meeting equivalent continuing 994 educational experience or study; and (2) exceptions from continuous 995 education requirements for reasons of health or instances of individual 996 hardship. [No school, institution or organization that offers a course in 997 current real estate practices and licensing laws may be disapproved 998 solely because its courses are offered or taught by electronic means, and 999 no course may be disapproved solely because it is offered or taught by 1000 electronic means.] 1001 (e) If a real estate licensee fails to satisfy the continuing education 1002 requirements established pursuant to this section for any two-year 1003 license period, the real estate licensee shall pay to the department a fee 1004 in the amount of: 1005 (1) Three hundred fifteen dollars if such licensee reports to the 1006 department, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, that 1007 such real estate licensee failed to satisfy such continuing education 1008 requirements during such license period but completed such continuing 1009 education requirements not later than two months after such license 1010 period expired; or 1011 (2) Six hundred twenty-five dollars if such licensee reports to the 1012 department, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, that 1013 such real estate licensee failed to satisfy such continuing education 1014 requirements during such license period but completed such continuing 1015 education requirements more than two months after such license period 1016 expired but not later than four months after such license period expired. 1017 Sec. 16. Section 20-319a of the general statutes is repealed and the 1018 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1019 (a) [Any] Each licensed real estate salesperson, associate broker or 1020 leasing agent who transfers [his employment from one broker to another 1021 or his] such real estate salesperson's, associate broker's or leasing agent's 1022 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 34 of 59 affiliation with a broker [as an independent contractor] or property 1023 owner shall register such transfer with, and pay a registration fee of 1024 twenty-five dollars to, the [commission] department. 1025 (b) A fee of twenty-five dollars shall be paid to the [commission] 1026 department for the issuance of a license certification. 1027 (c) A fee of twenty-five dollars shall be paid to the [Department of 1028 Consumer Protection] department for any change made to, or transfer 1029 of, a team's registration after the team files an initial registration with 1030 the department pursuant to [subdivision (1) of] subsection (e) of section 1031 20-312, as amended by this act. 1032 (d) If a team transfers to a new supervising licensee, the new 1033 supervising licensee shall electronically update the team's registration 1034 information with the department not later than fourteen calendar days 1035 after such transfer. 1036 Sec. 17. Section 20-320 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1037 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1038 (a) The [Department of Consumer Protection] department may [, 1039 upon the request of the commission or upon the verified complaint in 1040 writing of any person, if such complaint, or such complaint together 1041 with evidence, documentary or otherwise, presented in connection with 1042 such complaint, shall make out a prima facie case,] investigate the 1043 actions of any [real estate broker or real estate salesperson or any person 1044 who assumes to act in any of such capacities] person who engages in the 1045 real estate business or offers real estate courses within this state. The 1046 commission or department may temporarily suspend or permanently 1047 revoke any license or registration issued under the provisions of this 1048 chapter and, in addition to or in lieu of such suspension or revocation, 1049 may, in [its] the commission's or department's discretion, impose a fine 1050 of not more than [two] five thousand dollars per violation at any time 1051 when, after proceedings as provided in section 20-321, the commission 1052 or department finds that the real estate licensee has by false or 1053 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 35 of 59 fraudulent misrepresentation obtained a license or registration or that 1054 the real estate licensee [is guilty of any of the following] has: (1) 1055 [Making] Made any material misrepresentation; (2) [making] made any 1056 false promise of a character likely to influence, persuade or induce; (3) 1057 [acting] acted as an agent for more than one party in a transaction 1058 without the knowledge of all parties for whom the real estate licensee 1059 [acts] acted; (4) [representing or attempting] represented, or attempted 1060 to represent, a real estate broker, other than the real estate licensee's 1061 [employer or the broker with whom the licensee is affiliated] affiliated 1062 or supervising licensee, without the express knowledge and consent of 1063 [the] such real estate licensee's [employer or] affiliated [broker] or 1064 supervising licensee; (5) [failing] failed, within a reasonable time, to 1065 account for or remit any moneys [coming] which came into the real 1066 estate licensee's possession and which belong to others; (6) [entering] 1067 entered into an exclusive listing contract or buyer agency contract which 1068 contains a fixed termination date if such contract also provides for an 1069 automatic continuation of the period of such contract beyond such date; 1070 (7) [failing] failed to deliver immediately a copy of any instrument to 1071 any party or parties executing [the] such instrument, where such 1072 instrument has been prepared by the real estate licensee or under [the] 1073 such real estate licensee's supervision and where such instrument 1074 relates to the employment of [the] such real estate licensee or to any 1075 matters pertaining to the consummation of a lease, or the purchase, sale 1076 or exchange of real property or any other type of real estate transaction 1077 in which [the] such real estate licensee may participate as a [broker or a 1078 salesperson] real estate licensee; (8) [conviction] been convicted, in a 1079 court of competent jurisdiction, of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining 1080 money under false pretenses, larceny, extortion, conspiracy to defraud 1081 [,or other like] or a similar offense, [or offenses,] provided suspension 1082 or revocation under this subdivision shall be subject to the provisions of 1083 section 46a-80; (9) [collecting] collected compensation or a commission 1084 in advance of services to be performed and [failing] failed, upon 1085 demand of the person [paying the] who paid such compensation or [the] 1086 commission, to render an accounting of the use of such [money] 1087 compensation or commission; (10) [commingling] commingled funds of 1088 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 36 of 59 others with the real estate licensee's own funds, or [failing] failed to keep 1089 funds of others in an escrow or [trustee] trust account; (11) engaged in 1090 any act or conduct which constitutes dishonest, fraudulent or improper 1091 dealings; (12) [failing] failed to provide the disclosures required by 1092 section 20-325c, [;] as amended by this act; or (13) [a violation of] violated 1093 any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted under this 1094 chapter. [Any such suspension or revocation of a license or imposition 1095 of a fine by the commission shall be a proposed final decision and 1096 submitted to the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of 1097 subsection (b) of section 21a-7.] Any fine collected pursuant to this 1098 section shall be deposited in the Real Estate Guaranty Fund established 1099 pursuant to section 20-324a, as amended by this act. 1100 (b) No person shall be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or 1101 actions of such person's agents, employees or officers by reason of such 1102 person's compliance with the provisions of this chapter. No person who 1103 engages in the real estate business shall be relieved of responsibility for 1104 such person's own conduct or actions by reason of such person's 1105 employment by, or association with, any real estate licensee or 1106 development owner. 