Скачать или смотреть ABC 6 INVESTIGATORS: Sussi Testifies Before State House Committee

DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS (Tom Sussi/Sean Rowe) -- When it comes to protecting
you from crooked contractors, some say Ohio falls short.

Currently, residential contractors in Ohio are not licensed or regulated.

Now,
some state lawmakers want to change that. Just hours ago, supporters of
the new bill gave testimony at the state house. Including one of our
own: Chief Investigator Tom Sussi.

Sussi said, "This [proposed bill] coupled with education will better protect the consumers of Ohio."

House
Bill 140 would require all residential contractors to be licensed. A
board would also be established to oversee contractor performance, and
handle consumer complaints.

Representative Bill Patmon (D) is the bill's sponsor.

"Having
the industry in that kind of light where you have a place to complain
to a board...you have the opportunity to have some satisfaction given to
you by suing or having someone's license revoked, and to bring an
unregulated industry into the regulated twenty-first century."

Representative
Patmon invited Tom to share some of his experiences with crooked
contractors over the years. People like Jimmy Hatfield.

Michael Evilsizer.

And, Glenn Goddard.

All unscrupulous contractors who have ripped off consumers in central Ohio.

Sussi
told the committee, "ultimately, I'd like to see legislation that's
more aggressive with contractors who knowingly and willingly rip off
their customers."

House Bill 140 would require residential
contractors pass a written test in order to get their license.
Contractors would also be required to be insured and bonded.

John
Tamburello says it's a good start, but it's not enough. The Cleveland
man says crooked contractors destroyed his house, and his bank account.

"The bill is not good enough alone," he said. "Make them the criminals they are."

If
you support House Bill 140, Representative Patmon says you should call
you state representative. Those who oppose the bill will have an
opportunity to address the committee in the near future.