For Immediate Release
June 26, 2006
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Senate Passes Legislation to Prevent Home Improvement Scams

The state Senate passed legislation today that would prevent home improvement scam artists from taking advantage of Pennsylvania consumers, according to the bill's sponsor, Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks).

Senate Bill 1000 would mandate contracts for all work performed in people's homes that exceeds $500 and would require home improvement contractors to register with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Attorney General's Office. The Bureau would offer a toll-free number to provide consumers with registration information so a homeowner will know if they are dealing with a registered contractor.

Senate Bill 1000 also provides specific criteria every home improvement contract should include. Contracts must include a description of the materials and work to be completed, as well as an approximate start and completion date and total sales price. Tomlinson said that these provisions would ensure that all parties understand the work to be completed, the time frame for completion and the total costs involved. 

"Having a detailed and specific contract for home improvement projects adds an important layer of protection for both homeowners and contractors," said Tomlinson. "There is nothing in this bill that will prevent an honest, reputable contractor from continuing to run a successful business, and most contractors I have spoken to support my bill because the toll-free number offered by the Bureau of Consumer Protection would give them an opportunity to set themselves apart from the scam artists who don't finish the work they are paid to do."

Senate Bill 1000 gives District Attorneys and the Attorney General strong enforcement authority for investigating and prosecuting home improvement scams. Penalties range from a misdemeanor to a felony and the revocation or suspension of registration. The bill also includes tougher penalties if the victim is 60 or older, since many scam artists target older homeowners.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

CONTACT:

Fran Cleaver
(717)787-5072