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Tomlinson Introduces Legislation to Prevent Home Improvement
Scams
HARRISBURG -- Senator
Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) announced legislation Monday that would prevent home
improvement scam artists from taking advantage of Pennsylvania consumers during
a press conference at the Bucks County Consumer Protection Office.
Senate Bill 1000 would
require contracts for all work performed in people's homes that exceeds $200.
The bill also provides specific criteria every home improvement contract should
include to ensure that all parties understand the work to be completed, the time
frame for completion and the total costs involved.
Tomlinson's legislation
would also 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.
“A number of Bucks County
residents have been the victim of dishonest individuals who carry out home
improvement scams,” said Tomlinson, who chairs the Senate Consumer Protection
and Professional Licensure Committee. “My legislation will ensure that
homeowners get what they pay for while ensuring that the many trustworthy
contractors across the Commonwealth can continue to make an honest living in
their profession.”
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.
Tomlinson was joined at the
press conference by Senior Deputy Attorney General Henry Hart from the Bureau of
Consumer Protection; Bucks County District Attorney Diane E. Gibbons; Bucks
County Consumer Advocate Mike Bannon; and consumers who have been affected by
home improvement fraud.
During
an Oct. 31 news conference at the Bucks County Consumer Protection Office,
Sen. Tommy Tomlinson
announces legislation that
would prevent home improvement scam artists from taking advantage of PA
consumers.
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