Committee advances bill requiring written contracts and one-year warranty for residential improvements

The Committee on Government Organization voted to report Committee Substitute Senate Bill 5 69 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass and, under its double reference, first be sent to the committee on judiciary.

The bill would require contractors who perform residential improvements to offer a written contract that includes specific representations and a warranty covering “all work performed pursuant to the contract” for one year from substantial completion; it also permits arbitration of disputes, provided arbitration proceedings occur within 50 miles of the residence.

Why it matters: the measure would standardize contract terms and warranty obligations for home construction and remodeling work statewide, create grounds for disciplinary proceedings before the Contractors Licensing Board for specified failures, and change warranty timing and scope that contractors must offer homeowners.

The bill as presented by committee counsel would “require a contract for residential improvements, include certain representations by the contractor, and provide a warranty,”…