Bill that requires valid IDs for registered contractors signed into law
STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith and Sen. Brian J. Thompson that requires all licensed contractor applicants produce a valid ID has been signed into law.
Brian J. Thompson
“This bill goes a long way to create a more level playing field in the construction industry. It will ensure that homeowners are protected from negligent contractors or people passing themselves off as contractors by monitoring who is registering to become a licensed contractor. It will also guarantee that those who have violated laws and regulations would be identified by those who contract their services. This is important consumer protection legislation,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket).
Under the legislation (2025-H 5558, 2025-S 0913), all those who want to register as a contractor with the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board will have to include with their application a legible copy of a valid government-issued identification.
“We are constantly seeing contractor fraud stories on the local news and too many residents are still being victimized by morally corrupt contractors when they need home repairs. This bill will bring a significant level of transparency when dealing with contractors, which will protect homeowners from being scammed,” said Senator Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland).
Mary Ann Shallcross Smith
The Department of Business Regulation, the Rhode Island Coalition of Housing Providers, the RI Builders Association and Build Rhode Island (a nonprofit trade association comprising four contractor associations) all testified in support of the legislation.