State Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen Background Check of Contractors Who Perform Home Renovations for Low-Income Disabled Individuals

John A. DeFrancisco

June 13, 2013

Senator John A. DeFrancisco announced that his legislation, which would require a more thorough background check of contractors who perform home renovations on low-income disabled individuals, passed the Senate today on June 13, 2013.

Earlier this year, it was reported by News Channel 9 that a Fayetteville family hired a government approved contractor to make renovations to their home in order to accommodate their two disabled children. According to the report, the contractor was paid half of the money up front, but did not complete the work. It was then discovered that the contractor had a criminal record. Currently, local governments throughout the state are only required to do a basic background check. This legislation would provide for a more thorough background check on government contractors for the Medicaid waiver program and the elimination of the use of contractors who have a criminal record.

"Contractors should be thoroughly vetted if they are going to be eligible to work on home renovation projects,” said Senator DeFrancisco. “Families should have complete confidence that criminals are not being allowed in their homes, and they should be able to count on the work being done properly.”

This bill has been referred to the New York State Assembly.

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