Patton's Commercial Roofing Contractor Bill Passes in the Ohio House

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) announces that his legislation House Bill 199, known as the Commercial Roofing Contractor Bill, has passed within the Ohio House. The bill would add a commercial roofing license section to the existing specialty contractors licensing structure. Currently, the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) licenses commercial contractors doing plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, refrigeration, and electrical work in Ohio.

Patton, who also introduced a similar bill during the last General Assembly, spoke to the legislation on the House floor.

“The roofing profession has continued to become more and more technical,” said Patton. “The ability to have qualified licensed contractors working on a crucial part of public and private commercial buildings is important. Contractors believe this is a route that will make Ohio safer.”

Patton also noted that similar to other trades OCILB monitors, there are no bond requirements as part of this licensure. The legislation will also curb 1099 abuse without expanding Ohio’s governmental structure.

Additionally, House Bill 199 allows commercial roofing contractors who can show three years of continuous business existence, and meet the following criteria, to be grandfathered into the licensing system at the annual licensing renewal rate of $60 per year. This requires they must:

• Show proof of insurance (Same as in current law for other trades);
• Be at least 18 years of age (Same as in current law for other trades);
• Be a United States citizen or a legal alien-must provide proof of being a legal alien (Same as in current law for other trades);
• Not have been convicted of or plead guilty to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or of any felony (Same as in current law for other trades); and
• Carry minimum $500,000 contractor liability coverage. (Same as in current law for other trades) 

Those contractors that do not meet the grandfather provision or who are newly formed would have to meet the requirements above and pass a business and roofing specific exams.

Several groups supported the legislation throughout the committee process including the Ohio Roofing Contractors Association, the Northern Ohio Fire Fighters Association, the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, the National Electrical Contractors Association of Greater Cleveland Chapter, and the Mid-States District Council of Roofers and Waterproofers.

“HB 199 is a simple way to license commercial roofing contractors in the same effective and efficient way that other specialty contractors are currently licensed while providing needed protections for public and private owners and helping to regulate the independent contractor abuse that is undermining Ohio’s economy,” Patton added.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for further action.