Bill Summary: HB140

• Requires licensure for residential builders, residential maintenance and alteration contractors, and their salespersons, with exemptions for property owners, government representatives, and licensed specialty contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration)

• Creates the Residential Builders' and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors' Board with nine members (four residential builders, two maintenance/alteration contractors, three public representatives) appointed by the governor to develop examinations, adopt rules, and regulate licensees

• Establishes licensing requirements including demonstrating good moral character and financial stability, passing examinations on laws/rules and trade practices, maintaining a principal place of business in Ohio, and paying specified fees

• Authorizes the director of commerce to investigate complaints, issue citations with fines up to $100, and pursue disciplinary actions including license suspension, revocation, probation, fines up to $10,000, or restitution for violations

• Prohibits unlicensed residential construction work with criminal penalties of $5,000-$25,000 fines and up to two years imprisonment; increases to four years imprisonment if the offense causes death or serious injury