Texas Roofing Reform: What You Need to Know About HB3344
Texas Could Finally Require Roofing Licenses. Here’s Why That Matters.
In Texas, anyone can call themselves a roofer — no license, no training, no oversight. That could soon change with House Bill 3344 (HB3344), a proposal currently moving through the state legislature that could bring sweeping changes to the roofing industry.
HB3344, officially known as the Roofing Contractor Consumer Protection Act, seeks to establish a state licensing requirement for roofing contractors. This reform could make Texas align with dozens of other states that already require contractors to meet professional, financial, and ethical standards before climbing onto your roof.
In this post, we’ll explore what the bill proposes, who supports it, who’s against it, and what it all means for homeowners, contractors, and the future of storm recovery in Texas.
What Does HB3344 Actually Do?
HB3344 proposes that all roofing contractors in Texas be required to obtain a license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This would involve:
- Background checks
- Passing a licensing exam that tests for basic knowledge of roofing systems and building codes
- Minimum financial responsibility standards, including proof of insurance
- Strict ethical rules, such as prohibiting the rebating of deductibles or acting as a public insurance adjuster
Most notably, the bill requires the state to create a public database of licensed roofing contractors, allowing homeowners to verify who is legitimate and who isn’t.
Operating without a license? Under HB3344, that would be considered a Class C misdemeanor, similar to a traffic ticket — but with potentially more serious business consequences if enforced.
Source: Texas Legislature Online – HB3344 Bill Text
Why Supporters Are Backing the Bill
Organizations like the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) have been calling for licensing for years. Their argument is simple: Roofing is a skilled trade that affects one of the most critical parts of a home — the roof — and it should be held to the same standards as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work.
Supporters argue that HB3344 would:
- Protect homeowners from fly-by-night contractors and storm chasers who flood Texas neighborhoods after hail events
- Help legitimate contractors compete fairly against those who cut corners or don’t carry insurance
- Create a more professional, trustworthy industry by holding everyone to a baseline standard
RCAT president Brad Cornelison said in a recent interview: “Licensing helps raise the bar for the entire industry and gives homeowners peace of mind.”
Source: Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, www.roofingcontractors-texas.com
Why Some Oppose HB3344
Not everyone’s thrilled. Some small contractors and independent roofers are worried that licensing could put them out of business.
Opponents argue:
- Licensing may disproportionately impact smaller crews, startups, and minority-owned businesses by adding cost and complexity
- Enforcement of existing consumer protection laws is already weak — and adding more laws won’t fix the root problem
- The bill may benefit large roofing companies with compliance departments more than the average contractor
There’s also the philosophical pushback. Some believe the free market should regulate quality, not government. If a contractor does bad work, their reputation should take them down — not red tape.
Quote: “This will limit opportunity for small operators. We should be enforcing the laws we already have before adding new burdens,” said contractor Jesus Montoya of Dallas in public testimony.
What This Means for Homeowners
For homeowners, this bill could be a game-changer — especially those who have been scammed in the aftermath of a storm. HB3344 offers several consumer benefits:
- Verification tools to look up a roofer’s license
- Clearer ethical standards for marketing and contract practices
- Potential for fewer insurance scams and deductible frauds
In recent years, Texas has seen a surge of fraudulent roofing claims, including false damage reports, forged signatures, and work done without permits. Licensing would provide a way for the state to step in before the damage is done.
What This Means for Contractors
For roofing contractors already doing things the right way, HB3344 could help. It levels the playing field by ensuring every roofer:
- Has insurance
- Understands building codes
- Operates transparently and ethically
That said, new compliance requirements may be a challenge for smaller or unlicensed contractors, many of whom operate entirely on referrals and community trust. The final structure of the bill, including fees, exam costs, and continuing education requirements, will determine just how accessible licensing will be.
Where the Bill Stands
- Filed: February 2025
- Public hearing: April 15, 2025
- Current status: Pending in the House Committee on Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
With the Texas legislative session ending June 2, 2025, time is ticking.
Final Thoughts: Common Sense or Overreach?
HB3344 asks a fundamental question: Should roofing in Texas be regulated like other skilled trades, or should consumers continue to rely on referrals and word of mouth alone?
The bill’s supporters say it’s about protecting homeowners and elevating the trade. Opponents say it’s a well-meaning idea that might overregulate an industry built on hustle and trust.
Either way, the conversation is long overdue. With storm seasons growing more severe and scams more sophisticated, the stakes are only getting higher.
Take Action:
- Track the bill at capitol.texas.gov
- Contact your Texas representative and share your thoughts
- If you’re in the roofing business — start preparing. The future may be licensed.
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This article is part of an ongoing series from The Wind Down podcast. Follow us for weekly deep dives into the policies, people, and practices shaping Texas communities.
