RIA AGA Legislative Update - March 2025
RIA's AGA Legislative Task Force is responsible for monitoring legislation across the United States that may impact restoration professionals in the areas of mold remediation, contractor laws & regulations, contracts, prevailing wage and more. The following update is being provided to help RIA members stay informed of key legislative developments.
The RIA encourages members to report legislative issues in their state to the RIA's AGA Legislative Task Force for review.
The RIA has taken a significant step forward in lobbying in several states for key amendments to legislation, including ensuring emergency restoration services are exempted from right to cancel contracts. The following highlights current lobbying efforts underway to protect the interests of restoration contractors.
NJ A551 proposes extending the cancellation period for home improvement contracts from three to five business days but does not specifically provide an exemption for emergency restoration services with the right to cancel contracts. Since delays in emergency response can worsen property damage and health risks, legislators are considering amendments put forth by the RIA's AGA Legislative Task Force to define "Emergency Restoration Services" and create an exemption for these services.
CT HB06967 also provides for the right to cancel contracts within three business days. The bill does not explicitly provide an exemption from the right to cancel contracts for emergency restoration services, which could have a negative impact on urgent water mitigation and disaster response work. The RIA is actively advocating for amendments to clearly define "emergency restoration services" and establish an exemption from the right to cancel contracts to ensure restoration professionals can respond quickly without unnecessary delays.
The RIA is lobbying for amendments to Georgia SB201 to modify current language in the bill that could cause unnecessary litigation for restoration contractors. The amendments include replacing vague, subjective terminology such as "substandard" when referring to a contractor's performance that could be considered unlawful or unfair practices, amending language on how homeowners must provide timely contract cancellation notices to contractors, and ensure that should a consumer invoke the right to cancel a contract, that contractors are entitled to collect the amount due for emergency services at the time they are rendered in accordance with the contract for service.
NJ A1457 requires the licensure of general contractors in the state and defines a "general contractor" as an individual or business that can be classified under certain construction trade categories. The bill outlines the eligibility requirements for licensure, including education, field experience, and passing an examination. It also provides some exemptions for experienced general contractors and those licensed in related professions. The RIA is lobbying for a definition of and exemption for emergency restoration services to be included in this bill along with the Senate companion bill S4088.