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HB 5558

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CONTRACTORS' REGISTRATION AND LICENSING BOARD

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Requires contractors applying for registration to submit a legible copy of valid government-issued photo ID as part of the application or renewal.

06/17/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 5558

Summary — HB 5558

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS — CONTRACTORS' REGISTRATION AND LICENSING BOARD
Bill No.: HB 5558 | Enacted: Signed by Governor 06/17/2025 | Effective: upon passage
Statute amended: R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-65-5

Purpose

To amend the contractors’ registration requirements to require applicants to submit a legible copy of a valid government‑issued identification and to clarify related application, education, and certification requirements for registration and renewal.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new explicit requirement that every person seeking contractor registration must submit a legible copy of a valid government‑issued photo identification as part of the application.
  • Revisions to application content (existing or clarified items retained/organized):
    • Workers’ compensation account number or company name (if not yet obtained), unemployment insurance account number, state withholding tax account number, federal employer identification number (or self‑employment/retirement status).
    • Names and business/residential addresses of owners, partners, corporate officers, members/managers, and copies of articles of incorporation/organization as applicable. PO boxes are not acceptable as the only address.
    • Statement disclosing prior registration applications or past roles in applicant entities.
    • Valid insurance certificate as required under § 5-65-7.
  • Enforcement and eligibility:
    • Registration may be denied, suspended, or revoked for applicants with unsatisfied judgments related to contracting work (arbitration, bankruptcy, courts, or administrative agencies).
    • False or omitted information on applications or required documents: fine up to $10,000 and/or denial/revocation of registration.
    • Minimum age for applicants: 18 years.
  • Education and continuing education:
    • New applicants must provide proof of completion of five (5) hours of preregistration education as determined by the board.
    • Renewal applicants must provide proof of 2.5 hours of continuing education required for residential contractors as set by the board’s regulations.
  • A board‑issued certification form must be completed and signed at registration or renewal to confirm awareness of specified legal provisions.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and business entities (sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, LLCs) applying for initial contractor registration or renewal in Rhode Island — in particular residential contractors subject to continuing education requirements.
  • The Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (administration, verification, enforcement).

Impact and considerations

  • Primary consumer‑protection/verification effect: strengthened identity verification to deter fraud and improve enforcement.
  • Administrative impact: applicants must obtain and submit a legible government ID copy; the board may need procedures for handling and safeguarding ID documents.
  • Penalties and education requirements clarify compliance expectations and consequences for falsification or outstanding judgments.

Legislative timeline (selected)

  • Introduced: Feb 26, 2025 (filed Mar 14, 2025)
  • House passed: 04/10/2025
  • Senate passed in concurrence: 06/12/2025
  • Transmitted to Governor: 06/13/2025
  • Signed by Governor / Effective: 06/17/2025 (takes effect upon passage)

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

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