In an industry as essential and technical as roofing, it might surprise you to learn that Texas is one of the only states in the country that does not require roofing contractors to be licensed. That means anyone, without proof of training, insurance, or even basic knowledge, can call themselves a roofing contractor and legally take on projects across the state.
It’s a loophole that has cost Texas homeowners and businesses millions in poor workmanship, insurance fraud, and project mismanagement. And it’s a loophole that may finally be closing.
House Bill 3344 (HB 3344), also known as the Roofing Contractor Consumer Protection Act, was introduced in early 2025 and is currently progressing through the legislative process. If passed, it will establish state licensing requirements for roofing contractors, finally bringing accountability and professionalism to one of the most critical construction trades.
This blog post explains what HB 3344 is, why it matters, the latest updates, and why we strongly support this bill as a Texas-based roofing company.
Table of Contents
What Is HB 3344?
HB 3344 is a bill introduced in the 2025 legislative session by Representative Pat Curry to create a formal licensing process for roofing contractors in Texas, overseen by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Its goal is to protect consumers from fraud and substandard work by requiring all roofing contractors to meet baseline professional and financial standards.
Key Features of the Bill:
● Licensing Requirement: By June 1, 2026, all roofing contractors must hold a valid license through TDLR to operate legally in Texas.
● Experience & Exam: Contractors must prove a minimum of 10 years of roofing experience and pass a qualifying exam to demonstrate technical knowledge.
● Insurance & Financial Responsibility: Applicants must show they carry general liability insurance and meet financial responsibility criteria.
● Public Registry: TDLR will maintain a public database of licensed contractors with contact info, licensing status, and any disciplinary history.
● Prohibited Practices: It specifically bans contractors from rebating insurance deductibles and from acting as public adjusters on properties they are roofing.
Why Texas Has a Roofing Problem
For years, Texas’s lack of licensing requirements has made it a magnet for unqualified contractors and storm-chasing sales teams. After major weather events like hail or windstorms, it’s not uncommon to see out-of-town “roofers” flood neighborhoods with slick marketing, high-pressure tactics, and little concern for long-term quality.
Many of these outfits don’t have their crews. They sub out the work to the cheapest bidder, cut corners, and leave customers with poorly installed roofs and no recourse when things go wrong. Worse yet, there’s no system to discipline these actors, because they’re not licensed in the first place.
This has led to:
● Fraudulent insurance claims
● Poor workmanship with no warranties
● Fly-by-night companies are disappearing with deposits
● Reputable contractors struggling to compete on price alone
In short, the Texas roofing industry has become dominated by sales rather than skill.
What Licensing Will Change
Some critics argue that licensing just adds more red tape. But we see it differently. Licensing isn’t about bureaucracy — it’s about raising the floor.
Here’s what will change:
● Consumers will finally have a reliable way to verify contractors. ● Contractors will be held accountable for quality, insurance, and safety. ● The industry will shift back toward professionalism and craft, not just closing deals.
● Reputable companies won’t have to compete with bad actors who undercut pricing and disappear when there’s a leak.
Most importantly, homeowners and building owners will have more protection from bad installations, from shady deductibles schemes, and from being left in the dark when issues arise.
The Latest Status of HB 3344
As of May 8, 2025, HB 3344 has been reported favorably out of the House Committee on Trade, Workforce & Economic Development. This is a key milestone, as it means the bill is advancing toward a vote in the full Texas House.
If passed into law:
● The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025
● Enforcement of licensing requirements will begin June 1, 2026
That gives contractors nearly a year to meet the new standards, prepare their documentation, and complete any required testing or insurance updates. For quality contractors already doing things the right way, it’ll be business as usual — only now in a more level playing field.
Our Position: We’re 100% in Favor of Licensing
As a Texas-based roofing company, we fully support HB 3344.
Why? Because we’re already doing the things this law would require.
● We’re insured
● We use trained, supervised crews
● We follow manufacturer guidelines and local codes
● We stand behind our work with real warranties
● We take pride in long-term relationships, not short-term wins
Licensing won’t slow us down. It will legitimize what we and many other great companies have been doing all along — and it will weed out the people who shouldn’t be on a roof in the first place.
Texas customers deserve roofing contractors they can trust. This bill gives the public the tools to find them and avoid the rest.
What You Can Do
If you’re a contractor:
● Start preparing now. Make sure your insurance, records, and training are in order. ● Support licensing. It’ll make your business stronger, not weaker.
● Consider joining RCAT (Roofing Contractors Association of Texas) — they’ve offered voluntary licensing for years and are great advocates for raising standards in the state.
If you’re a homeowner or business owner:
● Ask questions. Don’t just hire the lowest bidder — verify experience, insurance, and references.
● Follow the progress of HB 3344 on the Texas Legislature Online.
● Call or email your local state representative and voice your support for the bill.
In Closing
HB 3344 is a landmark opportunity to bring real structure, integrity, and professionalism to roofing in Texas. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about doing what’s right for customers and raising the bar for our entire industry.
We stand behind it — and we hope you will too.
