Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1148

Introduced

4/4/25

Refer

4/4/25

Caption

Further providing for definitions and for the offense of home improvement fraud.

Impact

The bill's revisions to the definition of owner could affect many jurisdictions within the state, allowing more individuals to undertake home improvement projects without needing full contractor registration. By updating the legal definitions and parameters regarding fraudulent activities in home contracting, the bill seeks to bolster consumer protection against fraudulent practices in the home improvement sector. This aligns with efforts to streamline home improvement processes and enhance accountability among contractors.

Summary

House Bill 1148 aims to amend the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act by revising the definitions of 'owner' and expanding the legal framework concerning home improvement fraud. It clarifies who qualifies as an 'owner,' stating that individuals do not need to reside at the property to be considered owners, provided they maintain ownership for at least one year following construction completion. This change could have significant implications for how home improvement contracts are managed in the state of Pennsylvania.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1148 appears to favor increased protections for consumers engaging in home improvement transactions. Supporters assert that it simplifies homeowner participation in minor renovations and repairs without excessive regulatory barriers. Nonetheless, there are concerns that the relaxed definition of 'owner' may inadvertently encourage unregistered contracting practices, presenting potential risks for consumers if they engage with contractors who may not be fully compliant with state standards.

Contention

Some points of contention focus on the bill's potential to dilate the boundaries of who may perform home improvements without the oversight of registration. Critics worry that this could lead to an increase in unlicensed contractors operating under the new owner definitions, raising doubts about the effectiveness of consumer protections in preventing fraud. The debate hence centers on balancing regulatory oversight with homeowner flexibility, ensuring that improvements are secured under appropriate legal guidelines.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB692

Further providing for definitions and for home improvement fraud.

PA HB993

Further providing for definitions and for the offense of home improvement fraud.

PA SB1111

In sentencing, further providing for definitions and for sexual offenses and tier system.

PA SB527

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of theft of mail.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA HB376

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of fertility fraud; in particular rights and immunities, providing for damages in actions for fertility fraud; and, in sentencing, further providing for applicability, for sexual offenses and tier system and for period of registration.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.