Capitol News from State Senator Bob Duff

October 2009 Issue

Capitol address
Legislative Office Building
Room 2400
Hartford, CT 06106-1591

On the Web
www.SenatorDuff.cga.ct.gov

Phone
Capitol: 860-240-0414
Toll-free: 1-800-842-1420
Home: 203-840-1333

In this month’s Capitol News, you’ll learn more about two consumer-friendly pieces of legislation that I worked to pass this year. I’ll also offer some information to help clear up some of the myths about the H1N1 influenza virus and some tips on how you and your family can stay healthy this flu season.

Protection for Seniors from Would-be “Financial Advisors”

senior woman at table Seniors are particularly vulnerable to scam artists and are often viewed as prey by unscrupulous people. As chair of the General Assembly’s Banks Committee, I worked to bring a bill through the Senate and into law this year that will help protect seniors from one particular type of consumer fraud that is on the rise given our current economic troubles: individuals representing themselves deceptively as financial advisors.

Under this legislation, anyone who is directly or indirectly involved in securities sales is prohibited from falsely expressing or implying that they have special training, education or experience in providing financial advice or services to seniors in Connecticut. There are exemptions for advisors who meet educational or certification guidelines, and any person who willfully violates the law is subject to a fine up to $2,000, two years imprisonment or both.

New Disclosure About Used Car Warranties

Consumers and used car dealers both have their interests protected under legislation that I worked to pass this year that took effect on October 1. The new law requires dealers to make a very clear disclosure to consumers about their rights if a warranty is offered on a used vehicle — empowering them to make informed decisions about their purchase while ensuring that dealers are protected should a dispute arise.

Dealers are allowed to sell a used vehicle “as is” if it meets certain requirements, including a cash purchase price of less than $3,000 or a minimum of seven years in age. An “as is” disclaimer appears on the front page of a contract and makes certain statements regarding a warranty; under the new law, this disclaimer will also say to ask a dealer “if we offer a warranty on this vehicle.”

H1N1: Stay Informed, Keep Healthy This Flu Season

children washing their hands The annual flu season is upon us, but it comes with the added fears over the H1N1 “swine flu” virus that is also affecting people across Connecticut this year. This month, I hosted a forum in Norwalk where residents came to hear from local health professionals about the state’s response to this year’s flu pandemic and to clear up some of the myths surrounding the H1N1 virus.

If you missed the forum, the Centers for Disease Control has information available on how you and your family can reduce your risk of contracting H1N1 and can help prevent the spread of the virus, like washing your hands often and staying home from school or work if you feel ill. You can also keep up on what actions the state is taking by visiting the CT Flu Watch online resource page.

The first rounds of H1N1 vaccinations are already being administered to high-risk populations, but you can take the first step in protecting yourself and your family by staying informed and by getting your annual seasonal flu shot. The seasonal shot is different from the H1N1 vaccine, but both will help you stay healthy this year.