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For Immediate
Release
6/26/06
CONTACT:
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Senate Passes Legislation to Prevent Home Improvement
Scams
HARRISBURG -- The
state Senate passed legislation today that would prevent home improvement scam
artists from taking advantage of Pennsylvania consumers, according to Sen. Tommy
Tomlinson (R-Bucks).
Senate
Bill 1000 would mandate contracts for all work performed in people's
homes that exceeds $200 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.
Tomlinson's bill 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.
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