Relating to regulation of certain disaster remediation contractors; providing penalties.
Impact
The legislation is significant as it introduces a systematic approach to addressing the often-chaotic landscape of disaster-related services. By creating a registry for contractors, the bill aims to eliminate fraudulent activities and ensure that residents receive quality service from reputable providers. It provides mechanisms for consumer complaints and outlines the enforcement actions that can be taken against contractors who fail to comply with the established regulations, including penalties for deceptive trade practices.
Summary
House Bill 1291 focuses on the regulation of disaster remediation contractors in Texas. The bill establishes a framework for defining disaster remediation services and the contractors who provide them, requiring that these individuals or entities register with the Texas Department of Insurance. This regulation aims to enhance consumer protection by ensuring that only qualified and registered contractors can offer disaster remediation services, which are particularly critical in the aftermath of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, or fires. The bill explicitly defines terms such as 'disaster remediation' and 'contract holder', establishing clarity in the services offered and the responsibilities of contractors.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its potential to safeguard consumers during vulnerable times, some may argue it could impose additional bureaucracy on legitimate contractors. Additionally, there may be concerns about the implementation of the registry and how it will affect small businesses or independent contractors who are crucial in disaster recovery efforts. However, the provision for penalties for non-compliance is seen as a necessary measure to maintain standards within the industry.
Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of lactation consultants and the creation of the Lactation Consultant Advisory Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the regulation of reroofing contractors; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; creating a criminal offense; requiring an occupational registration.
Relating to the provision of child protective services and other health and human services by certain state agencies or under contract with a state agency, including foster care, child protective, relative and kinship caregiver support, prevention and early intervention health care, and adoption services.
Relating to procedures in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship and the operation of the child protective services and foster care systems.