Friday, May 6th, 2011 — Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to a bill that proponents say will help protect homeowners from unscrupulous contractors. Senate Bill 101 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.