California

Contractors License Law

& Reference Book

2017 Edition
With Rules and Regulations

Contractors State License Board

State of California
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Governor
This book is an official publication of the State of California. It may not be reproduced
in whole or in part without the express permission of the California Contractors State
License Board.
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ISBN: 978-1-5221-2760-4
© 2016 California Contractors State License Board
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CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD
OFFICERS & MEMBERS
Agustin Beltran, Chair, Public Member
Kevin J. Albanese, Vice Chair, Contractor Member
Marlo Richardson, Secretary, Public Member
Linda Clifford, Contractor Member
David De La Torre, Public Member
David Dias, Labor Member
Susan Granzella, Public Member
Joan Hancock, Contractor Member
Pastor Herrera Jr., Public Member
Ed Lang, Public Member
Michael A. Layton, Public Member
Frank Schetter, Contractor Member
Paul Schifino, Contractor Member
Johnny Simpson, Public Member
Nancy Springer, Building Official

Cindi Christenson, Registrar of Contractors

CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK v

ABOUT THIS BOOK

The California Contractors License Law & Reference
Book begins with several narrative chapters that
describe required licensing and legal processes
affecting contractors. California contracting laws,
rules, and regulations are detailed in the later
chapters; laws and regulations are those in effect on
January 1, 2017, unless otherwise noted.
_____

DEDICATION
The Contractors State License Board dedicates this
edition to the 290,000 licensed contractors who
abide by California contracting laws and guidelines
set forth in this publication, and whose hard work
and professionalism help fuel our state economy.
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK vii

SUMMARY OF MAJOR CHANGES TO

CONTRACTOR LAW

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2017

unless indicated otherwise

AB 326 (Frazier)
Adds Section 1742.1 to the Labor Code, relating to
public works
This bill requires that funds held as collateral by the
Department of Industrial Relations pending a prevailing
wage proceeding be released back to the contractors who
deposited them within 30 days of the conclusion of the
proceeding.
(Chapter 345, Statutes of 2016)

AB 1793 (Holden)
Amends Section 7031 of the Business and Professions
Code, relating to substantial compliance
This bill revises the criteria for the court to consider when
determining if a contractor substantially complied with
licensing law. It replaces the requirement that a
contractor did not know or reasonably should not have
known that he or she was not duly licensed with the
requirement that the contractor acted promptly and in
good faith to remedy the failure to comply with the
licensure requirements upon learning of that failure.
(Chapter 244, Statutes of 2016)
viii CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

AB 1926 (Cooper)
Amends Section 1777.5 of the Labor Code, relating to
public works
This bill requires that when contractors request an
apprentice to perform work on a public works project and
require that person to fill out an application, or undergo
testing, training, an examination, or other pre-
employment process as a condition of employment, they
pay him or her for time spent on the required activity at
the prevailing wage rate for apprentices.
(Chapter 746, Statutes of 2016)

AB 2486 (Baker)
Adds Section 7018 to the Business and Professions Code,
relating to contractors
This bill requires the Contractors State License Board to
add a feature to its online license lookup feature to allow
for a search by either ZIP code or geographic location.
(Chapter 270, Statutes of 2016)

AB 2859 (Low)
Adds Section 464 to the Business and Professions Code,
relating to professions and vocations
This bill authorizes boards within the Department of
Consumer Affairs to create a retired license category.
(Chapter 473, Statutes of 2016)

SB 66 (Leyva)
Amends Section 30 of the Business and Professions Code,
relating to career technical education
This bill requires the Department of Consumer Affairs,
upon request from the Chancellor’s Office of the
California Community Colleges, to collect identifying
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK ix

information on all licensees in order to measure outcomes

of career technical training programs.
(Chapter 770, Statutes of 2016)

SB 465 (Hill)
Adds Sections 7021 and 7071.18 to the Business and
Professions Code, relating to building construction*
This bill (1) requires the Division of Occupational Safety
and Health, after consultation with the Contractors State
License Board (CSLB), to forward to CSLB copies of any
citations or other actions involving a serious illness or
injury taken by the division against a contractor; (2)
requires a licensee to report to CSLB the occurrence of
any conviction of any felony or crime; and (3) requires
CSLB to conduct a study to determine if its public
protection mission would be enhanced by requiring
licensees to report settlement information to CSLB.
(Chapter 372, Statutes of 2016)
* The required report shall be completed by January 1,
2018

SB 661 (Hill)
Amends Sections 4216, 4216.1, 4216.2, 4216.3, 4216.4,
4216.6, 4216.7 and 4216.9, and adds Sections 4216.10,
4216.12, 4216.13, 4216.14, 4216.15, 4216.16, 4216.17,
4216.18, 4216.19, 4216.21, 4216.22, 4216.23, and 4216.24
of the Government Code, relating to excavations
This bill enacts the Dig Safe Act of 2016 and makes
several changes to existing requirements for excavation
procedures. It also establishes the California
Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Advisory Board
within the Office of the State Fire Marshall to investigate
violations of the state’s excavation and subsurface
x CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

installation laws, coordinate education and outreach, and

develop standards.
(Chapter 809, Statutes of 2016)

SB 954 (Hertzberg)
Amends Section 1773.1 of the Labor Code, relating to
prevailing wage
This bill clarifies which employer payments may be
included as per diem wages to fulfill an employer's
obligation to pay prevailing wages on public works
projects.
(Chapter 231, Statutes of 2016)

SB 1039 (Hill)
Amends Sections 7137 and 7153.3 of the Business and
Professions Code, relating to contractor fees*
This bill, effective July 1, 2018, raises by 15 percent most
fees the Contractors State License Board is authorized to
charge applicants and licensees.
*This bill amends numerous other sections of law,
unrelated to the Contractors State License Board

SB 1209 (Morrell)
Amends Section 7124.6 of the Business and Professions
Code, relating to contractors
This bill provides that citations issued against a licensed
contractor follow the contractor if he or she is issued
another license, and authorizes the disclosure of these
citations within existing disclosure timeframes.
(Chapter 152, Statutes of 2016)
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xi

SB 1479 (Business, Professions and Economic

Development Committee)
Amends Sections 7074 and 7159.5 of the Business and
Professions Code, relating to contractors*
This bill eliminates two provisions of law related to test
scheduling that could render an application for licensure
void.
(Chapter 634, Statutes of 2016)
*This bill amends other sections of law, unrelated to the
Contractors State License Board
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xiii

SECTIONS AFFECTED BY 2016 LEGISLATION

Business & Professions Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
14.2 “Spouse” to include registered domestic Added 50 163
partner
27 Information to be provided on Internet; Amended 32, 489 165
Entities in Department of Consumer
Affairs required to comply
30 Provision of federal employer identification Amended 770 168
number or social security number by
licensee
101 Composition of department Amended 32 178
114.5 Military service; Posting of information on Amended 174 188
Web site about application of military
experience and training towards licensure
144 Requirement of fingerprints for criminal Amended 32 209
record checks; Applicability
205 Professions and Vocations Fund (Third of Amended 800 222
three)
325 Actionable complaints Amended 593 230
464 Retired category of licensure Added 473 235
7018 Contractor license search by ZIP Code or Added 270 286
geographic location
7021 Interagency agreement for information to Added 372 287
protect the public
7031 Allegation and proof of license in action on Amended 244 307
contract; Recovery of compensation paid to
unlicensed contractor; Substantial
compliance; Exceptions
7044 Property owner making own improvements Amended 714 312
7071.18 Report to registrar of convictions; Study of Added 372 347
judgments, arbitration awards,
settlements for construction defects in
rental residential units; Contents of study
7074 When application becomes void; Amended 634 351
Disposition of application; Fee for
reapplication
7124.6 Public access to complaints against Amended 152 393
licensees; Disclaimer; Limitations of
disclosure
7137 Fee schedule (First of two; Inoperative Amended 799 399
July 1, 2017; Repealed January 1, 2018)
xiv CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

Business & Professions Code

Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
7137 Fee schedule (Second of two; Operative Added 799 401
July 1, 2017)
7153.3 Renewal of registration; Delinquent Amended 799 415
renewal penalty; Abandonment of
application; Petition (First of two;
Inoperative July 1, 2017; Repealed
January 1, 2018)
7153.3 Renewal of registration; Delinquent Added 799 416
renewal penalty; Abandonment of
application; Petition (Second of two;
Operative July 1, 2017)
7159.5 Contract amount; Finance charges; Down Amended 634 432
payment; Violations; Restitution and
punishment

Civil Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
1770 Unlawful acts and practices Amended 86 630

Government Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
4216 Definitions Amended 809 722
4216.1 Participation in center by operators of Amended 809 725
subsurface installations; Fees
4216.2 Delineation of area; Required notification Amended 809 725
and response; Ticket prerequisites, period
of validity, and expiration; Records;
Special access sites
4216.3 Location and field marking of subsurface Amended 809 727
installations; Records; Relocation and
remarking; Operator response; Notification
of failure to comply
4216.4 Manual location of subsurface installations Amended 809 729
in conflict with excavation; Use of vacuum
excavation devices; Use of power operated
or boring equipment; Duty of care;
Notification of damage; Required
communication between parties
4216.6 Penalties for violation; Enforcement; Amended 809 730
Annual report of statewide information
regarding incident events
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xv

Government Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
4216.7 Liability of excavator; Liability of operator Amended 809 732
of subsurface installation; Savings
provisions
4216.9 Initial ticket required for valid permit Amended 809 733
4216.10 Continual excavation ticket in lieu of Added 809 733
notification and locate and field marking;
Operator response; Notification and onsite
meeting for area including or near high
priority subsurface installation; Period of
validity; Renewal (Operative November 1,
2017)
4216.12 California Underground Facilities Safe Added 809 735
Excavation Board; Duties; Review
4216.13 Members of California Underground Added 809 735
Facilities Safe Excavation Board;
Appointment and qualifications; Ex officio
members
4216.14 Terms of members of California Added 809 736
Underground Facilities Safe Excavation
Board; Vacancy; Removal; Chairperson
4216.15 Meetings of California Underground Added 809 737
Facilities Safe Excavation Board
4216.16 California Underground Facilities Safe Added 809 737
Excavation Board; Funding for operational
expenses
4216.17 California Underground Facilities Safe Added 809 737
Excavation Board; Annual meeting;
Grants for use of moneys in Safe Energy
Infrastructure and Excavation Fund
4216.18 Development of standards for safety Added 809 738
practices
4216.19 Investigation of violations and reported Added 809 739
incident events; Transmission of
investigation results; Sanctions (Operative
July 1, 2018)
4216.21 Timing of filing court action for damages to Added 809 740
subsurface installation based on specified
violations under investigation by board
4216.22 Prescription of rules and regulations Added 809 740
4216.23 Yearly report to Governor and Legislature Added 809 740
4216.24 Safe Energy Infrastructure and Added 809 740
Excavation Fund; Use of funds
xvi CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

Government Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
11343.4 Effective date of regulation or order of Amended 546 747
repeal; Applicability

Health and Safety Code

Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
25536.7 Skilled and trained workforce required; Amended 774 768
Instruction and training; Apprenticeships;
Applicability

Labor Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
139.2 Qualified medical evaluators; Amended 86 798
Requirements; Appointment and
reappointment; Termination; Panels;
Review; Regulations; Fee
1019.1 Unlawful practices by employer Added 782 819
1720 “Public works”; “Paid for in whole or in Amended 86 822
part out of public funds”; Exclusions
1720.9 “Public works” as including hauling and Amended 31 826
delivery of ready-mixed concrete;
Applicable prevailing wage rate; Written
subcontract agreement; Submission of
certified copy of payroll records;
Applicability
1742.1 Liquidated damages Amended 345 827
1773.1 Per diem wages; What employer payments Amended 231 839
are included therein; Credits for employer
payments; Computation of credits; Filing of
collective bargaining agreements
1777.5 Employment of apprentices on public Amended 746 854
works
4603.2 Notice to employer of physician's name and Amended 214 905
address; Objection to non-network
physician; Reports by physician; Payment
for medical treatment; Contest of
itemization by employer; Interest or
increase in compensation; Itemization
review; Jurisdiction over disputes
4603.4 Adoption of certain rules and regulations Amended 214 910
by administrative director; Standards
4610 Employers to establish utilization review Amended 868, 885 914
process; Criteria; Administrative penalties
(First of two; Repealed January 1, 2018)
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xvii

Labor Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
4610 Employers to establish utilization review Added 868 918
process; Criteria; Administrative penalties
(Second of two; Operative January 1, 2018)
4610.5 Review of utilization review decision Amended 868 927
4610.6 Independent medical review organization Amended 868 931
to conduct review of utilization review
decision; Procedure upon final
determination of review
5710 Depositions; Expenses and fees Amended 868 983
5811 Fees and costs Amended 868 984

Penal Code
Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
396 Overpricing of goods and services following Amended 671 989
state of emergency or major disaster;
Penalty; Definitions
670 Scheme to defraud owner of structure Amended 86 996
regarding repairs for damage resulting
from natural disaster for which state of
emergency has been declared; Punishment
830.3 Investigators, inspectors, and other Amended 59 997
employees of specified agencies

Public Contract Code

Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
6701 Requirements for use of Construction Amended 750 6701
Manager/General Contractor method
20111.6 Public projects using funds from Leroy F. Amended 86 1030
Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 or
state school bond (Inoperative January 1,
2019; Repealed July 1, 2019)

Public Resources Code

Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
25402.12 Plan to promote compliance with Added 678 1035
regulations in the installation of central
air-conditioning and heat pumps
xviii CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

Public Utilities Code

Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
130232 Competitive bidding for contracts; Bid Amended 204 1039
requirements

Unemployment Insurance Code

Type of Chapter
Section Affected Change Number Page
1095 Purposes for which director must permit Amended 31 1053
use of information in his or her possession
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xix

CSLB HISTORY & BACKGROUND

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) was established

in 1929 as the Contractors License Bureau under the
Department of Professional and Vocational Standards. Today,
CSLB is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
A 15-member board appoints CSLB’s executive officer, or
Registrar of Contractors, and directs administrative policy for
the board’s operations. CSLB’s Board includes nine public
members (eight non-contractors and one local building official),
five contractors, and one labor representative. The Governor
makes 11 appointments and four are made by the Legislature.
The Board holds regularly scheduled public meetings
throughout the state. These meetings provide the public with
an opportunity for input on agenda items and other issues.
CSLB licenses and regulates contractors in 44 license
classifications that constitute the construction industry.
Currently, there are about 290,000 contractor licenses in the
state. The Registrar oversees approximately 400 employees
who work at the headquarters office in Sacramento and field
offices throughout the state.
Headquarters staff receives and processes applications for new
contractor licenses, additional classifications, changes of license
records, and license renewals. Staff also reviews and maintains
records of disciplinary actions initiated by the field offices,
provides verified certificates of licensure used in court or other
legal actions, and provides the status of licensure and other
support services.
Headquarters directs the activities of field offices, and initiates
all disciplinary actions resulting from investigations. Field
office staff investigates consumer complaints against
contractors. The Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT)
addresses unlicensed activity.
xx THE CALIFORNIA LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

CSLB’s website, www.cslb.ca.gov or

www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, provides the ability to look
up a contractor by license number, name, or business name,
and obtain the licensee’s contact information, license status,
CSLB legal actions (if any), classifications held, business type,
and bond and workers’ compensation insurance information.
Home Improvement Salesperson registrations also are listed on
the website’s license look-up page.
Identical information is available through CSLB’s automated
public information line, (800) 321-CSLB (2752), which operates
24 hours per day. Callers can determine if a contractor’s license
is valid by entering the contractor license number. The
information provided includes the licensee’s business name,
license status, classifications held, business type, and CSLB
disciplinary actions (if any). Also available is recorded
information on licensing and examination procedures,
complaint procedures and how to obtain information on a
complaint that has been referred for legal action, the location
and hours of CSLB offices, and current topics, such as recently
passed laws or regulations. Callers also can order forms,
applications, and other publications.
CSLB offers a variety of publications and guides to help
consumers make informed choices when contracting for home
repairs and improvements. Speakers can be provided for
groups interested in learning more about CSLB. Check the
website for details or write to CSLB Public Affairs, P.O. Box
26000, Sacramento, CA 95826.
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xxi

CSLB MISSION

The Contractors State License Board protects consumers

by regulating the construction industry through policies
that promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the
public in matters relating to construction.
The Contractors State License Board accomplishes this by:
● Ensuring that construction is performed in a safe,
competent, and professional manner;
● Licensing contractors and enforcing licensing laws;
● Requiring licensure for any person practicing or
offering to practice construction contracting;
● Enforcing the laws, regulations, and standards
governing construction contracting in a fair and
uniform manner;
● Providing resolution to disputes that arise from
construction activities; and
● Educating consumers so they can make informed
choices.
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xxiii

CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD OFFICES

HEADQUARTERS
Street Address 9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
Mailing Address P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento CA 95826
Phone (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Internet www.cslb.ca.gov or
www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com

Northern Region Southern Region

9821 Business Park Drive 12501 East Imperial Hwy, Suite 600
Sacramento, CA 95827 Norwalk, CA 90650
Legal Action Disclosure (916) 255-4041 Legal Action Disclosure (562) 345-7656
Case Management (916) 255-4027 Case Management (562) 345-7656
SWIFT (Unlicensed Activity) (916) 255-2924 SWIFT (Unlicensed Activity) (562) 345-7600

Bakersfield Branch Office * Norwalk Intake & Mediation Center

5800 District Blvd., Suite 300 12501 East Imperial Hwy, Suite 620
Bakersfield, CA 93313 Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 321-CSLB (2752) (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Fax (562) 466-6064

Berkeley Investigative Center * Norwalk Investigative Center

700 Heinz Avenue, Suite 300, 12501 East Imperial Hwy, Suite 630
Berkeley, CA 94710 Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 321-CSLB (2752) (800) 321-CSLB (2752)

Fresno Investigative Center San Bernardino Investigative Center

1277 East Alluvial, Suite 106 1845 Business Center Drive, Suite 206
Fresno, CA 93720 San Bernardino, CA 92408-3467
(800) 321-CSLB (2752) (800) 321-CSLB (2752)

Sacramento Investigative Center San Diego Investigative Center

P.O. Box 269115 9246 Lightwave Ave., Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95826-9115 San Diego, CA 92123
(800) 321-CSLB (2752) (800) 321-CSLB (2752)

Sacramento Intake & Mediation Center Valencia Investigative Center

P.O. Box 269116 28480 Avenue Stanford, Suite 120
Sacramento, CA 95826-9116 Valencia, CA 91355
(800) 321-CSLB (2752) (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Fax (916) 255-4449

San Francisco Investigative Center West Covina Investigative Center

301 Junipero Serra Blvd., Suite 206 100 N. Barranca St., Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94127 West Covina, CA 91791
(800) 321-CSLB (2752) (800) 321-CSLB (2752)

Santa Rosa Branch Office *

50 D Street, Room 400
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(800) 321-CSLB (2752)
_____________
* Limited office hours
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xxv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
About this Book ....................................................................................... v
Summary of Major Changes to Contractor Law .................................. vii
Sections Affected by 2016 Legislation ................................................. xiii
CSLB History & Background............................................................... xix
CSLB Mission ....................................................................................... xxi
CSLB Offices ....................................................................................... xxiii

Section I. The California Contractor License

Chapter 1. Becoming a California Licensed Contractor ................ 1

General Requirements .................................................. 1
Experience Requirements ............................................. 4
License Classifications .................................................. 6
Applying for a License ................................................. 12
Licensing Examinations .............................................. 16
License Issuance .......................................................... 22
Financial Requirements .............................................. 25
Chapter 2. Your Existing License: Maintaining
and Changing It ........................................................... 27
Bonds ............................................................................ 27
Judgments and Outstanding Liabilities .................... 31
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage ............ 34
Liability Insurance Coverage for Limited
Liability Companies .................................................... 35
Adding a Classification to an Existing License ......... 35
Changes in Personnel .................................................. 36
Changes in Business Name or Address ..................... 39
Changes in Business Type .......................................... 39
Frequently Asked Questions About New
License Requirements ................................................. 40
xxvi CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

Page
Inactivating and Reactivating a License ................... 41
Renewing Your License ............................................... 44
Cancellation of a License ............................................ 45
Chapter 3. Access to Licensee Information .................................. 49
Available Documents, Complaint Records,
Fees............................................................................... 49
Information Regarding Individual License
Records ......................................................................... 49
Information Regarding Large Quantities of
License Information ..................................................... 50
Information Regarding Pending Application
Records ......................................................................... 51
Information Regarding Legal Action Against
Contractors .................................................................. 51
Documents Available from CSLB ............................... 52
Chapter 4. Enforcement Procedures: Complaints and
Citations ....................................................................... 57
Complaints Against Licensed Contractors ................ 57
Addressing Complaints Against Unlicensed
Contractors .................................................................. 60

Section II. Home Improvement

Chapter 5. Home Improvement ..................................................... 63

Home Improvement Contractor .................................. 63
Home Improvement Contracts ................................... 63
Home Warranties ........................................................ 65
Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS)
Registration .................................................................. 65
Registrar-Approved Joint Control
Agreements .................................................................. 67
Mechanics Lien Warning ............................................ 68
Joint Control Addendum ............................................. 69
Mechanics Lien Warning ............................................ 71
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xxvii

Section III. Business Management

Page

Chapter 6. Managing a Business .................................................. 73

The Contractor Manager ............................................. 73
Principles of Management .......................................... 74
Establishing Your Business ........................................ 77
Financial Responsibility and Control......................... 88
Financial Management ............................................. 100
Debt ............................................................................ 101
Operations Management........................................... 102
Legal Considerations and Remedies ........................ 108
California Mechanics Liens and Stop Notices ......... 113
Glossary of Terms Associated with
Mechanics Liens ........................................................ 120
Expert Advisors ......................................................... 124
Bidding on Government Contracts ........................... 124

Section IV. Construction Standards and Safety Regulations

Chapter 7. Safety and Health in Construction........................... 127

Responsible Agencies ................................................ 127
Construction Safety Legal Requirements ................ 129
Multiple Employer Work Sites ................................. 130
Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) ........ 131
Employee Complaint Rights and Protections .......... 134
Injury and Illness Reporting and Recordkeeping
Requirements ............................................................. 134
Permits ....................................................................... 136
Variances.................................................................... 137
Investigations of Unsafe Conditions ........................ 137
Hazardous Substances .............................................. 139
Carcinogen Control .................................................... 142
Confined Spaces ......................................................... 146
xxviii CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

Page
Excavations and Trenches ........................................ 146
How to Obtain Additional Information .................... 147
Chapter 8. Regional Notification Centers: Underground
Service Alert .............................................................. 151
Chapter 9. Preservation of Native American Remains.............. 155
Reporting Requirement ............................................. 155
Penalties ..................................................................... 156
Additional Information ............................................. 156
Chapter 10. Construction of Wells ................................................ 157
License Required for Water Wells ............................ 157
Reporting Requirements ........................................... 157
California Department of Water Resources
Regional Offices ......................................................... 159
Well Standards .......................................................... 160

Section V. The Department of Consumer Affairs

Chapter 11. Laws Governing the Department of

Consumer Affairs ....................................................... 161
General Provisions .................................................... 161
The Department ........................................................ 178
The Director of Consumer Affairs ............................ 210
Funds of the Department .......................................... 218
Consumer Affairs ....................................................... 225
Public Members ......................................................... 232
Licensee ...................................................................... 234
Dispute Resolution Programs ................................... 236
Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions,
and Consumer Protection.......................................... 244
Review of Boards under the Department of
Consumer Affairs ....................................................... 244
Denial, Suspension and Revocation of Licenses ...... 246
General Provisions .................................................... 247
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xxix

Page
Denial of Licenses ...................................................... 248
Suspension and Revocation of Licenses ................... 252
Public Reprovals ........................................................ 264
Examination Security ............................................... 264

Section VI. The Contractors State License Board;

License Law, Rules and Regulations, and
Related Laws

Chapter 12. Contractors’ State License Law ................................ 267

Contractors ................................................................ 277
Administration........................................................... 277
Application of Chapter .............................................. 288
Exemptions ................................................................ 310
Classifications ............................................................ 317
Licensing .................................................................... 323
Records ....................................................................... 358
Arbitration ................................................................. 360
Disciplinary Proceedings........................................... 368
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Reports ............ 394
Revenue ...................................................................... 399
The Construction Management Education
Sponsorship Act of 1991 ............................................. 403
Renewal of Licenses .................................................. 408
Home Improvement Business ................................... 411
Asbestos Consultants ................................................ 451
Prohibitions ................................................................ 456
Home Inspectors ........................................................ 458
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Home
Inspections ................................................................. 460
Chapter 13. Contractors State License Board Rules and
Regulations ................................................................ 463
List of Current Board Rules and Regulations ......... 463
xxx CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK

Page
CA Code of Regulations: Title 16. Division 8 ........... 466
Definitions .................................................................. 466
Revenue ...................................................................... 466
Application for License .............................................. 467
Classification ............................................................. 474
Examinations ............................................................. 489
Renewal of License .................................................... 490
Bonds .......................................................................... 490
Special Provisions ...................................................... 504
Disciplinary Guidelines ............................................. 514
Citation....................................................................... 553
Arbitration ................................................................. 558
History Notes for Current Board Rules and
Regulations ................................................................ 559
History Notes for Repealed Board Rules and
Regulations ................................................................ 572

