Restoration Industry Advocacy Updates

Check out the latest news & updates about AGA!

 

Legislative update emails from RIA keep members informed about proposed laws and regulations that could impact the restoration industry. These timely alerts highlight key issues, advocacy efforts, and opportunities for members to take action or stay engaged.

 

May 2025 Legislative Updates

In May 2025, RIA is actively monitoring several key bills across multiple states, including legislation related to price gouging, contractor licensing, mold and fire remediation, and right to cancel provisions that may affect restoration professionals.

Right to Cancel Contracts

RIA tracks right to cancel legislation to ensure that restoration contractors can respond quickly to emergencies without being hindered by extended cancellation periods. While we support consumer protections, delays in executing contracts can lead to increased property damage, health risks, and insurance complications. RIA advocates for clear exemptions for emergency mitigation work to balance consumer rights with the need for immediate action.

CA SB784

CT HB06967

NJ A551

Contractor Licensing 

RIA monitors contractor licensing legislation to ensure that restoration professionals are not unintentionally swept into regulatory frameworks designed for general contractors or builders. Restoration work—especially emergency mitigation—requires a different skill set and response model. We advocate for clear definitions, appropriate exemptions, and fair requirements that recognize the unique role of restoration contractors in disaster recovery and property preservation.

CT HB6965

NJ A1457 

SC HB4518:

Fire Remediation

RIA follows fire remediation legislation to ensure that new requirements—such as contract disclosures and insurance-related notices—strike the right balance between consumer protection and the operational realities of restoration work. In cases like this bill, which added new contract and notice requirements for fire remediation under insurance claims, RIA actively engaged with lawmakers, submitted early feedback, and successfully secured commitments for major revisions. Our goal is to ensure laws protect consumers without creating unnecessary delays or liabilities for professional restorers.

TX HB4169

Mold Remediation

RIA monitors mold remediation legislation to ensure that regulatory frameworks reflect the specialized nature of restoration work and do not impose unnecessary burdens on qualified contractors. Clear, consistent standards help protect consumers while allowing restoration professionals to respond quickly to mold-related health and safety risks—especially in post-disaster environments where delays can lead to greater damage and liability.

IA HF731

Price Gouging

RIA is actively monitoring price gouging legislation to ensure restoration contractors are not unfairly restricted during emergency response efforts. While we support protecting consumers from exploitative pricing, overly rigid laws can prevent restorers from adjusting for real-time increases in labor, material, and logistical costs—ultimately delaying recovery and harming both businesses and property owners.

CA SB36

NY S07345

US HR2427

READ MORE

March 2025 Legislative Updates

The RIA has taken a significant step forward in lobbying in several states for key amendments to legislation, including ensuring emergency restoration services are exempted from right to cancel contracts. The following highlights current lobbying efforts underway to protect the interests of restoration contractors. 

Find out how we are helping restorers on the following bills by clicking to read more.

READ MORE


First AGA Canada Position Statement on Prompt Payment

 

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA)
Canada is proud to announce the release of its first Prompt Pay Position Paper, a vital resource designed
to help restoration professionals navigate prompt payment legislation across Canada.
Prompt payment legislation has been enacted at the federal level and in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and
Alberta, with other provinces currently considering or advancing similar legislation. While the
fundamental concepts remain consistent across jurisdictions, variations exist in how the laws are
applied. Understanding these nuances is essential for restorers seeking fair and timely payment for their
services.

Access the AGA Position Statements 


Xactware User License Agreement Language Restored After Restoration Industry Association’s Advocacy & Government Affairs (AGA) and Verisk Meeting



New AGA Position Statements


The RIA's AGA is pleased to release a series of new peer-reviewed position statements for RIA members that address issues related to claims handling and Third Party Administrators (TPAs). You must be logged in with your RIA member credentials to access the statements.

Access the AGA Position Statements 


The Restoration Industry Association & KnowHow Announce the Pioneering 2024 RIA Cost of Doing Business Report


Pricing Platform Feedback


The RIA's Advocacy & Government Affairs (AGA) Committee and Independent Pricing Task Force recognize the importance of restoration contractors being able to provide actionable feedback to various pricing software platforms. Check out the following resources to show you how to provide actionable pricing feedback for Xactimate and Claims Connect.

How to Provide Xactware Pricing Platform Feedback
 

How to Provide CoreLogic Mobile Claims Pricing Platform Feedback 
 


RIA President Mark Springer and Restoration Advocate Ed Cross Discuss Implications of the Acquisition of Next Gear by CoreLogic

 


How to Produce Xactimate Industry Trend Reports


RIA's Advocacy & Government Affairs (AGA) Committee is excited to share this great video from Ben Justesen, President of JRCC and Chair of the AGA Pricing Task Force, on how to access Xactimate Industry Trend Reports.


RIA Releases New Position Statement on Deviation from Standardized Price Lists


The Restoration Industry Association recently released the first pricing position statement for restoration contractors. Titled, “Deviation from Standardized Price Lists,” this peer-reviewed statement examines the issue that many restorers face when insurance carriers and their partners attempt to prohibit deviations from standardized price lists. The position statement will help restorers respond to these challenges when they arise. Read More...


