Rice Takes Both Public & SCI Recommendations into Consideration When Drafting Bills
MANALAPAN – Senator Ronald L. Rice today said that he is looking forward to the public’s input on how to better protect home buyers in New Jersey at the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee hearing.
“Last year the State Commission of Investigation (SCI) uncovered major problems with poorly built homes,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “The number of residents with nightmarish experiences of negligent workmanship in their homes has been overwhelming and I wanted to give homebuyers the peace of mind that their houses are safe.”
Senator Rice, the Committee Chairman and sponsor of a package of reform bills based on SCI recommendations, said “This legislation will increase government oversight and provide safeguards for those purchasing homes in New Jersey.”
The bills that will be voted on at a future committee meeting include:
S-1824 would establish a Bill of Rights for new homebuyers. The rights would include ensuring a fair and realistic opportunity to seek mortgage financing and allowing homebuyers to require the holding of escrows for items that are incomplete.
S-1825 would enhance the protections under the current “New Home Warranty and Builders’ Registration Act” to include longer warranties and an expansion of what is covered under those warranties.
S-1826 would amend the “State Uniform Construction Code Act” to provide a procedure for getting inspections done properly and in a timely manner.
S-2046 would enhance the protections of purchasers of units in housing developments where some parts of the property are under common ownership and control.