Appendix Extracts from Laws Related to CSLB ...................... 579

California Constitution ............................................. 579
Business and Professions Code................................. 579
Civil Code ................................................................... 588
Code of Civil Procedure ............................................. 678
Family Code ............................................................... 711
Government Code ...................................................... 721
Health and Safety Code ............................................ 754
Insurance Code .......................................................... 784
Labor Code ................................................................. 787
Penal Code ................................................................. 989
Public Contract Code ............................................... 1001
Public Resources Code............................................. 1033
Public Utilities Code................................................ 1037
Revenue and Taxation Code ................................... 1044
CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW & REFERENCE BOOK xxxi

Page
Unemployment Insurance Code ............................. 1048
Vehicle Code............................................................. 1063
Water Code............................................................... 1068

Additional Resources .................................................................... 1071

Index.................................................................................................. 1081
 SECTION I.
THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR
LICENSE
Chapter
1. Becoming a California Licensed Contractor
2. Your Existing License: Maintaining and Changing It
3. Access to Information About Licensees
4. Enforcement Procedures: Complaints and Citations

Chapter 1.
Becoming a California Licensed Contractor

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Who can become a licensed contractor?
To qualify for a California contractor license, an individual must be at
least 18 years old, and have either a valid Social Security number
issued by the Social Security Administration or an Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service.
He or she also must possess the experience and skills to manage the
daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision,
or be represented by someone else with the necessary experience and
skills who serves as the qualifying individual.
The person who will act as the qualifying individual must have had,
within the ten (10) years immediately before the filing of the
application, at least four (4) full years of experience as a journeyman,
foreman, supervising employee, or as a foreman, supervisor, or
contractor in the classification for which he or she is applying. The
experience claimed on the application must be verifiable, and
individuals who have knowledge of the experience must certify the
accuracy of the experience information as stated on the “Certification
of Work Experience” form.
2. Who must be licensed as a contractor?
All businesses or individuals who construct or alter, or offer to
construct or alter, any building, highway, road, parking facility,
railroad, excavation, or other structure in California must be licensed
by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) if the total
cost (labor and materials) of one or more contracts on the project is
$500 or more. Contractors, including subcontractors, specialty

1
2 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

contractors, and persons engaged in the business of home

improvement (with the exception of joint ventures and projects
involving federal funding) must be licensed before submitting bids.
Licenses may be issued to individuals, partnerships, corporations,
joint ventures, or limited liability companies (LLC).
3. Is anyone exempt from the requirement to be licensed?
Yes. Here are some of the exemptions:
● Work on a project for which the combined value of labor,
materials, and all other costs on one or more contracts is less
than $500 falls within the minor work exemption. Work which
is part of a larger or major project, whether undertaken by the
same or different contractors, may not be divided into amounts
less than $500 in an attempt to meet the exemption;
● An employee who is paid wages, who does not usually work in
an independently established business, and who does not have
direction or control over the performance of work or who does
not determine the final results of the work or project;
● Public personnel working on public projects;
● Officers of a court acting within the scope of their office;
● Public utilities working under specified conditions;
● Oil and gas operations performed by an owner or lessee;
● Owner-builders who build or improve structures on their own
property if they either do the work themselves or use their own
employees (paid in wages) to do the work. This exemption is
only valid if the structure is not intended to be offered for sale
within one year of completion;
● Owner-builders who build or improve structures on their own
property if they contract for the construction with a licensed
contractor. This exemption is applicable to the construction of
single-family residential structures only if no more than four
such structures are offered for sale in any one calendar year;
● Owner-builders who improve their main place of residence,
who have actually resided there for one year prior to
completion of the work, and who complete the work prior to
sale. This exemption is limited to two structures within a
three-year period;
● Sale or installation of finished products that do not become a
fixed part of the structure;
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 3

● A seller of installed carpets who holds a retail furniture

dealer’s license but who contracts for installation of the carpet
with a licensed carpet installer;
● Security alarm company operators (licensed by the Bureau of
Security and Investigative Services) who install, maintain,
monitor, sell, alter, or service alarm systems (fire alarm
company operators must be licensed by CSLB); and,
● Persons whose activities consist only of installing satellite
antenna systems on residential structures or property. These
persons must be registered with the state Bureau of Electronic
and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal
Insulation.
4. Do I have to reside in California to get and keep a CSLB-
issued contractor license?
No.
5. Does California recognize contractor licenses issued by
other states or countries?
No. However, California does have reciprocity agreements with some
states that have comparable license and experience qualifications for
certain trades. It is only after the Registrar of Contractors has
entered into a reciprocal agreement with the other state and under
certain conditions that the Registrar may waive the written trade
examination for a contractor licensed in another state. Applicants
still must qualify by taking and passing the CSLB law and business
examination. If you have trade experience or a contractor license
issued by another state or country and you want to contract for work
in California, that experience may be acceptable. In any case, you
must apply for and be issued a license by CSLB. CSLB has reciprocity
agreements with Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Check CSLB’s website,
www.cslb.ca.gov, for details.
6. What happens if I contract without a license?
A contractor license is not necessary as long as you don’t advertise
yourself as a licensed contractor and never contract for jobs valued at
$500 or more in combined labor and material costs.
CSLB has established statewide investigative teams that focus on
unlicensed contractors and the underground economy. These units
conduct undercover sting operations and targeted inspections (sweeps
of active construction sites) to curtail illegal contracting activities.
Stings and targeted inspections are routinely publicized to ensure
maximum consumer education.
4 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

Contracting without a license is usually a misdemeanor. Unlicensed

contractors face a first offense sentence of up to six months in jail
and/or a $5,000 fine, and potential administrative fines of $200 to
$15,000. Subsequent violations increase criminal penalties and fines.
However, felony charges may be filed against those who contract
without a license for any project that is covered by a state of
emergency or disaster proclaimed by the Governor or the President of
the United States. Felony convictions may result in a state prison
term as specified by the court.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
7. What kind of experience is required for a contractor
license?
At least four (4) years of journey-level experience in the past 10 years
immediately preceding the application is required to qualify for a
state contractor license. Credit for experience is given only for
experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee,
contractor, or owner-builder. These are defined as follows:
● A journeyman is a person who has completed an
apprenticeship program or is an experienced worker, not a
trainee, and is fully qualified and able to perform the trade
without supervision.
● A foreman or supervising employee is a person who has the
knowledge and skill of a journeyman and directly supervises
physical construction.
● A contractor is a person who manages the daily activities of a
construction business, including field supervision.
● An owner-builder is a person with a minimum of knowledge,
skills and abilities of a journeyman, who performs work on his
or her own property, and who has the skills necessary to
manage the daily activities of a construction business,
including field supervision.
All experience claims must be verified by a qualified and responsible
person, such as a homeowner, an employer, fellow employee, other
journeyman, contractor, union representative, building inspector,
architect, engineer, business associate, or a client if the applicant
is/was self-employed. The person verifying your experience must have
firsthand knowledge of your experience during the time period
covered—that is, he or she must have observed the work that you
have done and must complete and sign under penalty of perjury the
“Certification of Work Experience” form, which is included with the
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 5

application. Even if you provide a “Certification of Work Experience”

form, be prepared to furnish documentation of any experience you
claim on the form whenever it is requested. Failure to provide this
documentation will result in the return of your application for
correction or denial of the license.
8. Are there education requirements for a license?
No. You do not have to meet any education requirements to qualify
for a contractor license. However, many community colleges and
private schools offer instruction in vocational education. For more
information, contact:
Chancellor’s Office, California Community Colleges
1102 Q Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
916.445.8752
www.cccco.edu
(NOTE: CSLB does not make referrals or recommendations regarding
license preparation schools.)
9. May I substitute any education, technical training, or
apprenticeship training for the required experience?
You may receive credit for technical training, apprenticeship training,
or education toward a portion of the required four (4) years of
practical experience; at least one (1) year must be practical
experience. You must provide written documentation of any training
or education claimed in place of experience. Acceptable
documentation includes copies of apprenticeship certificates and
college transcripts.
10. How much credit can I expect to receive for technical
training, the completion of an approved apprenticeship
program, or related college or university education?
CSLB may credit training, apprenticeship, or education, as follows:
A maximum of one-and-one-half (1-1/2) years of credit upon
submission of certified official transcripts for the following:
● An Associate degree from an accredited school or college in a
field directly related to the specific classification for which the
application is being made.
6 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

A maximum of two (2) years of credit upon submission of certified

official transcripts for either of the following:
● A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in a
field related to business (such as accounting, business
administration, economics, mathematics, etc.); or
● A professional degree in law.
A maximum of three (3) years of credit upon submission of either of
the following:
● A Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from an
accredited apprenticeship program or a certified statement of
completion of apprenticeship training from a union in the
classification for which the application is being made; or
● Certified official transcripts for a four-year degree from an
accredited college or university in a field that is directly
related to the specific classification for which the application is
being made (such as construction technology/management,
horticulture/landscaping, a related field of engineering, etc.).

LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS
11. What are the contractor license classifications?
CSLB issues licenses to contract in particular trades or fields of the
construction profession. Each separate trade is recognized as a
“classification.” Upon qualification (including certification of four
years of journey-level experience), there is no limit to the number of
classifications that may be added to your license.
CSLB issues licenses for the following classifications:
● Class “A” — General Engineering Contractor
The principal business is in connection with fixed works requiring
specialized engineering knowledge and skill.
● Class “B” — General Building Contractor
The principal business is in connection with any structure built,
being built, or to be built, requiring in its construction the use of at
least two unrelated building trades or crafts; however, framing or
carpentry projects may be performed without limitation. A “B”
General Building contractor may take a contract for projects
involving one trade only if the contractor holds the appropriate
specialty license or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed
specialty contractor to perform the work.
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 7

● Class “C” — Specialty Contractor

There are 42 separate “C” license classifications for contractors
whose construction work requires specialized skill and whose
principal contracting business involves the use of specialized
building trades or crafts. Manufacturers are considered contractors
if engaged in on-site construction, alteration, or repair.
12. In what trades may I obtain a Class “C” Specialty
contractor license?
You may obtain a license in any of the classifications listed below. For
a detailed description of these classifications, consult the CSLB Rules
and Regulations in Chapter 13.
Classification Code Section
Asbestos Abatement ....................................................
C-22 832.22
Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting ..........
C-4 832.04
Building Moving/Demolition ................................ C-21 832.21
Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry ..................
C-6 832.06
Ceramic and Mosaic Tile .............................................
C-54 832.54
Concrete ................................................................ C-8 832.08
Construction Zone Traffic Control ..............................
C-31 832.31
Drywall .........................................................................
C-9 832.09
Earthwork and Paving ................................................
C-12 832.12
Electrical ................................................................C-10 832.10
Elevator ........................................................................
C-11 832.11
Fencing .........................................................................
C-13 832.13
Fire Protection .............................................................
C-16 832.16
Flooring and Floor Covering ................................ C-15 832.15
Framing and Rough Carpentry ................................
C-5 832.05
General Manufactured Housing ................................
C-47 832.47
Glazing .........................................................................
C-17 832.17
Insulation and Acoustical............................................
C-2 832.02
Landscaping ................................................................
C-27 832.27
Lathing and Plastering ...............................................
C-35 832.35
8 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

Classification Code Section

Limited Specialty .........................................................
C-61 832.61
Lock and Security Equipment ................................C-28 832.28
Low Voltage Systems...................................................
C-7 832.07
Masonry ........................................................................
C-29 832.29
Ornamental Metal .......................................................
C-23 832.23
Painting and Decorating .............................................
C-33 832.33
Parking and Highway Improvement ..........................
C-32 832.32
Pipeline .........................................................................
C-34 832.34
Plumbing ................................................................ C-36 832.36
Refrigeration ................................................................
C-38 832.38
Roofing..........................................................................
C-39 832.39
Sanitation System .......................................................
C-42 832.42
Sheet Metal ................................................................
C-43 832.43
Sign ...............................................................................
C-45 832.45
Solar..............................................................................
C-46 832.46
Reinforcing Steel..........................................................
C-50 832.50
Structural Steel ...........................................................
C-51 832.51
Swimming Pool ............................................................
C-53 832.53
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-
Conditioning ................................................................
C-20 832.20
Water Conditioning .....................................................
C-55 832.55
Welding.........................................................................
C-60 832.60
Well Drilling................................................................
C-57 832.57

Authority cited: B&P sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: sections

7058 and 7059

CSLB lists the C-61 Limited Specialty classification in “D” subcategories

for administrative tracking. “D” subcategory definitions were developed
by staff and approved by the Board as policy. Following are the currently
issued C-61 Limited Specialty “D” subcategory classifications:
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 9

D-03 - Awnings
D-04 - Central Vacuum Systems
D-06 - Concrete-Related Services
D-09 - Drilling, Blasting and Oil Field Work
D-10 - Elevated Floors
D-12 - Synthetic Products
D-16 - Hardware, Locks and Safes
D-21 - Machinery and Pumps
D-24 - Metal Products
D-28 - Doors, Gates and Activating Devices
D-29 - Paperhanging
D-30 - Pile Driving and Pressure Foundation Jacking
D-31 - Pole Installation and Maintenance
D-34 - Prefabricated Equipment
D-35 - Pool and Spa Maintenance
D-38 - Sand and Water Blasting
D-39 - Scaffolding
D-40 - Service Station Equipment and Maintenance
D-41 - Siding and Decking
D-42 - Non-Electrical Sign Installation
D-49 - Tree Service
D-50 - Suspended Ceilings
D-52 - Window Coverings
D-53 - Wood Tanks
D-56 - Trenching
D-59 - Hydroseed Spraying
D-62 - Air and Water Balancing
D-63 - Construction Cleanup
D-64 - Non-specialized
D-65 - Weatherization and Energy Conservation
CSLB’s website, http://www.cslb.ca.gov/, contains a complete listing of
“D” license classifications and descriptions, plus classifications that
are no longer issued (cross-referenced to current classifications).
13. Are there any special requirements for contractors who
work with asbestos or other hazardous substances?
Yes. Contractors who work with asbestos or other hazardous
substances are regulated by the United States Department of Labor,
Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the
California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of
Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), as well as by CSLB. These
10 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

contractors are subject to a number of certification, registration,

licensure, reporting, and safety requirements.
Only an existing licensee with other general or specialty
classifications can apply for the asbestos certification (pursuant to
BCP §7058.5) or hazardous substance certification (pursuant to BCP
§7058.7). The C-22 Asbestos Abatement classification was added to
CSLB’s Class “C” Specialty contractor license in 2015 and can be held
as a stand-alone license.
NOTE: The asbestos certification is an overlay to the other
classifications held by a contractor–he or she can only
perform asbestos abatement work in conjunction with other
classifications held.
Following are some of CSLB’s requirements for asbestos abatement
and other hazardous substance removal work:
● Asbestos abatement contractors must be certified by CSLB or
hold the C-22 Asbestos Abatement classification. To become
certified, a contractor must:
■ Complete CSLB’s “Application for Asbestos
Certification”;
■ Pass a comprehensive CSLB asbestos certification
examination;
■ Take and pass an EPA-accredited asbestos abatement
course required for DOSH registration; and
■ Be registered by the Asbestos Contractor Registration
Unit of DOSH.
NOTE: The C-22 Asbestos Abatement classification functions
as a stand-alone classification and does not depend upon any
other classification that the contractor may hold.
● To become licensed as a C-22 Asbestos Abatement contractor,
an applicant must:
■ Complete CSLB’s “Application for an Original
Contractor License” for applicants who do not yet hold
a contractor license, or “Application for Additional
Classification” for applicants who already hold a
contractor license in other classification(s);
■ Meet specific experience requirements pursuant to T16
CCR § 832.22;
■ Pass a comprehensive C-22 Asbestos Abatement
examination;
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 11

■ Take and pass an EPA-accredited asbestos abatement

course required for DOSH registration; and
■ Be registered by the Asbestos Contractor Registration
Unit of DOSH.
● Contractors who perform hazardous substance removal and
remedial action work must be certified by CSLB. They must
complete an “Application for Hazardous Substance Removal
and Remedial Actions Certification,” and they must pass a
CSLB certification exam.
Any contractor with an “A” General Engineering, “B” General
Building, C-36 Plumbing, C-12 Earthwork and Paving, C-57
Well Drilling or, in some cases, C-61 (D-40) Service Station
Equipment and Maintenance license is eligible to be certified.
In addition, contractors who install or remove underground storage
tanks must hold the Hazardous Substance Removal and Remdial
Actions Certification. CSLB policy limits certified contractors doing
underground storage tank work as follows:
○ “A” General Engineering contractors may install and/or
remove underground storage tanks for any purpose at any
location.
○ “B” General Building contractors may, in the course of
work performed under a contract that meets the
requirements for the “B” classification (see Question 11),
install and/or remove an underground storage tank if they
have been properly certified for Hazardous Substance
Removal and Remedial Actions.
○ C-36 Plumbing contractors may install and/or remove any
underground storage tank that provides service to a
building, including storage tanks for service stations.
14. Are there any other requirements I need to complete?
All applicants for licensure are required to submit a full set of
fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal background
check. Fingerprints will be compared with the records of the
California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation to determine if a criminal history exists. After
submission of an application to CSLB, each individual listed on the
application will be sent instructions on the process for obtaining and
submitting fingerprints. For more information, visit CSLB’s website:
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/FAQs/Fingerprint_Q_And_A.aspx.
12 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

ASBESTOS OPEN-BOOK EXAMINATION – Before a license

will be issued, every licensee must have completed, signed,
and returned the open-book examination contained in the
booklet Asbestos: A Contractor’s Guide and Open-Book
Examination. The booklet contains general information about
asbestos abatement standards. The booklet is available at
www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

For more information about asbestos-related work and hazardous

substance removal and remedial action work, see Section IV Chapter
7 Safety and Health in Construction.

APPLYING FOR A LICENSE

15. How do I apply for a contractor license?
You must complete the following steps:
● Obtain an “Application for Original Contractor’s License” form
from any CSLB office, by calling CSLB’s 24-hour automated
information line, (800) 321-CSLB (2752), or via the CSLB
website, www.cslb.ca.gov.
● Take the time to carefully read and follow the general
information and instructions included with the application.
Note: Certifications in support of work experience must be
submitted with the application. No experience
certifications will be accepted after the application has
been reviewed and accepted.
● Complete and print out the online application, or print out the
forms and fill out using blue or black ink. Forms completed in
pencil will be returned. Forms also can be requested by calling
(800) 321-CSLB (2752).
NOTE: Applicants with a disability requiring special testing
accommodations must complete the Accommodation Request for
Examination form. (See page 16 for more information.)
● Proofread your application for any omissions. If CSLB has to
return the application to you for any missing information, your
license may be delayed.
If you are required to take the exam, you may apply for only one
classification at a time, and must pass the examination. After your
license is issued, you may apply for any additional classifications for
which you qualify.
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 13

If you are required to take the examination, take the following

steps:
● Submit the application, the application processing fee of $300
($330 for applications postmarked after June 30, 2017), and all
required documents to:
Contractors State License Board
P.O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826
NOTE: Do not submit any bonds or the initial license fee with
your application.
● Include your return address on the envelope.
● Upon successful completion of your examination, you will be
notified about submitting the initial license fee of $180 ($200
for applications postmarked after June 30, 2017) and the
documents required for issuance of your license (bonds, proof of
workers’ compensation insurance, etc.). You must submit
ALL required documents together to avoid delays. Your
license will not be issued until all issuance
requirements are met.
If you are not required to take an examination for any
classification for which you are applying, you must:
● Submit an application and $480 ($300 application processing
fee and $180 initial license fee, in addition to $75 for each
additional classification); for applications postmarked after
June 30, 2017, submit an application and $530 ($330
application processing fee and $200 initial license fee, in
addition to $85 for each additional classification.
The following items are required for issuance of a license. You
may submit the items with your applications or you may wait until
your application is reviewed and a letter requesting the information
is received:
● A contractor bond or equivalent in the business name of the
applicant, and a bond of qualifying individual or exemption
statement for each responsible managing officer or responsible
managing employee, as appropriate. The bond of qualifying
individual must be in the names of the qualifying individuals
and the business.
● Proof of workers’ compensation insurance or exemption. If you
have no employees, an exemption certificate (Form 13L-50)
must be submitted. NOTE: If the license is qualified by a
14 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

responsible managing employee (RME), the qualifier is an

employee. This means that workers’ compensation insurance is
required to cover this employee and an exemption certificate
should not be submitted.
NOTE: All C-39 Roofing contractors must carry workers’
compensation insurance regardless of whether or not
they have employees.
If you are applying for an inactive license, you must:
● Submit an application, the appropriate application processing
fee, and the initial license fee. The same fees are required for
inactive licenses as for active licenses.
NOTE: If your license is to be issued as “inactive,” bonds
and workers’ compensation insurance are NOT
required.
16. Will CSLB acknowledge receipt of my application?
CSLB will send you a letter of acknowledgment. This letter will
contain two important numbers: a nine-digit Application Fee Number
and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), together with
instructions on how to use these numbers to check on the progress of
your application.
Your Application Fee Number, known as your “receipt number,” will
also appear on the front of your canceled check, on the “Notice to
Appear for Examination,” and on a request for you to submit the
appropriate documents and the initial license fee. Please retain a
record of this number and use it in all inquiries regarding your
pending application.
17. How long does it take to complete the license application
process?
Because many factors affect the time it takes to process an
application (type of application, workload, vacancies, etc.), processing
times continually change. By using your PIN and Application Fee
Number to check your application status, you can see what date is
being processed and get a good idea of when your application will be
reviewed. This information is updated weekly.
If no exam is required and all license requirements are met, a license
can be issued shortly after being pulled for processing. If an exam is
required, you will be given an exam date after the date the
application is processed and considered acceptable, which means no
corrections or additional information is required. Additional time is
required to complete application processing after you pass the exam.
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 15

Your license will not be issued until all issuance requirements have
been met.
18. How will I know if my application is approved?
After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive
either a “Notice to Appear for Examination,” or, if the examination is
waived, a request for documents and the initial license fee. Some
applications are sent for investigation and, even though you may take
and pass the exam, the license will not be issued until the application
has been approved and all licensing requirements have been met.
Applications that require no examination can be submitted with the
contractor bond, bond of qualifying individual (if required), proof of
workers’ compensation insurance, and applicable fees.
19. How can I check on the status of my application?
CSLB will send you an acknowledgment that your application was
received. The acknowledgment letter will contain:
● Instructions on how to make inquiries;
● Your Application Fee Number; and
● Your PIN, which will give you private access to your
application status. To check on the status of your application,
call CSLB’s toll-free automated information line, (800) 321-
CSLB (2752), or visit www.cslb.ca.gov.
20. What happens if my application is not approved?
Your application may be returned to you if it is insufficient or
incomplete. This is known as a “return for correction.” You must
provide any missing information, make corrections, and return your
application to CSLB within 90 days from the date it was returned. If
it is not returned to CSLB within 90 days, your application becomes
void. You cannot reinstate it, and you must submit a new application
and appropriate processing fee if you wish to pursue a license.
21. If my application is not approved, can my application fee
be refunded?
No. The $300 fee ($330 for applications postmarked after June 30,
2017) is for processing the application, regardless if the application is
approved. Since each application is processed after it arrives at
CSLB, the fee cannot be refunded.
22. How do I apply for a joint venture license?
The joint venture contractor license is one that is issued to two or
more licensees (sole owners, partnerships, corporations, or other joint
ventures) whose licenses are current and active. A joint venture
16 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

license may be issued in any or all of the classifications in which the

members of the joint venture are licensed. To apply for a joint venture
contractor license, you must submit an “Application for Joint Venture
Contractor License” form along with the appropriate application fee—
$300 application processing fee and $180 initial license fee, in
addition to $75 for each additional classification (for applications
postmarked after June 30, 2017, $330 application fee and $200 initial
fee, in addition to $75 for each additional classification). The
following requirements must be met:
● Each of the licensees participating in the joint venture must
show the exact business name and license number as it
appears in CSLB records;
● One of the official personnel listed on CSLB’s records for each
participating licensee (the owner, a partner, or an officer of the
corporation, but not a responsible managing employee) must
sign the application;
● The qualifier for the entity holding the classification applied
for must sign the application;
● Provide proof of a contractor bond or submit a $15,000 cash
deposit. The bond or cash deposit must bear the same business
name as the pending joint venture; and
● Proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage or
exemption must be submitted.
No examination or fingerprinting is required for a joint venture
license.
23. When does a joint venture license expire?
The joint venture license will expire two (2) years from the last day of
the month in which the license was issued. Each license included in
the joint venture must be current and active before the joint venture
license can be renewed in active status.
24. What is cause for suspension of a joint venture license?
If any of the member licenses ceases to be current and active or is
suspended for any reason, the joint venture license will be suspended.

