Researcher: CR Page 1 3/31/25
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 1294
AN ACT CONCERNING THE MANNER IN WHICH PERSONS
ENGAGED IN MAKING HOME IMPROVEMENTS MAKE CERTAIN
DISCLOSURES.
SUMMARY
This bill creates an alternate way for home improvement contractors
to satisfy the requirement that they include the fact of their registration
and registration number in any advertisement. It permits them to meet
this requirement by including in the advertisement a link to a website
where someone can view a statement whether the contractor is
registered and the contractor’s registration number.
Under existing law, home improvement contractors must also show
their registration when asked to do so by any interested party.
By law, a violation of these advertising provisions is a Connecticut
Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) violation.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025
BACKGROUND
CUTPA
By law, CUTPA prohibits businesses from engaging in unfair and
deceptive acts or practices. It allows the Department of Consumer
Protection commissioner, under specified procedures, to issue
regulations defining an unfair trade practice, investigate complaints,
issue cease and desist orders, order restitution in cases involving less
than $10,000, impose civil penalties of up to $5,000, enter into consent
agreements, ask the attorney general to seek injunctive relief, and accept
voluntary statements of compliance. It also allows individuals to sue.
Courts may issue restraining orders; award actual and punitive
damages, costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees; and impose civil
penalties of up to $5,000 for willful violations and up to $25,000 for a 2025SB-01294-R000334-BA.DOCX
Researcher: CR Page 2 3/31/25
restraining order violation.
COMMITTEE ACTION
General Law Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 22 Nay 0 (03/12/2025)