ConnecticutSB 002942026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT CONCERNING TRADE NAMES, FRAUDULENT FILINGS, IMPERMISSIBLE BUSINESS SOLICITATIONS, DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATIONS, THE ISSUANCE OF AN APOSTILLE AND FEES CHARGED BY A NOTARY.

Sponsored By: Judiciary Committee

Signed by Governor

Summary

To: (1) Revise processes related to applications for, and issuance of, trade name certificates, (2) provide the Secretary of the State with additional authority to take actions with respect to fraudulent filings, deceptive business solicitations and the dissolution of corporations that fail to comply with state law, (3) revise provisions relating to the issuance of an apostille, and (4) increase permissible fees that may be charged by a notary.

judiciary

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

Clearer warnings on paid filing offers

Beginning January 1, 2027, private paid filing and state-record offers must say they are ads, not government notices. They must say no payment or action is required, explain direct filing or record access, and list the sender's name and physical address—not a P.O. box. Written disclosures must appear at the top or beginning in at least 24-point type. Mailed offers must display “THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT” in 24-point capitals on the envelope or outer packaging. Misleading claims of government backing or legal duties violate consumer-protection law. These rules exclude government entities, consumer-initiated messages, and ads to current or former commercial customers.

Businesses gain tools against unauthorized filings

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Secretary of the State may redact unverifiable names or addresses from a registry finding. For unauthorized filings involving legitimate businesses, the Secretary may flag the filing to warn the public. The Secretary may also restore the business registry information that existed before the unauthorized filing.

Notary customers face higher maximum fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, Connecticut notaries may charge up to $10 per act, up from $5. Notaries may also charge for travel, but the per-mile rate cannot exceed the IRS business standard mileage rate.

Businesses face tighter naming and advertising rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, new trade names cannot contain terms such as “corporation,” “LLC,” “LLP,” “limited,” or “statutory trust.” A trade name containing a banned term is void, and the Secretary may void its registry record. Printed ads using assumed business names cannot use “company” to falsely suggest the business is a corporation or limited liability company. Trade name violations can bring fines up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both, plus consumer-protection enforcement.

Document certifications get fees and electronic options

Effective from passage, Connecticut charges $40 per document for an apostille or official authentication. The fee is $15 per document when connected with a child's adoption. The Secretary of the State may issue these certificates electronically unless federal law or the Hague Convention prohibits it. Electronic certificates have the same legal effect and fee as paper certificates.

Business trade names need five-year renewals

Beginning October 1, 2026, trade name certificates last five years from issuance or acceptance of renewal. Certificates recorded before January 1, 2025, expire December 31, 2029, but can be renewed. Renewal requires the same information as an original application and replaces the prior certificate. Businesses can also replace an existing filing before expiration by identifying it as superseded.

Overdue corporations get mailed dissolution warnings

Effective from passage, domestic corporations more than two years behind on annual reports can receive mailed warnings before state dissolution. This option applies when no annual report has been filed or no email address is on record. The Secretary may send first-class mail to an incorporator listed in the corporation's formation document. The corporation has three months after notice is sent to file its report; otherwise, the Secretary must dissolve it.

Statewide trade name filings for businesses

Connecticut creates a statewide electronic trade name registry for filings and public searches. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Secretary of the State may require town clerks to use it. Beginning October 1, 2026, businesses using assumed names must get a certificate through the clerk where they mainly operate. Applications require business and owner contact information; organizations must be active and current on required annual reports. Registered entities using their formation or registration name, without required business designators, do not need a separate certificate. An organization's trade name is canceled when it dissolves, withdraws, forfeits, or loses its authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Judiciary Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Craig C. Fishbein

    Republican • House

  • Steven J. Stafstrom

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 3/30/2026

House Roll Call Vote 245

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

Senate Roll Call Vote 195

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Bill Text

  • Public Act No. 26-81

    4/29/2026

  • File No. 615

    4/14/2026

  • JUD Joint Favorable Substitute

    3/30/2026

  • Raised Bill

    2/25/2026

  • Bill Analysis For File Copy 615

  • Fiscal Note For File Copy 615

  • House Roll Call Vote 245

  • JUD Joint Fav. Rpt

  • JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)

  • Senate Roll Call Vote 195

  • Summary for Public Act No. 26-81

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