LICENSING EXAMINATIONS
Accommodation Request for Examination
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public
Law 101-336, CSLB provides “reasonable accommodation” for
applicants with disabilities that may affect their ability to take
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 17

required examinations. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify

CSLB of any necessary alternative arrangements. CSLB is not
required by ADA guidelines to provide accommodation if it is
unaware of specific needs. To request accommodation, submit the
“Accommodation Request for Examination” form. This form is
available in any CSLB office and at www.cslb.ca.gov.
25. Is there an examination requirement for a contractor
license?
The person who qualified for a contractor license is required to pass
the written law and business examination, and a specific trade
examination unless he or she is approved for a waiver.
26. Under what circumstances is a waiver of an examination
granted?
The Registrar MAY waive the examination requirement if the
qualifying person meets one of the following conditions:
● The person is currently the qualifying individual for a license
in good standing in the same classification for which he or she
is applying; or
● The person has been a qualifying individual within the past
five (5) years for a license in good standing in the same
classification for which he or she is applying; or
● Within the last five (5) years, the person has passed both the
law and business examination and the trade examination in
the same classification for which he or she is applying.
27. Are there any additional circumstances under which a
waiver of an examination may be requested?
Yes. At the Registrar’s discretion, an exam waiver may be granted if
the qualifying individual meets the following criteria:
The qualifying individual is a member of the immediate family of a
licensee whose individual license was active and in good standing for
five of the seven years immediately preceding the application. The
qualifying individual must have been actively engaged in the
licensee’s business for five (5) of the previous seven (7) years and be
applying in the same classification. The license is required in order to
continue operating an existing family business in the event of the
absence or death of the licensee.
18 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

28. If I think I am eligible for a waiver, must I complete the

experience section of the application?
Even if you think that you are eligible for an examination waiver, you
must complete the experience section of the application to document a
minimum of five (5) years out of the previous seven (7) years as
journey-level experience. All experience claims must be verified by a
qualified and responsible person, such as an employer, fellow
employee, other journeyman, contractor, union representative,
building inspector, architect, or engineer.
The person verifying your claim must have firsthand knowledge of
your experience during the time period being verified; that is, he or
she must have observed the work that you have done.

EXCEPTIONS
You are not required to document your experience if any of the
following conditions exist:
● You are currently a qualifier on a license in good standing in
the same classification(s) for which you are applying; or
● You have been a qualifier within the past five (5) years on a
license in good standing in the same classification(s) for which
you are applying.
29. How will I find out if I have to take the examination?
If you have to take the examination, CSLB will send you a “Notice to
Appear for Examination.”
If you qualify for a waiver, CSLB will send you a notice requesting
that the required documents and fees be submitted for your license.
30. How soon after filing my application will I receive my
Notice to Appear for Examination?
Scheduling the exam occurs after your application is processed and
found acceptable (see Question 17). There are many factors that affect
the time it takes to process an application.
You will be scheduled for the exam after the application is
accepted. You should receive your examination notice at least three
(3) weeks prior to the examination date. NOTE: Some applications
are sent for formal investigation. Each application must be accepted
AND approved for the license to be issued, even if the qualifier has
passed the exam.
Refer to your acknowledgment letter for instructions on how to check
the status of your application.
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 19

31. Where are the examinations given?

To make the examination procedure more convenient for applicants,
CSLB testing centers are located throughout the state: Fresno,
Norwalk, Berkeley, Oxnard, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego,
and San Jose. CSLB Testing division staff use ZIP codes to assign
applicants to the testing center nearest to their business address.
The “Notice to Appear for Examination” letter mailed to the applicant
identifies the exam location, what identification is required, and
travel directions to the exam site.
32. What are the major components of the examination?
There are two parts to the examination process. All qualifying
individuals must pass the standard law and business examination. In
addition, all qualifying individuals must pass a second test covering
the specific trade or certification area for which they are applying.
However, no trade examination is required for the C-61 Limited
Specialty classification.
33. What does the law and business examination cover?
The law and business examination consists of multiple-choice
questions related to business management and construction law.
Applicants can find information about the examination topics in the
Study Guide for the Law and Business Examination that CSLB sends
to applicants along with the “Notice to Appear for Examination.”
34. How can I prepare for the law and business examination?
The current edition of the California Contractors License Law &
Reference Book is the basic study reference. Copies may be purchased
by calling (800) 223-1940, faxing a request to (866) 960-2712, through
the www.lexisnexis.com/bookstore website, or by writing to: Matthew
Bender & Company, Attn. Inbound Sales, 9443 Springboro Pike,
Miamisburg, OH 45342. When ordering by mail, include a street
address and the recipient’s name. All orders are shipped by carrier
and cannot be delivered to a post office box.
The California Contractors License Law & Reference Book is not sold
at any CSLB office; however, access to the book is provided at
www.cslb.ca.gov. Copies may be available from some specialty book
stores.
Other suggested study materials are listed in the resource list
included in the Study Guide for the Law and Business Examination.
The study guide is available by calling CSLB at (800) 321-CSLB
(2752), or at www.cslb.ca.gov.
20 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

35. How can I prepare for my trade or certification

examination?
CSLB will send you a study guide for each examination with your
“Notice to Appear for Examination,” which is also available on the
CSLB website. The study guide lists the topic areas covered by the
examination, shows how each area is weighted, and, in most cases,
recommends resource materials to study.
36. What are the trade examinations like?
All trade exams consist of multiple-choice questions. You will be
informed at the test site about the percentage of correct answers
needed to pass each exam.
Exams are developed with the assistance of licensed contractors.
Most examinations include questions that refer to accompanying
booklets containing blueprints and/or drawings.
37. What should I bring to the examination site?
To be admitted to the testing center, bring the “Notice to Appear for
Examination.” You also must bring a government-issued picture
identification (a current, valid driver license, Department of Motor
Vehicles identification card, or military identification card). White
boards, calculators, and scale rulers will be provided. No personal
calculators, cell phones, pagers or other electronic devices are
permitted in the testing area. All personal items must be placed in a
common storage area at your own risk. You are advised to leave
articles of value locked in your vehicle since testing center staff does
not watch the storage area.
38. How long does the examination take?
You will be given 3-1/2 hours to complete each examination. Arriving
late to a testing center may reduce the available time to take your
examination.
39. What is involved with the computer-based testing system?
You will take your exam on the easy-to-use State Contractors Official
Regulatory Exam (SCORE) system. The SCORE system guides those
taking the test through a tutorial to help them feel at ease with the
touchscreen computer prior to the exam.
40. What kind of feedback will I receive?
Test takers receive their exam results before they leave the exam site.
Successful examinees are told only that they have passed the exam.
They are not given detailed information about their score.
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 21

Unsuccessful test takers are given a statement showing how they

performed in each section of the exam. These sections are described in
greater detail in the study guide for that exam so the examinee will
know what areas to emphasize when preparing to retake the
examination.
41. If I fail to appear for an examination or fail to pass the law
and business exam and/or a trade exam, may I retake the
exam(s)?
Yes. If you fail to appear for an examination, you must pay a $60
rescheduling fee. You have 18 months during which to reschedule the
exam before your application expires. After that, you will have to
submit a new application with new fees. Your exam may be
rescheduled one time without a fee if you provide documented
evidence that your failure to appear was due to a medical emergency
or other circumstance beyond your control.
If you fail the law and business exam and/or your trade exam, you
must also pay a $60 fee ($70 if exam rescheduled after June 30, 2017)
each time you are scheduled to retake the exam. You are given 18
months in which to pass the exams. If you do not pass within 18
months after your application is accepted by the board, your
application is considered void, and you will have to submit a new
application with new fees. The void date on an application may be
extended up to 90 days if you provide documented evidence that the
failure to complete the application process was due to a medical
emergency or other circumstance beyond your control.
To file for rescheduling, complete the information requested on the
bottom of the notice informing you that you failed to pass the
examination and submit it with the $60 fee ($70 if exam rescheduled
after June 30, 2017) to CSLB. (Please identify any address change on
this form.) Once your rescheduling fee is received by CSLB, you will
be sent a notice to appear for your next exam.
Examination results are good for five (5) years. If you pass
either the trade exam or the law and business exam but fail
the other, you need only take the test you failed as long as you
retake and pass it within five years.
42. May I review the test questions after the examinations?
No. Test questions and answer keys are not available for review.
However, you may type a comment about a question during the
examination at any time before scoring has occurred. You also may
ask for a “Request for Examination Appeal” form after your exam and
mail or fax it to CSLB.
22 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

43. Are there any penalties for disclosing the contents of a

state examination?
Yes. Penalties for conduct that violates the security of the
examination include prosecution on misdemeanor charges resulting
in a fine of $500, payment of damages of up to $10,000 plus the costs
of litigation, and a county jail sentence. You also would be subject to
automatic exam failure; any fee(s) paid to the state would not be
refunded; and you would not be allowed to apply for any license
classification for a period of one (1) year from your examination date.
Conduct that violates the security of the examination includes
providing information about test questions to any school, person, or
business other than CSLB examination staff; removing exam
materials from the testing site (includes taking notes or recording
anything electronically); communicating with other test takers during
an exam; copying or permitting your answers to be copied; possessing
any written material other than test materials provided by CSLB; or
taking an exam on behalf of another applicant.
44. What will I receive to show that I’m licensed?
You will receive a wall certificate showing the name of the person or
company to which the certificate has been issued, the license number,
and the date of issue; and a plastic pocket card showing the license
number, business name, classification(s), certifications (if applicable),
and the license expiration date. The law requires that you display
your wall certificate in your main office or chief place of business. You
also should carry your pocket card, especially in situations where you
think you might solicit business or talk to potential customers. In its
literature for consumers, CSLB suggests that customers ask to see a
contractor’s pocket card.
45. How long before I receive those documents?
You should receive your wall certificate and pocket card about one
week from the time your license is issued.

LICENSE ISSUANCE
46. To whom is a license issued?
A license may be issued to an individual, a partnership, a corporation,
a joint venture, or a limited liability company (LLC). The license
belongs to the owner of an individual license, to the partnership, to
the corporation as it is registered with the California Secretary of
State, or to the combination of licensees who are party to the joint
venture or LLC.
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 23

47. If the ownership of a business changes, is the contractor

license considered to be part of the purchase?
No. With the possible exception of a corporation, the license is not
considered to be part of the business. If the corporation’s registration
number assigned by the California Secretary of State remains the
same, the same license can be used if the license is current and
active. The officers and the qualifying individual do not necessarily
have to remain the same, although a qualifying individual must be in
place for the license to be valid.
48. What is the difference between an active and an inactive
license?
The holder of an active license can contract for work in the
classifications that appear on the license. While the license is active,
the licensee must maintain a current contractor license bond, a bond
of qualifying individual (if required), and workers’ compensation
insurance coverage if employees are hired or if the licensee holds the
C-39 Roofing classification.
If a license is inactive (currently renewed but on inactive status) the
holder may not bid or contract for work. Neither the contractor bond
nor the bond of qualifying individual is required for an inactive
license. Also, a licensee does not need to have the proof of exemption
from workers’ compensation insurance coverage on file with CSLB
while the license is inactive (see Question 59).
49. To whom does the term “qualifying individual” refer?
A qualifying individual, or simply “qualifier,” is the person listed in
the CSLB records who meets the experience and examination
requirements for the license. A qualifying individual is required for
every classification on each license issued by CSLB.
50. What is the qualifying individual required to do?
The qualifying individual for a license is responsible for exercising
the direct supervision and control of the employer’s (or principal’s)
construction operations.
51. Can the same person serve as the qualifier for more than
one license?
A person may act as a qualifying individual for more than one active
license only if one of the following conditions exists:
● There is a common ownership of at least 20 percent of the
equity of each firm for which the person acts as a qualifier;
● The additional firm is a subsidiary of or a joint venture with
the first; or
24 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

● The majority of the partners or officers are the same.

Even if he or she meets the above conditions, A PERSON MAY
SERVE AS THE QUALIFYING INDIVIDUAL FOR NO MORE
THAN THREE (3) FIRMS IN ANY ONE-YEAR PERIOD. If a
qualifier disassociates from the third firm, he or she must wait one
year before associating with a new third firm.
In most cases, a responsible managing employee (RME) can only act
as a qualifying individual for one active license at a time.
52. Who can be a qualifying individual?
If you have a sole ownership license, your qualifier may be either a
Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or you, the owner.
If you have a partnership license, your qualifier may either be one of
the general partners (who shall be designated as the qualifying
partner) or an RME.
If you have a corporate license, your qualifier may be either one of the
officers listed in CSLB records for your license (who shall be
designated as the responsible managing officer, or RMO) or an RME.
If you have a limited liability company license, your qualifier may be
a responsible managing member, responsible managing manager,
RMO, or RME.
If your qualifying individual is an RME, he or she must be a bona fide
employee of the firm and may not be the qualifier on any other active
license. This means that the RME must be regularly employed by the
firm and actively involved in the operation of the business at least 32
hours per week or 80 percent of the total business operating hours
per week, whichever is less.
53. Will a conviction for a criminal offense prevent a person
from being licensed as a contractor or serving as a qualifying
individual?
CSLB’s applications and other forms include questions regarding
criminal convictions. CSLB may deny a license if the crime is
substantially related to the duties, functions, and qualifications of a
contractor. Failure to disclose the requested information may, in and
of itself, be grounds for denial of a license.
Even if a crime is found to be substantially related to the duties,
functions, and qualifications of a contractor, an individual may be
licensed if he or she has demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation. (See
Section 869 in Chapter 13.)
CHAPTER 1. BECOMING A CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR 25

Since 2005, all applicants for licenses and home improvement

salesperson registrations have been required to submit fingerprints
with each application. For more information, check
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/FAQs/Fingerprint_Q_And_A.aspx.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
54. Are there any financial requirements to qualify for a
contractor license?
As of January 1, 2016, applicants for a new contractor license, other
than those applying for a joint venture license, no longer need to have
more than $2,500 worth of operating capital. However, the amount of
the contractor license bond or cash deposit that must filed with the
Registrar increased from $12,500 to $15,000.
55. Are there any bond requirements for a contractor license?
Yes. It is your responsibility to file a contractor license bond valued at
$15,000 or an equivalent cash deposit with the Registrar. In addition,
you must submit a separate bond of qualifying individual or cash
deposit in the amount of $12,500 for the RME or the RMO. However,
a bond of qualifying individual is not required if the RMO certifies
that he or she owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock or equity of
the corporation for which he or she serves as the qualifying
individual.
If you have a limited liability company (LLC) license, a separate
$100,000 surety bond is required (in addition to the $15,000
contractor bond) for the benefit of any employee or worker damaged
by the LLC’s failure to pay wages, interest on wages, or fringe
benefits, as well as other contributions. (See Chapter 2 for
information about contractor bonds.)
56. Where do I obtain bonds?
You may purchase bonds from your insurance agent or one of the
private holding companies licensed by the California Department of
Insurance. CSLB does not issue bonds. Copies of the approved bond
form and information regarding cash alternatives to bonds are
available from CSLB upon request.
57. How long is a bond valid?
A bond may be issued for whatever length of time you and your
insurance agent or bond company representative arrange. Most bonds
are issued for a period of one (1) to three (3) years. At the end of that
time, the bond may be canceled, or the bond company may request
another premium to extend the life of the bond.
26 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

58. What is the total amount of the fees I must pay to obtain a
contractor license?
Fees are subject to change. Current fees are printed on the
application forms and notices distributed to you. You may check
www.clsb.ca.gov or call CSLB automated phone system (800) 321-
2752 to verify the current fees. Currently, it costs a total of $480
($530 for applications postmarked after June 30, 2017) to obtain a
contractor license for one classification. This amount includes both
the nonrefundable application processing fee of $300 ($330 for
applications postmarked after June 30, 2017) and the two-year initial
license fee of $180 ($200 for applications postmarked after June 30,
2017).
59. Do I need to be concerned about workers’ compensation
insurance?
All contractors are required to present proof of workers’ compensation
insurance coverage as a condition of licensure, or to maintain an
active license or to activate an inactive license, unless they are
exempt from this requirement. Contractors who do not have
employees working for them (except C-39 Roofing licensees) are
exempt from the requirement for workers’ compensation insurance,
but they are required to file a certification of this exemption with the
Registrar. If the license is qualified by an RME, an exemption
certificate cannot be submitted because the RME is an employee.
Neither the proof of coverage nor the exemption is required for an
inactive license (see Question 48).
NOTE: All contractors with a C-39 Roofing classification are required
by B&P section 7125 to have a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation
Insurance or a Certification of Self-Insurance on file with CSLB and
are not eligible for exemption.
60. How long is a license valid?
A contractor license is initially issued for a two-year period. It will
expire two (2) years from the last day of the month in which it was
issued. Licenses are renewed for two (2) years if renewed on active
status, or for four (4) years if renewed on inactive status.
 Chapter 2.
Your Existing License:
Maintaining and Changing It

BONDS
Contractors are required to maintain a surety bond for the benefit of
consumers who may be damaged as a result of defective construction
or other license law violations, and for the benefit of employees who
have not been paid wages due them.
Contractor Bond and Bond of Qualifying Individual
A surety bond is usually a three-party agreement between a surety,
the contractor, and a project owner. (See Chapter 6 for a description of
these bonds.) The contractor license bond is different from most other
surety bonds. The contractor bond is executed by a surety in favor of
the State of California for the benefit of specific categories of people
damaged if a contractor violates contractors’ state license law. The
list of beneficiaries can be found in Business and Professions (B&P)
Code section 7071.5.
Before an active contractor license can be issued or renewed, or an
inactive license made active, the licensee must have a current
contractor bond, or an approved alternative to the bond (see below),
on file with CSLB. The contractor bond required is $15,000 for all
classifications.
In addition, a qualifying individual must have a $12,500 bond, or an
approved alternative to the bond, on file for each responsible
managing employee (RME). A $12,500 Bond of Qualifying Individual
must be on file with CSLB for each responsible managing officer
(RMO) unless the RMO owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock of
the corporation, and for each responsible managing member or
officer, unless he or she owns 10 percent or more of the membership
interest in the limited liability company.
If the license is inactive, neither the contractor bond nor the Bond of
Qualifying Individual is needed.
Limited Liability Surety Bond
A $100,000 surety bond (in addition to the $15,000 contractor bond) is
required for the issuance, reissuance, reinstatement, reactivation,
and renewal of a limited liability company license for the benefit of
any employee or worker damaged by the LLC’s failure to pay wages,

27
28 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

interest on wages, or fringe benefits, as well as other contributions

(not required for inactive LLC licenses). (See B&P Code §7071.6.5.)
Disciplinary Bonds
After a firm’s license has been revoked for a violation of contractors’
state license law, the firm must file a disciplinary bond with the
Registrar if the license is to be reinstated or reissued, or if the firm
seeks to have a new license issued. (See B&P Code §7071.8.)
Disciplinary bonds are subject to the following requirements:
● The disciplinary bond must be filed in addition to, and cannot
take the place of or be combined with, any other bonds required
to maintain an active contractor license;
● The Registrar determines the bond amount, which is based on
the seriousness of the violations. The amount may not be less
than $15,000 nor greater than 10 times the amount of the
contractor bond (See B&P Code §7071.8.);
● The disciplinary bond must remain current and on file with the
Registrar for at least two (2) years. In some cases, the
Registrar may require a longer filing period; and
● The firm’s license must remain active and current while the
disciplinary bond is on file.
Approved Alternatives to Contractor Bonds
Instead of filing a surety bond with CSLB, a contractor may prefer to
use one of the following approved alternatives for filing a security
deposit (see Code of Civil Procedures §995.710).
NOTE: All alternatives to bonds are retained by CSLB for three
(3) years after the end of the license period that they cover. If
the board is notified of a complaint relative to a claim against the
deposit, the deposit shall not be released until the complaint has been
adjudicated.
NOTE: It is the contractor’s responsibility to make sure the
alternative in lieu of a required bond is timely and meets CSLB
requirements. Failure to have a required bond or an
alternative on file may result in license suspension and a gap
in licensure.
Certificate of Deposit
For CSLB to accept certificates of deposit in lieu of a contractor bond,
the certificate must meet the board’s requirements. As noted above, it
is the contractor’s responsibility to make sure the financial institution
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 29

issuing the certificate provides a timely certificate that meets all of

the following requirements:
● It must be issued by a bank or savings and loan association
doing business in California;
● It must show the business name of the applicant or the
licensee;
● It must be payable to the Contractors State License Board;
● It must be issued for a period of at least one (1) year and be
automatically renewable at each maturity date;
● It must state that the interest earned will be paid to the
depositor; and
● It must not designate the payee as a “trustee.”
Bank Savings Account, Savings and Loan Investment
Certificate or Share Account, Credit Union Certificate for
Funds or Share Account
It is the contractor’s responsibility to make sure the assignment of
these accounts or certificates meets all of the following requirements:
● The account/certificate information must be properly filled out
on forms approved by the Registrar and available from CSLB;
● The passbook or certificate must be delivered to the Registrar
with the assignment form;
● The passbook or the certificate must show the business name
of the applicant or licensee; and
● The passbook or the certificate must be assigned to CSLB.
Cash
A licensee may choose to make a cash deposit with CSLB instead of
filing a bond. The cash deposit must be in the form of a cashier’s
check or a bank-certified check made payable to the Contractors State
License Board. A cashier’s check must show the name of the
purchaser and must be deposited with CSLB.
Bearer Bonds
Bearer bonds must:
● Be issued by the U.S. Government or the State of California;
● Be delivered to a bank in Sacramento, California, and have a
market value equal to or greater than the amounts prescribed
in B&P Code sections 7071.6 and 7071.9, or as fixed by the
30 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

Registrar, as provided for in B&P Code §7071.8 (Also see

California Code of Regulations (CCR) §856.); and
● The bank, as agent for the applicant or licensee, will, on order
of the Registrar, deliver the bonds to the Treasurer of the State
of California. Under no circumstances are bearer bonds to be
delivered to CSLB or the Registrar.
General Requirements for Bonds and Bond Alternatives
The following requirements must be met before your bond (or a bond
alternative) can be accepted:
● Bonds are not transferable—they cannot be transferred from
one license to another or from one qualifying individual to
another;
● The business name and the license number on the bond must
correspond exactly to the information in CSLB’s records;
● The license number on the bond of a qualifying individual must
match that of the firm for whom the individual is to serve as
the qualifying individual;
● Contractor bonds must be in the correct amount of $15,000;
● A bond of qualifying individual must be in the correct amount
of $12,500;
● The bond must have the signature of the attorney-in-fact; and
● Bonds must be filed with CSLB within 90 days of the effective
date of the bond.
If you are submitting a bond alternative and the bond alternative is
returned for correction, take it and the letter of correction to the
issuing entity for correction as soon as possible. Return the corrected
document to CSLB as soon as possible.
The Registrar may reinstate your license following a suspension for
failing to have a required bond (or bond alternative). However, the
suspension may result in a gap in licensure.
Maintaining Bonds
The following guidelines will help you avoid problems with the bonds
filed for your license:
● Keep your required bonds, cash deposits, or bond exemptions
current at all times;
● Renew your bonds promptly. To avoid a period of suspension,
make sure that the effective date of the new bond is the same
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 31

as the cancellation date of the old bond. To allow for processing

time, arrange for a new bond four (4) weeks before your old one
expires;
● Only one bond is in effect at a time. A second bond filed for the
same period cancels out the first bond;
● CSLB does not return any bond that has been accepted or
processed for an active license; and
● Keep accurate records on your agent, surety company, bond
numbers, effective dates, and terms of the bond(s).
Suspensions
Your license will be suspended if any of the following bond-related
conditions occur:
● Your surety company cancels one or more of your required
bonds;
● The voting stock of the responsible managing officer for a
corporate license or the membership interest in a limited
liability license is no longer at least 10 percent of the total
voting stock of the corporation. (See B&P Code §7071.9.)
Suspension is effective from the date ownership or membership
interest terminated unless a bond of qualifying individual,
backdated to the date his or her percentage of the stock or
membership interest fell below 10 percent, is filed;
● A judgment or payment of claim reduces the amount of any
required bond (See B&P Code §7071.11.);
● You fail to maintain a disciplinary bond or cash deposit in full
force and effect for the required amount of time.
A suspended license can be reinstated if the surety company sends
a “Rescission of Cancellation Notice” to CSLB or if you obtain a
new bond and submit it to CSLB within 90 days of the date that
the new bond becomes effective, or within 90 days of the date the
old bond is canceled.