1107 Sec. 18. Section 20-320a of the general statutes is repealed and the 1108 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1109 [(a)] No real estate [broker or real estate salesperson] licensee, no 1110 person affiliated with [such broker or salesperson] a real estate licensee, 1111 and no person engaging in the real estate business may receive a fee, 1112 commission or other form of referral fee for the referral of any buyer of 1113 real property to (1) an attorney-at-law admitted to practice in this state 1114 or any person affiliated with such attorney or (2) any mortgage broker, 1115 any lender, as defined in subdivision (5) of section 49-31d, or any person 1116 affiliated with such mortgage broker or lender. 1117 [(b) The Department of Consumer Protection may, upon the request 1118 of the commission or upon the verified complaint in writing of any 1119 person, if such complaint, or such complaint together with evidence, 1120 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 37 of 59 documentary or otherwise, presented in connection with such 1121 complaint, shall make out a prima facie case, investigate the actions of 1122 any real estate broker or real estate salesperson or any person who 1123 assumes to act in any of such capacities within this state. The 1124 commission may temporarily suspend or permanently revoke any 1125 license issued under the provisions of this chapter, and, in addition to 1126 or in lieu of such suspension or revocation, may, in its discretion, impose 1127 a fine of not more than one thousand dollars for the first offense at any 1128 time when, after proceedings as provided in section 20-321, the 1129 commission finds that the licensee is guilty of violating any of the 1130 provisions of subsection (a) of this section. Any such suspension or 1131 revocation of a license or imposition of a fine by the commission shall 1132 be a proposed final decision and submitted to the commissioner in 1133 accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of section 21a-7.] 1134 Sec. 19. Subsection (a) of section 20-320b of the general statutes is 1135 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1136 1, 2024): 1137 (a) A real estate [broker or real estate salesperson licensed under this 1138 chapter] licensee shall not influence residential real estate appraisals. 1139 [For the purposes of this section, "influence residential real estate 1140 appraisals" includes, but is not limited to, refusal or intentional failure 1141 to refer a homebuyer, or encouraging other real estate brokers or real 1142 estate salespersons not to refer a homebuyer, to a mortgage broker, as 1143 defined in section 36a-760, or a lender, as defined in section 36a-760, 1144 based solely on the fact that the mortgage broker or lender uses an 1145 appraiser who has provided an appraisal reflecting a fair market value 1146 estimate that was less than the sale contract price.] 1147 Sec. 20. Section 20-323 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1148 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1149 Any real estate licensee under this chapter who is convicted of a 1150 violation of any of the offenses enumerated in subdivision (8) of 1151 subsection (a) of section 20-320, as amended by this act, may incur a 1152 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 38 of 59 forfeiture of [his or her] such real estate licensee's license and all moneys 1153 that may have been paid for such license. The clerk of any court in which 1154 such conviction has been rendered shall forward to the commission 1155 without charge a certified copy of such conviction. The [commissioner] 1156 Commissioner of Consumer Protection may revoke such licensee's 1157 license after proceedings as provided in section 20-321. Such notice shall 1158 be conclusive of the revocation of such license. Application for 1159 reinstatement of such license shall be subject to the provisions of section 1160 46a-80. 1161 Sec. 21. Section 20-324a of the general statutes is repealed and the 1162 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1163 The commission shall establish and maintain a Real Estate Guaranty 1164 Fund from which, subject to the provisions of this section and sections 1165 [20-324a] 20-324b to [20-324j] 20-324i, inclusive, as amended by this act, 1166 any person aggrieved by any action of a real estate [broker or real estate 1167 salesperson] licensee, duly licensed in this state under section 20-312, as 1168 amended by this act, by reason of the embezzlement of money or 1169 property, or money or property unlawfully obtained from any person 1170 by false pretenses, artifice or forgery or by reason of any fraud, 1171 misrepresentation or deceit by or on the part of any such real estate 1172 [broker or real estate salesperson] licensee or the unlicensed employee 1173 of any such real estate [broker] licensee, may recover, upon approval by 1174 the commission of an application brought pursuant to the provisions of 1175 section 20-324e, as amended by this act, compensation in an amount not 1176 exceeding in the aggregate the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars in 1177 connection with any one real estate transaction or claim, regardless of 1178 the number of persons aggrieved or parcels of real estate involved in 1179 such real estate transaction or claim. 1180 Sec. 22. Section 20-324b of the general statutes is repealed and the 1181 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1182 [Any person who receives a real estate broker's or real estate 1183 salesperson's license under this chapter for the first time shall] Each real 1184 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 39 of 59 estate licensee shall, upon application for a license under this chapter, 1185 pay an additional one-time fee of twenty dollars in addition to all other 1186 fees payable, which additional fee shall be credited to the Real Estate 1187 Guaranty Fund. The Real Estate Guaranty Fund shall also be credited as 1188 provided in sections 20-314, as amended by this act, and 20-320, as 1189 amended by this act. 1190 Sec. 23. Section 20-324d of the general statutes is repealed and the 1191 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1192 No application to recover compensation under sections 20-324a to 1193 [20-324j] 20-324i, inclusive, as amended by this act, which might 1194 subsequently result in an order for collection from the Real Estate 1195 Guaranty Fund shall be brought later than two years from the final 1196 determination of, or expiration of time for appeal in connection with, 1197 any judgment. 