Tennessee board denies renewal for contractor convicted in consumer-related theft

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors on a roll-call vote denied renewal of contractor license number 76045 after concluding the applicant's recent criminal conviction bore a direct relationship to the duties of a licensed contractor.

Kyle (staff) told the board that "Mr. Carver was convicted recently a theft of property ... It's a class e felony on 11/12/2025," and that the conviction arose from conduct tied to his contracting business. Citing the Fresh Start factors in TCA 62-6-104, board members discussed whether the nature of the crime undermined the trust and fitness required to hold a license.

Board members repeatedly noted the conviction involved a consumer and occurred under the applicant's license. "I'm not comfortable with issuing a license to someone until they've gone through the proper time to serve for that penalty," said Keith Whittington, who moved to deny renewal and included counsel's recommendations in the denial rationale. Andy Allen seconded the motion. The board recorded unanimous affirmative votes and the denial carried.

Kyle recommended that, if denied, the applicant be allowed to reapply after completing the sentence or probation; the motion specified the applicant could reapply once the sentence was satisfied. The denial was procedural and limited to licensure; no criminal-sentencing decisions were made by the board.

The board's authority to refuse renewal in this case was based on the Fresh Start review factors in TCA 62-6-104, which require consideration of the relationship between the crime and the occupation's regulatory purposes, the applicant's capacity and fitness, evidence of rehabilitation, and any applicable federal law. The board recorded the denial at the meeting and set the reapplication condition as completion of the sentence or probation.