Bill > SB523

This bill establishes a Board of Builder Registration within the New Hampshire Department of Labor to regulate residential builders and general contractors engaged in construction-related business. The board will consist of 8 members from various industry and consumer advocacy backgrounds, and will be responsible for registering builders, setting educational requirements, and enforcing regulations. Builders will be required to register if they perform construction work valued at $5,000 or more on properties they do not own, and must complete an 8-hour approved education program, maintain liability and workers' compensation insurance, and obtain a $50,000 surety bond. Registrations will be valid for two years and require biennial renewal, including 8 hours of continuing education. The bill creates a Registration Program Administrator (RPA) to manage the online application portal, handle complaints, and support the board's operations. Builders must display their registration number on vehicles, marketing materials, and contracts, and can face significant penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $5,000 per violation and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations. Municipalities will be prohibited from issuing permits to unregistered builders, and a dedicated Builder Registration Fund will be established to support the program's administration. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2028.

Business and Industry

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1352&inflect=2