JUDGMENTS AND OUTSTANDING LIABILITIES

Civil Court Judgments
A contractor is required to report a construction-related civil court
judgment to CSLB within 90 days of the judgment date. When CSLB
receives a copy of the judgment, the information is entered on the
contractor license record and a notice is sent to the contractor. The
notice gives the contractor 90 days from the date of the notice to
32 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

resolve the judgment. After 90 days, if the judgment is not resolved,

the contractor license is automatically suspended and remains
suspended until the judgment is resolved.
If the contractor fails to report the judgment within 90 days, then
when the judgment is reported, his or her contractor license is
suspended immediately. The license remains suspended until the
judgment is resolved.
NOTE: Anyone can report a construction-related judgment against a
contractor by sending a copy of the judgment to the CSLB Judgment
Unit at the Sacramento headquarters office. In fact, most of the
judgments received by CSLB are sent by the person to whom the
contractor owes money.
Once a judgment is entered on a contractor’s license record, the
unsatisfied judgment can affect any other license that a person is on
or any license for which he or she may apply. For example, suppose a
contractor has a sole ownership license and a corporation license. If
the judgment is against the corporation, then the suspension for
failure to resolve the judgment will also suspend the sole ownership
license.
These requirements are in B&P Code §7071.17 (see Chapter 12.).
According to that section, a private arbitration decision is considered
the same as a judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judgments:
I was never served or notified of this suit or judgment—what
can I do? The judgment wasn’t fair, the judge wouldn’t listen
to me—what can I do?
Whether the suit or judgment was properly served, or was fair, is for
the court to decide. CSLB cannot override a decision made by the
court in a civil judgment. If you believe you were not properly served
or treated fairly, consult an attorney. With a small claims judgment,
you can speak with staff from the small claims court in which the
judgment was filed.
Can I appeal the court decision?
There are many factors that determine when and why an appeal can
be filed, so you should consult an attorney. In the case of a small
claims judgment, you can speak with staff from the small claims
court in which the judgment was filed.
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 33

Why are you suspending my license? I filed an appeal.

Before appeal information can be entered on your license, you must
submit a copy of the court-endorsed appeal with proof of a Stay of
Enforcement document.
What type of proof do you need to show that I paid the
judgment?
Any of the following are satisfactory proof of payment:
● An acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment;
● A notarized, signed statement from the judgment creditor
which confirms the judgment has been paid in full; or
● A copy of the front and back of a canceled payment check.
CSLB will contact the judgment creditor to verify payment, so
include that person’s telephone number. If you cannot contact
the person who holds the judgment, consult an attorney. In the
case of a small claims judgment, you can speak with staff from
the small claims court in which the judgment was filed.
I can’t pay the full amount of the judgment. Can I make
payments?
You can make payments only if you work out an agreement with the
judgment creditor. The judgment creditor is not required to accept
payments. If you reach an agreement, it should state the amount
owed, the monthly payment amount, the date the payment is due
each month, and when a payment will be considered late. All parties
must sign the agreement. Once you have a written agreement, submit
a copy to CSLB’s Judgment Unit. When the copy is received at CSLB,
the suspension will be lifted. If CSLB is notified by the judgment
creditor that you failed to make payments, however, your license will
be suspended immediately.
I filed for bankruptcy. What happens now?
You must provide CSLB with proof of the bankruptcy filing and
confirm that you named the judgment creditor in the bankruptcy. To
comply with this requirement, submit a copy of the bankruptcy filing,
which must include the page from the creditors list on which the
judgment creditor appears.
This judgment isn’t construction-related. What can I do?
The applicable section of law (B&P Code §7071.17) states that the
judgment must be “substantially related … to the qualifications,
functions, or duties of the license.” CSLB broadly interprets this
section of law to mean that if the judgment relates to your
34 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

construction business in any way, it is considered construction-

related. It does not mean that you had to necessarily contract with
the judgment creditor to build something. If you did not pay your
office rent, your office utility bills, your material supplier,
subcontractor, employee, or any other bill incurred by your business,
CSLB will consider it construction-related. Very few judgments
received by CSLB are not construction-related. If you feel confident
that your judgment is not construction-related, you should provide
CSLB with documentation that will support your statement.
Outstanding Liabilities
The state Board of Equalization, Employment Development
Department, Department of Industrial Relations, or Franchise Tax
Board can notify CSLB of outstanding final liabilities owed by a
contractor to those departments. When CSLB receives such a
notification, a letter is sent to the contractor notifying him or her that
they have 60 days in which to resolve the outstanding liability or the
license will be suspended. If CSLB has not received any information
about a resolution at the end of the 60-day period, the license will be
suspended until the outstanding liability is resolved. The same
procedure will be followed if a check submitted to CSLB by a licensee
is dishonored.
These requirements are in B&P Code §7145.5. (See Chapter 12.)
NOTE: Do not wait until the last few days before the suspension
occurs to try to resolve the judgment. It is often difficult to gather all
necessary paperwork at the last minute. Preventing your license from
being suspended is a top priority with CSLB; however, sometimes
problems arise that cannot be immediately resolved. To avoid delay,
promptly submit all necessary documents to the attention of the CSLB
Judgment Unit. Once acceptable documentation has been received and
the matter has been cleared, CSLB will send you a confirmation
notice.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE COVERAGE

General Requirements
All contractors are required to submit proof of workers’ compensation
insurance coverage as a condition of licensure to maintain a license,
activate an inactive license, or renew a license, unless they are
exempt from this requirement. (See B&P Code §7125.1.)
Exemptions
Contractors who do not have employees working for them (except
C-39 Roofing licensees) are exempt from the requirement for workers’
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 35

compensation insurance, but they are required to file a certification of

this exemption with the Registrar. Neither insurance coverage nor
the exemption is required for an inactive license.
NOTE: All contractors with a C-39 Roofing classification are
required by B&P section 7125 to have a Certificate of Workers’
Compensation Insurance or a Certificate of Self-Insurance on
file with CSLB and are not eligible for exemption.

LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
Liability insurance is required for limited liability companies (LLCs)
with the aggregate limit of $1 million required for licensees with five
or fewer persons listed as members of the personnel of record; an
additional $100,000 is required for each additional member of the
personnel of record, not to exceed $5 million total. (See B&P Code
§7071.19.)

ADDING A CLASSIFICATION TO AN EXISTING LICENSE

Under what conditions may I add a classification to my
license?
You may add a classification to your existing license only if the
license is renewed and current.
How many classifications may I apply for at a time?
In most cases, you must file a separate “Application for Additional
Classification” form for each classification you are requesting.
However, all of the C-61 (Limited Specialty) classifications you
request may be applied for on one application.
What are the requirements for adding a classification to my
license?
To add a classification to your license, you must do the following:
● Select a qualifying individual (who may be the licensee) for the
new classification you are applying for;
● Have the qualifying individual describe, in detail, four (4) years
of experience within the last ten (10) years as a journeyman,
foreman, supervisor, or contractor in the classification in which
he or she is to serve as the qualifying individual;
● Provide verification for the claimed experience;
36 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

● Submit the required application processing fee with the

application;
● Unless the qualifying individual for the new classification
qualifies for a waiver (see below), he or she must pass the trade
examination for that classification. Each qualifying individual
also must pass the CSLB law and business examination if he or
she has not done so previously;
● File any required bonds; and
● If the qualifying individual is an RME, he or she must
inactivate his or her individual license.
Under what conditions can I qualify for a waiver of an
examination?
● See Questions 26, 27, and 28 in Chapter 1.
NOTE: Requesting an exam waiver does not mean you will be
automatically granted one. The Registrar has complete
discretion regarding exam waivers.

CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
What should I do if any of the official personnel listed on the
records for my license leave the firm?
Sole Owner
A sole ownership license is not transferable. If a contracting business
is purchased from the holder of a sole ownership license, the
contractor license is not part of the purchase. The new owner must
apply for and obtain his or her own license before he or she can
contract legally.
Partner
If a general or qualifying partner leaves the business, the existing
license is canceled. The remaining partners may request a one-year
continuance of the license to complete projects in progress. The
request for a continuance must be submitted to CSLB within 90 days
of the date the partner left. Except for those cases where the partner
died, the remaining partners cannot contract for any new projects
under that license.
The remaining partners must apply for a new license if they
choose to remain in business beyond the one (1) year limit of
the continuance.
NOTE: Do not wait until the one-year continuance is about to expire
before applying for a new license. Timely processing of your new
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 37

license is important. To avoid a lapse in licensure, submit the

necessary applications promptly.
A limited partner may be added or deleted from a license by
submitting a “Change in Limited Partnership” form.
Corporate Officers
If any of the officers listed in CSLB records for a corporate license
leaves your business, you must report the change to CSLB within 90
days by submitting a “Disassociation Request.” To add personnel, you
must complete and submit an “Application to Report New Officers of
a Corporation.” The status of your license is not affected by adding
officers or having any of them leave unless the person who leaves has
been serving as a qualifying individual. (See Qualifying Individual
below.)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) Personnel
If any of the members, managers, or officers listed in CSLB records
for an LLC license leaves your business, you must report this change
to CSLB within 90 days by submitting a “Disassociation Request.” To
add personnel, you must complete and submit an “Application to
Report New Officers of a Limited Liability Company.” If you are
adding personnel, the amount of your LLC liability insurance must be
sufficient for the total number of personnel of record as required by
law. The status of your license is not affected by adding members,
managers, or officers, or having any of them leave unless the person
who leaves has been serving as a qualifying individual. (See
Qualifying Individual below.)
Qualifying Individual (Responsible Managing Officer,
Employee, Member, or Manager)
If an RMO, RME, responsible managing member, or responsible
managing manager leaves a business (disassociates), CSLB must be
notified in writing within 90 days of the date of disassociation. Use a
“Disassociation Notice” form. You must specify:
• Name of the qualifying individual who left
• Date of disassociation
• Name of the business
• Contractor license number
One of the remaining official personnel listed in CSLB records for
that license, or the qualifying individual who is disassociating, must
sign the notification of disassociation or your letter.
38 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

If you intend to continue to conduct business in the classification for

which the qualifying individual was responsible, you must replace
him or her within 90 days of the date of disassociation. Failure
to do so will result in suspension of your license or removal of the
classification from your license.
To replace a qualifying individual, you must file an “Application for
Replacing the Qualifying Individual” or “Application for Limited
Liability Company (LLC) Replacing the Qualifying Individual” form
and submit the required application fee. This application also can
serve as the notice of disassociation. You should act quickly because,
within those 90 days, CSLB must process your application and, if
necessary, the new qualifying individual must pass the CSLB law
and business examination and/or trade examination(s).
The requirements for a qualifying individual and the criteria for a
waiver of the examinations are described in Chapter 1.
Right to Petition
You may petition the Registrar for reconsideration if you dispute the
date of disassociation on which the suspension was based. You may
also petition if you can show good cause for your failure to notify the
Registrar within 90 days of the date of disassociation. CSLB must
receive your petition within 90 days from the date of the board’s
notice that the license will be suspended if the qualifying individual is
not replaced. (See B&P Code §7068.2 and §7076.)
Changes in the Bond Exemption Status of a Responsible
Managing Officer of a Corporation, or Officer, Member or
Manager of an LLC
If the RMO’s share of the voting stock of the corporation, or the RMO,
responsible managing member’s, or responsible managing manager’s
membership interest of a limited liability company, falls below 10
percent, he or she will no longer be eligible for exemption from the
bond requirements. You must report the change in exemption status
and file a “Bond of Qualifying Individual” form within 90 days of the
change.
Exemption that Allows an Individual to Serve as the
Qualifying Individual for More than One License
A person is allowed to serve as the qualifying individual for more
than one license, but for no more than three firms in any one-
year period if any of the following conditions exist:
● There is common ownership of at least 20 percent of the equity
of each firm involved;
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 39

● The other licenses are subsidiaries of, or participants in a joint

venture with the first; or
● The majority of partners, officers, or managers are the same.
If this common ownership no longer exists, the qualifying individual
must disassociate from each license for which the exemption status
no longer applies. (See B&P Code §7068.1.)

CHANGES IN BUSINESS NAME OR ADDRESS

Report changes in business name or address as soon as possible, but
no later than 90 days after the change.
Business Name
Report a change of the name of your business by completing an
“Application to Change Business Name and/or Address” form. Note
the following conditions:
● The form must be signed by an owner, partner, officer,
member, or manager of the firm.
● If you hold a corporate license or limited liability company
license, you must first register the name change with the
California Secretary of State. Include a certified copy of the
Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation) or
Statement of Information (for an LLC) form, as appropriate,
with your notice.
● The new business name must not conflict with the type of
business entity or the classification held.
Business Address
Report a change of the official address of your business by completing
the “Application to Change Business Name and/or Address” form. The
form must be signed by the owner, a partner, officer, member, or
manager of the firm.

CHANGES IN BUSINESS TYPE

New License Necessary if Business Type Changes
CSLB issues licenses to five types of business entities: sole
ownership, partnership, corporation, joint venture, and limited
liability company. Licenses are associated with the business and not
necessarily the qualifier. Therefore, licenses are not transferable from
one business entity to another, even if the qualifying person is the
same for both. A new license is required whenever the business entity
type is changed. For example, if a contractor with a sole ownership
40 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

business decides to incorporate, or a partnership splits into multiple

sole ownership businesses, a new license is required in each case.
Whenever a business type changes and a new license is not
issued, that business faces all the legal risks of an unlicensed
contractor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT

NEW LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
How do I get a license for my new business?
To obtain a license for your new business, you must submit an
“Application for Original License” form. Use the “Application for
Original License-Examination Waiver (7065)” form if you took the
exam for the previous license and are applying for the classification
previously held. No exam will be required.
Applications can be printed from www.cslb.ca.gov. You also must pay
all required fees, post new bonds, provide proof of workers’
compensation insurance or file a workers’ compensation exemption
statement, and provide proof of liability insurance coverage, if
applicable, for the new business.
Can I keep my old license number?
Only in some cases will the same license number be reissued. If the
original license is for a sole ownership business that is being
incorporated, or changed to a limited liability company, and the
qualifier on the sole ownership business owns 51 percent or more of
the voting stock or equity of the new corporation, or of the
membership interests of the LLC, the original license number will be
reissued. In this situation, a written request asking that your sole
ownership license be reissued to the corporation or LLC must
accompany your application. The written request must include the
contractor’s percentage of ownership in the corporation or LLC. You
also can contact CSLB to obtain the appropriate form.
Often, corporate restructuring will require a new license. Under
limited circumstances, a corporation or limited liability company may
be allowed to keep the original license number. Under any other
circumstance, such as when a business changes from a sole ownership
to a partnership or a corporation or LLC to a sole ownership, a new
license number will be issued.
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 41

Can the license number be changed back to a sole ownership

license after it has been used as a corporate or LLC license?
No. Once your license number is reissued to a corporation, it cannot
be changed back to a sole ownership license. You will be issued a new
license number if you apply for a sole ownership license.
Information about new license requirements can be found on
www.cslb.ca.gov. You also can call (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

INACTIVATING AND REACTIVATING A LICENSE

What is an inactive license?
An inactive license is “on hold.” While your license is inactive, you
cannot practice as a contractor or submit a bid for work. You do not
need to maintain a bond or workers’ compensation or liability
insurance coverage, nor do you need to have a qualifying individual
on your license. As long as you continue to renew your inactive license
you will receive informational bulletins and a renewal application
every four (4) years at the address listed in CSLB records for your
license.
It is not necessary to inactivate your license because of bond
suspension or temporary work stoppages. However, you may be
required to inactivate your license if you are applying to serve as the
qualifying individual for another license and you do not meet one of
the conditions of B&P Code section 7068.1 (see “Exemption that
Allows an Individual to Serve as the Qualifying Individual for More
than One License” above).
How do I inactivate my license?
The following steps are required to inactivate your license:
● Request the “Application to Inactivate State Contractor’s
License” form by telephone, in writing from any CSLB office, or
online at www.cslb.ca.gov. There is no application fee. (There is
a fee for reactivating a license.) If the period of inactivity will
be short, read the section describing how to reactivate a license
before you decide to inactivate your license;
● Have the owner; a partner; an officer of your corporation; a
member, manager, or officer of your limited liability company;
or a member of the joint venture license who is listed in CSLB
records for your license sign the application; and
● Return your current pocket license with the application. If you
have lost your pocket license, check the box on the application
42 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

and enclose the replacement fee indicated. You will be sent a

pocket license stamped “Inactive.”
Is an inactive license subject to renewal requirements?
Yes. Every four (4) years, a renewal application will be sent to the
business address listed in CSLB records. You must notify CSLB in
writing of any change of address. There is no limit on the number of
times your contractor license can be renewed on inactive status.
What should I do if I want to resume contracting?
If you want to resume contracting and your license is inactive, you
must reactivate your license before you begin contracting. (See B&P
Code §7076.5 and CCR §867.)
How do I reactivate my license?
To reactivate an inactive license, request a reactivation application by
telephone, via CSLB’s website, or in writing from CSLB’s Sacramento
headquarters office, complete the application, and meet the following
conditions:
● Meet all bond requirements, including any disciplinary bond,
contractor bond, LLC surety bond, or bond of qualifying
individual. Attach all required bonds to the application. Do not
send bonds separately;
● Submit proof of workers’ compensation insurance or exemption;
● For limited liability company licenses only, submit proof of
liability insurance in the amount that is required for the
number of personnel on the license;
● The application must be signed by all qualifying partners,
responsible managing employees, responsible managing
members, responsible managing managers, and responsible
managing officers. If applying to reactivate a sole ownership
license, the owner must sign; if a partnership license, all
partners must sign; if a corporation, one corporate officer
must sign; if a limited liability company, one member,
manager, or officer must sign; and if a joint venture license,
the qualifying individuals of each entity must sign;
● Comply with any special requirements for the qualifying
individual, such as the need to disassociate from any other
license for which he or she is currently serving as the
qualifying individual and inactivation of his or her individual
license, unless he or she can provide verification of common
ownership of at least 20 percent of the equity of every business
for which he or she serves as the qualifying individual; and
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 43

● Submit the required fee.

What other conditions must I consider when reactivating any
license?
If there has been a change in the form of your business (for example,
you have formed a partnership, corporation, or limited liability
company), or if a partner has joined or left your business, you will
need a new license.
If you hold a corporate license, and wish to make any additions to the
list of officers, you must complete and submit an “Application to
Report New Officers of a Corporation” form. To delete officers,
complete and submit a “Disassociation Request.” To change the
qualifier, request the “Application to Replace the Qualifying
Individual” form. For changes to the personnel of LLCs, you must
complete and submit the comparable LLC forms.
Contractors are required to submit proof of workers’ compensation
insurance coverage, and liability insurance coverage, if applicable,
before a license can be activated, unless they are exempt from the
workers’ compensation insurance requirement. Contractors who do
not have employees are exempt from carrying workers’ compensation
insurance, but must file a certification of this exemption with the
Registrar. (See B&P Code §7125.1.) Obtain the exemption form from
www.cslb.ca.gov, or request it by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). All
C-39 Roofing contractors must carry workers’ compensation
insurance regardless of whether or not they have employees.
What is the effective date of reactivation?
Your license will be reactivated on the date that the required fee, an
acceptable application, and other required documents are received
and processed by CSLB. After your reactivation application has been
processed, your license will be active for two (2) years from the end of
the month in which it was reactivated. (See B&P Code §7076.5 and
CCR §867.)
How do I order a new wall or pocket license?
Official personnel for the license may send the appropriate form to
CSLB to order a new or an additional wall or pocket license. Specify
the license number and if you are requesting the wall or pocket
license. The form must be signed by current personnel listed on the
license (owner, partners, officers, managers, members, or RMEs). A
fee is required for each copy and is subject to change. (Call CSLB or
check the website for the current fee.) Make the check payable to the
Registrar of Contractors. Do not send cash.
44 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

RENEWING YOUR LICENSE

Active licenses expire every two (2) years. Inactive licenses expire
every four (4) years. Check your current pocket license for the
expiration date on your license.
How do I renew my license?
About 60 days before your license is due to expire, CSLB will send
you a renewal application. It is important to notify CSLB if your
address has changed since your license was issued or renewed. It is
your responsibility to make sure your license is renewed even
if you don’t receive the form. You may not contract for work
with an expired license. When you receive the renewal application,
complete it and promptly return it to CSLB. Keep the following
things in mind as you complete your application:
● The application and requirements must be submitted and
approved as “accepted”;
● You must submit the required fee;
● The renewal application must be completed and signed; and
● Your renewed license may be either active or inactive. If you
renew the license as inactive, you do not need to maintain any
bonds or designate a qualifying individual. If you wish to
change the license from inactive to active at the time of
renewal, see the section, “How do I reactivate my license?”
What happens if I don’t renew my license by the expiration
date?
You cannot legally contract for work with an expired license.
An acceptable license renewal form must be received by CSLB prior
to the expiration date of the license. If you renew your license after
the expiration date or if you send a form not considered acceptable,
your renewal will be considered delinquent, and the license record
will show a break in license status. During any such period, the
contractor will be considered unlicensed. In addition, if the
license is expired, a delinquent fee of 50 percent of the renewal fee
will be required.
You may renew an expired license within five (5) years after
its expiration. After five years, it becomes void, and if you
wish to contract, you must apply for a new license and fulfill
the examination or waiver requirements again.
You may petition the Registrar to renew your license retroactive to
the renewal date.
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 45

May I renew my license if it is suspended?

A suspended license may be renewed as active or inactive. However,
you may not contract for work with an inactive or suspended license
and you will not be issued a wall or pocket license. If you wish to
contract for work, you must clear the suspension before your license
can be renewed as active. (See B&P Code §§7140-7145 and CCR
§853.)

CANCELLATION OF A LICENSE
Under what circumstances is a license canceled?
A license is canceled if any of the following conditions occur:
● Individual license: death of the owner;
● Partnership license: death or disassociation of a general or
qualifying partner;
● Corporate and limited liability company license: notification by
the licensee of merger, dissolution, or surrender of the right to
do business in California; and/or
● Joint venture license: cancellation, revocation, or withdrawal of
any of the businesses that formed the joint venture.
A corporation or limited liability company license also will be
canceled 60 days after CSLB discovers that the corporation or LLC
has merged, dissolved, or surrendered the right to do business.

A licensee may also voluntarily request cancellation of a license at

any time. Remember that it is illegal to contract with a
canceled license.

How do I cancel my license?

You must notify CSLB in writing within 90 days of the event that
prompted the cancellation request. There is no fee for cancellation.
Return your wall certificate and your current pocket license with the
written request for cancellation.
Depending on the type of license you hold, your request for
cancellation must fulfill the following requirements:
● The owner of a sole owner license must sign the request for
voluntary cancellation. In the case of the owner’s death, a
family member or administrator of the estate must sign the
request, state the date of death, and provide a copy of the death
certificate;
46 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

● If a partnership license must be canceled due to the

disassociation of a partner, a general partner must sign the
request and state the date of disassociation; in the case of a
partner’s death, a remaining partner must sign the request,
state the date of death, and provide a copy of the death
certificate;
● To cancel a corporate license, two officers listed on the
license, or the remaining officer if only one officer remains,
must sign the request and state the date of the event causing
cancellation or enclose a copy of the corporate minutes
documenting the dissolution or merger, or enclose a copy of the
dissolution papers issued by the California Secretary of State;
● To cancel a limited liability company license, two members,
managers, or officers listed on the license, or the remaining
officer if only one remains, must sign the request and state the
date of the event causing cancellation, or enclose a copy of the
dissolution papers issued by the California Secretary of State;
and
● To cancel a joint venture license, one of the official personnel
(other than an RME) listed in CSLB’s records for the license of
any of the businesses forming the joint venture must sign the
request and state the date of the event causing the
cancellation.
What is the effective date of my license cancellation?
The effective date of cancellation of a license is usually either the date
the request for cancellation is received by CSLB or the date of the
event causing the cancellation.
NOTE: A cancellation is not effective until it has been
accepted by CSLB. The board may decide not to cancel a
license if disciplinary action is pending.
If an event occurs that makes a license subject to
cancellation, is there a means by which a business can
temporarily continue to operate?
Yes. Under certain circumstances, the Registrar may grant a
continuance for up to one (1) year. There are restrictions on who may
apply for the continuance or on one’s right to enter into new
contracts. If a continuance is granted, this is a temporary period for
the business to reorganize. If a business wants to continue to operate
beyond the temporary period, it must submit an application as soon
as possible.
CHAPTER 2. YOUR EXISTING LICENSE: MAINTAINING AND CHANGING IT 47

Who may apply for a continuance?