1198 Sec. 24. Subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, of section 20-324e of the 1199 general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 1200 thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1201 (a) When any aggrieved person commences any action for a 1202 judgment which may result in collection from the Real Estate Guaranty 1203 Fund, the aggrieved person shall notify the commission or department 1204 in writing to this effect at the time of the commencement of such action. 1205 Such written notice shall toll the time for making application to the 1206 commission pursuant to section 20-324d, as amended by this act. The 1207 commission or department shall have the right to enter an appearance, 1208 intervene in or defend any such action and may waive the required 1209 written notice for good cause shown. 1210 (b) When any aggrieved person recovers a valid judgment in the 1211 Superior Court against any real estate [broker or real estate salesperson] 1212 licensee or the unlicensed employee of any such real estate [broker] 1213 licensee for loss or damages sustained by reason of the embezzlement 1214 of money or property, or money or property unlawfully obtained from 1215 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 40 of 59 any person by false pretenses, artifice or forgery or by reason of any 1216 fraud, misrepresentation or deceit by or on the part of such real estate 1217 [broker or salesperson] licensee or the unlicensed employee of any such 1218 real estate broker, such aggrieved person may upon the final 1219 determination of, or expiration of time for appeal in connection with, 1220 any judgment, apply to the commission for an order directing payment 1221 out of the Real Estate Guaranty Fund of the amount unpaid upon the 1222 judgment, subject to the limitations stated in section 20-324a, as 1223 amended by this act, and the limitations specified in this section. 1224 (c) The commission shall proceed upon such application in a 1225 summary manner, and, upon the hearing thereof, the aggrieved person 1226 shall be required to show that: (1) [He] Such aggrieved person is not a 1227 spouse of the debtor or the personal representative of such spouse; (2) 1228 [he] such aggrieved person has complied with all the requirements of 1229 this section; (3) [he] such aggrieved person has obtained a judgment as 1230 provided in subsection (b) of this section, stating the amount thereof and 1231 the amount owing thereon at the date of the application; (4) [he] such 1232 aggrieved person has caused to be issued a writ of execution upon the 1233 judgment and the officer executing the same has made a return showing 1234 that no personal or real property of the judgment debtor liable to be 1235 levied upon in satisfaction of the judgment could be found, or that the 1236 amount realized on the sale of them or of such of them as were found, 1237 under the execution, was insufficient to satisfy the judgment, stating the 1238 amount so realized and the balance remaining due on the judgment 1239 after application thereon of the amount realized; (5) [he] such aggrieved 1240 person has made all reasonable searches and inquiries to ascertain 1241 whether the judgment debtor possesses real or personal property or 1242 other assets, liable to be sold or applied in satisfaction of the judgment; 1243 and (6) that by such search [he] such aggrieved person has discovered 1244 no personal or real property or other assets liable to be sold or applied, 1245 or that [he] such aggrieved person has discovered certain of them, 1246 describing them, owned by the judgment debtor and liable to be so 1247 applied, and that [he] such aggrieved person has taken all necessary 1248 action and proceedings for the realization thereof, and that the amount 1249 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 41 of 59 thereby realized was insufficient to satisfy the judgment, stating the 1250 amount so realized and the balance remaining due on the judgment 1251 after application of the amount realized. 1252 (d) Whenever the aggrieved person satisfies the commission that it is 1253 not practicable to comply with one or more of the requirements 1254 enumerated in subdivisions (4), (5) and (6) of subsection (c) of this 1255 section and that [the] such aggrieved person has taken all reasonable 1256 steps to collect the amount of the judgment or the unsatisfied part 1257 thereof and has been unable to collect the same, the commission may in 1258 its discretion waive such requirements. 1259 (e) The commission shall order payment from the Real Estate 1260 Guaranty Fund of any sum it shall find to be payable upon the claim, 1261 pursuant to the provisions of and in accordance with the limitations 1262 contained in this section and section 20-324a, as amended by this act, if 1263 the commission is satisfied, upon the hearing, of the truth of all matters 1264 required to be shown by the aggrieved person by subsection (c) of this 1265 section and that [the] such aggrieved person has fully pursued and 1266 exhausted all remedies available to [him] such aggrieved person for 1267 recovering the amount awarded by the judgment of the court. 1268 (f) If the commission pays from the Real Estate Guaranty Fund any 1269 amount in settlement of a claim or toward satisfaction of a judgment 1270 against a [licensed real estate broker or real estate salesperson] real 1271 estate licensee pursuant to an order under subsection (e) of this section, 1272 such [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee shall not be eligible to 1273 receive a new license until [he] such real estate licensee has repaid in 1274 full, plus interest at a rate to be determined by the commission and 1275 which shall reflect current market rates, the amount paid from the fund 1276 on [his] such real estate licensee's account. A discharge in bankruptcy 1277 shall not relieve a person from the penalties and disabilities provided in 1278 this subsection. 1279 Sec. 25. Section 20-324i of the general statutes is repealed and the 1280 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1281 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 42 of 59 The Commissioner of Consumer Protection, with the advice and 1282 assistance of the commission, may adopt regulations, in accordance 1283 with chapter 54, to carry out the provisions of sections 20-324a to [20-1284 324j] 20-324h, inclusive, as amended by this act. 1285 Sec. 26. Section 20-325 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1286 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1287 Any person who engages in the real estate business [of a real estate 1288 broker or real estate salesperson] without obtaining a license as 1289 provided in this chapter shall be fined not more than one thousand 1290 dollars per violation or imprisoned not more than six months or both, 1291 and shall be ineligible to obtain a license for one year from the date of 1292 conviction of such offense, except that the commission or Commissioner 1293 of Consumer Protection may grant a license to such person within such 1294 one-year period upon application and after a hearing on such 1295 application. 