House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to strengthen consumer protections for residential property owners during declared disasters or emergencies by regulating contractor conduct. The bill prohibits contractors from directly soliciting homeowners for disaster-related services unless the homeowner initiates contact. It also bans misleading inducements related to property insurance claims, ensuring contractors cannot imply guaranteed insurance payouts or offer incentives for inspections. Additionally, the bill requires disaster repair contracts to include a notice of the homeowner's right to cancel, extending the cancellation period to 30 days if the notice is not provided.

The legislation introduces new definitions and provisions regarding license lending and renting, making violations subject to disciplinary actions by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Contractors must provide written disclosures to homeowners before entering contracts, detailing their license information and the homeowner's responsibilities regarding insurance deductibles. Contracts that do not comply with these provisions are voidable by the homeowner for one year, with stipulations for refunds and payments for emergency work. The bill also establishes administrative penalties for violations, empowers the Louisiana State Licensing Board to impose fines, and clarifies that any waiver of rights under this legislation is null and void, reinforcing regulatory oversight in the contracting industry.

Statutes affected:
HB924 Original: 37:2164(A)