The rules on who may apply for a continuance vary depending on the
type of license:
● Sole Ownership
If the licensee dies, a member of his or her immediate family
may apply to continue the family business;
● Partnership
The remaining partners, as listed in CSLB records, may apply;
or
● Joint Venture
The remaining businesses listed in CSLB records as those who
formed the joint venture may apply.
NOTE: Since corporate and limited liability company licenses
are granted to the corporation or LLC as a whole, the status
of the license is not affected if one of the officers, members, or
managers leaves. Therefore, continuances are not granted for
corporate or LLC licenses.
How do I apply for a continuance?
To apply for a continuance, submit a written request to CSLB as soon
as possible but no later than 90 days from the date of a death or
disassociation, stating why a continuance is necessary.
What does a continuance allow me to do?
Under a continuance of a sole owner or of a partnership license (when
one of the partners has died), you may continue normal business
operations and enter into new contracts during the period for which
the continuance is granted.
Under a continuance of a joint venture license or of a partnership
license (when one of the partners has disassociated), you may conduct
business only on those contracts entered into before the event
necessitating cancellation occurred. You may not enter into new
contracts.
Can a continuance be extended?
Yes. The Registrar may approve an extension to the one-year
provision if additional time is necessary to complete projects
contracted for or commenced before the disassociation or death. A
license extended under these circumstances is subject to all
provisions, including those relating to renewal and bond
requirements.
 Chapter 3.
Access to Licensee Information

AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS, COMPLAINT RECORDS, FEES

You may obtain license information by checking CSLB’s website,
www.cslb.ca.gov, or by calling the 24/7 automated, toll-free line (800)
321-CSLB (2752). CSLB’s website can be accessed from 6 a.m.
Monday through 8:30 p.m. Sunday (PST). The website is generally
unavailable from 8:30 p.m. Sunday to 6:30 a.m. Monday for
maintenance.
Callers can enter the contractor license number to learn if a
contractor license is valid and the contractor has disclosable
complaints.
Visit CSLB’s website for general information regarding licensing,
consumer assistance services (such as selecting a contractor during a
state of emergency), consumer complaint services, online publications,
and license status information. To obtain written information or copies of
documents in CSLB’s possession, send a written request to CSLB, P.O.
Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826. Provide the full name, business
name, or contractor license number, and specify exactly what kind of
information you are seeking. CSLB provides copies of records with
personal and confidential information deleted.

INFORMATION REGARDING INDIVIDUAL

LICENSE RECORDS
CSLB will provide the following information after receiving a written
request and the appropriate fees. (See chart on following pages.)
● Report of current bond information
● Report of current license status
● Records search and certified report of license history (past 10
years only unless a specific time period is requested)
● Records search and certified report of no license history (past
10 years only unless supporting documents are submitted to
support the need for more than 10 years)
● Records search and certified report of home improvement
salesperson registration

49
50 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

● Copies of documents (personal and confidential information

deleted)
● Disclosure of complaints resulting in legal action and a history
of legal actions taken by the board against current license
holders
● Disclosure of open complaints that meet the criteria of B&P
Code section 7124.6 in that they: “… have been referred for
investigation after a determination by board enforcement staff
that a probable violation has occurred, and have been reviewed
by a supervisor, and [the complaints] regard allegations that if
proven would present a risk of harm to the public and would be
appropriate for suspension or revocation of the contractor’s
license or criminal prosecution.”

INFORMATION REGARDING LARGE QUANTITIES

OF LICENSE INFORMATION
Public Sales Custom Order Form
With this form, you may order license information within specified
parameters, including license status, license classification(s),
geographical locations, etc. The information provided is in Text File
Format, and includes: contractor license number, business name,
address and telephone number, license classification(s), business
county, bond company, and workers’ compensation insurance
information. NO E-MAIL ADDRESSES ARE PROVIDED.
Record layout may be viewed at www.cslb.ca.gov. Go to the “Online
Services” section, click on the “Request Applications, Forms, Guides”
tab, then select “Forms and Applications.” Under “Forms,” find
“Public Sales – Lists.” There is a $245 non-refundable fee for this
service.
Full File/Update File Order Form - CD/DVD
CSLB license information is available in Text File Format on
CD/DVD. Available files include:
License Master Full File*, License Master Update File, Business
Principal Full File, Business Principal Update File, Action Code Full
File, Action Code Update File, Workers’ Compensation Full File,
Workers’ Compensation Update File, Complaint Disclosure/Legal
Action Full File, and Complaint Disclosure/Legal Action Update File.
* Full Files may require the use of software to read large files, e.g.,
LTF (large text files) viewer 5.2u.
CHAPTER 3. ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT LICENSEES 51

TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE PROVIDED ON THE LICENSE

MASTER FILE ONLY. There is a $235 non-refundable fee for
each file.
To obtain an order form, call (800) 321-2752, or download the form at
www.cslb.ca.gov. Go to the “Online Services” section, click on the
“Request Applications, Forms, Guides” tab, then select “Forms and
Applications.” Under “Forms,” go to “Public Sales – CSLB Files.”
Submit the completed form to:
Contractors State License Board
Attn: Data Services Unit
P. O. Box 26000
Sacramento, CA 95826
Fees must be paid in advance by check or money order. DO
NOT SEND CASH. If you have questions about ordering, call the
CSLB Help Desk at (916) 255-3975.

INFORMATION REGARDING PENDING

APPLICATION RECORDS
CSLB provides a website page that allows users to download the
Pending Application Master Postlist and Pending Application
Personnel File on a daily basis.
The Pending Application Master Postlist includes application
number, business type, business name and address, license
classification(s), and examinee name (if an exam is required). NO
TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE PROVIDED.
The Pending Application Personnel File includes application
number, personnel name, position, and license classification(s). NO
TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE PROVIDED.
To access this information on the CSLB website, visit:
https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckApplicationII/Applican
tRequest.aspx.
If you have questions about accessing this data, call the CSLB Help
Desk at (916) 255-3975.

INFORMATION REGARDING LEGAL ACTION

AGAINST CONTRACTORS
CSLB can provide public information on complaints that have been
investigated and referred for legal action, or that concluded in legal
action administered by the board against a license. The fact that a
52 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

complaint against a contractor has been referred for legal action does
not necessarily mean the contractor has violated contractors’ state
license law; no conclusions or judgments as to the validity of the
charges are assumed.
You may obtain a “Request for Disclosure of Contractor’s License
Information” form from the CSLB website.
CSLB’s website and toll-free line also provide the following:
● General license information, including business name, license
number, license classification(s), address of record, and official
personnel listed for a license;
● Bond information, including bond amount, bond identification
number, and name of bonding company; and
● Workers’ compensation insurance information, including the
workers’ compensation insurance carrier, policy number,
effective date, and expiration date.

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM CSLB

PLEASE NOTE: All fees are current as of January 1, 2017. For
verification of current fees, check www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB at
(800) 321-CSLB (2752).
TYPE OF PROVIDES DISTRIBUTION/ FEE
INFORMATION AVAILABLE
BOND STATUS Current bond(s) Public; $8 each
LETTER information; Available at:
names/addresses of www.cslb.ca.gov
Submit a “Request for surety companies that (800) 321-CSLB
Current Bond provide bonds;
Information” form issuance, renewal, and
expiration/
cancellation dates;
entity status; business
name of contractor,
address, and
classification(s) held.
CHAPTER 3. ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT LICENSEES 53

TYPE OF PROVIDES DISTRIBUTION/ FEE

INFORMATION AVAILABLE
CERTIFIED COPY of Replacement copy Members of the $11 each
WALL OR POCKET licensed entity;
LICENSE of a Available at:
currently renewed www.cslb.ca.gov
license
Submit a “Wall and/or
Pocket Certificate”
form (also used to
change a business
name and/or address).
CERTIFIED COPY of Replacement copy Registered $11 each
HOME salesperson;
IMPROVEMENT Available at:
SALESPERSON www.cslb.ca.gov
REGISTRATION
Pocket Card of a
currently renewed
registration
Submit a “Changing
HIS Address or
Request for Pocket
Registration Card”
form
PHOTOCOPIES of Copy with all personal Public; 10¢ per
DOCUMENTS or confidential Available at: page
information deleted www.cslb.ca.gov
Submit a “Request for (800) 321-CSLB
Copies” form
CERTIFIED COPIES Board certification of Public; $2 certifica-
of PHOTOCOPIED authenticity, currency, Available at: tion fee per
DOCUMENTS and accuracy www.cslb.ca.gov license
(800) 321-CSLB PLUS 10¢
Submit a “Request for per page
Copies” form copied
GENERAL STATUS Current license Public; $8 each
LETTER information excluding Available at:
bond status: NOT www.cslb.ca.gov
Submit a “Request for certified (800) 321-CSLB
General Status
Letter” form
54 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

TYPE OF PROVIDES DISTRIBUTION/ FEE

INFORMATION AVAILABLE
CERTIFIED Certified history of Public; $67 each
LICENSE HISTORY license (“record”) or Available at:
absence of license www.cslb.ca.gov
Admissible as prima (“No-record” / (800) 321-CSLB
facie evidence of the “Certificate of Non-
facts stated (used licensee”) for a given
primarily for court time period. Includes:
actions.) classification(s) held;
license personnel, any
Submit “Request for disciplinary actions on
Certified License bond but NO OTHER
History” form three bond information
(3) months IN UNLESS specially
ADVANCE of need requested, and the
standing of the license
at all times during the
period covered by the
certificate.

CERTIFIED Certified history of Public; $67 each

REGISTRATION Home Improvement Available at:
HISTORY Salesperson www.cslb.ca.gov
Registration. A
Home Improvement “record” certificate
Salesperson includes the
registration number,
Submit a “Request for effective date,
Home Improvement business name, and
Salesperson the license number of
Registration the contractor with
Information” form whom the salesperson
two to three weeks is registered. If the
IN ADVANCE of person is not
need registered, a “no-
record” certificate is
issued.
CHAPTER 3. ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT LICENSEES 55

TYPE OF PROVIDES DISTRIBUTION/ FEE

INFORMATION AVAILABLE
ELECTRONIC Four different file Public; $235 each
MEDIA formats are available: available at: file, non-
● License file www.cslb.ca.gov refundable
Submit a “Full File/ ● Business principal
Update File Order” file (all personnel
form of record for each
license)
Information is ● Workers’
available in Text File compensation file
Format on CD/DVD.
● Action codes or
Full Files are complaint
produced twice a year. disclosure/legal
Update Files, showing action file
the past month’s
activity, are produced
monthly.
SPECIAL Specially compiled list Public; $245,
INFORMATION of contractors, available at: nonrefund-
REQUEST according to a variety www.cslb.ca.gov able
of criteria that you
Submit a “Public select. With this
Sales Custom Order” service, you can
form specify geographical
area, license
classification, license
status, etc. The
information provided
is in Text File Format,
and includes the
business name,
business address and
telephone number,
license number, and
license
classification(s).
INTERNET ACCESS Downloads of the Public; No fee
TO PENDING Pending Application Access this
APPLICATION MASTER and information at:
RECORDS PERSONNEL Posting https://www2.cslb.
List on a daily basis. ca.gov/OnlineServ
Available information ices/CheckApplica
includes the name, tionII/ApplicantRe
address, personnel, quest.aspx
and classification(s)
for all applications For help, call the
posted by CSLB. CSLB Help Desk
at (916) 255-3975.
 Chapter 4.
Enforcement Procedures: Complaints and Citations
Complaints against contractors may be filed with CSLB by
homeowners, other contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, or
employees. Public agencies also may file complaints.
Most complaints made against contractors involve poor workmanship;
abandonment of a project; failure to pay subcontractors, suppliers, or
employees; building code violations; lack of reasonable diligence in
executing a construction project; use of false, misleading, or deceptive
advertising; and violations of the law governing home improvement
contracts.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST LICENSED CONTRACTORS
When a complaint is made against a licensed contractor, the CSLB
Intake and Mediation Center nearest the location of the alleged
violation receives and processes the complaint. Each written
complaint is reviewed to determine if it falls within CSLB’s
jurisdiction. CSLB sends a confirmation to the complainant that the
complaint has been received. CSLB also sends a notice to the licensed
contractor to determine if the complaint can be resolved without
further board involvement.
If the complaint has not been resolved after the contractor has been
notified, a consumer services representative (CSR) may contact the
complainant and respondent (the licensee) to request additional
information and, if necessary, documentation. If appropriate, the CSR
will attempt mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the CSR may
recommend settlement through CSLB’s arbitration program, or
recommend that the complainant contact the surety company that
issued the contractor’s bond, file a claim in small claims court, or file
a civil suit in superior court.
If CSLB believes that a complaint fits the criteria for assignment to
an enforcement representative (ER), an investigation may be
conducted to determine if there are violations of contractors’ state
license law. An investigation may involve interviewing the
complainant, the contractor, and any other parties who can furnish
relevant information.
What happens if a violation is established?
If a violation is established but it is an isolated or minor one, CSLB
may send the licensee an advisory notice. The advisory notice informs
the licensee that CSLB is aware of the violation and that a future

57
58 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

occurrence of the same violation may result in more stringent board

actions.
If a more serious violation is established, the Registrar of Contractors
may issue a citation, which can include an order to correct a project,
make restitution to an injured party, and pay a civil penalty of up to
$5,000 for violations by licensees and $15,000 for unlicensed
contractors. (See B&P §7099.2(b) regarding $15,000 citations for B&P
§7114 and B&P §7118 violations.)
If the licensee complies with the citation orders, CSLB takes no
further action. If the licensee contests all or any part of the citation, a
mandatory settlement conference may be held to resolve the citation.
If the matter is not settled, a hearing can be set before an
administrative law judge of the State of California. At the hearing,
the licensee can argue against the citation orders. If the licensee
prevails at this hearing, CSLB takes no further action. If, however,
the licensee does not prevail and does not comply with a final citation
order, the license may be suspended and then revoked.
For flagrant violations of law, the Registrar will take administrative
action by filing an accusation with the state Attorney General stating
the board’s intent to suspend or revoke the license. The licensee may
be provided the opportunity to resolve the matter at a mandatory
settlement conference. If the matter is not settled, the licensee is
given an opportunity to defend himself or herself at a hearing before
an administrative law judge. The following procedures may be used to
decide a case:
● The licensee may choose to have a hearing before an
administrative law judge. The recommendation of this judge is
used by the Registrar in determining the appropriate action to
take;
● The licensee and the Registrar may negotiate a settlement of
the case. This settlement is known as a “stipulation;” or
● If the licensee fails to respond to the accusation, the case will
be considered to be in default. The Registrar will decide on the
appropriate action to take against the licensee.
The decision of the Registrar may include various remedies:
● Revocation of the License
The licensee’s right to contract is taken away. The license shall
not be reinstated or reissued for one (1) to five (5) years from
the effective date of the decision.
CHAPTER 4. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES: COMPLAINTS & CITATIONS 59

None of the official personnel listed in the CSLB records for a

revoked license and who have been found to have known about,
or participated in, the acts or omissions constituting grounds
for the revocation may apply for a license until the penalty
period is over. The licensee also must show that he or she has
complied with all provisions of the decision and settled any loss
caused by the act or omission that resulted in the revocation of
the license, and must file a disciplinary bond in the amount set
by the Registrar.
● Suspension of the License
The licensee is not entitled to operate during the period of
suspension. A disciplinary bond must be filed before the license
will be reinstated or reissued.
● Stay of Suspension or Revocation (probation)
The licensee must abide by certain terms and conditions to
keep the suspension or revocation from going into effect. He or
she also must file a disciplinary bond to remain in business
during this period. Suspension or revocation of the license will
result if any of the terms of the agreement are violated.
● Recovery of Investigation and Enforcement Costs
The licensee, to maintain good and clear standing or as a
condition for renewal and reinstatement of his or her license,
must pay the costs as ordered or as stipulated.
● Dismissal with No Penalties
Matters that have been dismissed are not disclosed to the
public.
● Injunction against Unlawful Activity
Upon establishing that a blatant violation of the law has
occurred, CSLB may go to court to request an injunction to
immediately stop the unlawful activity.
● Criminal Charges
If a blatant violation of the law has occurred, CSLB may refer
the complaint to the local office of the district attorney for
a possible criminal filing.
Complaint Disclosure
Once CSLB has determined that a probable violation of law has
occurred, which, if proven, would present a risk of harm to the
public—and for which suspension or revocation of the contractor’s
60 SECTION I. THE CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LICENSE

license would be appropriate—the date, nature, and status of the

complaint will be disclosed to the public. A disclaimer stating that the
complaint is, at this time, only an allegation will accompany this
disclosure.
Citations will be disclosed to the public from date of issuance and for
five (5) years from the date of compliance.
Accusations that result in suspension or stayed revocation of the
contractor license shall be disclosed from the date the accusation is
filed and for seven (7) years after the accusation has been settled,
including the terms and conditions of probation. All revocations that
are not stayed shall be disclosed indefinitely from the effective date of
the revocation.
ADDRESSING COMPLAINTS AGAINST
UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS
In California, it is a misdemeanor to engage in the business or act in
the capacity of a contractor without a contractor license unless the
contractor meets the criteria for exemption specified in Business and
Professions Code sections 7040 through 7054.5.
When a complaint is filed against an unlicensed contractor, CSLB
will verify that the accused individual or firm contracted without a
contractor license and will, with sufficient evidence, determine the
amount of financial injury involved.
How does CSLB process complaints against unlicensed
contractors?
When the board receives a complaint against an unlicensed
contractor, it may issue an administrative citation or file a criminal
action with the local district attorney’s office. In some cases, it may
initiate injunction proceedings against the non-licensee through the
Office of the Attorney General or the district attorney.
● Citation
The Registrar may issue a citation to an unlicensed contractor
when there is probable cause to believe that the person is
acting in the capacity of a contractor or engaging in the
business of contracting without a license in good standing with
CSLB. The citation includes an order of abatement to cease
and desist and a civil penalty of up to $15,000. Unless the
board receives a written appeal within fifteen (15) working
days after the citation is served, the citation becomes a final
order of the Registrar. The civil penalty is paid to CSLB.
CHAPTER 4. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES: COMPLAINTS & CITATIONS 61

If the citation is appealed, a mandatory settlement conference

may be held to resolve the citation. If the matter is not settled,
the appeal will be heard before an administrative law judge.
The administrative law judge submits a decision to uphold,
modify, or dismiss the citation. The decision is sent to the
Registrar for adoption.
If the cited unlicensed contractor continues to contract without
a license, the Registrar may refer the case to the local district
attorney for criminal action.
● Criminal Action
CSLB may refer investigations to the local prosecutor to file
criminal charges. If criminal charges are filed, the unlicensed
contractor appears in local court, which renders a final decision
on the case. The court may order a fine, probation, restitution,
a jail sentence, or all of these.
● Injunction
The Registrar may apply for an injunction with the superior
court of either the county in which an alleged practice or
transaction took place, or the county in which the unlicensed
person maintains a business or residence. An injunction
restrains an unlicensed person from acting in the capacity or
engaging in the business of contracting without a license in
good standing with CSLB.
How does CSLB process complaints against unregistered
salespersons?
The same citation process used for complaints against unlicensed
contractors is used for complaints against unregistered home
improvement salespersons. Disciplinary action also can be taken
against the licensed contractor who employs the unregistered
salesperson.
Statewide Investigative Fraud Team
In addition to the complaint process, CSLB established the Statewide
Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), an arm of the Enforcement
division that focuses on the underground economy and unlicensed
contractors who prosper at the expense of consumers and legitimate
businesses. CSLB’s SWIFT unit has the authority to visit any job site
without cause or complaint, ask contractors to produce proof of
licensure in good standing, and cite those not properly licensed. (See
B&P Code §7011.4 and §7099.)
 SECTION II.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Chapter 5. Home Improvement

Chapter 5.
Home Improvement
Home improvement is the repairing, remodeling, altering, converting,
or modernizing of, or adding to, residential property and includes, but
is not limited to, the construction, erection, replacement, or
improvement of driveways, swimming pools (including spas and hot
tubs), terraces, patios, awnings, storm windows, landscaping, fences,
porches, garages, fallout shelters, basements, and other
improvements of the structures or land adjacent to a dwelling. Home
improvement is also the installation of home improvement goods or
the furnishing of home improvement services.

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR

A home improvement contractor, including a swimming pool
contractor, is a contractor licensed by the Contractors State License
Board (CSLB) who is engaged in the business of home improvement
either full-time or part-time.

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS

The home improvement business in California constitutes a large
portion of the state’s construction industry. Because of the very
nature of the home improvement field, there is a potential for
problems or abuses. Abuses are often caused by unlicensed operators
or unethical or incompetent contractors. Problems can occur because
of a general misunderstanding of basic requirements and the
agreement between the owner and contractor. Special requirements
specifically for home improvement contracts were enacted as state
law to eliminate as many of these problems as possible. It is
important for contractors to stay current on all requirements.
The most recent substantive changes to home improvement contract
law resulted from the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 30 in 2004, and SB
1113 and Assembly Bill (AB) 316 in 2005. The Legislature made
significant additions to the information the contractor must provide
to the buyer of home improvements. The idea behind the legislation is

63
64 SECTION II. HOME IMPROVEMENT

to use the contract itself to inform homeowners of the most important

contract requirements. With this information in hand, consumers can
better understand the process. The availability of this simple
consumer protection information is intended to reduce the number of
disputes between contractors and homeowners and, therefore, the
number of complaints that homeowners make to the board.
SB 30, which took effect in 2005, maintained many of the existing
home improvement contract provisions and added some new
requirements as well. Among the requirements: any changes made to
contracts must be in writing, be legible, be easy to understand, and
inform a consumer of his or her right to cancel or rescind the contract;
and a home improvement contract must contain various information,
notices, and disclosures for the protection of the consumer. SB 30 also
created a “service and repair contract” to be used by licensed
contractors for jobs of $750 or less, provided that the contract meets
all four of the new requirements. The bill enacted various disclosure
requirements applicable to the service and repair contract. SB 30
provided that any violation of the provisions subjected the contractor
to discipline. The bill made conforming changes, and revised and
recast certain existing provisions regarding home improvement
contracts and related matters.
SB 1113 postponed implementation of the SB 30 provisions until
2006. The bill also revised and recast some of the provisions, and
made other related changes in other provisions of law. SB 1113 took
effect immediately as an emergency statute.
AB 316 revised and recast the service and repair contract
requirements and set forth information, notices, and disclosures
required to be included as part of the contract. In addition, a service
and repair contract that does not meet specified requirements is
subject to the requirements applicable to a home improvement
contract regardless of the aggregate contract price.
In drawing up contracts, contractors should pay strict
attention to the requirements for print typeface and point
size of the notices and disclosures. For example, unless a larger
print typeface is specified, text in any printed form shall be in at least
10-point type and the headings shall be in at least 10-point boldface
type.
For more detailed information on home improvement
contract requirements, visit www.cslb.ca.gov.
CHAPTER 5. HOME IMPROVEMENT 65

HOME WARRANTIES
Home warranties generally are not transferrable, except as provided
for home roof warranties. Home Roof Warranties of the California
Civil Code provides:
For any contract subject to this chapter that is entered into on
or after January 1, 1994, the warranty obligations shall inure
to the benefit of, and shall be directly enforceable by, all
subsequent purchasers and transferees of the residential
structure, without limitation, unless the contract contains a
clear and conspicuous provision limiting transferability of the
warranty (Civil Code §1797.62).

HOME IMPROVEMENT SALESPERSON (HIS)

REGISTRATION
Anyone who solicits, sells, negotiates, or executes home improvement
contracts for a licensed contractor outside of the contractor’s normal
place of business, regardless of the dollar amount of these contracts,
must be registered with CSLB as a Home Improvement Salesperson
(HIS).
Beginning January 1, 2016, the HIS registration process underwent
an important change. SB 561 allows home improvement salespersons
to file a single registration with CSLB, while still permitting them to
represent multiple employers. This new law removed the previous
requirement that an HIS register separately with CSLB for each
contractor that employed him or her.
In addition to the single registration, the new law requires licensees
to notify CSLB in writing prior to employing an already registered
HIS, and to notify CSLB in writing when employment of a registered
HIS ends. These new notification forms are available on CSLB’s
website: www.cslb.ca.gov.
Who is exempt from the HIS registration requirement?
Salespersons who only sell goods or negotiate contracts at a fixed
business establishment where the goods or services are exhibited or
offered for sale are not considered home improvement salespersons.
The official personnel listed in CSLB’s records for the contractor
license also are exempt from registration requirements. This includes
individual contractors, qualifying individuals, partners, officers of the
corporation, and responsible managing officers, members, managers
or employees of an LLC.
66 SECTION II. HOME IMPROVEMENT

Other exemptions from the registration requirements include people

who contact prospective buyers for the exclusive purpose of
scheduling appointments for a registered home improvement
salesperson, and bona fide service or repair people who are in the
employ of a licensed contractor and whose repair or service calls are
limited to the service or repair initially requested by the buyer.
May a home improvement salesperson work for more than
one contractor?
Yes. SB 561 allows home improvement salespersons to work for any
number of contractors and sell a variety of goods and services while
using a single registration. Under the new law, licensees must notify
CSLB in writing prior to employing an already registered HIS, and
notify CSLB in writing when employment of a registered HIS ends.
The license of a contractor who employs a home improvement
salesperson must be current and active.
What are the qualifications for a home improvement
salesperson?
A home improvement salesperson must be at least 18 years of age.
There are no educational, residency, or experience requirements.
How do I apply for registration?
Obtain an “Application for Registration as a Home Improvement
Salesperson” form by downloading the application from
www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).
Then, do the following:
● Follow all instructions on the application;
● Complete the form in blue or black ink, sign it, and;
● Submit the required nonrefundable, nontransferable
application fee of $75 ($83 for applications postmarked after
June 30, 2017) and your application to the CSLB
headquarters office.
May I begin working as an HIS as soon as I have submitted my
registration application and fee to CSLB?
No. Your application must be reviewed and a registration number
must be issued to you before you may legally work as a home
improvement salesperson.
How long will it take to become registered?
CSLB’s processing times vary depending on its workload, staff
vacancies, etc. CSLB’s website includes a processing time chart that
lists the date of documents currently being processed, including HIS
CHAPTER 5. HOME IMPROVEMENT 67

applications and renewals. The chart is updated weekly and helps

keep applicants informed on current processing times.
When does my HIS registration expire?
The HIS registration expires two (2) years from the last day of the
month in which it was issued. CSLB will mail a renewal application
to your address of record several weeks before your registration
expires. Upon verification of the renewal, a new registration
certificate will be mailed showing the new expiration date.
If your address has changed since your registration was
issued or last renewed, it is your responsibility to notify CSLB
in writing within 90 days of the change.
If you have not received an advance notification of renewal, notify
CSLB. This should be done no later than three (3) weeks before your
registration expires.
Is a contract sold or negotiated by an unregistered
salesperson enforceable?
The law does not specifically state that the contract would be
unenforceable, but since other factors involved could have a bearing
on its enforceability, questions about specific contracts should be
referred to an attorney. According to Business and Professions Code
section 7154, a contractor who employs an unregistered person to
negotiate home improvement contracts is subject to disciplinary
action by the Registrar. Furthermore, B&P Code section 7153 states
that it is a misdemeanor for a person to act as a home improvement
salesperson without being registered. In addition to possible criminal
action, the same section provides that an administrative citation may
be issued to any unregistered person who engages in the HIS
occupation.
For additional information, refer to B&P Code sections 7150 through
7173 in Chapter 12 of this book.

