CT HB05561

Defines six specific contractual terms as substantively unconscionable in consumer contracts not drafted by the consumer, including inconvenient dispute venues, waivers of statutory rights and damages, shortened statute of limitations periods, and excessive dispute resolution fees.

Allows private citizens to initiate enforcement actions on behalf of the state against violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and recover civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

Provides incentive awards of up to 25% of monetary recovery to private parties who pursue enforcement actions to judgment or settlement, reduced to 10% if the state intervenes and becomes the prevailing party.

Requires the Attorney General to be notified of private enforcement actions and grants the state a 30-day period to intervene as of right, with authority to dismiss or settle actions where the state intervenes.

Prohibits mandatory arbitration agreements from preventing private parties from bringing public court actions or class-based actions against multiple violations affecting different consumers; effective July 1, 2016.