Board accepts legal report, authorizes formal charges in one case and dismisses appeal in unlicensed contracting matter

The Board for Licensing Contractors accepted the legal report at its Nov. 19 meeting and approved several enforcement steps, including authorizing formal charges and increasing civil penalties in selected cases.

Legal staff reported October disciplinary activity that included 35 disciplinary actions with total assessed civil penalties of $94,408 and two license suspensions. In the meeting packet, staff flagged multiple complaints and recommended disposition (close with letter of instruction, close with letter of warning, or pursue formal charges). The board amended one entry (case 2024042091) to increase the recommended civil penalty to $5,000 and authorized formal charges for case 202447191, describing it as a mechanical subcontractor contracting beyond their monetary limit.

Separately, the board considered an appeal of an initial administrative order against Casey Fuqua doing business as Music City Woodcrafters for unlicensed home-improvement contracting. Counsel explained the case proceeded to an initial order after the respondent failed to respond, and the respondent later filed a brief with the board asking for reduction of the penalty. Counsel summarized options: request reconsideration by the administrative law judge, reopen for a new hearing, or affirm the initial order. Board members discussed the size of the underlying civil judgment and the respondent's financial situation; one member said the homeowner had prevailed in a related civil action. Following discussion and a motion, the board carried a vote to dismiss the appeal on the record.

Board counsel said some closed or flagged complaints remain so that enforcement staff can ensure final inspections or other corrective actions are completed when appropriate. The board did not detail further collection steps for assessed fines at the meeting.