ConnecticutSB 002962026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT CONCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION WITH RESPECT TO THE CONNECTICUT UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT AND SPORTS WAGERING.

Sponsored By: Judiciary Committee

Signed by Governor

Summary

To (1) increase the maximum amount of restitution available under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, (2) make consistent statutory provisions concerning record retention under said act, and (3) update the state's cheating statute to include provisions relating to sports wagering.

judiciary

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger remedies for unfair business practices

Beginning October 1, 2026, Connecticut expands consumer protection officials' powers to investigate unfair business practices, demand records, and hold hearings. After a hearing and finding a violation, the commissioner may order money returned when less than $25,000 per consumer is involved. That threshold rises from $10,000; the commissioner may impose a civil penalty, order money returned, or both. The state can also seek court orders to stop violations and obtain other remedies. The commissioner may withhold investigation or examination records while the case is open, but not after it closes.

Stronger barriers to underage gambling

Beginning May 26, 2026, no one may knowingly let an underage person open, keep, or use an online gambling account. This covers online casino gaming and online sports betting accounts. No one may knowingly let an underage person place or try to place an online casino or sports bet. The ban also covers bets with a retail sports betting operator. The legal age for each activity determines who is covered.

Stronger safeguards for sports bettors

Beginning May 26, 2026, the attorney general can seek court orders stopping unlicensed sports betting services offered to Connecticut residents. The consumer protection commissioner must request action; it covers offering, advertising, or providing services and allows other appropriate relief. Conduct protected by section 42-110c(a)(2) is excluded. Beginning October 1, 2026, intentionally trying to change a sports bet's outcome through an offered or promised benefit becomes a class D felony. Soliciting or accepting a benefit, promise, or offer with that intent also qualifies when intended to help oneself or another, and either the bet or manipulation attempt occurs in Connecticut.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Judiciary Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • David Rutigliano

    Republican • House

  • John A. Kissel

    Republican • Senate

  • Paul Cicarella

    Republican • Senate

  • 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 247 AS AMENDED

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

Senate Roll Call Vote 196

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Bill Text

  • Public Act No. 26-82

    4/29/2026

  • File No. 651

    4/16/2026

  • JUD Joint Favorable Substitute

    3/30/2026

  • Raised Bill

    2/25/2026

  • Bill Analysis For File Copy 651

  • Bill Analysis for SB-296, as amended by Senate "A"

  • Fiscal Note For File Copy 651

  • Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 5218 (No Fiscal Impact)

  • Fiscal Note for SB-296, As Amended by Senate "A" (LCO 5218)

  • House Roll Call Vote 247 AS AMENDED

  • JUD Joint Fav. Rpt

  • JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)

  • Senate Roll Call Vote 196

  • Senate Schedule A LCO# 5218 (D)

  • Summary for Public Act No. 26-82

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