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SB 1324

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 definitions, for registration of contractors, for procedures for registration as a contractor, for application fees, for home improvement contracts and for home improvement fraud; and making a repeal.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 4 co-sponsors

Strengthens PA home improvement protections by tightening contractor registration, updating contract disclosures, and expanding enforcement against fraud.

Laid on the table (Pursuant to Senate Rule 9)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1324

Summary of SB 1324 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

SB 1324 amends the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA), originally enacted to regulate home improvement contractors in Pennsylvania. The bill clarifies and expands definitions, strengthens contractor registration requirements, refines procedures for registering as a contractor, adjusts application fees, modifies terms related to home improvement contracts, and enhances provisions addressing home improvement fraud. The measure also includes a repeal of certain provisions (or a repeal-related component) associated with the act.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions

    • Updates and expands terms used in the act to ensure precise application to home improvement activities, contractor classifications, and related protections for consumers.

  • Registration of contractors

    • Strengthens the framework for registering home improvement contractors with the state or the designated regulatory authority.
    • May include clearer criteria for eligibility, ongoing compliance requirements, and procedures for maintaining a valid registration (e.g., renewal timelines, reporting obligations).

  • Procedures for registration as a contractor

    • Revises the steps a contractor must follow to become registered, potentially including submission materials, background checks, financial disclosures, proof of insurance, and any required bonds.
    • May introduce streamlined processes or additional safeguards to ensure accurate and timely registration.

  • Application fees

    • Updates or sets new fee structures for contractor registration and related services.
    • May specify fee amounts, payment deadlines, and fee use (e.g., funding enforcement, consumer protection, and administration of the program).

  • Home improvement contracts

    • Modifies requirements for contracts between homeowners and contractors, including disclosures, contract terms, and consumer protections.
    • Possible changes to timelines, termination rights, workmanship guarantees, change-order procedures, and timelines for project completion.
    • May impose standards for writing, content, and delivery of home improvement contracts to improve clarity and enforceability.

  • Home improvement fraud

    • Enhances enforcement against fraudulent practices by home improvement contractors.
    • Could broaden the scope of prohibited conduct, establish stronger penalties, enhance reporting and complaint mechanisms, and improve consumer recourse (e.g., restitution or enforcement actions).

  • Repeal provisions

    • Repeals or repeals components of existing statutory language related to HICPA as set forth in the bill, aligning the statute with the updated framework.

Who is affected

  • Homeowners and consumers
    • Benefit from stronger protections in contracting, clearer disclosures, and improved remedies for fraud or poor workmanship.
  • Contractors and contracting businesses
    • Must comply with updated registration processes, fee requirements, and contract standards.
    • May face enhanced oversight and potential changes in compliance costs.
  • Regulatory and enforcement agencies
    • Responsible for administering the registration system, handling complaints, and enforcing new provisions and penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral status
    • As of the latest action, SB 1324 has been referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure (2026-05-04).
  • Sponsor context
    • Sponsored or co-sponsored by multiple legislators (including Lynda Culver, Camera Bartolotta, Lisa Baker, Wayne Fontana, Lisa Boscola), indicating bipartisan involvement.
  • Implementation timeline
    • The bill’s text would specify effective dates for new registration requirements, fee changes, and contract reforms. If enacted, there would typically be a phase-in period to allow contractors to comply with the new standards.

If you’d like, I can tailor this further by pulling the bill’s specific statutory language and outlining the exact definitions, fee amounts, and contract requirements once the text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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