Mississippi Senate Bill SB2758

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24
• Refer: 2/19/24
• Failed: 3/14/24

Caption

Insurance; prohibit roofing contractors from taking certain actions related to insureds.

Impact

The proposed changes under SB2758 impact state laws relating to the responsibilities of residential roofing contractors. By requiring that contractors provide clear statements about the additional costs outside of covered repairs, as well as prohibiting aggressive sales tactics that might pressure homeowners, the bill aims to protect consumer rights against deceptive practices. These changes could enhance transparency in the contractor-client relationship, thereby fostering greater trust and satisfaction among consumers in the home repair market.

Summary

Senate Bill 2758 aims to update certain provisions related to residential roofing contractors in the state of Mississippi. The bill explicitly amends Sections 75-24-305 and 75-24-307 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, adding definitions pertinent to residential roofing and clarifying the roles and obligations of roofing contractors. A significant aspect of the bill is that it prohibits residential roofing contractors from collecting payment from insured homeowners until a five-day cancellation period post-contract signing has expired. This provision is designed to give homeowners a conditional time frame to reconsider the agreement without financial penalties.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB2758 may arise particularly from clauses that limit a contractor's ability to negotiate on behalf of a homeowner regarding insurance claims. Additionally, the prohibition against receiving referral fees from attorneys might be seen as restrictive by some contractors, arguing that it limits their operational flexibility. By imposing strict regulations, the bill has the potential to alter the market dynamics for residential roofing contractors, leading to varied opinions on its necessity and anticipated effectiveness in curbing consumer exploitation.