Louisiana House Bill HB219

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/11/12
• Engrossed: 4/18/12
• Refer: 4/19/12
• Report Pass: 5/1/12
• Enrolled: 5/9/12
• Chaptered: 5/14/12
• Passed: 5/14/12

Caption

Increases the value of the contract for home improvement or the amount of damage caused by home improvement fraud to be consistent with theft provisions (EN DECREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The proposed changes under HB 219 are expected to have a significant impact on state laws related to consumer protection in the home improvement sector. By increasing the financial thresholds for what constitutes home improvement fraud, the bill seeks to provide better protection for consumers from fraudulent contractors while also aligning penalties with similar crimes, potentially leading to more rigorous enforcement of these laws. This redefinition not only raises awareness about home improvement fraud but also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding consumer rights in transactions involving home-related services.

Summary

House Bill 219, introduced by Representative Willmott, aims to amend existing laws regarding home improvement fraud by increasing the values associated with damages caused by such fraud or the amount contracted for home improvements. The bill revises sections of Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the penalties for home improvement fraud to be consistent with other theft provisions. This includes adjustments to the monetary thresholds that trigger varying levels of penalties, including fines and imprisonment durations for offenders.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 219 appears to be supportive from the legislative perspective, with proponents likely viewing the bill as a crucial step in enhancing consumer protection. There was a unanimous vote in favor of the bill during its final passage in the Senate, indicating strong bipartisan support. However, discussions may reveal concerns about the potential implications of such changes on small contractors and the home improvement industry at large, as some may argue that the heightened penalties could disproportionately affect them.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill could revolve around the balance between protecting consumers and ensuring that contractors are not unduly penalized for minor infractions. Critics may raise concerns that the increased thresholds could lead to the criminalization of legitimate business practices and disproportionately impact local small businesses engaged in home improvement. The debate continues to center on finding the middle ground that provides adequate consumer protection while also supporting fair business practices in the local construction industry.