County Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) has introduced legislation to protect consumers in Suffolk County by increasing the maximum allowable fines levied on home improvement contractors who operate without a license.

Too many Suffolk residents take on the financial burden of hiring electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other home contractors only to become victims of unlicensed contractors who perform incomplete or shoddy work. These illegal contractors compete unfairly against reputable contractors who have a valid license.

Under Cooper’s bill, any contractor who operates without the required license, or uses fraud to obtain a license, will be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. Each violation would be treated as a separate offense. Under current law, the maximum fine allowed is only $1,000.

“Home improvement is an important aspect of our economy here in Suffolk, and homeowners should have confidence that the contractor they hire is performing work with a valid license,” Cooper said. “Illegal contractors who violate this trust must be held accountable.”

Charles Gardner, Director of Suffolk County’s Office of Consumer Affairs, stated, “Contractors who operate without a required occupational license are a menace to Suffolk County consumers and unfairly take away work from licensed contractors. Legislator Cooper’s proposal would help to keep these illegal contractors from taking advantage of Suffolk’s consumers.”

Cooper’s resolution will be voted on at tomorrow’s meeting of the County Legislature in Hauppauge.