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SB 296

AN ACT PROHIBITING DEALERS FROM PREPRINTING THE ORDER AND INVOICE FOR THE PURCHASE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH NEGOTIABLE FEES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henri Martin

Connecticut bill bans motor vehicle dealers from preprinting negotiable fees on order forms to ensure customers can negotiate costs rather than accepting predetermined figures.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 296

Legislative bill overview

SB 296 would prohibit motor vehicle dealers in Connecticut from pre-printing negotiable fees on purchase orders and invoices before negotiations with customers. The bill aims to ensure that variable costs—such as documentation fees, dealer preparation charges, and other add-ons—are only finalized after actual negotiations occur rather than being presented as predetermined figures.

Why is this important

This addresses a consumer protection concern where dealers may use pre-printed fees as anchors that discourage customer negotiation, potentially leading consumers to pay inflated charges they might otherwise challenge. The practice can obscure the true cost of vehicle purchases and limit transparency in dealer transactions, particularly affecting less sophisticated buyers who may assume pre-printed figures are fixed or non-negotiable.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational burden: Dealers argue that requiring individualized, handwritten or customized invoices increases administrative costs and slows transaction processing
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may need clarification on which fees are "negotiable" versus legitimately fixed (registration costs, taxes, manufacturer charges)
  • Enforceability challenges: Determining whether a fee was pre-printed versus printed during negotiations could create disputes and compliance verification difficulties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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