Consumers could save money on groceries and streaming video services under a wide-ranging consumer protection bill unveiled Tuesday at the state Capitol complex.

But some providers warn that the proposal could actually raise subscription costs.

The high cost of food has customers checking out any way to save money.

“Trying to put that money together at the end of the month to make sure you have your priorities is always tough,” said Frank Redente, of New Haven.

A new bill proposed by state Senate Democrats would let the Connecticut attorney general investigate food manufacturers and distributors – not just stores – for price gouging. The AG could also act outside of an official emergency in cases of “significant interferences in the production, distribution, supply, sale or availability of necessary consumer goods like diapers, baby formula or prescription medications.”

“It will empower the attorney general to go up the supply chain,” said state Sen. James Maroney (D-Milford). “Often, it’s not the grocery stores.”

But it’s not just inflation. The legislation would require products to disclose “shrink-flation.”

“We all know if you buy a box of candy for your spouse, there’s less candy and more plastic in the box than there used to be for the same price,” said Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven).

The consumer protection bill would also eliminate additional “junk fees” and give consumers a “right to repair” their own electronic devices. A similar proposal failed last year after a warning from industry groups.

"Manufacturers want to make certain the repair providers they work with understand the numerous components of the electronic products being repaired. Their authorization to perform repairs ensures the changes made to the devices are compatible with current technology and the networks on which they operate," Mike Blank, with CTIA-The Wireless Association told lawmakers. "Finally, CTIA is concerned that this legislation has the potential to weaken the safety, privacy, and security features of electronic products."

If you cancel a streaming video service, they would have to give you a prorated refund under the proposed law – like cable companies have to now.

That idea failed last year, too, after some services argued that prorated refunds could drive up monthly subscription fees.

"If subscribers are able to pay a daily rate to watch content, this will ultimately drive upward pricing pressure across the industry in order for streaming services to cover the costs of the programming," said Damon Stuart, an attorney representing DISH and DIRECTV. "The burden of such higher monthly fees will then be placed on other consumers who pay the monthly rate."

The legislation would also ban state agencies from buying drones made in China or Russia. Last year, a bill would have banned local police and fire departments from buying them.

But that led to backlash from dozens of agencies that already own foreign-made drones.

“It has enhanced our operations, especially during accident investigation and through the use of mapping intersections and entire accident scenes,” Darien police chief Jeremiah Marron told News 12 Connecticut last April. “It’s also given us the capability now to look for people through heat signatures and infrared cameras at night where we wouldn't otherwise be able to see them.”

The new proposal would only apply to state government, which could apply for waivers.

Democrats said the bill is a direct challenge to the new Trump administration.

“Yesterday, we saw on inauguration of a president that was of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk).

Inflation was a key factor in Trump’s election. Maroney said he got the message from voters.

“They're choosing whether or not they’re going to pay for their groceries or their medicine, or families who are struggling to try to put food on the table,” he said.