Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a multi-state coalition urging Congress to allow state attorneys general to enforce airline consumer protections, citing thousands of complaints about refunds, cancellations, and poor customer service, with airlines often citing federal preemption to avoid state intervention. Examples include American Airlines refusing refunds during the pandemic, highlighting the need for stronger penalties and enforcement.
In-house legal teams should review customer-facing agreements such as ticket purchase terms, conditions of carriage, and service contracts for clauses related to refunds, cancellations, and dispute resolution. Specifically, examine refund policy language for clarity and timeliness, cancellation terms for fairness, and any federal preemption clauses that might limit state enforcement. Also review enforcement mechanisms and service level commitments. Consider amending contracts to include explicit state attorney general enforcement rights, clearer refund procedures, and limitations on preemption defenses to align with proposed passenger bill of rights and stronger consumer protections.
Entity
American Airlines
Industry
OtherOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2022-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-fights-to-protect-airline-customers
naag policy letter airline accountability and increased cons
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2022/naag-policy-letter---airline-accountability-and-increased-consumer-protection-final_38-ags.pdf?rev=b88c82dd82894045a472352700058da8&hash=670E39F23C53D05C89C73FBE5EAAEC69
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of states and local governments in filing suit against NHTSA over its rule weakening fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks. The lawsuit alleges the rule violates the agency’s statutory mandate and the Administrative Procedure Act; no penalty or final remedy is reported.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate coalition suing the EPA over its repeal of greenhouse gas pollution limits for power plants and separately filed a notice of intent to sue over regulation of existing gas plants. The coalition asks the court to overturn the repeal and restore the protections; the release reports no monetary penalty or final order.
$400.0M
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. and Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. resolving allegations that the generic drug manufacturers conspired to inflate prices, limit competition, and restrain trade. The settlement includes consumer restitution and injunctive reforms; court approval was being sought.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a DHS rule that allows certain affirmative asylum applications to be referred to removal proceedings without an asylum officer interview. The coalition argues the rule violates federal law and harms asylum seekers, including unaccompanied children; this was a policy opposition letter, not a privacy enforcement action.
Connecticut and Massachusetts co-led a coalition protest urging FERC to reject the proposed NextEra Energy-Dominion Energy merger. The coalition argued that the merger could increase market power and threaten energy affordability, reliability, and competition; the release does not report a final enforcement decision or penalty.
Connecticut officials warned residents about potential home improvement scams before an approaching nor’easter, including unlicensed contractors, high-pressure sales tactics, and demands for full payment upfront. The release provides consumer guidance on checking contractors and contract requirements; it does not announce an enforcement action or penalty against a named entity.