JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to a bill that proponents say will help protect homeowners from unscrupulous contractors.
The measure bars contractors who fix roofs or do other exterior repairs from offering to pay a homeowner's insurance deductible as an incentive to be hired. Contractors would also be barred from representing or negotiating on a homeowner's behalf for insurance claims.
Supporters say the legislation is particularly timely because of damage to Missouri homes from recent tornadoes, hailstorms and other disasters.
The Senate passed the measure 31-0 in March. The House approved it on a vote of 148-1, sending it to Gov. Jay Nixon.