Arkansas homeowners deserve a fair and effective process when serious concerns arise about the contractors who build and install systems in their homes.

We call on the Arkansas General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and state licensing authorities to reform the complaint processes of the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board and HVAC/R Board.

A family’s opportunity to have documented concerns reviewed should not depend on whether hidden defects become apparent before a deadline or whether the family can afford years of litigation.

WHY THIS MATTERS

My name is Dawn Orr. I am an Arkansas mother and homeowner. My family sought help from both boards after serious problems arose in our newly built home. We provided expert reports documenting our concerns.

The HVAC/R Board’s final letter stated that our matter fell outside the statutory time limit and that it could not take enforcement action or conduct a formal review of the installation.

The Contractors Licensing Board confirmed that our complaint was entered into its system and would remain on file. It asked us to report the outcome once our lawsuit concluded with a final judgment or settlement, so it could act accordingly.

But lawsuits can take years, and some homeowners cannot afford to pursue one.

Who protects the next homeowner while these concerns remain unresolved?

People researching a contractor need meaningful information. An absence of disciplinary action should not be mistaken for proof that no complaints have been submitted.

Complaints are allegations, not findings of wrongdoing. Contractors deserve a fair process and an opportunity to respond. Homeowners also deserve timely review, clear explanations, and access to accurate records.

THE CHANGES WE ARE REQUESTING

1. Fair complaint deadlines for hidden defects.

•  Review and amend filing deadlines to give homeowners a reasonable opportunity to report serious defects discovered later, with clear provisions addressing delayed discovery and concealment.

2. Preservation and tracking of complaints.

•  Record and retain complaints and supporting evidence, including submissions rejected as untimely or deferred because of litigation. Give homeowners a tracking number, written status, and an explanation of decisions.

3. Transparent contractor records.

• Provide an accessible public complaint-status system, consistent with disclosure and privacy requirements. Clearly distinguish unresolved allegations, complaints closed without a decision on the merits, and substantiated violations. Include contractor responses and final outcomes.

4. Meaningful review during litigation.

• Establish a clear process to assess which licensing and public-safety concerns can be reviewed while a civil lawsuit is pending. Require written reasons for deferral and a schedule for reconsideration.

5. Safe ways to evaluate evidence.

•  Establish procedures for reviewing independent expert reports, photographs, testing, and other documentation when contamination or another hazard complicates an on-site inspection.

6. Clear procedures and public accountability.

• Publish understandable complaint instructions, deadlines, review procedures, and options for reconsideration. Report aggregate complaint outcomes and processing times.

We also request a public hearing where homeowners, qualified experts, contractors, and board representatives can discuss these concerns and workable reforms.

THIS IS BIGGER THAN ONE FAMILY

I have reached out to Arkansas representatives, senators, and the Governor’s Office. So far, those efforts have not produced the meaningful reforms I am seeking.

Our experience is the reason I began speaking out, but this petition is about protecting homeowners throughout Arkansas.

We ask state leaders to identify the legislative and administrative changes needed, publish a proposed timeline, and give homeowners an opportunity to participate.

If you have faced similar barriers, know someone who has, or believe Arkansas homeowners deserve stronger protection, please sign and share this petition.

You do not have to lose your home to stand with a neighbor fighting to protect theirs.

 

Dawn Orr - Your Arkansas neighbor

#StandWithARHomeowners