A wave of state legislation targeting predatory contractors — commonly called 'storm chasers' — who descend on disaster-affected communities to solicit work from vulnerable homeowners is gaining momentum across the country, with six states enacting new laws in 2026.
The new laws, enacted in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Colorado, impose criminal penalties for contractor fraud following declared disasters. Common provisions include prohibitions on door-to-door solicitation within 72 hours of a disaster declaration, requirements for written contracts before work begins, mandatory cooling-off periods that allow homeowners to cancel contracts without penalty, and enhanced penalties for fraud targeting elderly or disabled homeowners.
Storm chasing — the practice of traveling to disaster-affected areas to solicit restoration work, often using high-pressure tactics, inflated estimates, and substandard workmanship — has been a persistent problem in the restoration industry. The practice harms homeowners, damages the reputation of legitimate contractors, and contributes to insurance fraud.
The Restoration Industry Association has been a leading advocate for anti-storm-chaser legislation, providing model bill language to state legislatures and testifying in support of the new laws. The RIA estimates that storm chasing costs homeowners and insurers more than $1 billion annually.
Legitimate restoration contractors have broadly supported the legislation, arguing that it levels the playing field by imposing consequences on bad actors who undercut professional contractors with fraudulent practices.
Enforcement remains a challenge. State contractor licensing boards and attorney general offices are the primary enforcement agencies, but resources are limited and complaints from individual homeowners are often difficult to prosecute.