RIA Receives Investment from ATI Restoration, LLC


Mount Laurel, NJ, January 2021 – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is pleased to announce a generous $30,000 investment from ATI Restoration LLC, the nation's largest family-owned restoration contractor. These funds will be used to support the association's Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) initiatives to advance the voice of contractors in the industry. Read More...


RIA Receives Investment from Restoration Affiliates


Mount Laurel, NJ, September 2020 – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is pleased to announce a $25,000 investment from Restoration Affiliates (RA). This significant investment will be used to support the association’s Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) initiatives to advance the voice of contractors in the industry. Read More...


2021 Restoration Industry Trends


Phillip Rosebrook discusses AGA's work in this two-part trend series with R&R.
Part 1 | Part 2

 


Advocating for the Industry R&R Editor-in-Chief Michelle Blevins spent some time catching up with The Restoration Lawyer, Ed Cross. These days, he has another official title, The Restoration Advocate, after being hired by the Restoration Industry Association's Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee to advocate for a more equal and level playing field for restoration contractors. Read More...

 


AGA Thrives in 2020, Advances the Voice of the Restorer
The year 2020 has been one for the record books, and even though a pandemic has changed how we live, work, and learn, it certainly has not changed the RIA’s mission to educate, advocate, and elevate the restoration industry. Read More...

 

 


R&R's 2020 Restoration Industry Year in Review 
Industry leaders look at what’s happened in 2020, and predict what’s ahead of the restoration industry. Read More...

 

 

 


Session Shows How to Make Xactimate Work for YOU


Ben Justesen, a Xactimate Affiliate Trainer, held a virtual session during the RIA 2020 Virtual International Restoration Convention + Industry Expo to build upon attendees’ knowledge of Xactimate and how to apply it. The ultimate goal was to improve user’s skills in estimating, creating better job budgets, and work orders. Read More...


AGA Third Party Consultant Position StatementRestoration Industry Association (RIA) Announces a Release of Third Party Consultant Position Statements

The Restoration Industry Association has released a comprehensive series of position statements that address some of its members’ most-asked questions. Each of these statements have been written and peer-reviewed by experts in the restoration industry, in order to assure that the information in them is accurate and reliable in every aspect. By creating and distributing these position statements, the RIA hopes that members will be equipped with the knowledge they need to deal with some of their more delicate, on-the-job situations. Read More...


Restoration Industry AGA Town Hall Q&A Webinar

Stream the RIA Town Hall Q&A featuring Mark Springer, CR.


Restoration Industry Advocacy Publications & Reports

Restoration Industry Advocacy Article

Our Greatest Need
First Quarter 2019
Mark Springer, CR, CEO Dayspring Restoration and RIA board member

Mark outlines his case for a proactive approach to advocacy and how that will strengthen and sustain the restoration industry, including his seven step plan to accompli

sh this.

 

Restoration Industry Advocacy Report

Restoration Advocacy Report #1 
June 1, 2019
Ed Cross, Esq. President of Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates and Restoration Advocate

This advocacy report outlines the AGA mission and the major steps taken by RIA to advocate for the legal and financial interests of restorers

Restoration Industry Advocacy Report 2

Restoration Advocacy Report #2 
July 15, 2019
Ed Cross, Esq. President of Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates and Restoration Advocate

This advocacy report outlines the AGA mission and the major steps taken by RIA to advocate for the legal and financial interests of restorers.

Restoration Industry Advocacy Report 3

Restoration Advocacy Report #3
August 20, 2019
Ed Cross, Esq. President of Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates and Restoration Advocate

This advocacy report outlines updates from the AGA's Pricing Subcommittee, TPA Subcommittee, Investment Subcommittee and TPC (Third Party Consultant) Subcommittee.

Restoration Industry Advocacy Report 4

Restoration Advocacy Report #4 
September 20, 2019
Ed Cross, Esq. President of Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates and Restoration Advocate

This advocacy report outlines the major strides the AGA Committee as taken to build unity within the industry and move aggressively to level the playing field for restorers, both legally and financially.

Restoration Industry Advocacy Report 5

Restoration Advocacy Report #5
October 16, 2019
Ed Cross, Esq. President of Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates and Restoration Advocate

This advocacy report outlines how the AGA committee continues to make strides and move forward.

Restoration Industry Advocacy Report 6

Restoration Advocacy Report #6 
November 13, 2019
Ed Cross, Esq. President of Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates and Restoration Advocate

This advocacy report features information about how, month after month, the AGA Committee's movement gains momentum in a way that is unprecedented in the property repair industry.

Restoration Industry Advocacy Report 7

Restoration Advocacy Report #7
February 2020
Ed Cross, Esq. President of Law Offices of Edward H. Cross & Associates and Restoration Advocate

This advocacy report features information about AGA's positions on key issues that are adversely affecting restorers' bottom lines.