Mississippi House Bill HB1118

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

Residential roofing contractors; revise requirements under Insurance Benefits Roofing Repair Consumer Protection Act.

Impact

A significant amendment involves extending the cancellation period for roofing repair contracts from three days to five days. This change ensures that consumers have more time to reconsider their decisions, ultimately protecting them from hasty commitments. Furthermore, the bill prohibits residential contractors from demanding payment until the expiration of this cancellation period. This provision is expected to provide additional security for homeowners, allowing them to evaluate the necessity and cost of the repairs prior to financial commitment.

Summary

House Bill 1118 aims to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 to enhance consumer protection regulations for residential roofing contractors and their clients. The bill revises the definition of 'roof system' as per the Insurance Benefits Roofing Repair Consumer Protection Act to encapsulate various components of roofing, including sheathing, weatherproofing, and ventilation systems. This clear definition seeks to establish a comprehensive understanding among contractors and consumers regarding what is included in roofing contracts.

Contention

The bill also addresses contentious practices in the roofing industry by prohibiting contractors from representing homeowners on insurance claims or receiving payments from attorneys for claim referrals. This restriction aims to decrease potentially exploitative relationships between contractors and attorneys that could harm the integrity of the claims process. By implementing restrictions on post-loss assignments, the bill seeks to tighten the accountability of roofing contractors within the industry. However, these changes may face pushback from industry stakeholders who may argue that they inhibit business operations or increase costs.