The legislation is now at Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell?EUR??,,????'???s desk awaiting a signature.

State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, R-6, who introduced the measure, said he was thrilled to see it sent to the governor before the end of the session.

?EUR??,,????'??The sooner this law is enacted, the sooner we can start putting in place tougher guidelines and provide more information for consumers who are making home repairs,?EUR??,,????'?? Tomlinson said in a statement.

The law, which would go into effect 180 days after it is signed, would require contractors who earn more than $5,000 per year from contracting jobs to pay a $50 fee and provide their name, address, home phone number, Social Security number and proof of at least $50,000 in liability insurance before they can legally work in Pennsylvania. It also regulates what must be in a home improvement contract.

?EUR??,,????'??There are many good, fair and respected contractors out there and this legislation is intended to weed out con artists who prey on homeowners,?EUR??,,????'?? Tomlinson said.

The law does have its detractors. The Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association said it will increase the cost of doing business by forcing them to pay the application fee and plus any attorney fees that could be incurred in drawing up contracts that meet the state’s specifications.

It would also do little to stop unscrupulous contractors from preying on homeowners since, according to the association, ?EUR??,,????'??rip-off artists?EUR??,,????'?? are not likely to register their businesses with the state in the first place.