Substitute Senate Bill No. 193 - Summary

• Expands Department of Consumer Protection inspection authority to include chapter 419b (in addition to chapter 417) and authorizes the commissioner to issue citations for violations under section 51-164n.

• Adds civil penalty authority of up to $500 per violation for establishments licensed under chapters 417 and 419b, in addition to suspension or revocation of licenses or registrations.

• Establishes new consumer complaint intake procedures requiring the department to notify respondents of complaints in writing and demand written responses within 30 days; non-credential holders who fail to respond face fines up to $250.

• Creates a new "cottage food operation" licensing program allowing home-based food production of non-potentially hazardous foods with annual sales capped at $25,000, subject to licensing, inspection, food safety training, and labeling requirements.

• Updates donation bin regulations to require disclosure of the nonprofit organization's name and the percentage of proceeds it will receive, modifies liquor permit requirements for entertainment descriptions, and changes community association manager bonding requirements from fidelity bonds to commercially available insurance policies.