Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Roofing Licensure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor outlines proposed commercial roofing license, citing firefighter safety and fraud concerns
Summary
Senate Bill 125 would add a commercial roofing specialty license, exempt contracts under $20,000, require background checks and $500,000 liability coverage, include a three‑year grandfathering provision and $60 annual fee; sponsor said the measure aims to protect workers and firefighters and curb 1099 abuse. The bill had its first hearing.
Senate Bill 125, which would add a commercial roofing specialty license to Ohio's existing construction licensing structure, was presented to the Senate Workforce Development Committee by sponsor Senator Patton in a first hearing.
Senator Patton told the committee the bill "is a simple way to license commercial roofing contractors in the same way that other specialty contractors are currently licensed while providing much needed protection for public and private owners." He said the licensure would not apply to residential roofing and would exempt commercial roofing projects valued at less than $20,000.
Patton described safety and fraud rationales for the bill: "It will help end 1099 abuse. This is also a safety concern. We have seen a number of commercial roofs collapse prematurely during fires, endangering and even killing firefighters." He said the measure was brought by firefighters and reviewed by industry groups.
Key provisions described by the sponsor include a requirement that applicants be at least 18 and be a U.S. citizen or legal alien, state and federal background checks, proof of $500,000 in liability insurance for contractors, continuing education, and $60 annual licensing fees. The bill would mirror existing specialty licensing administered by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) within the Ohio Department of Commerce; the OCILB would adopt rule specifics, including penalties.
Patton said the bill contains a three‑year grandfathering provision so established commercial roofing contractors can qualify without meeting new education requirements immediately: "You have to show that you've been in business 3 years... they'll all pay $60 a year and they will all get continuing education," he told the committee. Ranking Member Ingram asked whether the grandfathering applied to individuals or companies; Patton clarified it applies to contractors (the business), not to unrelated individuals.
The sponsor listed supporters expected to testify, including the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, the Ohio Roofing Contractors Association (union and nonunion members), the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Mid States District Council of Roofers and Waterproofers. Patton said both union and nonunion contractors support the bill.
Committee members did not take further action; the item was recorded as a first hearing with sponsor testimony and no vote.
