Connecticut lodging operators must register properties and follow trafficking rules

Lodging operators must register each property with the Department of Consumer Protection. This applies to people or businesses that own or operate paid lodging for temporary guests in Connecticut. The application must include operator and contact details, property addresses, information showing compliance with the listed laws, and any other information the commissioner requires. The nonrefundable fee is $50 for each property with fewer than 15 guest rooms and $200 for each property with at least 15 guest rooms. Registration begins January 1, 2027. An initial registration expires on December 31 of the year it is issued.

The Consumer Protection commissioner or an authorized agent may examine lodging records and enter and inspect properties and places where related records are kept. This applies to hotels, motels, inns, and similar paid lodging in Connecticut, and places where their related records are kept. Officials may use this authority as needed to check compliance with the listed record-keeping, training, and room discount rules. This authority begins January 1, 2027.

Lodging operators must keep guest transaction and receipt records, train employees when hired, and run ongoing awareness campaigns for employees. These duties apply to operators of hotels, motels, inns, and similar paid lodging in Connecticut, and to their employees. Training must cover how to recognize possible human trafficking victims and activities commonly linked to trafficking. Operators must certify each employee's training in that employee's personnel file by October 1 each year. A violation may bring a $1,000 penalty per violation, capped at $5,000 per operator per calendar year. These rules take effect October 1, 2026. Operators must certify employee training by October 1 each year.

Lodging operators may not offer room discounts or benefits based on hourly rates or stays of 12 hours or less, and listed businesses must post a human trafficking notice. The room rule applies to lodging operators. The notice rule also covers massage businesses, highway service plazas, airports, hospital emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, passenger rail and bus stations, certain adult businesses, some employment agencies, nail and skin care businesses, and on-premises alcohol permit holders. The notice must be posted in plain view where services are provided, tickets are sold, or other transactions take place. The notice duty covers the listed service businesses and alcohol permit holders; some specified alcohol permit holders are exempt. A room discount violation carries a $1,000 penalty per violation, capped at $5,000 per operator per calendar year. The same penalty and cap apply to a lodging operator's notice violation. These rules take effect October 1, 2026.