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SB 966

AN ACT REQUIRING HOTELS AND SHORT-TERM RENTAL OPERATORS TO DISCLOSE THE TOTAL COST OF OCCUPANCY TO CONSUMERS PRIOR TO PURCHASE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Lesser

Connecticut law would mandate hotels and short-term rentals display all fees and taxes in total price before purchase, eliminating hidden charges at checkout.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON General Law
#commercialtransactions #hotels #motelsandinns #rentalhousing
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Bill Summary · SB 966

Legislative bill overview

SB 966 requires hotels and short-term rental operators in Connecticut to disclose the total cost of occupancy to consumers before they complete a purchase. This means all fees—including taxes, cleaning charges, service fees, and any other surcharges—must be displayed upfront rather than added at checkout. The bill aims to eliminate hidden costs and surprise charges that accumulate during the booking process.

Why is this important

Consumers frequently encounter significant price increases between initial quotes and final checkout when booking accommodations online. This practice, sometimes called "junk fees," can add 20-50% to advertised nightly rates. Requiring transparent pricing helps consumers make informed decisions and compare offerings fairly, while also addressing growing consumer frustration with opaque booking practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Hotels and platforms argue implementation requires system redesigns and may increase administrative burden, particularly for smaller operators managing dynamic pricing models
  • Competitive complexity: Short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) operate across multiple jurisdictions with different tax and fee structures, making uniform disclosure difficult
  • Fee definition disputes: Disagreement over what constitutes a legitimate "fee" versus what should be included in base pricing could lead to legal challenges and regulatory interpretation battles

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

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