- The Connecticut legislature has passed a sweeping new consumer protection law addressing hidden fees, subscription practices, electronic privacy, price gouging, and right-to-repair requirements, among other things.
- Senate Bill 3 prohibits businesses from advertising or offering goods and services without disclosing the full price upfront, excluding only certain charges such as taxes and variable shipping. It also requires companies to provide clear and accessible cancellation options for subscription renewals. Violations are enforceable by the AG as unfair trade practices.
- Additionally, the legislation broadens the AG’s authority to combat price gouging, extending prohibitions beyond retail transactions to include wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers during declared emergencies. The bill also addresses electronic privacy by requiring companies selling connected devices, such as smart TVs, to inform consumers if microphones or cameras are active and to allow users to disable them when possible.
- Moreover, the law establishes robust “right-to-repair” rules, mandating that electronics and appliance manufacturers provide consumers and independent repair shops access to repair manuals, functional parts, and specialized tools under fair and reasonable terms.
- Most provisions take effect on July 1, 2026, with the price gouging provisions effective July 1, 2025. The bill passed the state Senate on May 15 and awaits the Governor’s signature.