This bill establishes Chapter 310-D in the New Hampshire Revised Statutes, creating a Board of Builder Registration under the Department of Labor to oversee the registration and regulatory requirements for builders and general contractors involved in residential construction. The board will consist of eight members, including representatives from the New Hampshire Home Builders Association and a consumer advocacy organization. It is tasked with adopting rules for registration, managing a Registration Program Administrator (RPA), and handling disciplinary actions. Key registration requirements include proof of insurance, completion of an approved education program, and a surety bond for those engaged in construction-related business on residential properties with an annual volume of $5,000 or more. The bill also deletes a website address from current law, indicating a shift towards a more structured approach to builder registration.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that builders complete a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours on building code updates, to maintain their registration. It introduces penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $5,000 per violation and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations classified as class B felonies. Municipalities are required to verify a valid registration number before issuing construction permits, and builders must display their registration number on vehicles and advertising materials. A new Builder Registration Fund will manage fees and penalties collected to support the board's operations, with an effective date set for January 1, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12
SB523 text: 6:12