More than 2,000 people last year filed complaints with the state attorney general's office regarding shoddy home improvement work and bad contractors.

Yesterday, Tom Corbett was in Pittsburgh to outline for consumers a statewide program that will allow them to verify with the state that contractors they hire are registered -- as required under a law that took effect Wednesday.

All businesses that perform more than $5,000 a year in home contracting work must register with the attorney general's office.

In addition, they must include their state registration number on all estimates, contracts and advertisements. Further, the new law provides that for any job exceeding $500, a written contract between the company and customer must be executed.

The Pennsylvania Builders Association supported the legislation.

"It's the first time PBA was brought in early and had a voice to help shape it," said Scott Elliott, a spokesman for PBA. "It took into account the interests of consumers and home contractors."

Legislation related to home contractors has been introduced several times in the last decade, he said, but past bills failed when they included a guaranteed fund paid into by all contractors to refund a portion of customers' lost money.

"We felt that was punishing the good guys for the actions of the bad guys. We didn't think it was fair," Mr. Elliott said.

When they register, contractors must disclose any past criminal or civil actions filed against them. If any of the information included is false, Mr. Corbett said, the contractor could be charged with a crime.

Consumer protection agents within his office are working to verify the information provided to them, but with nearly 32,000 contractors already registered, it will be a lengthy process, he said.

In addition to simply checking to ensure a contractor is registered, the database for consumers will also link to the Better Business Bureau.

While the registration system is not as proactive as PBA would like, it's another tool to help consumers, Mr. Elliott said.

"It's a reactive tool. Anyone can register," he said. "They still need to do their homework."

Mr. Corbett stressed the same message. The state does not endorse anyone who is listed on the registry, and homeowners are encouraged to get multiple estimates for repair work and to check contractor references.

One tool the online database will provide, Mr. Corbett said, is the ability for consumers to do searches in their communities to find contractors who have already registered.

Consumers can call 1-888-520-6680 or go to www.attorneygeneral.gov to verify registration.

Contractors can also register online or mail an application to the state office.