June 2025 Legislative Update
June 2025 Legislative Update
Advocating for a Stronger Restoration Industry
As the voice of the restoration contractor, RIA continues to monitor, influence, and respond to legislation that directly impacts your business. Our advocacy efforts are focused on ensuring your ability to operate with integrity and independence.
In this month’s update, you’ll find key developments from across the U.S. Let’s build a stronger, more unified restoration community—together.
Bills that have passed:
Georgia Passes Comprehensive Contractor Licensing Reform: GA HB 635
Georgia has enacted significant amendments to its contractor licensing laws, creating a new State Licensing Board for General Contractors. The board will be divided into residential and commercial divisions, each with strict eligibility, experience, and financial responsibility requirements. The law emphasizes professional standards, including mandatory exams, continuing education, and documentation of experience, aiming to improve oversight and accountability in the construction industry statewide.
Maine Increases Penalties for Pesticide Violations: ME HP 1132 / ME LD 1697
Beginning June 12, 2025, Maine will implement stricter penalties for violations of its pesticide use laws. Under the amended law, general violations can result in fines of up to $10,000—and up to $50,000 for unauthorized applications that result in substantial benefit. Repeat offenses within four years could carry penalties as high as $150,000.
Private applicators may now face fines of up to $1,000 for first offenses and $2,000 for repeat violations. The Board of Pesticides Control is tasked with enforcing the updated penalty schedule, facilitating civil action for pesticide migration affecting multiple properties, and overseeing restoration efforts.
These changes reflect the state’s renewed focus on accountability and safety in pesticide use—particularly impacting businesses in agriculture, landscaping, and pest remediation.
North Carolina Regulatory Reform Act of 2025: New Continuing Education Requirement for Contractors: NC HB 926 / NC H 926
North Carolina’s Regulatory Reform Act of 2025 introduces a new continuing education mandate for licensed general contractors. Under this legislation, at least one qualifier on each contractor license must complete eight hours of continuing education annually to maintain license validity. This applies to license holders in the building, residential, and unclassified contractor classifications.
Exemptions are granted for members of the General Assembly and licensees with a special builder designation. RIA members operating in North Carolina should ensure compliance ahead of their next renewal cycle to avoid licensing disruptions.
Bills we are currently monitoring:
Massachusetts Bill Proposes 24-Hour Hold on Fire Site Solicitation
A proposed amendment to Chapter 148 of the Massachusetts General Laws seeks to strengthen protections for homeowners immediately following a property fire. The legislation would prohibit public insurance adjusters, contractors, and restoration companies from soliciting or entering a fire-damaged property within the first 24 hours of an active fire investigation—unless they have permission from the property’s legal owner.
This restriction is designed to prevent the exploitation of homeowners during a highly vulnerable time and to allow for a thorough fire investigation. If enacted, the measure would place new operational limitations on both insurance and restoration professionals responding to fire loss claims.
Massachusetts Proposes One-Stop Licensing Portal for Businesses: MA H 421 / MA HD 113
A new legislative proposal in Massachusetts aims to modernize and streamline the licensure, compliance, and contracting process for businesses through the creation of a centralized online portal. Managed by the Division of Occupational Licensure, the platform would serve as a one-stop resource for license applications, renewals, tax payments, document submissions, and notifications about public contracting opportunities.
The division is required to submit a comprehensive assessment of the portal’s development to state officials, including implementation costs, call center support needs, and recommendations for regulatory updates. The initiative is designed to reduce administrative burdens, increase transparency, and improve access to state services for business owners and contractors.
Rhode Island Proposes Licensing Program for Residential Contractors
A new bill in Rhode Island seeks to establish a mandatory licensing program for residential contractors who supervise or perform structural work on one- to four-family homes. If passed, all such contractors will be required to hold a license issued by the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board starting January 1, 2027.
The proposed law is designed to increase consumer protection and jobsite accountability by requiring minimum standards of competency and professionalism for those working on residential projects. A licensing fee will be established by the board, and contractors will need to comply with the new framework to continue operating legally within the state.
This legislation may significantly impact how residential restoration and remodeling contractors do business in Rhode Island. RIA is tracking this development and will provide updates as the proposal moves through the legislative process.
North Carolina Considering Key Disaster Recovery Reforms Impacting Restoration Work: NC HB 251 / NC H 251
The North Carolina General Assembly has enacted legislation to improve disaster response and recovery, with direct implications for restoration contractors. The new law allows property owners affected by Hurricane Helene to rebuild without being required to meet updated building codes, such as fire-resistant window standards—reducing project costs and delays.
Restorers may also benefit from waived permits for vegetative debris processing and clearer guidance for rebuilding in floodplains under FEMA agreements. These reforms aim to speed up recovery work, reduce regulatory burdens, and protect contractors working in declared disaster zones.