REGISTRAR-APPROVED JOINT CONTROL AGREEMENTS

California Business & Professions Code provides for the use of a joint
control agreement approved by the Registrar of Contractors “covering
full performance and completion of the contract” as an alternative to
certain contract requirements. When a joint control is used, no
schedule of payments is required in the contract.
A joint control is a builder’s construction control service, which acts
as an escrow holder of a consumer’s money. A joint control company
manages the disbursement of funds to prevent the contractor from
being paid more than the value of the work already completed. A joint
68 SECTION II. HOME IMPROVEMENT

control also safeguards the consumer’s property from mechanics liens

by requiring the contractor to supply lien releases as progress
payments are made.
A joint control normally includes an analysis of the contract and
building plans or specifications, breakdown of costs, and the
preparation of an account from which the funds will be disbursed
through scheduled progress payments. An addendum (see page 69)
must be incorporated into joint control agreements for any joint
control company to be considered approved by the Registrar.
CSLB does not license joint control companies, nor does CSLB have
legal jurisdiction over joint control company activities. The criteria for
“Registrar approval” was developed through mutual agreement of
CSLB and joint control company representatives. The resulting
addendum (which follows), if included in the control agreement and
followed, should prove to be beneficial to both contractors and
consumers.
CSLB does not maintain lists of approved joint control companies nor
monitor their activities. Registrar approval is implicit if the
addendum is used. Responsibility for incorporating the addendum in
agreements rests solely with the joint control companies. Contractors
and consumers should compare any joint control agreement with the
following addendum to ensure that the Control supplies the services
required for approval.
NOTE: The last paragraph in the joint control addendum pertains to
home improvement contracts other than swimming pool contracts.
The same down payment provisions apply to swimming pools
as to other home improvement projects: $1,000 or 10 percent
of the total contract price, whichever is less.

MECHANICS LIEN WARNING

Beginning in 2006, the “Mechanics Lien Warning” (see page 71)
replaced the previously used “Notice to Owner.” This notice describes,
in non-technical language, pertinent provisions of the state’s
mechanics lien laws that specify the rights and responsibilities of
both the property owner and the contractor.
The Mechanics Lien Warning must be a part of any home
improvement contract, including swimming pool contracts.
This notice is not required for a contract that meets the
service and repair contract requirements.
CHAPTER 5. HOME IMPROVEMENT 69

JOINT CONTROL ADDENDUM

Addendum to Control Agreement/Escrow Instructions
This addendum is hereby incorporated into and becomes a part
of the Control Agreement attached hereto, dated _____________.
1. Should any of the terms or provisions of the contract
between Owner and Contractor or of the contract into
which this Addendum is incorporated conflict with any of
the terms or provisions of this Addendum, then the terms
of this Addendum shall prevail.
2. Control agrees to control and disburse funds in the
following manner:
a) Supplier or subcontractor submits to contractor
duplicate copies of invoices requesting payment;
b) If payment is justified, based on work completed,
Control accepts disbursement order or voucher in
favor of payee for net amount;
c) After signing by the contractor and the payee
concerned, order for payment (together with copies of
invoices, unconditional lien releases and/or other
substantiating data) is delivered or mailed to the
Control for payment.
3. Prior to issuing payment, Control agrees to verify:
a) That all vouchers have authorized signatures;
b) That adequate unconditional lien releases have been
submitted in writing; and
c) That sufficient funds are on hand to pay the specific
invoice(s) submitted.
4. Prior to issuing final payment, Control agrees to verify
that project has passed final inspection by local building
authorities, unless the scope of the contracted project
does not require a final inspection.
5. After verification of the above, checks shall be made
payable to the supplier or subcontractor, or to the prime
contractor and supplier or subcontractor, jointly.
6. Control agrees that in no event shall it disburse payments
in excess of 100 percent of the value of the work
70 SECTION II. HOME IMPROVEMENT

performed on the project at any time, excluding finance

charges.
7. The funds from this account shall be used only for the
project described in the contract. Control warrants that
work and material paid for by Control has been provided.
8. If this agreement is terminated for any reason prior to
disbursement of all monies payable under the contract
between Owner and Contractor, all subsequent
disbursements to Contractor shall conform to the
requirements of Business and Professions Code section
7159.
NOTE: B&P Code section 7159 requires that all change orders
be in writing and signed by all parties.

SO AGREED this _______ day of _____________________, 20_______.

CONTROL OWNER
_________________________________ __________________________________

CONTRACTOR OWNER
_________________________________ __________________________________

Contractors who furnish a joint control as part of the terms of

a home improvement contract should be aware that the law
prohibits them from having any financial or other interest in
the joint control company. Also, it is the contractor’s
responsibility to determine if the above addendum is included
in the control agreement.
If an approved joint control or bond covering the complete
contract is not furnished with a home improvement contract,
the contractor may not require a down payment in excess of
$1,000 or 10 percent of the total contract price, whichever is
less. The contract also must contain a schedule of payments
stated in dollars and cents, specifically referenced to the work
or services to be performed or the materials and equipment to
be supplied. Also, no payments other than the down payment
can be in excess of the value of the work (excluding finance
charges) performed at any time on the project.
CHAPTER 5. HOME IMPROVEMENT 71

MECHANICS LIEN WARNING

Anyone who helps improve property, but is not paid for performed
work or supplied materials, may record what is called a mechanics
lien against that property. A mechanics lien is a claim, like a
mortgage or home equity loan, made against the property and
recorded with the county recorder.
Even if the contractor is paid in full, unpaid subcontractors,
suppliers, and laborers who helped improve the property may record
mechanics liens and sue the property owner in court to foreclose a
lien. If a court finds the lien is valid, the property owner could be
forced to pay additional money or have a court officer sell the home to
pay the lien. Liens also can affect personal credit records.
20-DAY PRELIMINARY NOTICE
To preserve their right to record a lien, each subcontractor and
material supplier must provide the property owner with a
document called a “20-Day Preliminary Notice.” This notice is
not a lien. The purpose of the notice is to let the property owner know
that the person who is sending the notice has the right to record a
lien on the property if he or she is not paid.
The Preliminary Notice can be sent up to 20 days after the
subcontractor starts work or the supplier provides material. The
prime contractor and laborers do not send 20-Day Preliminary
Notices; contractor law assumes the property owner already knows
they are improving the property.
A list of all contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers that
work on a project can be provided to the property owner to help avoid
confusion.
PAYING WITH JOINT CHECKS
Joint checks are a protective method to make sure the subcontractor
or material supplier is paid. When the contractor tells the property
owner that it is time to pay for the work of a subcontractor or supplier
who has sent the property owner a Preliminary Notice, a joint check
payable to both the contractor and the subcontractor or material
supplier is written to confirm payment.
For other ways to prevent liens, visit www.cslb.ca.gov or call (800)
321-CSLB (2752).
As of 2011, the definitions of “claim of lien” and “mechanics
lien” became the same. The Notice of Mechanics Lien must be
served on the owner or person believed to be the owner of the
property or on the construction lender or original contractor,
72 SECTION II. HOME IMPROVEMENT

and a “proof of service affidavit” to the above mentioned

party or parties must be completed and signed by the person
serving the Notice of Mechanics Lien. Failure to serve the
mechanics lien and confirm a proof of service affidavit will
cause the mechanics lien to be unenforceable.
 SECTION III.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Chapter 6. Managing a Business

Chapter 6.
Managing a Business
The construction industry, while one of the largest segments of the
economy, includes many small businesses that employ fewer than
eight people. The industry is somewhat easy to enter because
relatively little money is needed to get started; however, the number
of bankruptcies and closures is also quite high. This chapter will
focus on business and management principles that may reduce the
chance of business failure.
While it may be simple to establish your contracting business, the
knowledge and concepts outlined in the following pages should be
mastered to enable you to become an effective manager. The terms
and ideas used here should become as familiar to you as the technical
construction language you use every day.
This chapter will show you how good management and accounting
techniques can be applied to the construction industry. The numbers
used in the examples were chosen to illustrate the average successful
small contracting business. The numbers and ratios provide only a
starting point for your job of managing.

THE CONTRACTOR MANAGER

The average contractor has knowledge and skills in many of the
phases of construction learned from firsthand experience. However,
upon starting a business, the contractor must become a business
manager, often without experience or training.
Statistics show that 90 percent of bankruptcies and business closures
result from poor management. The specific reasons include an
inability to plan, manage, and control business affairs (managerial
competence); insufficient on-the-job supervisory experience or the
inability to manage employees (people competence); and the lack of
knowledge of business practices (technical competence). Hard work is
not enough. You learned your building trade skills through on-the-job

73
74 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

training, and these skills must now be balanced by learning

management skills as well.
The main duties of the contractor who is a manager are to plan and
direct the major activities of the business; coordinate employee work
and materials; and train, direct, and advise employees in supervisory
and non-supervisory positions. The key to successful management is
the ability to review available information and arrive at informed
decisions. Information must be current and accurate. Setting up a
record-keeping and reporting system is the first step in being able to
use and apply information. The manager is responsible for making
sure that this information is complete and accurate.

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
The most difficult part of changing roles from employee to manager
may be in developing a clear understanding of what is important for
successful management. Management theory has been divided into
two different areas: functional and behavioral.
The Functional Areas of Management Include:
● Planning
Good planning is one of the most important, but most
neglected, management duties. Large amounts of information
from within the business must be put together with
information from outside the business to schedule business
activities. Planning is essential to make sure that resources,
money, people, and equipment are available to the business in
the right amounts and at the right time.
● Decision-Making/Delegation
It is important for the manager to avoid spending too much
time involved in the details of everyday work. Employees
should be trained and encouraged to assume responsibility for
routine decision-making. The manager’s responsibility is to
make sure that these decisions fit together with the plans for
the project and the business as a whole.
● Standardization
For the greatest efficiency, it is important to standardize
methods for routine, ongoing operations. When the best method
has been determined, it should be adopted as the pattern for
similar operations in the future. Standardization also makes it
easier for decisions to be made at lower levels.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 75

● Controls
Controls are established to inform the manager when the
actual business outcome is different from what was expected.
Controls should be designed to warn the manager before the
differences become too great. The manager can both check on
the progress of the business and evaluate overall performance
by comparing results with plans. Effective controls must be
established and rigidly enforced. The manager can then adapt
to change rather than resist it.
The functional areas of management relate mostly to the
technical side of business. The people or behavioral side of
business is equally important and cannot not be ignored.

The Behavioral Aspects of Management Include:

● Human Relations
Management should always remember to consider each
problem from the other person’s point of view. The success or
failure of a business depends largely upon the proper handling
and treatment of the personnel.
● Cooperation
Cooperation among individuals in any group must be
encouraged by management. This ensures that their combined
efforts, working toward a common goal, will produce far
greater results than the combined total produced by each
working as an individual. The spirit of cooperation is usually
inspired by the conduct of the manager. Cooperation cannot be
imposed; it can only be achieved by leadership.
● Responsibility
Each individual in an organization should be responsible for
one or more phases of operation. These responsibilities should
be clearly understood, and the individual should be given the
authority to carry them out and be held accountable for their
completion. One of the most consistent failings of management
is neglecting to instruct personnel about their responsibilities,
and delegating adequate authority to exercise these
responsibilities.
● Communication
Effective communication is an important part of any sound
organization. All personnel are entitled to be advised about any
subjects that concern them individually. Good communication
improves morale and productivity.
76 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

● Executive Ability
As the size of the contracting business increases, the contractor
must spend more time and energy in the role of a manager.
Executive ability can be realized to the fullest extent only when
the manager is relieved of all unnecessary detail or routine
work. When standards of performance are established, definite
plans and policies formulated, and adequate controls installed,
the manager may focus attention on those matters that are the
exception to the normal operation. Time spent on the job
should be limited to cases where it is necessary.
Guidelines
Do not make the common mistake of thinking that these principles do
not apply to you. Many managers feel that because these principles
make common sense and represent facts they know, that they are
applying them, when actually the reverse is true. Managers can test
their observance of the principles of management by reviewing the
following questions:
● Are all jobs planned carefully in advance?
● Is each worker in the right place?
● Is each worker sufficiently trained for the job assigned?
● Are the best possible practices established as standards for all
routine operations?
● Is the business capable of rapid adjustment to changing
conditions?
● Does each worker have the required materials, supplies, and
equipment to complete the job effectively?
● Is each worker directed by one supervisor only?
● Have all overlapping authority and responsibility been
eliminated?
● Does every worker clearly understand the assigned task and
the start and completion schedule for the task?
● Has all duplication of effort been eliminated?
Management should be able to answer “yes” to all of these questions.
Any hesitancy or “no” answer puts the immediate obligation on the
manager to review the situation and, if necessary, take corrective
action.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 77

ESTABLISHING YOUR BUSINESS

Forms of Business
The legal form of the business will determine the available sources of
financing, the extent of personal liability, the extent of control, and
the tax liabilities. The legal form may change as the business grows
and should be reviewed as financing requirements change. The sole
owner often lacks the personal capital sources necessary to sustain
growth. The partnership is usually created to expand the source of
funds. Continued growth and the resulting larger financing needs
may lead to incorporation, which, in turn, provides access to external
funds.
● Sole Ownership
Sole ownership (often called personal ownership or sole
proprietorship) is the simplest form of business organization
and relies primarily on the financial resources available to an
individual. The owner has sole responsibility and complete
control. He or she must obtain all the financing and is
personally liable for any claims against the business.
The sole ownership is easy to set up and is subject to minimum
regulations. For tax purposes, business income is reported as
personal income. Sole ownership appeals to individuals who
value smallness, simplicity, and personal control. (See Chapter
2 for information about maintaining a sole ownership license.)
● General Partnership
General partnerships use the financial and personal resources
of two or more individuals who share in the ownership and
operation of the business. The general partnership requires
registration of the name of the business. A lawyer should be
consulted to formalize the rights and responsibilities of the
partners regarding management and profit-sharing.
Under most circumstances, a partnership agreement
terminates with the death or withdrawal of a partner or the
addition of a new partner. Some partnership agreements avoid
termination by entering into a prior written agreement
allowing the partnership to continue. However, when a
contractor license is issued to a general partnership and a
general partner leaves for any reason or the partnership wants
to add another general partner, the license is canceled. (See
Chapter 2 for a discussion of partnership and ways to continue
as a partnership for a short period of time after cancellation.)
78 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

The partnership is not an entity separate from the partners.

Each partner may be personally liable to the extent of his or
her personal assets and may be legally responsible for the
negligent acts of the other partner(s). For tax purposes, an
individual’s share of the partnership income is taxed as
personal income.
● Limited Partnership
The limited partnership allows investors to join in a
partnership without taking full responsibility for the business.
The limited partner risks only his or her original investment.
In this case, there must be at least one general partner who
runs the business and who remains fully responsible for the
liabilities of the business. (See Chapter 2 for a discussion of
what to do if a limited partner leaves the partnership.)
● Corporation
A corporation is a separate legal entity created by the
government. It can make contracts, be held legally liable, and
is taxed. The corporation may raise capital by selling stock to
private investors or to the public. Stockholders are usually not
liable for claims against the corporation beyond their original
investment. Creditors may claim only the corporate assets,
although corporate officers may be personally liable.
Incorporation begins by filing articles of incorporation with the
Secretary of State. The corporation has no fixed life. The death
of a stockholder or sale of one’s personal investment will not
disrupt the business.
● “S” Chapter Corporation
“S” corporations must meet certain restrictions and can report
the business income as individual income. This benefit is
designed to remove tax considerations from the decision
regarding the form of business organization for the small
business. The business can operate in corporate form to reduce
the owner’s liability, but is taxed like a partnership. Since the
corporation is not taxed separately, only an information return
similar to the partnership tax return need be filed. For the
small business, this avoids the double taxation of corporate
income that results when the corporation is taxed on earnings
and the owners are taxed on dividends distributed by the
corporation.
● Limited Liability Company
A California limited liability company (LLC) generally offers
liability protection similar to that of a corporation but is taxed
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 79

differently. Domestic LLCs may be managed by one or more

managers or one or more members. In addition to filing the
applicable documents with the Secretary of State, an operating
agreement among the members as to the affairs of the LLC and
the conduct of its business is required. The LLC does not file
the operating agreement with the Secretary of State but
maintains it at the office where the LLC’s records are kept.
To form an LLC in California, Articles of Organization (Form
LLC–1) must be filed with the California Secretary of State’s
office.
Inventory of Resources
You should consider many details before establishing a contracting
business, beginning with the understanding that the company should
be managed by individuals who have acquired technical expertise
through experience. The contractor/manager is motivated by the
desire to achieve personal independence, demonstrate greater
efficiency, and make more profit. Your careful consideration of the
following questions will help you to identify common obstacles to the
successful operation of a business:
● What financial resources do I have and what financial
resources will be required? Funds must be available to
purchase equipment, rent office space, and meet payroll and
personal living expenses until income is received.
● Am I willing to take risks—risks that include the cost and
availability of materials and services, weather, delays brought
about by government regulation and required inspections, and
reliance on the expertise of architects?
● What resources do I have to attract sufficient business? Is the
level of building activity in the area high enough to support a
new business?
● What type of contracting business do I specialize in? Will it be
custom building, speculative building, remodeling and home
improvement, or general contracting?
● Who will handle the bookkeeping and record keeping that is
essential for planning, coordination, and control?
● Do I have the resources to handle personnel, financial, and
legal reporting requirements?
It is important for you to obtain the necessary resources before
attempting to establish your business.
80 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Taxes and Permits

The owner(s) of the business is required to pay taxes and fees at the
federal, state, and local levels. If the business is a sole ownership or
partnership, estimated federal and state income taxes must be
prepaid or paid quarterly.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) must be requested from
the Internal Revenue Service, and the federal income and Social
Security taxes withheld from employee wages must be paid quarterly,
monthly, or semimonthly, as required.
The contractor must register with the Employment Development
Department, obtain a state EIN, and pay state payroll and
unemployment insurance taxes for employees who earn over $100 in
a calendar quarter.
California requires a Seller’s Permit for businesses that sell tangible
personal property. The State Board of Equalization can require a
deposit of the estimated sales tax for the first six months. The
contractor must collect the required sales tax from the customer
unless the tax on materials was already paid at the time of purchase.
Before starting a job, determine if city or county permits are required.
Business licenses and construction permits are a cost of doing
business, a fact that must be recognized at the outset. In addition, the
contractor must be familiar with zoning laws and building codes.
Bonds
A requirement for bonding is generally mandatory for large jobs
financed by institutional lenders, such as savings and loans,
insurance companies, or commercial banks. In addition, many owners
and lenders, as well as other contractors, impose bonding
requirements. Bonds can be obtained from bonding companies for a
percentage of the contract price, usually in the 1 to 2 percent range.
This requirement is a cost of doing business that should be recognized
when the bid is submitted. Bonds may be classified as follows:
● Performance bonds guarantee the project’s completion
according to the building plans and specifications. If the job is
abandoned or the work unacceptable, the bonding company has
the option of hiring another contractor to complete the work or
settling for damages.
● Payment bonds assure the property owner that no liens for
labor and materials will be filed against the property.
● Contract bonds guarantee both job completion and payment
of all labor and materials.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 81

In general, unless the bonding company has taken responsibility for

completing the project, the bonding company will not have to pay
more than the face amount of the bond.
The new contractor should be aware that bonding requirements may
exclude the new business from bidding on desired jobs. Bonding
companies will not take risks without verifying the technical and
resource capabilities of the bonded contractor. It is essential to
practice sound business management techniques if you hope to
qualify for bonding in the future.
Contractor License Bonds
Contractor license bonds are different from performance, payment,
and contract bonds. Each licensed contractor is required to carry a
contractor bond. Unlike payment, performance, and contract bonds,
which are usually written to cover specific projects, a contractor
license bond is written to cover any project the contractor agrees to
perform. The sum of the contractor license bond was raised to
$15,000, from $12,500, as of January 1, 2016. The bond for qualifiers
remains $12,500.
Limited Liability Company Surety Bond
A $100,000 surety bond (in addition to the $15,000 contractor bond) is
required for the issuance, reissuance, reinstatement, reactivation,
and renewal of an LLC license for the benefit of any employee or
worker damaged by the LLC’s failure to pay wages, interest on wages,
or fringe benefits, as well as other contributions. (See B&P Code
§7071.6.5.)
Commercial General Liability Insurance
Just as an accident can happen to anyone, everyone makes mistakes.
Many California contractors address accidents and mistakes through
commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. As the International
Risk Management Institute explains in its Guide to Construction
Insurance, CGL insurance protects “the insured contractor from
liability to members of the public (other than employees) for bodily
injury, property damage, or personal injury caused by virtually any
activity.” Thus, CGL insurance can shift the risk of liability for
accidents and mistakes from the contractor to the insurance
company.
The insurance company:
● Provides a claim-handling process;
● Defends the contractor against insurance claims;
● Pays claims for covered damages; and
82 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

● Pays for immediately necessary medical treatment, even when

the contractor is not ultimately found liable.
Contractors’ state license law does not require contractors to carry
CGL insurance unless their business entity is a limited liability
company (see below). Even though it is not universally required by
licensing law, commercial property owners routinely require the
contractors they hire to carry CGL insurance. These property owners
understand that numerous, expensive mishaps can, and do, occur
during construction projects.
On the other hand, when a homeowner hires a contractor to perform
home improvement work, the homeowner rarely requires the
contractor to carry CGL insurance. The primary reason given by
homeowners for not requiring the contractor to carry CGL insurance
is that it doesn’t occur to a homeowner that a contractor would work
on the house without being insured. To alert homeowners to the value
of CGL insurance, the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section
872(a) took effect in 2002 requiring home improvement contractors to:
● Disclose in writing if they carry commercial general liability
insurance.
● If they do carry CGL insurance, the contractors are required to
provide the homeowner with the name and telephone number
of the insurance company, in writing, so the homeowner can
verify coverage.
This requirement changed under the new home improvement
contract requirements (see Chapter 5). SB 30, which took effect in
2006, requires contractors to provide CGL insurance information to
homeowners as part of the contract.
$1 Million Liability Insurance Minimum
Liability insurance with the aggregate limit of $1 million for licensees
with five (5) or fewer persons listed as members of the personnel of
record is required for a limited liability company; plus, an additional
$100,000 in insurance is required for each additional member of the
personnel of record, not to exceed $5 million total. (See B&P Code
§7071.19.)
For more information about the risks covered by insurance, see
“Risk Management” on page 107.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
The California workers’ compensation insurance laws are
administered by the state Department of Industrial Relations
through the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The following
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 83

paragraphs highlight some important provisions of workers’

compensation law found in the California Labor Code.
Workers’ Compensation Defined
California workers’ compensation law establishes a no-fault
insurance plan purchased by the employer-contractor and
administered by the state to:
● Limit the employer-contractor’s liability and avoid costly
lawsuits; and
● Guarantee that an injured worker receives prompt and
complete medical treatment and specific benefits for job-related
injury or illness. Under some circumstances, an employer-
contractor can be sued for damages. For example, the harmed
parties may sue if an employee is injured when the employer is
illegally uninsured, or if the employer conceals the existence of
an employee’s injury and its connection with employment.
Check with the Department of Industrial Relations,
www.dir.ca.gov/, for more information.
Employer Liability
An employer-contractor is REQUIRED to provide weekly benefit
payments (indemnity) and necessary medical and hospital treatment
to all of his or her employees for work-incurred injuries and illness.
This liability of the employer extends to employed relatives on the
same basis as any other employee.
If the employer has one or more employees, even part-time, he or she
is required to insure for workers’ compensation claims. An “owner-
operator” or “independent contractor” should consult an attorney to
determine insurance liability and should pay particular attention to
Labor Code §2750.5.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage
The employer-contractor may provide insurance protection in one of
three ways:
● By a standard approved policy of workers’ compensation
insurance available through any licensed carrier;
● By securing a permit from the Director of the state Department
of Industrial Relations to become a self-insurer (Labor Code
§3700); or
● By participating in a collectively bargained alternative dispute
resolution program recognized by the Division of Workers’
Compensation (Labor Code §3201.5).
84 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

In general, if a contractor carries compensation insurance, the

compensation insurance company assumes the obligation of the
contractor under the workers’ compensation laws. Some exceptions
include penalties based on:
● The contractor’s serious and willful misconduct (Labor Code
§4553);
● Injury to an illegally employed person under 16 years of age
(Labor Code §4557); and
● Instances where the employer discriminates against an
employee because an industrial injury claim was filed (Labor
Code §132a).
Reporting Name of Insurer
Every licensed contractor must report, in writing, the name and
address of the insurer carrying workers’ compensation on his or her
employees to the Registrar of Contractors within 90 days after any
policy of insurance is issued to him or her. He or she must send a copy
of this report to the insurer. Failure to make such a report is a
misdemeanor (Business and Professions Code §§7125-7126).
Reporting Occupational Injury or Illness
● An employer-contractor MUST file a complete report of every
employee occupational injury or occupational illness that
results in lost time beyond the date of injury or illness, or
which requires medical treatment beyond first aid, with the
Department of Industrial Relations through its Division of
Labor Statistics and Research or, if an insured employer, with
the insurer (Labor Code §6409.1).
The report filed shall be the original of the form prescribed for
that purpose by the Division of Labor Statistics and Research.
A report shall be filed concerning each injury and illness that
has, or is alleged to have, arisen out of and in the course of
employment, within five (5) days after the employer obtains
knowledge of the injury or illness. Each report of occupational
injury or occupational illness must indicate the Social Security
number of the injured employee (Labor Code §6409.1).
The insured employer must file with his or her insurer a
complete report of every injury or illness to each employee. If a
report is not filed with the insurance carrier, the Workers’
Compensation Appeals Board may issue an order directing the
insured employer to report the injury or illness within five (5)
days. Failure of the employer to comply with this order may be
punished as contempt (Labor Code §3760).
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 85

● In every case involving a serious injury or illness, or death, IN

ADDITION TO the report described above, the employer must
report immediately by telephone to the Division of
Occupational Safety and Health (Labor Code §6409.1).
Employee Notification and Posting Requirements
Every employer-contractor subject to the provisions of the workers’
compensation laws MUST:
● Give every new employee, either at the time of hiring or by the
end of his or her first pay period, written notice of the
employee’s right to receive workers’ compensation benefits
should he or she be injured on the job while working for the
employer. The content of the notice must be approved by the
Administrative Director of the Division of Workers’
Compensation and must contain the information listed in
Section 9880 of CCR Title 8. The notice shall be available in
both English and Spanish when there are Spanish-speaking
employees (Labor Code §3551).
● Post conspicuously, in a location frequented by employees, a
Notice to Employees poster. The Notice to Employees must be
posted in English (and Spanish where there are Spanish-
speaking employees). The Notice to Employees poster must
contain the information listed in Section 9881 of CCR Title 8 or
the employer may post the Administrative Director’s approved
Notice to Employees poster provided in Section 9881.1 of CCR
Title 8 [DWC 7 (8/1/04)]. Failure to keep such a notice
conspicuously posted is punishable as a misdemeanor (Labor
Code §3550).
● Post information regarding protections and obligations of
employees under occupational safety and health laws, and
related citations (Labor Code §6408). (See Chapter 7 in this
book for details.)
● Give any employee who is a victim of workplace crime written
notification that the employee is eligible for workers’
compensation (Labor Code §3553).
● The contractor or his or her insurance company should notify
his or her employee, in case of an injury, of a physician who
will provide professional care. (“Physician” as used here,
includes physicians and surgeons, psychologists,
acupuncturists, optometrists, dentists, podiatrists, and
osteopathic and chiropractic practitioners, each in his or her
respective field.)
86 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Benefits to Which Workers May Be Entitled

● Medical Treatment
Since 2004, employers have been required to authorize medical
treatment consistent with the American College of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine’s (ACOEM)
Occupational Medicine Practice Guidelines, Second Edition, or
the treatment utilization schedule adopted by the
Administrative Director to cure or relieve the injured worker
from the effects of his or her injury. Within one (1) working day
of receiving the employee’s claim form, the employer must
authorize treatment for the alleged industrial injury and must
continue to provide the treatment until the date that liability
for the claim is either accepted or rejected by the employer.
Until the date the claim is accepted or rejected, liability for
medical treatment is limited to $10,000 (Labor Code §§4600,
4604.5, 4610, 5307.27, and 5402).
● Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit
The worker may be entitled to a supplemental job displacement
benefit if he or she cannot return to work for the employer
within 60 days following the end of the temporary disability
period. The amount of the benefit is based on the employee’s
permanent disability level and must be used for retraining,
skill enhancement, or job placement assistance (Labor Code
§4658.5).
● Temporary Disability
The worker also is entitled to temporary disability payments
while recovering from the injury. These weekly payments begin
after the third day of disability and are based upon two-thirds
of the weekly earnings, up to a legal maximum. The amount of
these payments is determined by state law. The compensation
insurance company should be able to provide information on
current rates. Where temporary disability extends beyond 14
days or requires overnight hospitalization, the three-day
waiting period is eliminated (Labor Code §§4453, 4650, 4652,
and 4653).
● Permanent Disability
If a permanent disability arises out of an industrial injury, the
worker is entitled to compensation based on the rated degree of
disability. Benefits are based on the earning of the disabled
worker, and the range of benefit amounts are set by state law.
For permanent disability ratings between 70 percent and 99
3/4 percent, a life pension is granted (Labor Code §4453).
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 87

● Death Benefits
If the injury causes death, a benefit is payable to those
dependent on the deceased for support at the time of injury. In
addition, burial expenses are allowed up to a prescribed
amount (Labor Code §§4701 and 4702).
● Compensation for Serious and Willful Employer
Misconduct
The amount of compensation otherwise recoverable can be
increased one-half, together with costs and expenses not to
exceed $250, where the employee is injured by reason of the
serious or willful misconduct of the employer or his or her
managing representative, partner, executive, managing officer,
or general superintendent. The insurance company is not liable
for the increase and is not permitted to cover it under the
insurance policy (Labor Code §§4550 and 4553; Insurance Code
§11661).
Penalties for Noncompliance
● Failure to secure payment of compensation as required by law
is a misdemeanor (Labor Code §3700.5).
● A contractor’s license may be suspended or revoked by the
Registrar of Contractors if the contractor fails to secure the
payment of compensation (Business and Professions Code
§7110).
● The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor
Standards Enforcement also may take action against a
contractor who has failed to secure the payment of
compensation. This may include:
○ Issuing a “Stop Order,” prohibiting the use of employee
labor until insurance is provided (Labor Code §3710.1);
○ Obtaining a restraining order in superior court against the
contractor (Labor Code §3712);
○ Issuing a penalty assessment order
(Penalties for an uninsured contractor may be either the greater
of twice the amount the contractor would have paid in
premiums during the period he or she was uninsured, or $1,000
per employee employed during that same period. If the
contractor’s uninsured status is discovered following the filing
of a claim for compensation, the penalty shall be either $2,000
for each employee employed on the date of injury in non-
compensable cases, and $10,000 for each employee in
compensable cases (Labor Code §3722)); or
88 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

○ Recording a lien against the real property and personal

property of the contractor as a security interest (Labor
Code §3727).
● If a contractor willfully fails to provide compensation insurance
for an employee and an injury occurs, the contractor must pay
the disability compensation plus a penalty of 10 percent and
attorney fees. He or she must also supply all necessary medical
treatment. In addition, he or she is liable for damages in a civil
action, with a legal presumption that the injury was caused by
the employer’s negligence. Contributory negligence of the
employee is no defense (Labor Code §§3706, 3708, 4554, and
4555).
● Every employer, and every employee having direction,
management control, or custody of employment of any other
employee, who willfully violates any occupational safety or
health standard that causes the death of any employee or the
prolonged impairment of the body of any employee shall, upon
conviction, be punished by a fine and or imprisonment (Labor
Code §6425).
Additional Information
For additional information, consult the white pages of your local
telephone book under:
“State Government/Industrial Relations, Workers’ Compensation”
● Contact the Division’s headquarters office at:
Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Workers’ Compensation
1515 Clay Street, 17th Floor
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 286-7100
● Visit the Division’s website: www.dir.ca.gov/dwc.
● Call (800) 736-7401 for recorded messages.
● The Division of Workers’ Compensation publishes an
Employer’s Guide that can be requested by calling one of the
numbers listed above.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTROL

Finance has frequently been called the “language of business.” This is
because financial statements are a method of communicating
business information. Financial statements contain the information
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 89

necessary for planning, coordination, and control. The success of your

business will depend on your ability to react to change. Financial
statements provide the basic tools for this analysis. The foremost
objective of the accounting process is to arrive at an estimate of the
periodic income and expenses of a business. With this information,
the owner can make the decisions that will increase the potential for
profit. In this section, an attempt is made to keep the definitions and
examples as simple as possible, yet realistic enough to provide
understanding.
Records
Every business must keep records. Good records are essential for
effective management. They are required when seeking outside
financing and, in some cases, are mandated by law. State and federal
agencies frequently specify that certain records must be maintained
and made available for government audits and to substantiate tax
reporting. For a description of the records specifically required under
Contractors State License Law, see Business and Professions Code
section 7111.
Accurate accounting records must be kept to provide the base to
construct financial statements. The information summarized in these
statements highlights the total operational costs, individual job costs,
and other costs that affect your ability to make a profit. Accurate
records also provide information on cash receipts and a basis for
control of disbursements. The contractor can, by reviewing these
records, determine the cash flow requirements of other jobs that he or
she has completed to help estimate the costs of future jobs.
Accounting Methods
Is it necessary for contractors to understand detailed accounting
methods? In general, no. The manager’s role is not to compile the
statements, but rather to use these statements as tools of
management. It is not necessary for the contractor to be an expert in
accounting but, as a manager, he or she must understand and be able
to take action based on the statement numbers.
Understand the Fundamental Terms of Accounting
● Cash Basis of Accounting
Under the cash basis of accounting, revenue is recognized when
cash is actually or constructively received, and expenses are
deductible in the year paid (unless they should be taken in a
different period to clearly reflect income).
A cash basis of accounting may be appropriate where no
prepaid expenses (e.g., insurance, rent), depreciable assets, or
90 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

inventories exist, and where revenue is received during the

accounting period.
Information regarding cash flow, as provided by the cash basis
of accounting method, can be valuable in judging the ability of
the business to pay its debts, to finance replacements of
productive assets, and to expand the scope of business
operations. However, a strict cash method neither records
receivables nor payables since these items have not been
received or disbursed. This failure to match income and
expenses for a given accounting period restricts the
information available to the manager using a cash basis of
accounting.
Additionally, where depreciation and inventories are utilized,
the accrual method is necessary to accurately reflect expenses
and income. For federal income tax purposes, the accrual
method is required when inventories are utilized.
The net increase or decrease in cash during a given period is
not very useful in evaluating a company’s operating
performance because, although progress payments come in
during the course of a job, final profit cannot be determined
until after the job is completed. For these reasons, the cash
basis of accounting is not recommended for contractors.
● Accrual Basis of Accounting
The accrual basis of accounting is a method that recognizes
revenues when earned and expenses when incurred, regardless
of when payment is received or made. Thus, this method allows
the matching of revenues and associated expenses for
individual periods of time.
In a contracting business that has qualifying long-term
projects, the accrual basis of accounting is often further
modified using two methods: 1) the percentage of
completion and 2) the completed contract.
1) The percentage of completion method will report profits and
losses regularly on the basis of actual work accomplished on
each job. For example, if the work performed in a given year is
estimated to represent 50 percent of total performance under
contract, then 50 percent of the total estimated revenue and
profit is considered earned.
2) The completed contract method allows for the gross income
and related costs for each contract to be reported in the year in
which such a contract is completed.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 91

● Financial Statements
The balance sheet and income statement summarize the firm’s
internal data. These statements, in turn, provide the
information for ratio analysis that highlights the strengths and
exposes the weaknesses of the company.
● Balance Sheet
The balance sheet is a statement of financial condition of an
individual business at a certain point in time. The balance
sheet is often referred to as a “snap shot.” The accountant will
usually provide two balance sheets, one for the current year
just ending and another for the prior year. An example of a
balance sheet for a corporation is shown on page 92. This
balance sheet lets the reader compare where the company
stood at the end of each of the past two years.
The balance sheet is a statement of the company’s resources,
financial obligations, and ownership investment. The balance
sheet is divided into two sides: on the left are shown the assets;
on the right are shown the company’s liabilities and stockholders’
equity (the owners’ investment). Both sides are always equal or in
balance. The company’s assets include its cash, physical goods,
and its financial claims on others. Liabilities represent the claims
others have on the company. The stockholder’s equity section
includes the original investment of the owners. Since this
example is a corporation, the equity section includes
undistributed profits earned by the corporation to date (additional
investment of earnings held by the corporation).

This section briefly describes some of the important

features of a balance sheet:
92 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Typical Construction Company, Inc.

Balance Sheet
December 31, 2016

Current Prior Liabilities and Current Prior

Assets Year Year Stockholders’ Equity Year Year
Current Assets Liabilities
Cash $10,000 $15,000 Current Liabilities
Retention $40,000 $35,000 Accounts payable $80,000 $60,000
Accounts Receivable $70,000 $50,000 Notes payable $25,000 $30,000
Total current assets $120,000 $100,000 Accrued expenses $20,000 $20,000
payable
Accrued payroll $20,000 $18,000
Inventories Misc taxes payable $5,000 $10,000
Construction in $200,000 $160,000 Federal income $30,000 $12,000
progress taxes payable
Less: partial billings -$120,000 -$100,000 Total, current $180,000 $150,000
or contracts liabilities

Costs or contracts in $80,000 $60,000 Long-term liabilities

excess of billings
Raw Materials $30,000 $30,000 Bank loan, truck $100,000 $90,000
and equipment; 14%
due
Total Inventories $110,000 $90,000 Total, Liabilities $280,000 $240,000

Prepaid Expenses $20,000 $25,000

(permits and licenses,
etc.)
Total, Current Assets $250,000 $215,000 Stockholders’
Equity
Common stock, $5 $50,000 $50,000
par value,
authorized, issued
Property, plant and and outstanding
equipment 10,000 shares

Leasehold $4,000 $4,000 Retained earnings $70,000 $60,000

improvements
Office furniture and $2,000 $2,000
fixtures
Small tools $10,000 $10,000 Total, Stockholders’ $120,000 $110,000
Equity

Construction $154,000 $130,000 Total, Liabilities $400,000 $350,000

equipment and Stockholders’
Equity
Less: accumulated -$20,000 -$15,000
depreciation

Net property, plant $150,000 $131,000

and equipment

Other Assets $4,000

Total Assets $400,000 $350,000

CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 93

ASSETS (left columns)

Assets are categorized as either current or fixed. Assets are listed in
order of declining liquidity. (Liquidity refers to the speed with which
an item can be converted into cash or, put another way, the ability of
the organization to pay its current debt.) Current assets are the first
items listed on the left side of the balance sheet. These are the assets
that are either cash or capable of being converted into cash in the
normal course of business, generally within one (1) year from the date
of the balance sheet. In addition to cash (money on hand and deposits
in the bank), the other items that will be turned into cash include
retentions, accounts receivable, inventories, and prepaid expenses.
After current assets, the balance sheet lists fixed assets.
All of these are briefly described below:
● Cash: Immediately available or liquid funds.
● Retention: A specified amount, usually 10 percent, withheld
from progress payments to the contractor pending satisfactory
completion and final acceptance of the project. This amount
you have already earned even though you have not yet been
paid.
● Accounts Receivable: The amounts due from customers
(other than retentions) in payment for construction projects.
● Inventory: Includes all materials, labor, and direct and
indirect overhead on jobs currently in progress. (For an
example of direct and indirect costs, refer to the Internal
Revenue Code Sections 263A (capitalization and inclusion in
inventory costs of certain expenses) and 451 (general rule for
taxable year of inclusion).
● Prepaid Expenses: Goods or services the company buys and
pays for before use. Examples are insurance premiums and
office supplies.
● Property, Plant, and Equipment: Sometimes called fixed
assets or plant and equipment, this group of assets includes
physical resources a contractor owns or acquires for use in
operations and has no intention to resell. Regardless of their
current market value, fixed assets are valued at their original
cost less accumulated depreciation. Sometimes property, plant,
and equipment may be leased rather than owned. The value of
the leased property is often included with the fixed assets and
the lease payments are included with the liabilities.
● Other Assets: Resources not included under current assets, or
under “Property, Plant, and Equipment” are placed here.
94 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Examples include scrap materials or equipment held for resale

and long-term receivables.
LIABILITIES (right columns)
Liabilities, like assets, are broken down into two major categories:
current liabilities and long-term liabilities. Liabilities represent
obligations to pay money, pay other assets or render future services to
others. The relationship of current and fixed assets and current and
long-term liabilities will become apparent when you learn how to
analyze the information presented in the financial statements.
Current Liabilities: This item includes debts of the company that
become due within one (1) year of the balance sheet date. Current
assets are the source from which these payments are usually made.
Management must be aware of this relationship and maintain
sufficient current assets or control the amount of current liabilities to
avoid becoming delinquent in its bills. In our example, Typical
Construction Company, Inc. has $180,000 of current liabilities
composed of the following items:
● Accounts Payable: Money owed to suppliers and
subcontractors.
● Notes Payable: Balance of the principal owed on a written
promissory note.
● Accrued Expenses Payable: Money owed for interest,
services, insurance premiums, and other fees that are not
included under accounts payable. Thus, expenses that have
been incurred but are not due for payment on the date of the
balance sheet are grouped under accrued expenses payable.
● Accrued Payroll: Salaries and wages that the contractor
currently owes to employees.
● Miscellaneous Taxes Payable: Amounts estimated by the
accountant to have been incurred during the accounting period
and are owed to local and state governmental agencies.
● Federal Income Taxes Payable: Amount of liability for
taxes owed to the federal government. (Note: Different
organizational forms will have different tax obligations.)
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Long-term liabilities are notes or mortgages due one (1) year beyond
the balance sheet date. In our sample balance sheet, Typical
Construction Company, Inc. owed $100,000 on a bank loan due more
than a year in the future. This loan was secured by using certain
equipment as collateral.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 95

Stockholders’ Equity (right column): The stockholders’ equity

section of the balance sheet, also called net worth or equity,
represents the claim of the owners on the assets of the business.
Different organizational forms use different names for this section of
the balance sheet, but basically this is the original investment of the
owners. Our example is a corporation, and the stockholders’ equity
section has two accounts.
Capital Stock: The total amount invested in the business by the
contractor in exchange for shares of common stock at par value. Par
value is arbitrarily established and need not be the same as the
current market price of that share of stock.
Retained Earnings: Total corporation earnings from its beginning,
minus the total dividends declared (distributions to owners) since the
corporation was founded. This account represents additional
investment by the owners who were willing to forego a larger
distribution of the company’s earnings.
INCOME STATEMENT
The income statement summarizes the operations of the company
over a period of time. For the Typical Construction Company, Inc.
(see next page) the period of time is one (1) year. The balance sheets
presented for Typical were year-end balance sheets with the income
statement summarizing the operations during the intervening time
period. Income statements are often prepared to cover shorter
operational periods (e.g., quarter or month). Basically, the income
statement shows business revenue, expenses, and the resulting profit
or loss for a given accounting period. Since the revenues are matched
against the related costs and expenses, the difference between the
two is how much the corporation makes or loses. This profit or loss is
often called the “bottom line” because it is an important indicator of
performance, and it is also the last line of the income statement.
Note, however, that this is only one performance indicator that
financial statements report. The relationships of the various expense
categories to total revenue presented in this statement must be
understood if the company is to be effectively managed.
96 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

The components of this income statement are illustrated as follows:

Typical Construction Company, Inc.

Income Statement
for the year ending December 31, 2016

Current Year Prior Year

Sales of Residences $1,250,000 $1,000,000
Cost of Operations
Cost of Sales 1,030,000 850,000
General and administrative 91,000 75,000
expenses
Operating expenses 23,900 22,000
Total operating expenses 1,145,000 947,000
Income Before Provision for Federal 105,000 53,000
Income Tax
Provision for Federal Income Tax 30,000 12,000
Net Profit for year $75,000 $41,000

Income: The revenue amount reflects all the billings made to

customers for completed projects, as well as work in progress. This is
an example of the accrual basis previously discussed. In our example
for Typical Construction Company, Inc., the sales of residences for the
current year were $1,250,000, which represents amounts billed for
completed projects and work in progress.
Cost of Operations: Cost of operations in the contracting business is
comprised of all costs and expenses associated with running the
business, with the exception that federal income taxes are shown on
another line. By totaling all the costs of operations and subtracting
these from the revenue, the operating profit of the company can be
found. In our example, Typical Construction Company, Inc., the total
cost of operations for the current year is $1,145,000, which, when
subtracted from the net sales, leaves an operating profit of $105,000.
This represents the amount of profit earned by the contractor without
taking into consideration federal income taxes.

Within the Cost of Operations section of the Income Statement are

several important amounts:
Direct Labor: The actual cost for labor payroll for all jobs worked on
during the period covered by the income statement. The amount of
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 97

direct labor and the percentage of direct labor to the total cost of any
particular project should be closely monitored by management. Direct
labor expense is an important variable in determining the ultimate
profit of the company. The labor percentage is also a direct
measurement of the efficiency of the workers and the performance of
supervision.
Direct Labor Burden: This includes all payroll taxes, insurance,
and employee benefits associated with the labor payroll. If the
workers belong to a union, the direct labor burden will include union
benefit assessments and, in some cases, association fees.
Materials Used: This includes the cost of all materials used on the
job, and is usually the largest single expense item on the income
statement. Since materials comprise such a large part of the total cost
of contracting, this account should be carefully controlled and every
effort made to ensure that purchasing is done efficiently.
Other Direct Costs: These costs include all items, other than those
listed above, that are directly chargeable to individual jobs. For
example, permits, bonds, insurance, and equipment rentals would be
included here.
General and Administrative Expenses: This figure on the income
statement is comprised of all items of expense of a general nature
that cannot be specifically attributed to individual construction
projects. In the example of Typical Construction Company, Inc., these
expenses are summarized for the year on a separate schedule, which
supplements the income statement.
Note that the items covered in our example will differ somewhat
among companies, depending upon the type of contracting. The extent
to which individual expenses will be listed separately or combined
with others will also vary among accountants and contractors.
Pretax Income: To get this figure, the total operating expenses were
subtracted from the sales of residences. This figure is called Income
Before Provision for Federal Income Tax for those corporations that
are subject to federal taxation. Certain corporations, as well as sole
ownerships and partnerships, do not pay taxes on income; the income
is reported on the owner’s personal tax returns. This is another
example of how the organizational form the contractor initially
chooses will influence the content of the financial statements.
Net Profit for Year: This figure is often called net income and
represents the sum of all revenues minus all expenses including
taxes, if applicable. Net profit or income is commonly referred to as
the “bottom line.”
98 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Statement of Changes in Financial Position

The Statement of Changes in Financial Position, also called the
Statement of Sources and Applications of Funds, is a third major
financial statement. It shows how funds were obtained and where
funds were used. We do not show an example of this statement
because in many small operations it is not used. However, if a
contracting company is going to be audited by certified public
accountants for the purpose of presenting financial statements to
creditors or others, a Statement of Changes in Financial Position may
be necessary.
Financial Analysis and Ratios
While the figures listed in the financial statements are meaningful
and important taken alone, they become even more valuable when
compared with other information. For example, comparing any
balance sheet item for the current year with the prior year
immediately gives us added information. Did the figure increase?
Decrease? If so, by how much in absolute dollars? How much in
percentage terms?
The comparison of financial relationships is often done in three ways.
The first method is the comparison of current financial data with
prior years. Very often, businesses will compare three to five years of
key items, such as revenue and net income. This type of comparison
gives the reader an idea as to the trends over time.
The second method is to compare the current financial data with that
of other businesses within the same industry. Sources for industry
data are provided by organizations, such as Robert Morris Associates,
Dun and Bradstreet, Inc., and Standard and Poor’s, and are available
on many websites that offer financial information. This information
also can be found at large local libraries and at local California State
University libraries.
The third method used in interpreting financial statements is ratio
analysis. The relationship between any two figures within the current
financial data is called a ratio. For example, if current assets are
$100,000 and current liabilities are $50,000, the relationship of
current assets to current liabilities ($100,000/$50,000) may be shown
as 2 to 1, or 2:1 (ratio). The bank loan officer who is to recommend the
establishment of a line of credit (short-term loan) would be interested
in the current ratio and quick ratio, as the bank would expect the
contractor to repay the loan in the near term.
Current Ratio
One very important kind of information that can be readily
determined from the balance sheet is the ability of the company to
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 99

pay debts when due (sometimes referred to as liquidity). The

difference between the total current assets and the total current
liabilities is called working capital. One way of looking at working
capital is that it represents the amount that is free and clear if all
current debts are paid off. A comfortable amount of working capital
gives a company the ability to meet its obligations and take
advantage of opportunities.
What is a comfortable amount of working capital? To help answer
this question, the current ratio provides additional helpful
information. To calculate the current ratio, divide total current assets
by total current liabilities. In the example of Typical Construction
Company, Inc., the figures are:
Current Assets $250,000 = 1.39
Current Liabilities $180,000
Therefore, for each $1 of current liabilities there is $1.39 in current
assets to back it up.
Quick Ratio
The quick ratio is another, more conservative way of testing the
adequacy of the current liquidity of the company. Instead of using
current assets, quick assets are substituted because these are quickly
converted into cash. One simple method of determining the quick
assets is total current assets minus inventories. In our example:
Current Assets $250,000
–Inventories –$110,000
Quick Assets $140,000

