Consumer‑protection bill on door‑to‑door roofing debated; subcommittee tables measure 7–2

The Criminal Law Subcommittee considered HB1335, a consumer‑protection bill aimed at contractors who solicit door‑to‑door storm repairs and allegedly misrepresent damage to induce insurance claims. Delegate Wyatt, the patron, said the bill targets bad actors who prey on elderly or vulnerable homeowners and proposed a $1,000 civil fine for misrepresentation under the targeted section.

Supporters included Elizabeth Parker of Troutman Strategies representing the American Property and Casualty Insurance Association and Heather Greenwell of the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals, who argued the bill would deter predatory solicitation and protect legitimate contractors. Opponents included Robert Bradshaw of the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia, who noted the change this year from a criminal penalty to a civil penalty and warned that such a reduction may encourage fraudulent behavior. Bradshaw and others pointed to existing criminal statutes (including Va. Code § 18.2‑178 on obtaining money by false pretenses) and a dedicated insurance fraud investigative unit in state police as mechanisms that already cover such acts.

Committee members discussed enforcement and whether the conduct is already covered by existing fraud provisions. Several members described the problem of contractors soliciting after storms, allegedly inducing signatures on contracts and then attempting collection even when insurers deny claims. After debate and motions, a substitute motion to lay the bill on the table passed by a vote of 7–2, tabling HB1335 for the day.

Delegate Wyatt said his door is open to continue discussions with independent agents and others to refine the approach.

The transcript records no final amendment or reporting action; the bill remained tabled by the subcommittee.