1296 Sec. 27. Subsection (a) of section 20-325a of the general statutes is 1297 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1298 1, 2024): 1299 (a) [No] Except for an out-of-state real estate licensee who is an 1300 individual and seeking to recover agreed compensation authorized 1301 under subsection (e) of section 20-325l, as amended by this act, no 1302 person who is not licensed under the provisions of this chapter, and who 1303 was not so licensed at the time the person performed the acts or 1304 rendered the services for which recovery is sought, shall commence or 1305 bring any action in any court of this state, after October 1, 1971, to 1306 recover any commission, compensation or other payment with respect 1307 to any act done or service rendered by the person, the doing or 1308 rendering of which is prohibited under the provisions of this chapter 1309 except by persons duly licensed under this chapter. 1310 Sec. 28. Section 20-325c of the general statutes is repealed and the 1311 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1312 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 43 of 59 [(a) As used in this section "residential real property" means one to 1313 four-family residential real estate located in this state.] 1314 [(b)] (a) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, [to the 1315 contrary,] no real estate [broker or real estate salesperson] licensee, other 1316 than a leasing agent, and no person affiliated with such [broker or 1317 salesperson] real estate licensee, who receives a fee, commission or other 1318 valuable consideration for the sale of residential real property, may 1319 receive a fee, commission or other valuable consideration for 1320 negotiating, soliciting, arranging, placing or finding a first mortgage 1321 loan for the buyer in connection with the same sale unless disclosure is 1322 made in accordance with the provisions of subsection [(c)] (b) of this 1323 section. Any fee, commission or other valuable consideration received 1324 by such [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee for negotiating, 1325 soliciting, arranging, placing or finding a first mortgage loan shall (1) be 1326 related to the services actually performed, as determined by the Banking 1327 Commissioner by regulations adopted pursuant to chapter 54, (2) not be 1328 imposed for the referral of the buyer to the mortgage lender by such 1329 [broker or salesperson] real estate licensee, and (3) be paid directly to 1330 [the broker or salesperson] such real estate licensee by the buyer rather 1331 than from the mortgage loan proceeds at the time of closing. 1332 [(c)] (b) Any disclosure made pursuant to subsection [(b)] (a) of this 1333 section shall be made to and acknowledged by the buyer prior to the 1334 time the buyer signs a contract with the real estate [broker or 1335 salesperson] licensee for mortgage brokering services. Such disclosure 1336 shall include the following notice printed in at least ten-point boldface 1337 capital letters: 1338 I UNDERSTAND THAT THE REAL ESTATE BROKER OR 1339 SALESPERSON IN THIS TRANSACTION HAS OFFERED TO ASSIST 1340 ME IN FINDING A MORTGAGE LOAN. ADDITIONALLY, I 1341 UNDERSTAND THAT THIS REAL ESTATE BROKER OR 1342 SALESPERSON DOES NOT REPRESENT ANY PARTICULAR 1343 MORTGAGE LENDER AND WILL ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN THE BEST 1344 TERMS AVAILABLE WITHIN THE MORTGAGE LOAN MARKET 1345 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 44 of 59 FOR MY SPECIFIC HOME FINANCING NEEDS. IF THE REAL 1346 ESTATE BROKER OR SALESPERSON DOES NOT FULFILL HIS 1347 FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION I MAY FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE 1348 DEPARTMENT OF BANKING. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT I MAY 1349 ATTEMPT TO FIND A MORTGAGE LOAN TO FINANCE THE 1350 PURCHASE OF MY HOME WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF THE 1351 REAL ESTATE BROKER OR SALESPERSON IN WHICH CASE I WILL 1352 NOT BE OBLIGATED TO PAY A FEE TO THE REAL ESTATE BROKER 1353 OR SALESPERSON. 1354 [(d)] (c) No mortgage lender may refuse to close a mortgage loan 1355 secured by residential real property because the buyer has not paid a 1356 fee, commission or other valuable consideration to a real estate [broker 1357 or salesperson] licensee for negotiating, soliciting, arranging, placing or 1358 finding the first mortgage loan. 1359 Sec. 29. Section 20-325d of the general statutes is repealed and the 1360 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1361 (a) [On and after January 1, 2018, a real estate broker or real estate 1362 salesperson licensed under this chapter] A real estate licensee who 1363 represents a seller, lessor, prospective purchaser or lessee in a real estate 1364 transaction shall, upon request, disclose [,] in writing [,] the identity of 1365 [his or her] the real estate licensee's client to any party to the transaction 1366 who is not represented by another real estate [broker or real estate 1367 salesperson licensed under this chapter. The real estate broker or real 1368 estate salesperson shall make the disclosure required under this section: 1369 (1) If the transaction concerns residential real property, as defined in 1370 section 20-325c, (A) at the beginning of the first personal meeting 1371 concerning the prospective purchaser's or lessee's specific needs in the 1372 transaction, or (B) at the beginning of the first personal meeting with the 1373 seller or lessor concerning the seller's or lessor's real property; or (2) if 1374 the transaction is a commercial real estate transaction, as defined in 1375 section 20-311, before the prospective purchaser or lessee signs the 1376 purchase contract or lease. Such disclosure shall be signed by a 1377 prospective purchaser or lessee and attached to any offer or agreement 1378 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 45 of 59 to purchase or lease signed by a prospective purchaser or lessee] 1379 licensee. 1380 (b) Not later than the first personal meeting, a real estate licensee 1381 shall: (1) Disclose in writing to a prospective party (A) the types of 1382 agency relationships available to the prospective party, and (B) that the 1383 prospective party should not share confidential information with the 1384 real estate licensee until such prospective party has entered into a 1385 written representation agreement with such real estate licensee; and (2) 1386 for residential real estate transactions, provide to a prospective party 1387 information on fair housing discrimination, including a description of 1388 federal and state fair housing laws, protected classes, where to obtain 1389 additional information and available resources. The disclosures 1390 required pursuant to this subsection may be delivered electronically to 1391 the prospective party. 1392 (c) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall adopt such 1393 regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, as the commissioner deems 1394 necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. 1395 Sec. 30. Section 20-325f of the general statutes is repealed and the 1396 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1397 No real estate broker shall make any unilateral offer of subagency or 1398 agree to compensate, appoint, employ, cooperate with or otherwise 1399 affiliate with a subagent for the sale or purchase of real property. 