N.J. plumbers fight big-box law loophole

摘要

Trenton, N.J.― The New Jersey Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors is calling on New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey to veto a section of a recently passed bill that exempts giant home-improvement retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Sears ― and their employees ― from new legal requirements for home-improvement contractors. The "Contractors' Registration Act" requires all home-improvement contractors in New Jersey to register with the State Division of Consumer Affairs, pay an annual fee, disclose prior criminal histories, maintain a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance, and adhere to specific state regulations for advertising and consumer contracts. It also empowers the division's director to revoke the registrations of those who violate the law.