Contractor Education Act
In Wisconsin, a contractor needs a Certificate of Financial Responsibility to engage in residential construction. To obtain the certificate, one previously only had to meet certain insurance and bonding requirements. Under a new law, known as the Contractor Education Act, the Department of Commerce will establish new rules requiring residential contractors to also meet continuing education requirements. Under the Act, to obtain a residential building permit, a person must annually complete at least 6 hours of continuing education and attend at least one meeting or seminar designed for both building contractors and building inspectors. New contractors not holding a certificate of financial responsibility will have to complete an examination developed by the Department of Commerce. The exam and continuing education requirements will not take effect until January 1, 2008. After that date, contractors will have to show proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements to obtain a permit. The Department may suspend or revoke a certificate of financial responsibility if a contractor fails to comply with the continuing education regulations. As of April 2006, the Department may also suspend or revoke a certificate if a contractor constructs a dwelling without a permit, is convicted of a crime related to the construction of a dwelling, or is adjudged bankrupt on 2 or more occasions.