1400 [without the informed written consent of the person whom the real 1401 estate broker represents. Such written consent shall contain the name 1402 and real estate license number of the real estate broker to be appointed 1403 as the subagent and shall contain a statement notifying the person 1404 whom the real estate broker represents that the law imposes vicarious 1405 liability on the principal for the acts of the subagent.] 1406 Sec. 31. Section 20-325h of the general statutes is repealed and the 1407 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1408 [(a)] No real estate licensee shall: (1) Reveal any confidential 1409 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 46 of 59 information concerning a prospective party or a person whom the real 1410 estate licensee represented either as an agent, designated buyer agent or 1411 [a] designated seller agent; (2) use any confidential information 1412 concerning [that] such prospective party or person to [the] such 1413 prospective party's or person's disadvantage; or (3) use any confidential 1414 information concerning [that] such prospective party or person for [the] 1415 such real estate [broker's or real estate salesperson's] licensee's 1416 advantage or the advantage of a third party, except (A) as required by 1417 legal process, (B) as necessary to defend [the] such real estate [broker or 1418 real estate salesperson] licensee from allegations of wrongful or 1419 negligent conduct, or (C) as necessary to prevent the commission of a 1420 crime. 1421 [(b) As used in this section, "confidential information" means facts 1422 concerning a person's assets, liabilities, income, expenses, motivations 1423 to purchase, rent or sell real property and previous offers received or 1424 made to purchase or lease real property which are not authorized by the 1425 client, a matter of general knowledge, part of a public record or file to 1426 which access is authorized pursuant to section 1-210 or otherwise 1427 subject to disclosure under any other provision of the general statutes 1428 or any regulation of Connecticut state agencies.] 1429 Sec. 32. Section 20-325l of the general statutes is repealed and the 1430 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1431 [(a) As used in this section: (1) "Licensed broker" means a person 1432 licensed under this chapter as a real estate broker, (2) "licensed 1433 salesperson" means a person licensed under this chapter as a real estate 1434 salesperson, (3) "out-of-state broker" means a person licensed in another 1435 state as a real estate broker who is not licensed as a real estate broker 1436 under this chapter, (4) "out-of-state salesperson" means a person 1437 licensed in another state as a real estate salesperson who is not licensed 1438 as a real estate salesperson under this chapter, (5) "person" means a 1439 person, as defined in section 20-311, and (6) "advertising" means 1440 advertising, as defined in section 20-329a.] 1441 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 47 of 59 [(b)] (a) An out-of-state broker may perform acts with respect to a 1442 commercial real estate transaction that require a license under this 1443 chapter, provided the out-of-state broker: [complies with the laws of this 1444 state with respect to the transaction and:] 1445 (1) Works in cooperation with a licensed broker, whether in a 1446 cobrokerage, referral or other cooperative agreement or arrangement; 1447 (2) Enters into a written agreement with a licensed broker that 1448 includes the terms of cooperation and any compensation to be paid by 1449 the licensed broker and a statement that the out-of-state broker and the 1450 out-of-state broker's agents will comply with the laws of this state; 1451 (3) Provides the licensed broker a copy of the out-of-state broker's 1452 license or other proof of licensure from the [jurisdictions] states where 1453 the out-of-state broker maintains a license as a real estate broker; [and] 1454 (4) Deposits all escrow funds, security deposits, and other money 1455 received pursuant to the commercial real estate transaction to be held as 1456 provided in section 20-324k unless the agreement required in 1457 subdivision (2) of this subsection specifies otherwise; [.] 1458 (5) Complies with the laws of this state with respect to the transaction; 1459 and 1460 (6) Is credentialled as a real estate broker in another state. 1461 [(c)] (b) An out-of-state salesperson may perform acts with respect to 1462 a commercial real estate transaction that require a license as a real estate 1463 salesperson under this chapter, provided the out-of-state salesperson 1464 complies with the laws of this state with respect to the transaction and: 1465 (1) Works under the direct supervision of an out-of-state broker who 1466 meets the requirements set forth in [subdivision (1)] subdivisions (1), (5) 1467 and (6) of subsection [(b)] (a) of this section; and 1468 (2) Provides the licensed broker who is working in cooperation with 1469 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 48 of 59 the out-of-state broker a copy of the out-of-state salesperson's license or 1470 other proof of licensure from the [jurisdictions] states where the out-of-1471 state salesperson maintains a license as a real estate salesperson. 1472 [(d)] (c) Any out-of-state broker or out-of-state salesperson licensed 1473 in a state that has no distinction between a real estate broker license and 1474 a real estate salesperson license shall be subject to the requirements of 1475 subsection [(b)] (a) of this section with regard to any commercial real 1476 estate transaction in this state. 1477 [(e)] (d) Each out-of-state broker or out-of-state salesperson that 1478 advertises for sale commercial real estate pursuant to this section shall 1479 include in any advertising material the name of the licensed broker with 1480 whom the out-of-state broker has a written agreement pursuant to 1481 subdivision (2) of subsection [(b)] (a) of this section. Nothing in this 1482 section shall permit an out-of-state broker or out-of-state salesperson to 1483 accompany a prospective buyer at the site of commercial real estate 1484 pursuant to a real estate transaction in this state. 1485 (e) An out-of-state real estate licensee, other than an out-of-state 1486 leasing agent, may receive compensation for referring to a real estate 1487 licensee in this state a prospective party to a real estate transaction in 1488 this state. 1489 Sec. 33. Section 20-325m of the general statutes is repealed and the 1490 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1491 (a) Any real estate broker licensed under the provisions of this 1492 chapter who engages in the real estate business [, as defined in section 1493 20-311,] shall retain the following records for a period of not less than 1494 seven years after any real estate transaction closes, all funds held in 1495 escrow for such transaction are disbursed or the listing agreement or 1496 buyer or tenant representation agreement expires, whichever occurs 1497 later: (1) All purchase contracts, leases, options, written offers or 1498 counteroffers drafted by such broker or on behalf of such broker; (2) the 1499 listing agreement or buyer or tenant representation agreement, any 1500 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 49 of 59 extensions of or amendments to such agreements and any disclosures 1501 or agreements required pursuant to sections 20-325a to 20-325l, 1502 inclusive, as amended by this act; and (3) all canceled checks, unused 1503 checks, checkbooks and bank statements for any escrow or trust account 1504 maintained pursuant to section 20-324k. [Such] 1505 (b) Each leasing agent licensed under the provisions of this chapter 1506 shall retain copies of such leasing agent's employment agreement or 1507 contract with a development owner for a period of not less than seven 1508 years. 