Connecticut Senate Considers Bill That Would Create Penalties for Advertising by Non-Licensed Glass Installers
May 22, 2009

The Connecticut Senate currently is reviewing a bill that would create penalties for those who advertise that they perform work for which they are not licensed, including licensure for both automotive and flat glass installations in the state. The General Assembly's joint committee on general law recently voted in favor of passing the bill with a unanimous vote of 17-0.

Thus far, the group has not had any opposition to the bill, introduced in late February, according to a joint favorable report created by the general law committee.

If passed, the law would prohibit "anyone from willfully and falsely pretending to qualify to practice a licensed trade." The bill specifies print, electronic, television, radio advertising or listings as prohibited practices by non-licensed trade people.

If passed, civil penalties could include license suspension or revocation; probation; and a fine of up to $1,000 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second violation and $3,000 for subsequent violations occurring less than three years after the previous violation.

The acts described in the law would be considered a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

The committee's analysis of the bill notes, "Before anyone may be prosecuted for a licensing law violation, the law requires the consumer protection commissioner to (1) review the activity in question and (2) make a written determination that the activity requires a license and is not the subject of a bona fide dispute between members of a trade or craft, regardless of whether they are licensed."

If passed, the bill would take effect on October 1. The Senate has referred the bill to its committee on judiciary for further review.

CLICK HERE for full text of bill.

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