Callahan, Felzkowski ‘storm chasers’ bill signed by Evers

MADISON – This week, a bill authored by State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) and State Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers.

A release from Callahan’s office said Senate Bill 531, now Wisconsin Act 230, will protect Wisconsin consumers from predatory business practices.

“This legislation is aimed to protect homeowners from ‘storm chasers’ – contractors who follow storm damage looking for work,” the release stated. “In some cases, these contractors offer to handle the entire insurance claim in exchange for an assignment of benefits. These contracts can lead to homeowners signing away important rights that they had under their insurance policies, leading to inflated pricing, substandard work and denials of claims.”

Wisconsin Act 230 prohibits contractors from misleading homeowners by requiring a plain language disclosure of their rights, the release said, noting that it also prevents contractors from negotiating with insurers on the homeowner’s behalf and gives the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance the authority to enforce these protections.

“After someone’s home is damaged and needs urgent repairs, the last thing they need is another headache to deal with,” Callahan stated. “I can understand how a homeowner who is dealing with such a stressful situation would quickly sign a contract that promises to fix their problems. This law will ensure that bad actors won’t be able to prey on Wisconsinites who are facing the stress and uncertainty of needing critical home repairs.”