1509 (c) All records [may] required under subsection (a) or (b) of this 1510 section shall be retained in [any format, electronic or otherwise,] an 1511 electronic format that is capable of producing an accurate copy of the 1512 original documents unless it is commercially impractical for a real estate 1513 broker or leasing agent to retain such records in such format. If it is 1514 commercially impractical for a real estate broker or leasing agent to 1515 retain such records in an electronic format, the real estate broker or 1516 leasing agent shall retain such records in a paper format that is capable 1517 of producing an accurate copy [in paper format] of the original 1518 [document] documents. Each real estate broker or leasing agent shall 1519 make such records available to the department upon any request made 1520 by the department for such records. 1521 Sec. 34. Section 20-327c of the general statutes is repealed and the 1522 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1523 (a) On or after January 1, 1996, every agreement to purchase 1524 residential real estate, for which a written residential condition report 1525 is, or written residential condition reports are, required pursuant to 1526 section 20-327b, shall include a requirement that the seller credit the 1527 purchaser with the sum of five hundred dollars at closing should the 1528 seller fail to furnish the written residential condition report or reports as 1529 required by sections 20-327b to 20-327e, inclusive. 1530 (b) [(1)] No seller who credits a purchaser pursuant to subsection (a) 1531 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 50 of 59 of this section shall, by reason of such credit, be excused from disclosing 1532 to the purchaser any defect in the residential real estate if such defect: 1533 [(A)] (1) Is subject to disclosure pursuant to section 20-327b; 1534 [(B)] (2) Is within the seller's actual knowledge of such residential real 1535 estate; and 1536 [(C)] (3) Significantly impairs [(i)] (A) the value of such residential 1537 real estate, [(ii)] (B) the health or safety of future occupants of such 1538 residential real estate, or [(iii)] (C) the useful life of such residential real 1539 estate. 1540 [(2)] (c) A purchaser may, without limiting any other remedies 1541 available to the purchaser, bring a civil action in the judicial district in 1542 which the residential real estate is located to recover actual damages 1543 from a seller who fails to disclose to such purchaser any defect described 1544 in [subdivision (1) of this subsection to such purchaser] subsection (b) 1545 of this section. 1546 Sec. 35. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 20-327f of the general 1547 statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof 1548 (Effective April 1, 2024): 1549 (a) With respect to a contract for the sale of [a one-to-four family] 1550 residential real property, if the seller provides written notice to the 1551 purchaser, prior to, or upon, entering into the contract, of the availability 1552 of the lists of hazardous waste facilities pursuant to section 22a-134f, the 1553 seller and any real estate licensee shall be deemed to have fully satisfied 1554 any duty to disclose the presence of all hazardous waste facilities, as 1555 defined in section 22a-134f even if: (1) The list required to be submitted 1556 pursuant to section 22a-134f has not been submitted, (2) the list has not 1557 been received or made available as required in section 22a-134f, or (3) 1558 there is an error, omission or inaccuracy in the list. 1559 (b) With respect to a contract for the sale of [a one-to-four family] 1560 residential real property, if the seller provides written notice to the 1561 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 51 of 59 purchaser, prior to, or upon, entering into the contract, of the availability 1562 of information concerning environmental matters from the United 1563 States Environmental Protection Agency, the National Response Center, 1564 the United States Department of Defense and third-party providers, the 1565 seller and any real estate licensee shall be deemed to have fully satisfied 1566 any duty to disclose environmental matters concerning properties other 1567 than the property that is the subject of the contract. 1568 Sec. 36. Subsection (a) of section 20-327g of the general statutes is 1569 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1570 1, 2024): 1571 (a) With respect to a contract for the sale of [a one-to-four family] 1572 residential real property, if the seller provides written notice to the 1573 purchaser, prior to, or upon, entering into the contract, that a list of local 1574 properties upon which hunting or shooting sports regularly take place 1575 may be available at the office of the town clerk, the seller and any real 1576 estate licensee shall be deemed to have fully satisfied any duty to 1577 disclose the presence of local properties upon which hunting or 1578 shooting sports regularly take place, even if (1) the list is not available 1579 at the office of the town clerk, or (2) there is an error, omission or 1580 inaccuracy in the list. 1581 Sec. 37. Subsection (b) of section 20-327h of the general statutes is 1582 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1583 1, 2024): 1584 (b) Commencing sixty days after the date on which the Commission 1585 on Human Rights and Opportunities makes a disclosure form available 1586 pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, each person who offers a 1587 residential real property [containing two or more units] in the state for 1588 sale, exchange or for lease with option to buy shall attach a photocopy, 1589 duplicate original, facsimile transmission or other exact reproduction or 1590 duplicate of such disclosure form, signed by the prospective purchaser, 1591 to any purchase agreement, option or lease containing a purchase 1592 option, at the time of closing. 1593 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 52 of 59 Sec. 38. Section 20-328 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1594 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1595 The Commissioner of Consumer Protection, with advice and 1596 assistance from the commission, may adopt regulations, in accordance 1597 with chapter 54, relating to the form and manner of filing applications 1598 for licenses under this chapter and the manner in which [licensed real 1599 estate brokers and licensed real estate salespersons] real estate licensees 1600 shall conduct the real estate business. 