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SB 230 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING LIQUOR CONTROL.

This bill (SB 230) modifies Connecticut's rules for out-of-state wineries shipping wine directly to consumers. It directly affects wineries based outside Connecticut that want to sell wine to Connecticut residents. Key requirements include: shipping labels must clearly state "CONTAINS ALCOHOL - SIGNATURE OF A PERSON AGE 21 OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY," shippers must verify the recipient's age with ID and obtain a signature, limit shipments to five gallons per person every two months, and pay all applicable Connecticut sales and alcohol taxes as if the sale occurred within the state. The bill also mandates that wineries register with the Department of Revenue and allow state audits of their records.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 18, 2026 Last action Mar 25, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → GL Joint Favorable Substitute · 6 edits
MODERATE
This bill reorganizes the legal framework for out-of-state wine shipments in Connecticut, moving from a single repealed section to a new, detailed structure with specific definitions and permit types. The changes clarify who can ship wine directly to consumers versus retailers, establish strict age verification and shipping limits, and introduce specific fees for different permit holders. These updates aim to modernize the regulations to better handle direct-to-consumer sales while ensuring tax compliance and consumer safety.
Scope change
The bill expands the regulatory scope by explicitly defining 'out-of-state' to include U.S. territories and Puerto Rico, and by distinguishing between two specific permit categories: one for wineries producing under 100,000 gallons and another for retailers.
DEFINITION

Added precise definitions for 'out-of-state' (including U.S. territories), 'retailer', and 'wine' (including cider and apple wine under specific alcohol limits).

ELIGIBILITY

Created a specific permit category for out-of-state wineries that produce 100,000 gallons or less of wine per year, allowing them to sell to in-state retailers.

REQUIREMENT

Mandated that all wine shipped directly to consumers must include a label requiring a signature from a person aged 21 or older upon delivery.

Set a limit of five gallons of wine per two-month period for shipments to any single person in the state.

FISCAL

Established specific annual fees: $315 for out-of-state winery shipper permits and $600 for out-of-state retailer shipper permits.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a requirement for permit holders to execute a written consent to the jurisdiction of Connecticut courts for enforcement of the law.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
upper
Feb 18, 2026
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON General Law
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.