AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, that would protect Maine consumers by licensing residential general contractors.
Maine already licenses plumbers, electricians, architects, interior designers and more but residential general contractors, who often work on projects with these professionals, have no licensing requirements.
"Maine residents deserve better than the status quo, in which a lack of licensing requirements has led to many people being taken advantage of by some contractors acting in bad faith," said Roberts. "They deserve homes that are safe, durable and built to last. By licensing residential general contractors, we're not just protecting consumers we're preserving our communities' integrity and safeguarding our state's future."
As amended, LD 1929 would require residential general contractors engaged in projects over $15,000 to be licensed. The license would include certain education requirements that many contractors already satisfy. Additionally, the bill would provide the Attorney General's office with enforcement tools, such as license suspension and penalties for contractors who violate license requirements.
Contractors providing certain services to the Efficiency Maine Trust or the Maine State Housing Authority would be exempt from the licensing requirements.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming days.
Roberts is serving her third term representing House District 149, which includes portions of North and South Berwick. She serves as House chair of the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Roberts], c. 305-965-2744