1601 Sec. 39. Section 20-329 of the general statutes is repealed and the 1602 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1603 The provisions of this chapter concerning the licensure of real estate 1604 [brokers and real estate salespersons] licensees shall not apply to: (1) 1605 Any person who as owner or lessor performs any of the acts enumerated 1606 in section 20-311, as amended by this act, with reference to property 1607 owned, leased or sought to be acquired or leased by the person, or to the 1608 person's regular employees who live at such property and are employed 1609 as on-site residential superintendents, janitors or custodians, with 1610 respect to the property so owned or leased or sought to be acquired or 1611 leased when such acts are performed in the regular course of, or incident 1612 to, the management of such property and the investment therein; (2) any 1613 person acting as attorney-in-fact under a duly executed power of 1614 attorney from the owner authorizing the final consummation by 1615 performance of any contract for the sale, leasing or exchange of real 1616 estate, or to service rendered by any attorney-at-law in the performance 1617 of the attorney-at-law's duties as such attorney-at-law; (3) a receiver, 1618 trustee in bankruptcy, administrator, executor or other fiduciary, while 1619 acting as such, or any person selling real estate under order of any court, 1620 or to a trustee acting under a trust agreement, deed of trust or will, or 1621 the regular salaried employees thereof; (4) witnesses in court as to the 1622 values of real estate; (5) persons in the employ of the federal or state 1623 government or any political subdivision thereof while acting in the 1624 course of such employment; (6) any employee of any nonprofit housing 1625 corporation that (A) has been certified as a tax-exempt organization 1626 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 53 of 59 under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any 1627 subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, 1628 as from time to time amended, and manages a housing project, or (B) 1629 manages a housing project assisted in whole or in part by the federal 1630 government pursuant to Section 8 of The United States Housing Act of 1631 1937, as amended from time to time, while such employee is performing 1632 duties in the regular course of, or incidental to, the management of such 1633 housing project; (7) any person licensed to maintain or operate a mobile 1634 manufactured home park under chapter 412 who performs any of the 1635 acts enumerated in section 20-311, as amended by this act, with 1636 reference to lots or mobile manufactured homes within the park or to 1637 the person's employees with respect to lots or mobile manufactured 1638 homes within such park when such acts are performed in the regular 1639 course of, or incidental to, the management of such property and the 1640 investment therein; (8) persons licensed as sellers of mobile 1641 manufactured homes under section 21-67; [or] (9) any person or such 1642 person's regular employee who, as owner, lessor, licensor, manager, 1643 representative or agent manages, leases, or licenses space on or in a 1644 tower, building or other structure for (A) "personal wireless services 1645 facilities" or facilities for "private mobile service" as those terms are 1646 defined in 47 USC 332, which facilities shall be unattended, and the 1647 installation and maintenance of related devices authorized by the 1648 Federal Communications Commission, and ancillary equipment used to 1649 operate such devices and equipment shelters therefor, in an area not to 1650 exceed three hundred sixty square feet for any one service established 1651 by the Federal Communications Commission in 47 CFR, as amended 1652 from time to time, by a provider of any such service, and (B) any right 1653 appropriate to access such facilities and connect or use utilities in 1654 connection with such facilities; and (10) any person who is employed by 1655 a broker to perform clerical services, which person shall not negotiate 1656 the terms of an agreement, list a property unless on behalf of a real estate 1657 licensee, open or be listed as a signatory on a broker's escrow or trust 1658 account or sell, buy or lease real property for another person for 1659 compensation. 1660 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 54 of 59 Sec. 40. Section 20-329a of the general statutes is repealed and the 1661 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1662 As used in this section and sections [20-329a] 20-329b to 20-329n, 1663 inclusive, as amended by this act: 1664 (1) "Disposition" or "dispose of" means any sale, exchange, lease, 1665 assignment, award by lottery or other transaction designed to convey 1666 an interest in a subdivision or parcel, lot, or unit in a subdivision when 1667 undertaken for gain or profit; 1668 (2) "Offer" means every inducement, solicitation or attempt to bring 1669 about a disposition; 1670 (3) "Person" means an individual, firm, company, association, 1671 corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental 1672 subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, 1673 unincorporated association or organization, two or more of any of the 1674 foregoing having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or 1675 commercial entity; 1676 (4) "Broker" means a resident real estate broker duly licensed under 1677 this chapter; 1678 (5) "Salesperson" means any person duly licensed as a real estate 1679 salesperson under this chapter; 1680 (6) "Purchaser" means a person who acquires an interest in any lot, 1681 parcel or unit in a subdivision; and 1682 (7) "Subdivision" means any improved or unimproved land or tract 1683 of land located outside this state which is divided or proposed to be 1684 divided into five or more lots, parcels, units, or interests for the purpose 1685 of disposition, at any time as part of a common promotional plan. Any 1686 land which is under common ownership or which is controlled by a 1687 single developer or a group of developers acting in concert, is 1688 contiguous in area, and is designated or advertised as a common unit or 1689 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 55 of 59 known by a common name, shall be presumed, without regard to the 1690 number of lots, parcels, units or interests covered by each individual 1691 offering, to be part of a common promotional plan. [; and] 1692 [(8) "Advertising" means publishing or causing to be published: (A) 1693 By means of any newspaper or periodical; (B) by means of any radio or 1694 television broadcast; (C) by means of any written or printed or 1695 photographic matter produced by any duplicating process producing 1696 ten copies or more, any information offering for sale or for the purpose 1697 of causing or inducing any other person to purchase or to acquire an 1698 interest in the title to subdivided lands, including the land sales contract 1699 to be used and any photographs or drawings or artist's representations 1700 of physical conditions or facilities on the property existing or to exist; or 1701 (D) by means of any material used in connection with the disposition or 1702 offer of subdivided lands by radio, television, telephone or any other 1703 electronic means. "Advertising" does not include: Stockholder 1704 communications such as annual reports and interim financial reports, 1705 proxy materials, registration statements, securities prospectuses, 1706 applications for listing securities on stock exchanges, and the like; 1707 prospectuses, property reports, offering statements or other documents 1708 required to be delivered to prospective purchasers by an agency of any 1709 other state or the federal government; all communications addressed to 1710 and relating to the account of any persons who have previously 1711 executed a contract for the purchase of the subdivider's lands except 1712 where directed to the sale of additional lands; or press releases or other 1713 communications delivered to newspapers or other periodicals for 1714 general information or public relations purposes, provided no charge is 1715 made by such newspapers or other periodicals for the publication or use 1716 of any part of such communications.] 