The roof is one of the most important part of the house to consider. It protects us from the damaging elements like sunrays, smokes, dust, winds, and heavy rains. This is made true especially those who had been victims of hurricanes. One of which is the devastating Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Because of this, a new bill aiming for the improvement of the work of roofing contractors had been filed.
Roofing consumers in Texas seems no place to run in the event that calamities like Hurricane Harvey or hailstorms will occur.
House Bill 2101
Filed by the State Representative Giovanni Capriglione of R-Southlake, this bill would demand the roofers to register within their state. Moreover, this bill also aims to make a website accessible within the state for the use of consumers. This is to confirm authorized roofing contractors.
RCAT Licensing Program
For the implementation of the House Bill 2101, a licensing program had been started by RCAT. This licensing become the basis for the compulsory implementation in case the bill passes. However, this program is optional.
Legislation Roadblocks
Texas is the only state along the coastal area of the United States that does not require a registration process for roofers. This is because most contractors are honest. However, no one can tell the difference between an honest contractor and a dishonest one. Further, several factors lead to blockade of the said House Bill. These are the following:
- Lawmakers who rely on free-market economy thus reduce the regulations within the government. This is one way in which politics and business are similar. Example of such are the Texas Freedom Caucus members.
- The house bill has a registration fee of $250 with a validity of 2 years. For the renewal of registration, the fee is $100.
- Distrust gained within the roofing industry.
- There is no liability insurance offered to roofers as per experts in roofing.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
There are various tips in order for the citizens of Texas to be protected from fraud roofing contractors. In fact, the FEMA have a list of this kind of tips. Basically, the tips include no to advance payment, have a contract agreement in print, and getting to know the contractor by researching about their company.