An Act Establishing A Maximum Restocking Fee For Returned Consumer Goods.
Summary
HB 5571 would create a new state law limiting the amount a business may charge a consumer as a restocking fee when accepting returned consumer goods back into general inventory or regular stock. The bill caps that fee at 5% of the purchase price of the returned item, and it applies only to consumers physically present in Connecticut. The measure is set to take effect January 1, 2026.
The bill also authorizes the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to adopt regulations to carry out the new law. If a business charges more than the permitted amount, that conduct would be treated as an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Connecticut’s consumer protection law, which gives the state enforcement tools and potential remedies beyond the fee cap itself.
Impact
This bill would add a new consumer-protection provision to the Connecticut General Statutes governing return fees on consumer goods. It would directly restrict business practices by prohibiting restocking fees above 5% of the purchase price for returned goods accepted into inventory, and it would tie violations to the state’s unfair trade practices statute, section 42-110b, increasing the legal consequences for noncompliance. The Department of Consumer Protection would also gain regulatory authority to implement the law.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the bill in committee. It received a unanimous Joint Favorable Substitute vote of 22-0 on March 12, 2025, indicating little visible opposition at that stage. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded floor or hearing debate to suggest significant controversy in the materials provided.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether Connecticut should regulate restocking fees and, if so, where to set the cap. The bill favors consumers by limiting charges businesses may impose on returns, while businesses that rely on restocking fees may view the 5% ceiling as too restrictive or as an interference with return policies and inventory costs. Because no committee transcript is available, specific objections or amendments from stakeholders are not documented in the provided record.