1717 Sec. 41. Section 20-329n of the general statutes is repealed and the 1718 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1, 2024): 1719 All moneys paid or advanced by a purchaser or lessee or prospective 1720 purchaser or prospective lessee for any lot, parcel, unit or interest in any 1721 subdivision, the disposition of which is controlled by sections 20-329a, 1722 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 56 of 59 as amended by this act, 20-329b, 20-329d, 20-329e, 20-329f [,] and 20-1723 329h, [and 20-329i,] or such portion of such moneys as the commission 1724 may determine is sufficient for the protection of the interests of such 1725 purchaser or lessee shall be deposited by the seller or lessor in an escrow 1726 account, approved by the commission, in a bank doing business in this 1727 state. Such money shall remain in such escrow account until (1) a proper 1728 and valid release is obtained for such money, (2) the owner or 1729 subdivider or the purchaser or lessee has defaulted under their contract 1730 for sale or lease and the commission or a court has made a determination 1731 as to the disposition of such money, or (3) the owner or subdivider or 1732 the seller or lessor orders the return of such money to such purchaser or 1733 lessee. 1734 Sec. 42. Subsection (c) of section 47-90a of the general statutes is 1735 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1736 1, 2024): 1737 (c) Every person who directly or indirectly controls a declarant liable 1738 under subsection (a) of this section, every general partner, officer or 1739 director of a declarant and every person occupying a similar status or 1740 performing a similar function, every employee of the declarant who 1741 materially aids in the disposition, and every agent who materially aids 1742 in the disposition is also liable jointly and severally with and to the same 1743 extent as the declarant, provided the plaintiff sustains the burden of 1744 proof that such person knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care 1745 expected by such persons in the reasonable exercise of their duties, 1746 should have known of the existence of the facts by reason of which the 1747 liability is alleged to exist. There is a right to contribution in cases of 1748 contract among persons so liable. No person shall be liable under this 1749 section whose relationship to the declarant or other person consists 1750 solely of rendering professional and other customary services, 1751 including, but not limited to: (1) An attorney-at-law, architect, land 1752 surveyor or engineer; (2) a lending institution which is not a declarant 1753 whose relationship to the declarant consists solely of rendering 1754 customary banking services and holding a mortgage on all or a portion 1755 Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 57 of 59 of the condominium which mortgage, or agreements or instruments 1756 relating thereto, may contain mutual covenants and agreements 1757 concerning the approval of the condominium instruments and 1758 amendments thereto, and regulates the activity of the declarant under 1759 the condominium instruments or an officer, director or employee of 1760 such lending institution; (3) a real estate broker or salesman whose 1761 relationship to the declarant consists solely of [rendering services 1762 described in subdivision (6) of] engaging in the real estate business, as 1763 defined in section 20-311, as amended by this act, and other customary 1764 services; or (4) a person whose sole involvement in the disposition of a 1765 condominium unit occurs subsequent to the date of the act or omission 1766 out of which any liability under subsection (a) of this section arises. 1767 Sec. 43. Subsection (a) of section 47-42f of the general statutes is 1768 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective April 1769 1, 2024): 1770 (a) As used in this section: (1) "Residential real property" has the same 1771 meaning as provided in section [20-325c] 20-311, as amended by this act, 1772 but does not include property owned by the state or any political 1773 subdivision thereof; (2) "benefited property" or "property that benefits" 1774 includes residential real property burdened by an easement or right-of-1775 way, the owner of which residential real property uses such easement 1776 or right-of-way; and (3) "easement" or "right-of-way" means a private 1777 appurtenant easement or right-of-way. 1778 Sec. 44. Sections 20-329i and 20-324j of the general statutes are 1779 repealed. (Effective April 1, 2024) 1780 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections: Section 1 April 1, 2024 20-311 Sec. 2 April 1, 2024 New section Sec. 3 April 1, 2024 New section Sec. 4 April 1, 2024 New section Sec. 5 April 1, 2024 New section Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 58 of 59 Sec. 6 April 1, 2024 New section Sec. 7 April 1, 2024 New section Sec. 8 April 1, 2024 20-311b Sec. 9 April 1, 2024 20-312 Sec. 10 April 1, 2024 20-312b Sec. 11 April 1, 2024 20-314 Sec. 12 April 1, 2024 20-314a Sec. 13 April 1, 2024 20-316(b) and (c) Sec. 14 April 1, 2024 20-317 Sec. 15 April 1, 2024 20-319 Sec. 16 April 1, 2024 20-319a Sec. 17 April 1, 2024 20-320 Sec. 18 April 1, 2024 20-320a Sec. 19 April 1, 2024 20-320b(a) Sec. 20 April 1, 2024 20-323 Sec. 21 April 1, 2024 20-324a Sec. 22 April 1, 2024 20-324b Sec. 23 April 1, 2024 20-324d Sec. 24 April 1, 2024 20-324e(a) to (f) Sec. 25 April 1, 2024 20-324i Sec. 26 April 1, 2024 20-325 Sec. 27 April 1, 2024 20-325a(a) Sec. 28 April 1, 2024 20-325c Sec. 29 April 1, 2024 20-325d Sec. 30 April 1, 2024 20-325f Sec. 31 April 1, 2024 20-325h Sec. 32 April 1, 2024 20-325l Sec. 33 April 1, 2024 20-325m Sec. 34 April 1, 2024 20-327c Sec. 35 April 1, 2024 20-327f(a) and (b) Sec. 36 April 1, 2024 20-327g(a) Sec. 37 April 1, 2024 20-327h(b) Sec. 38 April 1, 2024 20-328 Sec. 39 April 1, 2024 20-329 Sec. 40 April 1, 2024 20-329a Sec. 41 April 1, 2024 20-329n Sec. 42 April 1, 2024 47-90a(c) Sec. 43 April 1, 2024 47-42f(a) Sec. 44 April 1, 2024 Repealer section Substitute Bill No. 6769 LCO {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2023HB-06769- R01-HB.docx } 59 of 59 Statement of Legislative Commissioners: In Section 1(11), "individual real estate broker who is responsible" was changed to "individual broker responsible" for conciseness; Section 1(23)(B) was divided into clauses for clarity; in Section 7(a), "broker" was changed to "broker's" for clarity; in Section 25, "this section and" was deleted for accuracy; and in Section 28(a), "to the contrary" was bracketed for consistency with standard drafting conventions. GL Joint Favorable Subst.