Legislation introduced by Assemblyman Joseph Cryan that would require contractors working on home elevations to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs cleared an Assembly panel on Thursday.
The bill (A-3270) would require registered home elevation contractors to have a minimum of two years of experience in home improvement and at least five years of experience in home elevation.
“Too many families in New Jersey have suffered enough already in the time since Hurricane Sandy,” said Cryan (D-Union). “This legislation will ensure that only qualified professionals are authorized to assist as we work to avoid devastation of that magnitude in the future.”
Persons who knowingly make false statements in the certification required for the registration would be subject to a civil penalty of at minimum $10,000 and at maximum $25,000.
The legislation would also require every registered contractor engaging in home improvements to secure and maintain commercial general liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. This would be in addition to coverage of at least $500,000 per occurrence for the contents of the premises for any damages not covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy that may result from home elevation. Contractors would be required to present proof of insurance to the homeowner prior to agreeing to perform home elevation.
The bill was released by the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee.