This week, we’re diving into the juiciest updates and controversies shaking up the roofing industry.
- Are cheap hail reports usable in court?
- A public adjuster notorious for his un-intentionally goofy Tiktoks.
- And 16-17 year olds working legally in roofing in Florida?
Badger’s Corner: The Truth about “$39 Hail Reports”
Let’s kick things off with Badger’s Corner. Steve, the savvy insurance lawyer, is stirring things up with his take on those “$39 hail reports” used by insurance companies and lawyers. He and his meteorologist buddy are sounding the alarm: these reports aren’t cutting it for claims resolution. Why? They’re too dependent on algorithms and remote data, leading to inaccuracies. It’s a game-changer, as some lawsuits are already rejecting similar wind reports. Bottom line? We need better, more detailed weather intel to settle claims fairly. What’s your take on this? Drop a comment!
That Was Dumb: The Public Adjuster Who Can’t Answer Straight
Next up, we’ve got a head-scratcher from the “Insurance Claim Guy,” a TikTok-famous public adjuster. When asked about his fees, he dodged the question with salesmanship worthy of a used car lot. Comments are flooding in, criticizing his lack of transparency. But let’s be real: public adjuster fees vary, but claiming there’s no fee if insurance money is left? Misleading at best. Adjusters out there, we need your insights on this one!
Solar Shake-Up: California Cuts Payouts Again
Big news from California: they’ve slashed solar metering payouts for the second time, hitting multifamily and commercial buildings hard with an 80% cut. This follows last December’s cuts for single-family homes. It’s a controversial move, aiming to balance grid maintenance costs but potentially wrecking the solar market’s viability. Will this drive solar businesses under? Let’s discuss below.
Fines, Scams, and Jail Time: A Roofing Scam Saga
The roofing world isn’t short of drama. A Tennessee widow is pursuing felony charges against a roofer who took two-thirds upfront and vanished. Classic scam alert! A reasonable contractor asks for 10-30%, not more. Then there’s Tom Bouhan in Georgia, notorious for taking cash and ghosting – this time, $13,000 from a woman’s roof fund. These stories are cautionary tales for anyone hiring contractors.
Rules & Regulations: Florida’s Controversial Child Labor Bill
Finally, Florida’s making waves with a bill that could allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work in roofing. It’s a sharp turn from existing child labor laws, sparking debate over labor shortages and safety concerns. Critics link it to Governor DeSantis’s immigration policies and rising child labor violations. If passed, these teens would need OSHA training to work on roofs and scaffolds.
Florida’s Controversial Bill to Allow Teens in Roofing: A Deep Dive
Florida is currently under the spotlight for a bill that has the potential to significantly alter the state’s child labor laws. Proposed by State Sen. Corey Simon, the bill, part of a growing trend across the U.S., aims to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work in roofing and construction. Here’s a comprehensive look at the various facets of this proposed legislation.
1. The Essence of the Bill
State Sen. Corey Simon, a Tallahassee Republican, introduced this bill to amend existing child labor regulations. Currently, federal and state laws restrict individuals under 18 from engaging in certain hazardous jobs, including roofing. The proposed bill would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work in roofing and construction, provided they complete a 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training course. Additionally, they must work under the direct supervision of someone at least 21 years old who also holds OSHA certification.
2. The Rationale and Opposition
The bill is seen as a response to labor shortages, partly attributed to crackdowns on employing undocumented workers. It also fits into a broader initiative to enhance career and technical education for youth. However, critics, including Sadaf Knight, CEO of the Florida Policy Institute, argue that while increasing skilled trades is commendable, it shouldn’t compromise children’s health and safety. The concern is that the construction industry, known for tight deadlines and safety risks, may not be the safest environment for teenagers.
3. The Context of Child Labor Laws
Violations of child labor laws in Florida can result in fines up to $2,500 per offense and are classified as second-degree misdemeanors. The number of minors working in violation of child labor law has increased by 88% since 2019, with violations commonly found in restaurants, retail, construction, and amusement industries. A local roofing contractor was fined over $50,000 after a 15-year-old employed by them fell from a height, highlighting the dangers involved.
4. National Trends in Child Labor Regulations
Florida is not alone in its efforts to relax child labor laws. It joins at least 16 other states attempting to roll back such regulations. For instance, Iowa recently passed a law that relaxes restrictions on minors working in hazardous jobs, sparking controversy and raising questions about its consistency with federal child labor law.
5. Current Status of the Bill
As of the latest information, Senate Bill 460, titled “Career and Technical Education,” was referred to the Education Pre-K -12; Appropriations Committee on Education; Fiscal Policy as of November 28, 2023. The bill includes provisions for minors to work under specific conditions and aims to integrate certain employers into annual career fairs, focusing on career and technical education.
What do you think? Safety vs. Skill Development
The debate over allowing teenagers to work in roofing in Florida is a complex one. It touches upon the need to fill labor shortages and promote technical education among the youth, while also raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of minors in potentially hazardous working conditions.
As this bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be crucial to balance these considerations to safeguard the interests and safety of young workers.
Comment on the Youtube video, and check out the discussion there for how people are reacting.
