HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 85
(By Delegates Beane, Ennis, Butcher, Iaquinta, Louisos, Manchin,
Manuel, Martin, Perdue, Spencer, Talbott, Wright, Yeager, Yost,
Leggett, Azinger, Blair and Frich)
(Originating in the Committee on Government Organization)
Requesting that the joint committee on government and finance
study the incidence of complaints against the practice of
home improvement contractors and home building contractors,
and potential legal remedies to address the problems of
adversely affected citizens.
Whereas, The West Virginia Department of Labor's authority
over, and available sanctions against, unlicensed contractors is
very limited; and
Whereas, Home repair complaints are the most frequent
complaints that the citizens of this State make against both
unlicensed and licensed contractors; and
Whereas, The legal remedies available to consumers are
limited regarding applicable penalties against persons without a
contractor's license; and
Whereas, Home improvement contractors who violate existing
law, or fail to provide a written contract, or fail to
substantially perform the work and commit other violations,
substantially discredit and place at a professional disadvantage reputable licensed contractors; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby
directed to study complaints against the practice of home
improvement contractors and home building contractors, and
potential legal remedies to address the problems of adversely
affected citizens; and, be it
Further Resolved, That joint committee on government and
finance shall report to the Legislature on or before the eighth
day of January 2005, on its findings, conclusions and
recommendations, and shall submit drafts of any legislation
necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct
this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary
legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the joint
committee on government and finance.