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Advocates back 30‑day creditor respite for people in gambling‑disorder treatment, urge broader scope
Summary
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling urged the Banking Committee to expand a bill that would pause unsecured‑debt collections for people in treatment for gambling disorder, recommending earlier effective dates, broader debt coverage and a certification process tied to state‑funded treatment programs.
Representatives of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling told the Banking Committee they support Senate Bill 1337, which would give people enrolled in gambling‑disorder treatment a temporary pause from unsecured debt collection, and asked lawmakers to expand its scope.
Diana Goode of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling recommended moving the bill’s effective start date earlier (the draft applies only to unsecured debt incurred on or after Jan. 1, 2026) and urged the committee to consider including older debts and secured loans in limited circumstances. She also recommended clarifying what qualifies as an eligible treatment program and suggested using the state’s Better Choice programs (five regionally located, state‑funded problem‑gambling treatment programs) as the certification standard.
Why it matters: Supporters said a time‑limited pause from creditor contact could allow people in the early stages of recovery to focus on treatment and financial counseling. The council emphasized financial counseling linked to treatment plans and suggested licensed clinicians should certify participation and ongoing engagement.
Mechanics discussed: Goode said the bill as drafted provides a 30‑day respite from collection activity; committee members asked how the 30‑day period is triggered and whether it should be longer. Witnesses and legislators discussed making certification administratively verifiable and whether family members or cosigners should be afforded protection from communications to household phone numbers. The judicial branch had submitted written questions about notice mechanics, and the council recommended a verification process using licensed clinicians to certify enrollment and attendance.
Quotes: “This bill would allow those in the early stages of recovery to have a brief pause from the constant phone calls, emails and physical letters demanding repayment,” Diana Goode said.
Ending: Committee members thanked advocates and asked for additional detail on certification and notification processes. The council said it would provide a list of Better Choice program locations and is open to technical changes to lengthen the respite or broaden eligibility. No committee vote occurred at the hearing.
