Senate Bill S1890 and Assembly Bill A2138 have passed both houses of the Legislature and been signed by the governor. For the first time, the measure creates a license for home improvement contractors. The legislation is intended to protect New Jersey consumers from businesses that fail to complete their work or do a shoddy job. The stories of “ripped off” consumers are legion.

Current law only requires a contractor to have a liability insurance policy and register for $110 as a home improvement contractor. No proof of training, skill or experience is currently required to work on a New Jersey resident’s home nor provide adequate monetary resources to compensate consumers in the event of defective construction.