Texas House Bill HB972

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/14/09

Caption

Relating to inclusion on certain advertising documents of the license or certificate of registration number of certain individuals regulated by this state who solicit business in consumers' homes; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The implementation of HB 972 would result in a new chapter being added to the Occupations Code, specifically focused on the regulation of home solicitation practices. This change empowers state regulatory agencies to enforce rules requiring compliance with the new display requirements. Individuals found violating these rules could face civil penalties, which could deter illicit or inappropriate solicitation practices, thereby enhancing consumer protection. The bill aims to improve overall trust in home service industries by ensuring that only licensed individuals are engaging with consumers.

Summary

House Bill 972 aims to enhance transparency in advertising practices for individuals who solicit business in consumers' homes. It mandates that individuals regulated by state agencies must prominently display their license or certificate of registration number on any advertisement or document used in the solicitation process. This provision is intended to promote accountability and ensure that consumers can easily verify the legitimacy of those soliciting business directly in their homes. The bill addresses concerns about fraudulent practices and unlicensed solicitation that can mislead consumers.

Contention

While the bill is largely focused on consumer protection, there may be implications for how businesses operate within the home service market. Industry stakeholders may express concerns over the administrative burden associated with compliance, such as the costs of updating branding materials to include license information. Additionally, the thresholds for penalties could spark debate regarding fairness, especially for minor infractions. Legislators may need to consider these factors during discussions to balance consumer safety with the operational realities of businesses affected by this legislation.