Texas Bill Would Create Roofing Contractor Registration

Texas Rep. Kenneth Sheets filed legislation that would establish a voluntary roofing contractor registration program with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).

Sheets said House Bill 1488, known as the Roofing Contractor Consumer Protection Act, would help protect consumers from unscrupulous roofing contractors. Under the bill, roofing contractors installing replacement roofs in Texas would have the option to register with TDI, placing them in a statewide database maintained by agency.

In announcing his bill, Sheets noted that homeowner insurance in Texas is among the highest in the nation and that “unique weather risks” in the state are largely to blame.

“Sadly, the problem of severe weather is made worse by the influx of contractors to an affected area that are either unable or unwilling to perform quality work. Poor work causes more severe and frequent property claims for homeowners, which then leads to higher insurance rates,” Sheets said in the announcement released by the House.

In addition to creating a state-wide database, HB 1488 tightens existing laws by prohibiting all roofing contractors, regardless of their participation in the statewide registration, from rebating consumer insurance deductibles. It also requires contractors to disclose to consumers the status of their liability insurance coverage.