Williamson County commissioners discussed creating a registration or licensing requirement for transient contractors who operate in the county after disasters, with the stated goal of protecting homeowners from unbonded or uninsured “fly‑by‑night” companies.

Staff and commissioners outlined objectives: create a standard vetting procedure so contractors provide business credentials and proof of insurance or bonding, include messaging in post‑disaster communications encouraging residents to verify contractors, and coordinate with the state’s attorney on enforcement options. The state's attorney was consulted informally and said prosecutions and enforcement actions could be pursued for ordinance violations.

Board members debated the appropriate geographic scope — countywide vs. limited to disaster-declared areas — and whether to require bonding or make registration informational. Staff warned enforcement is difficult: verifying documents, identifying false documents and prosecuting violators requires staffing and legal resources. Commissioners discussed alternatives including a voluntary registry or curated list of recommended contractors maintained on the county website, with clear disclaimers that the county does not guarantee contractors.

No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to draft possible language and enforcement approaches and to coordinate with the state's attorney and county consumer-protection guidance; staff also suggested including a contractor-safety reminder in post-disaster messaging and to use existing state guidance from the Illinois Department of Insurance for consumer education.