Connecticut House Bill HB06145

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/17
• Refer: 1/20/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Home Improvement Contractors To Pass A Written Proficiency Examination And Maintain Liability Insurance.

Impact

The enactment of HB 6145 intends to amend the existing general statutes, thereby establishing formal requirements for the registration of home improvement contractors. By mandating a proficiency examination, the bill seeks to ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to undertake home improvement projects, which could significantly elevate the quality of service in the industry. Additionally, the requirement for liability insurance not only serves to protect consumers against financial losses but also promotes a higher degree of responsibility among contractors, leading to fewer disputes and greater consumer trust.

Summary

House Bill 6145 is an act that aims to enhance the standards for home improvement contractors by requiring them to pass a written proficiency examination and maintain a minimum of one million dollars in liability insurance coverage prior to their registration. This legislation is introduced to ensure that contractors possess the necessary competencies to perform their work and to protect consumers from potential losses arising from substandard work or negligence. The bill indicates a move toward increased accountability and professionalism within the home improvement industry.

Contention

While proponents of HB 6145 argue that the bill will protect consumers and enhance the quality of home improvement services, there are potential points of contention around its implementation. Some contractors may view the proficiency examination as an unnecessary hurdle that could impose additional costs and complexities on their businesses. Small contractors, in particular, may express concerns that the insurance requirement could either increase their operational costs or limit their ability to operate within the industry. Therefore, while the legislation aims to achieve broader standards, it could face opposition from those who believe it may disadvantage smaller or less-capitalized contractors.