The Legislative Update: April 8, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Notable legislative movement occurred this week in Louisiana and Kentucky, with key bills focusing on contractor licensure and public adjusters. 

General Contracting

Louisiana HB 1186 and Louisiana SB 326 are similar bills pertaining to contracting in Louisiana, but with different legislative goals. HB 1186 establishes a state Uniform Construction Code Commission to review and amend, as needed, the state’s Uniform Construction Code. Further, the Commission will be responsible for issuing, approving, suspending, and revoking licenses granted to contractors, including charging application fees through a defined schedule, among other responsibilities. 

On the other hand, SB 326 amends the state’s contractor provisions by adding definitions for ‘commercial construction,’ ‘manufactured home,’ and ‘dwelling unit,’ among others; reorganizing the administrative rules for the state licensure board; requiring contractors applying for licensure or renewal to provide a financial statement from the previous 12 months; requiring applicants for contractor licensure be U.S. citizens; and requiring license applicants—including mold remediators—to maintain $500,000 in liability insurance (previously $100,000), among other changes.

• Both bills have been introduced in their respective chambers. While the bills differ in scope and language, both indicate political pressure to update the state’s contracting codes. 
• Want to take action on SB 326, log into your Advocacy Action Hub to write your representative today.

Restoration Insurance

Kentucky HB 568 redefines the term ‘public adjuster’ within the state insurance code as any person who either:

1. For compensation or reward paid by or on behalf of an insured, renders advice or assistance to the insured in a first-party claim for loss or damages under any policy, certificate, or contract of insurance covering real or personal property, or
2. Advertises, solicits business, or holds itself out to the public as an adjuster as described in A. 

• The bill clarifies that public adjusters do not include licensed attorneys acting in their professional capacity as an attorney, nor a person employed only for the purpose of obtaining facts surrounding a loss or furnishing technical assistance to a licensed public adjuster, including photographers, estimators, private investigators, engineers, and handwriting experts. 

This bill also revises licensure requirements for public adjusters, as well as grants insured individuals the right to rescind a contract with a public adjuster within five business days of a contract signing, or 10-30 days if a state of emergency was declared. 

• This bill has bipartisan support and has passed both chambers. If enacted, this bill would adjust the state definition of public adjusters, as well as expand the methods through which insured individuals can cancel their adjustment agreements, which may impact restoration work. 

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These updates are part of RIA’s mission to educate, advocate, and elevate the restoration industry—empowering contractors to navigate legislative challenges and shape a stronger future for all.