CT SB00189

Requires new home construction and home improvement contractors to register online annually with the ability to change name or business form free of charge

Increases new home construction contractor contributions to the guaranty fund from $480 biennially to $340 annually and raises the home improvement contractor fund payout cap from $15,000 to $25,000

Specifies required contract contents between contractors and consumers, including allowable financing charges, and allows consumers to access funds through binding arbitration decisions

Expands the Department of Consumer Protection's enforcement authority by allowing placement of conditions on certificates and raises the small claims court maximum claim amount from $5,000 to $15,000 for disputes involving registered contractors

Defines "home improvement" work to include installing alarm systems without electrical work requirements, exempts individuals working on electronic locks in security systems from locksmith registration if an electrician performs electrical work, and allows limited license holders to count as journeymen or contractors for hiring ratio purposes