OKLA. CITY – Over the years we’ve tracked down our fair share of contracting criminals.
We even helped authorities put some of them behind bars.
Right now all trades involved in a construction project are regulated, but not general contractors.
The Oklahoma State Home Builders Association and other trade groups are rallying support for House Bill 1828 that would require all builders and remodelers to register with the state.
Mike Means, the Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association, says the point isn’t more regulation of the building industry, but to weed out the rift raft, while giving the public a place to go to check out a general contractor.
“We feel like there’s a minimum of teeth. We’re not asking for testing,” Means said. “We’re not asking to give financials to the state. The fact you can prove you have insurance shows some credibility.”
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board already oversees plumbers, electricians, heat and air contractors and roofers and this measure would throw general contractors into the mix.
The measure made it out of the house and senate committee, but has a long way to go.
Some of those opposing HB 1828 are against an expansion of government.
The measure next goes to the senate for a vote.
We’ll keep you posted.
