Poland Sejm passes law to aid families defrauded in Clean Air program

The Polish Sejm has passed a special act designed to assist approximately 8,000 families affected by fraudulent contractors within the ‘Czyste Powietrze’ (Clean Air) program. The legislation aims to protect homeowners who were victims of dishonest thermal modernization companies that exploited pre-financing systems to claim subsidies without completing work.

Under the new regulations, environmental protection funds will be authorized to pursue claims directly from fraudsters. For affected beneficiaries, this may result in the suspension or cancellation of outstanding debts. To qualify for the suspension of payments, a criminal proceeding must first be initiated regarding the crime committed by the contractor or an individual acting on their behalf.

Additionally, contractors convicted of crimes against beneficiaries will face a five-year ban from participating in such programs. The bill, which passed with 432 votes in favor and 9 abstentions, now moves to the Senate for further deliberation.