Sec. 1. 32 MRSA c. 135 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 135

REGISTRATION OF BUILDING CONTRACTORS

§15301.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Building construction services.__"Building construction services" means to construct, fix, replace, alter, convert, modernize, improve or make an addition to real property.__ "Building construction services" includes, but is not limited to, the construction, installation, replacement, improvement or cleaning of residences, buildings, commercial buildings, driveways, swimming pools, porches, kitchens, chimneys, chimney liners, garages, fences, fallout shelters, central air conditioning, central heating, boilers, furnaces, hot water heaters, electric wiring, sewers, plumbing fixtures, storm doors, storm windows, siding or awnings or other improvements to structures or upon the land adjacent to the structures including tree trimming.

2.__Building contractor.__"Building contractor" means any person, partnership, corporation, professional association, business, trust or other legal entity who enters into a contract with a consumer for building construction services that total $4,500 or more.

3.__Consumer.__"Consumer" means any person who purchases or contracts or is considering purchasing or contracting building construction services.

4.__Department.__"Department" means the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

5.__Permanent place of business.__"Permanent place of business" means a building or other permanent structure, including a home residence, that is owned or held under a 12- month lease or rental agreement, from which business is commenced and that is used in whole or in part for the purpose of engaging in sales of building construction services.

§15302.__Registration required