Attorney General Unveils Legislative Proposals For 2015 Session

Attorney General Greg Zoeller is tackling some of Indiana’s top consumer complaints with his legislative proposals for the 2015 session.  That includes going after home improvement scammers and enhancing protections for Hoosier veterans.

The Attorney General’s office received nearly a thousand complaints about home repair or construction scams last year, the third highest consumer complaint category.  Attorney General Greg Zoeller says he’s proposing legislation that would establish a voluntary registration system for what he calls the “good actors” – contractors who put up a bond with the AG’s office.  The public could then see the list of those contractors.

“We’re not trying to make it harder for legitimate businesses," Zoeller said. "We’re trying to make it easier for consumers to identify the legitimate businesses.”

Zoeller’s proposals would also expand the Senior Consumer Protection Act, which enhances penalties for scammers who intentionally prey on seniors.  The law would include greater fines for those who target veterans, spouses of deceased veterans and Hoosiers with disabilities.