Hastings: ‘Storm chasers’ have no place in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed legislation through the Senate aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“In light of some tragic storms in the area, we need to protect Illinois’ residents,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “There were people in Kankakee County who lost everything and not even a full day later they had contractors showing up trying to make a deal on-the-spot. After what we saw in Kankakee, these ‘storm chasers’ have no place in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3029 would prohibit a contractor from offering home repair or remodeling services while a loss-producing event, such as a fire or storm, is occurring at the premises; while the fire department or emergency personnel are engaged at the premises; or between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. The measure would still allow consumers to initiate solicitation with contractors during these scenarios. 

Additionally, for a minimum of 72 hours after a disaster proclamation is issued, a contractor would be prohibited from soliciting a contract with a consumer in person for home repair or remodeling services, unless the consumer initiates the solicitation. 

 Hastings is leading this effort to combat against ‘storm chaser’ contractors who solicit homeowners during high stress or vulnerable situations, often after a natural disaster or storm. The legislation comes just as officials in Kankakee County warn residents to be wary of unsolicited contractors requesting to repair damage caused after a recent tornado.

“Predatory contractors often use the aftermath of major storms or catastrophes to prey upon already vulnerable consumers,” said National Insurance Crime Bureau Midwest Director of Strategy, Policy and Government Affairs Adam Eathington. “In many cases, that ends with inflated invoices or property owners deceived into signing up for unnecessary repairs. NICB strongly supports the passage of SB 3029 and similar efforts that would help rein in predatory practices and strengthen protections against fraud by establishing necessary boundaries against fraud, soliciting and conflicts of interest.”

Senate Bill 3029 passed the full Senate Thursday.