Oklahoma Lawmaker: Failure to Pass Roofer Bill Could Lead to Losses

The failure to pass legislation requiring roofers to obtain a state license could lead to devastating losses for many Oklahomans, state Rep. Mike Shelton said.

“Our first job as legislators is to protect Oklahoma citizens,” said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. “By failing to license roofers, we are not living up to that responsibility.”

Senate Bill 2180, by state Sen. Dan Newberry and state Rep. Fred Jordan, would require roofers to obtain a state license. The measure still awaits a final vote, Shelton noted.

The licensure process would make it easier for Oklahomans to identify legitimate roofers and avoid the fly by night outfits that often spring up after a disaster and provide shoddy service, he said.

“In light of all the damage done by the recent hail storm and tornadoes, Attorney General Drew Edmondson had to warn property owners to beware of fraudulent home-repair companies,” Shelton said. “The lack of a licensing process in Oklahoma has left all citizens – but especially the elderly – vulnerable to financial exploitation that can cost them thousands of dollars and prevent the proper repair of their home, the most important asset many own.”

Shelton urged lawmakers to allow a licensing bill to be brought to the House floor this week before the session adjourns.

“I live in one of the neighborhoods that was absolutely decimated by the hail storm, and the plague of bootleg roofers in my area is already apparent,” Shelton said. “I am very concerned about my neighbors and constituents. Fortunately, there is still time to protect the citizens from scam artists. I hope my colleagues will agree that it’s time to put the con artists out of business.”

Source: Oklahoma Legislature