Bill > HB05571

This bill establishes a maximum restocking fee for consumer goods returned to businesses in Connecticut, limiting such fees to no more than 5% of the original purchase price. The bill defines key terms including "business" and "consumer" by referencing existing state statutes, and clarifies that a "consumer good" is an item purchased by an individual physically present in the state. Businesses that charge a restocking fee exceeding 5% of the original purchase price will be considered in violation of the law and subject to penalties under the state's unfair trade practices regulations. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection is granted the authority to create additional regulations to implement this law. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to protect consumers from excessive charges when returning purchased items by placing a clear cap on restocking fees. By treating violations as unfair trade practices, the bill provides a mechanism for enforcement and potential consumer recourse if businesses do not comply with the new fee limitation.

Justice

General Law Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05571&which_year=2025