Utah Roofing Contractors Association The Cotney Brief

The Cotney Brief Issue 17

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:42:59 GMT

A federal court just upheld EPA’s move to label key PFAS chemicals as hazardous under CERCLA — opening the door to expanded cleanup and cost‑recovery actions. Contractors may face new scrutiny over PFAS exposure, disposal, and contract risk.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 17 (Members Only)

Federal Tariffs Raise Costs & Increase Contract Risk

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:35:46 GMT

New federal tariffs — including a 50% tariff on select Canadian construction materials — are driving pricing uncertainty across steel, aluminum, copper, cement, paint, plywood, and fiber cable. Contractors may face shorter quote periods, surcharges, and shifting supplier pricing. This issue also covers a key case where a contractor lost a multimillion‑dollar claim due to late notice, introduces a Daily Report Presumption clause to strengthen documentation, and explains how growing community opposition is becoming a major construction risk affecting permits, schedules, and utility commitments.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 16 (Members Only)

Florida Updates Permit Rules & Introduces New Storm‑Protection Exemptions

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:46:29 GMT

Florida’s latest construction law, CS/CS/HB 803, changes how contractors handle small residential projects and temporary storm‑protection barriers. While some work under $7,500 may now qualify for permit exemptions, the rules include important limitations tied to flood‑zone status and scope. This issue also introduces an AI‑assisted Initial Decision Maker clause designed to speed up dispute resolution on construction projects. URCA members receive contract‑ready language and practical guidance for July 2026 compliance.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 14 (Members Only)

NLRB Restores Narrower Joint‑Employer Standard

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:47:05 GMT

The NLRB has reinstated a more contractor‑friendly joint‑employer rule, reducing risk for general contractors and construction managers. This issue also explains a Florida ruling confirming that pre‑bid site visits do not create subcontractor status or workers’ comp immunity. URCA members gain clarity on employment boundaries, site‑access liability, and best practices for managing layered workforce relationships.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 13 (Members Only)

Ohio’s New E‑Verify Law & Federal Contract Ambiguity Risks

Mon, 25 May 2026 17:47:43 GMT

Ohio now requires E‑Verify for nonresidential construction hiring, with penalties for noncompliance. This issue also covers a federal case emphasizing contractors’ duty to ask questions when plans contain inconsistencies. URCA members receive compliance checklists, hiring guidance, and contract‑ready language for avoiding costly disputes.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 12 (Members Only)

DOL Proposes Narrower Independent Contractor Test

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:48:16 GMT

The Department of Labor is proposing a return to a more predictable “economic reality” test for independent contractor classification. This issue also highlights a major Supreme Court ruling limiting presidential tariff authority. URCA members get early insights into how these changes may affect subcontractor relationships, project pricing, and compliance planning.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 11 (Members Only)

Illinois Rooftop Safety Act & Managing Excess Materials Disputes

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:48:51 GMT

Illinois’ new rooftop safety law creates obligations for contractors working on low‑slope roofs, including skylight protections and parapet requirements. This issue also explains how to avoid disputes over excess materials left at the end of a project. URCA members receive sample contract language to clarify scope and protect against surprise liability.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 10 (Members Only)

California Tightens Home Improvement Contract Requirements

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:49:26 GMT

California now requires contractors to accept cancellations via email and include specific contact information in home improvement contracts. This issue also covers a Florida case showing that winning a lawsuit doesn’t guarantee full recovery of attorney’s fees. URCA members get contract‑ready language and compliance tips for multi‑state operations.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 9 (Members Only)

Government Shutdown Fallout & Data Center Market Distortion

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:49:46 GMT

The historic 2025 federal shutdown created major delays in inspections, approvals, and federally funded projects. This issue also explores how data center construction is inflating commercial roofing numbers nationwide, masking slower activity in other sectors. URCA members receive guidance on forecasting, scheduling, and protecting margins in an uneven market.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 8 (Members Only)

Rethinking OSHA’s Multi‑Employer Citation Doctrine

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:50:14 GMT

OSHA’s multi‑employer citation policy continues to create confusion and inconsistent enforcement on construction sites. This issue highlights proposed reforms aimed at aligning responsibility with actual control, reducing arbitrary citations, and improving jobsite collaboration. URCA members gain access to the full NCPI white paper and recommendations for strengthening safety documentation.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 7 (Members Only)

DOT Certification Shake‑Up & Builder’s Risk Insurance Pitfalls

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:51:09 GMT

A new DOT rule rewrites DBE certification standards, potentially affecting contractors on federally funded projects. This issue also breaks down common misunderstandings about builder’s risk insurance—especially who is actually covered and what losses are excluded. URCA members receive actionable advice on avoiding coverage gaps and preparing for compliance changes.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 6 (Members Only)

Louisiana Roofing License Changes & Payment Clause Risks

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:51:42 GMT

Louisiana now requires permits for all roofing work and new licensing for residential projects over $7,500. This issue also explains how “pay‑if‑paid” and “pay‑when‑paid” clauses are becoming more dangerous for subcontractors nationwide. URCA members get practical guidance on updating contracts, protecting lien rights, and navigating state‑specific licensing changes.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 5 (Members Only)

Major Tax Changes & Arbitration Clause Warning Signs

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:52:17 GMT

Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” introduces significant tax benefits for contractors, from permanent bonus depreciation to expanded deductions. Meanwhile, a Louisiana court ruling highlights how poorly drafted arbitration clauses can be thrown out entirely. This issue helps contractors strengthen contract language and understand how shifting tax rules may impact business decisions. Full insights available to URCA members.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 4 (Members Only)

Regulatory Shifts, Tax Updates & New Roofing Contract Rules

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:52:46 GMT

This issue covers major federal updates, including the temporary pause on the 2024 independent‑contractor rule and a sweeping tax bill that could reshape equipment purchases, deductions, and project planning. Florida’s HB 715 also introduces new requirements for roofing contracts and insurance disclosures. URCA members receive detailed breakdowns of how these changes affect bidding, compliance, and contract language.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 3 (Members Only)

How Contractors Should Handle ICE Visits

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:53:12 GMT

With federal enforcement increasing, contractors must understand their rights when ICE agents arrive at a workplace. The Cotney Brief outlines the difference between administrative and judicial warrants, what employers can legally refuse, and how to protect employee records. Clear protocols and staff training can prevent panic and reduce liability during unexpected visits. URCA members gain access to step‑by‑step guidance and recommended policies.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 2 (Members Only)

Independent Contractor Rule Faces Multiple Lawsuits

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:53:43 GMT

The Department of Labor’s 2024 independent contractor rule continues to face heavy legal pushback from business groups, freelancers, and trade associations. Multiple federal lawsuits argue the rule creates confusion and threatens legitimate contractor relationships across the country. For roofing and construction employers, classification remains a moving target as courts weigh whether the rule will stand. URCA members should stay alert and review subcontractor agreements to ensure compliance as the legal landscape evolves.

➡️ Read the Full Cotney Brief Issue 1 (Members Only)