GLASS Report: Legislative Action Alert: House Bill 1940; Regular Session 2013-2014 - PA General Assembly:

Text [History] [Votes]

Short Title: An Act amending the act of October 17, 2008 (P.L.1645, No.132), known as the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, further providing for application fees.

Prime Sponsor:  Representative P. DALEY

Last Action: Referred to CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Jan. 8, 2014 [House]

Memo: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act

Printer's No.	Text	(H) Amendments	(S) Amendments	(H) Fiscal Note	(S) Fiscal Note
2851*

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 9, 2013 04:45 PM
From:	Representative Peter Daley
To:	All House members
Subject:	Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act by changing wording in the application fee section of the law to enable funds from the Home Improvement Account to be directed to the Office of Attorney General for enforcement.  Specifically, my bill would change the word “may” to “shall” under the section of the Home Improvement Account which states that funds generated in the account as well as any interest earned by the fund may be appropriated to the Attorney General for administering and enforcing the provisions of the act. The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, first adopted in 2008, has changed the way that many contractors conduct business in the Commonwealth.  The law enables consumers to find out information relating to contractors, and further establishes trust and assurance from companies that provide contractor work to perspective clients.  The Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has done great work since the inception of the Act, and is managing to do the most they possibly can with the limited resources they have. This simple word change will allow the dedicated funds earned as well as the interest garnered from the Home Improvement Account to be directed to the Attorney General’s office for additionally needed enforcement and oversight of this expansive domain.  The account is replenished by a $50 application fee, renewed on a biennial basis, and paid for by contractors seeking a certificate from the Attorney General.  I believe it is important to continue supporting the Attorney General’s office in this endeavor, and keeping legitimate contractors in business in the Commonwealth. I urge you to support this legislation, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact my office at 717-783-4033.