Quick Ratio:
Quick Assets $140,000 = .78
CURRENT LIABILITIES $180,000

For the above analysis, we can see that we have $.78 of assets that
may readily be converted into cash for each $1 of current liabilities
that will require cash payments shortly.
The long-term creditors (banks or insurance companies) would be
interested in the ratio of total liabilities to net worth. This measure
indicates the relative proportions of the contractor’s assets supplied
by creditors and owners. In the event that the company defaulted on
its debts, this ratio indicates the degree of safety for the creditors.
Net sales to net working capital, net sales to total assets, and net
income to net worth are all measures of the efficiency of the
company’s use of its resources. These measures are important
100 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

indicators to management. Net sales to net working capital (low ratio)

might be attributed either to an excess of working capital or to
inadequate sales. Management should examine each ratio, keeping in
mind that if the ratios reflect a weakness, the manager then must
analyze the problem area and develop possible solutions, e.g., more
vigorous collection effort to reduce the size of receivables. Keep in
mind that the ratios also are interdependent. When the receivables
are reduced, the cash generated by the collection effort may be used
to reduce long-term liabilities and improve the debt ratio.
Management must not focus its attention narrowly. The broad
perspective created by knowledge of business principles is essential
for success.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The section about accounting control focused on the technical
documents and interpretations that make up the information flow the
contractor must learn to use. The financial management section
focuses first on the need for financial resources; second, on the
sources; and finally, on how to best determine if those financial
resources are being fully utilized.
Capitalization
Capitalization refers to the total of financial resources made available
to the owner. These financial resources are used to acquire the
physical assets necessary to conduct the business. As you assess your
financial requirements, the more obvious needs to finance the tools,
vehicles, and other equipment (physical resources) used daily in the
business are recognized first. The need for additional financing of
office expenses, licenses, payroll expenses, bonding, rentals, etc.,
because of the differences between when you must pay and when you
get paid, is critical for the business. A lack of enough working capital
and insufficient cash liquidity generally result in business failure.
The amount of working capital required depends on the type of
contracting business. The progress payments required under
contracts for custom building and remodeling may be used to meet
payroll expenses and material costs. The typical contract provides for
three (3) or more payments, 90 percent during the construction phase
and the final 10 percent upon completion and expiration of the lien
period. This final 10 percent is the “retention.” The contractor cannot
collect more than the percentage already completed. The contractor
must be aware that differences in the timing of expenditures and
receipts may limit his or her capacity to finance the business,
particularly if the company commits itself to new jobs before final
payments on completed jobs have been received.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 101

The significance of “retention” must not be underestimated. Retention

usually exceeds profits and therefore represents a claim on working
capital. Retention payments to the individual contractor may be held
up through no fault of the contractor. The total project must be
accepted before retentions are released. The problem is even greater
for the subcontractor who completes his or her phase early in the
project and must contend with a long waiting period. Since these
funds are not available for use elsewhere in the business, the
contractor must often finance the costs through borrowing.
Speculative builders require larger amounts of capital than custom
builders. Consequently, speculative builders often must provide
substantial financial resources to qualify for loan commitments.
Growth that is too rapid can jeopardize the company’s solvency.
Financial planning will help avoid cash shortages.
Sources of Financing
The new business owner typically lacks the required financial
resources. Two types of external financing are available—equity
funds and debt. Equity funds are supplied by investors who acquire
some control of the business and a share of future profits. These
funds remain in the business. Debt represents borrowed dollars that
require both the repayment of the original amount and periodic
interest payments. The owner does not normally give up control of the
business.
Equity
The typical sources of these funds are acquaintances of the new
owner-contractor. Equity funds are sometimes available from private
venture capital companies, small business investment corporations
that are funded by the federal Small Business Administration, and
minority enterprise small business investment companies. These
sources are usually restricted to businesses with a proven track
record in a growing industry.

DEBT
Long-Term
Banks may offer long-term financing to contractors with good credit
ratings, technical knowledge, and capacity for repayment as
evidenced by financial planning in the form of projected balance
sheets, income statements, and cash budgets.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) can make direct loans, but
prefers to provide funds by guaranteeing up to 90 percent of a bank
loan. SBA will not review a direct loan application unless the firm has
been refused by at least one bank, and if the city’s population exceeds
102 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

200,000. SBA prefers an equal dollar share to be put up by the owner

for loans under either the guarantee program or direct loan program.
Short-Term
The operating business may want to establish a line of credit with a
bank to meet some of its short-term needs for working capital.
Through the line of credit, commercial banks can provide the working
capital necessary to complete the awarded contract, with the loan
requiring repayment when the contractor is paid.
The bank loan officer will normally require balance sheets and
income statements on the business for the current period, as well as
over several prior years. The contractor is advised to have these
reports prepared by a Certified Public Accountant so that they meet
professional accounting standards. The lender will expect to be
provided with information on the contract up for bid, as well as all
uncompleted contracts. The loan officer will evaluate:
Character: Includes experience with similar jobs and
locations; business reputation with lenders, suppliers, and
subcontractors; and reasonableness of bid.
Capacity: Requires an evaluation of current workload,
availability of equipment, and financial resources available to
withstand any reasonable loss. The financial strengths of the
awarding agency, and subcontractors and suppliers also are
important considerations.
Certainty: What are the chances that repayment will be
affected by unexpected losses on existing business? Are
completion dates realistic? Is there a chance that penalties
will be assessed for delays?
Bank loans to speculative builders may include funds necessary to
provide offsite improvements, as well as the construction of buildings.
Funding also may be arranged to acquire land for future
development.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Job Selection
Job selection is the key to making a profit. The planning involved in
job selection requires a knowledge of the general level of business
activity in the local area, the need for new construction, costs of
materials and labor, the contractor’s current financial resources, and
any new architectural or structural advances. (The goal is to select
individual projects for which the contractor has technical expertise.)
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 103

Bidding and Estimation (Planning)

Accurate bidding requires that the contractor map out the entire
construction process. The time spent on this detailed work ensures
the accuracy of cost estimates necessary for the contractor to make a
profit. Careful review of the job requires on-site inspection (walk the
job), review of plans and specifications, identification of equipment
required and the financing method (purchase, lease, rental), and the
need for subcontractors.
Materials required are determined from takeoffs (quantity and
measurements taken from plans) that are converted to costs on the
estimation form. Prices should be obtained from published price lists
and quotes from suppliers and subcontractors. It is important to
include sales tax and freight costs. Cash discounts should not be
included unless the contractor is certain that sufficient financial
resources will be available so that accounts payable may be repaid
during the discount period.
Labor costs are calculated according to work classification. These
costs include not only the hourly wage rate, but also payroll taxes,
health and welfare benefits, vacation pay, and required insurance.
The contractor also should be aware that wage settlements could
affect these rates and that job actions could affect the availability of
these workers.
Other direct costs that must be examined include permits and other
fees; interest, loan commitment fees, points, and other charges on
borrowed funds; equipment owned or rented; and any additional
insurance that may be required.
Fuel and lubricant expenses, general maintenance, and small tools
represent indirect costs that may be charged to the project and should
not be overlooked.
The contractor also must identify the overhead expenses. Overhead
normally includes such expenses as office rental, supplies and wages,
advertising, bad debts, storage charges, and any other general
administrative costs. The appropriate portion should be allocated to
the job.
When all the costs have been totaled, the contractor must add profit.
Profit is essential to the continuation of the business and represents
the return for bearing risk. The contractor will seriously jeopardize
the business by omitting the allowance for profit, especially if the bid
is low margin and there is any chance of underestimation.
Insufficient profits threaten both capitalization (losses reduce
retained earnings) and cash flow (payments to vendors may exceed
104 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

receipts) to the extent that bankruptcy and/or dissolution may be the

result.
Common pitfalls that can be avoided include: bidding on projects for
which the plans and specifications are not completely understood;
insufficient planning so that hurried analysis becomes necessary;
overextension of the managerial and/or financial resources of the
company; and bidding against the competition and not on the job. It is
easier to avoid financial difficulty by not bidding on a job for which
you lack the capability than to try to salvage the job after a poor bid
has been accepted.
The Construction Process (Coordination and Control)
The estimate that is the basis for the bid becomes a budget for the
project. Without extensive planning and scheduling, lack of
coordination can result in added costs that quickly reduce the profits.
If the estimation has been done properly, the job was broken down
into a job schedule to arrive at the number of labor hours required.
Actual construction, however, requires that materials and labor be
brought together at the proper time. Two methods of production
scheduling may be used to accomplish this coordination.
The bar chart (Figure 6.A) is a fundamental scheduling technique
that shows graphically the starting and finishing times for the
individual tasks that make up the job. This scheduling approach is
simple but overlooks some interrelated tasks.
The critical path method (Figure 6.B) is a more complex tool that
better inter-relates the tasks. This technique derives its name from
the key path through the network that takes into account all the
tasks to be completed.
Any delay in one of these tasks will result in overall delay of the
project. This procedure, therefore, identifies the tasks on which the
manager must focus attention to ensure completion of the project on
time. Since the contractor’s time is a scarce resource, this approach
can save on this important factor.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 105

FIGURE 6.A
Building a New Home: Construction Schedule
106 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

FIGURE 6.B
Building a New Home: Critical Path Analysis
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 107

Controlling Costs
Contractors typically have a small permanent payroll that consists of
a foreperson and skilled journeypersons. This force can be expanded
by union hiring halls, which means that the contractor must be
knowledgeable about the union’s master labor contract. The work of
the various subcontractors must be scheduled and coordinated with
the overall job. The small contractor must expect to spend most of the
day at the site, coordinating these activities and resolving conflicts.
Subcontractors should be chosen on the basis of their ability to
perform, as well as cost, since untimely delays quickly eliminate the
potential savings of the lowest bid.
Purchasing is an essential part of the job because of the high cost of
carrying materials inventory. As with subcontractors, reliability is
equally important as price. The contractor will typically develop trade
relations with a limited number of suppliers. Costs are best controlled
by checking with other suppliers if prices increase significantly, by
verifying order quantities, by taking cash discounts when offered, and
by not overstocking.
Risk Management
Businesses operate under conditions of uncertainty. Profits are the
price charged to bear risk. Unexpected property and casualty losses
can severely damage the business’ prospects. Insurance is a means of
reducing the company’s exposure to risk. The contractor should
consult an insurance agent or broker to design a comprehensive
insurance package to meet the company’s specific needs. This package
could include:
● Fire insurance,
● Liability insurance,
● Automobile insurance,
● Workers’ compensation insurance,
● Fidelity bonds,
● Business interruption insurance,
● Employee health and life insurance, and
● “Key person” insurance.
Insurance costs can be minimized by obtaining a number of quotes for
new or renewal policies, or by enrolling in special plans offered by
trade associations.
108 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

If the contractor lacks sufficient funds for total coverage, a planned

approach to risk management becomes necessary. Principles that
should be followed include:
● Covering the largest loss exposure first; property and liability
insurance should be reviewed yearly to reflect changes in
valuation and take current court judgments into account
● Using deductibles to significantly reduce costs
● Reviewing coverage yearly to reflect changes in the business
● Taking time to understand the implications of any changes in
the insurer’s contracts
Marketing Management
Personal contacts represent the major source of business for the new
contractor. Small and medium-sized contracting businesses rely on
referrals. The extent of the marketing effort is limited by the sources
available to the contractor.
Development of a formal marketing program is helpful to the
contractor to ensure that continued effort and attention is placed in
this vital area. Inattention to the marketing program could weaken
the entire effort of the company, regardless of how strong the other
areas may be.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS AND REMEDIES

A continuing relationship with an attorney familiar with the
construction business is helpful. Printed standard forms of
agreements used in the industry are available from the contractor’s
particular trade association, the American Institute of Architects, or
the Associated General Contractors of America. It is a good idea to
have an attorney double-check the contract for compliance with all
regulatory agency requirements.
Lawyers often are located through friends, other contractors,
suppliers, trade associations, or through listings in telephone
directories. Local bar associations can arrange a meeting between a
contractor and a practicing attorney in the area. In addition to
helping with the interpretation of contracts, the attorney can help in
choosing the form of business organization; making sure all necessary
documents are filed with city, county, and state governments; and
helping resolve any differences that might occur between the
contractor and other business parties.
There are typically four types of contractual agreements between the
builder and owner with which the contractor should be familiar.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 109

These are the lump-sum, the cost-plus, the unit-price, and the
guaranteed-maximum cost contract. Each of these contract types
specifies different terms and obligations with which the contractor
must be familiar.
In addition, the contractor has to be aware of the proper filing
methods, the number of days for filing, and other documents such as
lien release notices, lien claims, and notices of completion. It is
essential for the contractor to be familiar with the California
Mechanics Lien Law.
Disputes
A good manager will minimize the likelihood of a dispute; and, if
involved in one, that person will have enhanced his or her chances of
success.
At the outset, you should be aware that there is no good lawsuit.
Everyone is a loser. You will never be fully compensated for your out-
of-pocket expenses, much less for the physical, emotional, and
business disruption that a lawsuit can create. Therefore, you should
do everything within reason to settle your differences. This can be
done in a number of ways:
Get It in Writing
Besides the statutory requirement that certain contracts be in
writing, it is extremely important that a contract of any
significance at all be in writing. First, a written document will
not be forgotten like a verbal agreement and is more likely to
keep the parties aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Second, if there is a dispute and an arbitrator or judge is
asked to interpret the agreement, he or she is more likely to
find in accordance with your true intent if that intent is in
writing.
Extras
“Changes” or “extras” added to a contract tend to contribute to
disputes. To determine if something is an extra or outside the
scope of the original agreement, you must be able to
accurately determine what the original agreement states. If
the original agreement is well defined and in writing, it will
be much easier to determine if something is an extra.
Once you determine that a request is different than what has
been agreed upon (whether more or less), document that fact
in writing. You should also immediately negotiate the effect of
the change, such as cost and time. Tell your customer what is
110 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

going on and allow the customer to determine if the change is

worth it. If you and your customer agree to the change, make
sure both parties sign the written change order.
Communication
Whenever possible you should communicate with your
customer and encourage your customer to communicate with
you. Frequent “punch lists” are a good idea. A walk-through
near the end of the job to determine the items that are left to
be completed is recommended. Correct any deficiencies
quickly.
It is a good idea to document the progress of the project and
keep your customer up-to-date.
Closely allied with the communication of progress is frequent
billing. By invoicing regularly, you will minimize your
business’s cash demands while keeping your customer
informed. Let your customer know what is going on; and, if
there is a problem, face it head-on before it becomes
insurmountable.
Even if you have done everything you could, you may still find
yourself involved in a dispute. You have various options:
Settlement
Lawsuits are costly, time-consuming, and disruptive. If at all
possible, you should attempt to settle your differences.
Fighting for principles may be less rewarding than you would
anticipate.
Small Claims
If you are owed money and cannot settle your dispute, you
might consider filing suit in small claims court rather than
courts of greater jurisdiction. Although you cannot foreclose
on a mechanics lien in small claims court, you may get a
monetary judgment of up to $10,000 (see CCP§116.221). Aside
from the fact that if a defendant loses, he or she has an
automatic right of appeal, small claims judgments are as
valid and binding as courts of greater jurisdiction.
Small claims courts are fast and economical. Your claim can
usually be heard within one month and the entire cost should
be minimal. You and your customer must represent
yourselves. Neither you nor your customer may be
represented by an attorney. For information about small
claims court topics, such as filing a complaint and collecting a
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 111

judgment, see the California Courts website:

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims. If the
defendant loses in small claims court, there is an automatic
right of appeal. But even that appeal is usually within a
month or two. You will not have to wait for long.
Arbitration
Another option for settling disputes is arbitration. CSLB has
its own arbitration program, but many contractors choose to
bring their disputes to private arbitrators.
The advantage of arbitration lies in its relative speed and its
low cost in comparison to court proceedings.
Arbitration is different from court proceedings in a number of
ways. Usually, both parties must agree to arbitration and can
often have a say in choosing the arbitrator. Both parties often
choose an arbitrator who has some familiarity with
construction. This is one of the reasons arbitration can be
cost-effective.
Either side may present its own case or use an attorney.
Because of its more informal nature, some of the protections
afforded in court, such as the rules of evidence, are not always
followed. Arbitrators tend to allow much more evidence than
would be allowed in court. Most arbitration decisions are
binding (the arbitrator’s decision is final). Finally, there are
very few grounds for appeal of an arbitration decision.
If you want potential disputes to be solved via private
arbitration, the arbitration notice in Business and Professions
Code section 7191 must be used. If the parties to the contract
agree to such a notice, they will not be allowed access to
CSLB’s arbitration program (unless both parties later sign a
waiver of the contractual arbitration clause).
CSLB Arbitration Program
To help resolve complaints filed with the board, CSLB offers two free
arbitration programs—a mandatory program for disputes involving
alleged damages of less than $15,000, and a voluntary program for
disputes involving alleged damages of between $15,000 and $50,000.
When the alleged damages are less than $15,000, CSLB has the
power to order the contractor to CSLB arbitration.
112 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

To qualify for CSLB arbitration, disputes must comply with certain

criteria:
● The contractor’s license must be in good standing at the time of
the alleged violation;
● The contractor cannot have a record of prior violations; and
● The parties cannot have previously agreed to private
arbitration in the contract or elsewhere.
Mechanics Liens
Mechanics liens and “stop notices” are briefly touched upon in this
portion of the book; these two avenues are discussed in great detail in
the next portion. However, you should note that, as a contractor (one
who enhances the value of property), you are entitled to a lien on the
property and may be entitled to a lien on any construction funds. The
manner in which these liens are perfected is very technical and the
time limits are short. You should be thoroughly familiar with the
manner and means of perfecting your lien rights, such as giving the
preliminary notice, recording the mechanics lien, filing a stop notice,
and filing suit to foreclose. These remedies are rather speedy and can
be utilized by anyone who improves the property.
Filing Suit
Regardless of your mechanics lien rights, as with any other
businessperson, you can file suit for breach of the construction
contract if someone does not fulfill his or her obligation. Certainly, if
the customer does not pay you money when it is due, you can sue. In
the event that you have been unsuccessful in resolving the dispute
and have not availed yourself of the mechanics lien rights due to the
strict statutory requirements, you can still file suit. The seller of any
product or service is entitled to compensation. You, as a contractor,
also are entitled to your money.
If you are a corporation, you cannot represent yourself in court and
must obtain the services of an attorney. In the event that you are a
partnership or a sole proprietor, you can represent yourself in court
and are not required to have an attorney represent you. It is,
however, a good idea to have an attorney represent you in court due
to the technical requirements of the court procedure.
Summary
You are normally much better off staying out of disputes. You can
greatly minimize the likelihood of a dispute by documenting your
agreements, meeting problems head-on, seeking solutions,
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 113

negotiating and documenting changes as they occur, communicating

with your customer, and invoicing regularly.
If you find yourself in a dispute, make reasonable efforts to settle it. If
you can’t, you may choose among small claims court, arbitration, or
civil litigation.

CALIFORNIA MECHANICS LIENS AND STOP NOTICES

Mechanics Liens
In California, mechanics liens are provided for in the California
Constitution. Article 14, Section 3 of the California Constitution
provides:
Mechanics, persons furnishing materials, artisans, and laborers
of every class, shall have a lien upon the property upon which
they have bestowed labor or furnished materials for the value of
such labor done and materials furnished; and the Legislature
shall provide, by law, for the speedy and efficient enforcement of
such liens.
The manner in which mechanics lien rights are perfected is based on
statutes. The California Supreme Court has held that mechanics lien
rights are constitutional.
The list of people who may claim liens as provided by the
Constitution, as well as the California Civil Code, is as follows:
mechanics; persons furnishing materials; contractors; subcontractors;
lessors of equipment; artisans; architects; registered engineers;
licensed land surveyors; machinists; builders; teamsters; draymen;
and all persons and laborers performing labor on or bestowing skill or
other necessary services to, furnishing material or leasing equipment
to be used or consumed in, or furnishing appliances, teams, or power
contributing to a work of improvement. This does not mean that these
people must have a contract directly with the owner. However, they
must have a contract with the agent of the owner and every
contractor, subcontractor, architect, builder, or other person having
charge of a work of improvement is held to be the agent of the owner.
A material supplier is not the agent of the owner; and, therefore, a
material supplier’s supplier is not entitled to a statutory lien.
Further, to be able to perfect your lien, the work and/or materials,
etc. must be incorporated into the structure. That is to say, it has to
be installed.
114 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Stop Notices
A mechanics lien is a lien on property. A stop notice is a lien on funds.
You may use one or the other, or both. However, it should be noted
that in public works, you cannot file a mechanics lien; therefore, your
only remedy may be a stop notice. Since the stop notice is a lien on
funds, it may be preferable to a mechanics lien in some instances.
Other Remedies
Even though you may be one of the people protected by the mechanics
lien laws in California, you are not precluded from other remedies.
You can still sue on a contract theory or on any other legal theory
available. So, even if you have not availed yourself of the mechanics
lien rights, you still have alternative legal remedies.
Procedure
The mechanics lien laws and stop notice requirements are relatively
complicated and must be adhered to very strictly. Listed below is a
procedural checklist that you may use to formulate an office
procedure to help you complete each step necessary in a timely
manner. It is best to become thoroughly familiar with the process and
discuss it with your attorney before establishing your office procedure
and training staff on these steps.

Mechanics Lien and Stop Notice Checklist

I. Prior to Serving the Notices
Before serving the notices, it is important to do all of the following:
A. Obtain the legal description of the property;
B. Determine the name of the owner and the extent of the
owner’s interest in the property;
C. Determine if the owner is the one who is requesting the
improvement. (If not, what is the interest of the person
requesting it and are there any others who claim an interest
in the property, such as lenders, etc.);
D. Determine if you are a prime contractor, subcontractor,
laborer, or material supplier;
E. Determine the name of the construction lender (if any); and
F. Consider the effect of a bond or joint control.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 115

II. Subcontractors and Material Suppliers

A. Within twenty (20) days from first furnishing labor or
materials, serve a “Preliminary 20-day Notice” on the owner,
the original contractor, and construction lender. No matter
how many deliveries you make, or the time span over which
you furnish labor or materials, only one Preliminary Notice is
required.
Under the notice, you must use specific wording to inform a
property owner of a new responsibility to notify anyone who
served a Preliminary Notice. (See Civil Code §3097 Title 15,
Works of Improvement, in the Appendix.)
NOTE: You may also file the Preliminary 20-day Notice with
the county recorder in the county in which the property is
located. The county recorder will then notify you when a
Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation is recorded on the
property.
The most common method for serving a notice is to use first
class certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, addressed to the residence or place of
business of the person being served, or at the address shown
by the building permit, or at an address contained on a
recorded mortgage or trust deed. Be sure to keep post office
receipts for later use if you need to file a claim and prove it in
court. A Preliminary Notice also may be served by personal
delivery or by leaving it with a “person in charge” at the
residence or place of business of the person you wish to serve
(must be an adult).
B. After the work is completed or ceases, the following apply:
1. If the owner records a Notice of Completion after
completion of work of improvement (this requires
signature of owner or owner’s agent), you should not do
additional work under the contract. (While this Notice
provision is designed to primarily protect the owner, it
might serve to increase the funds accessible to satisfy
your claim and indicate that you have performed your
contractual obligations.)
2. Labor must have ceased for at least 30 days before the
owner is entitled to record a Notice of Cessation. If the
owner files a Notice of Cessation of labor or a Notice of
Completion, then:
116 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

(a) Within 30 days of the owner recording either a Notice

of Cessation or Completion, the subcontractor must
record a Claim of Lien with the County Recorder. Also
at this time, serve stop notices (see below).
Note: An owner who files a Notice of Cessation or a
Notice of Completion must notify any potential lien
claimants within 10 days of recording the notices.
This notification is designed to let you, the potential
lien claimant, know that the time for filing a Claim of
Lien has been reduced. This provision does not apply
to a residential property of four (4) or fewer units.
(b) File Lien Foreclosure Action within 90 days of
recording a Claim of Lien, and record a lis pendens at
the same time. You must also file an action on the
stop notice at this time, if applicable. If you want
more than 90 days in which to foreclose, then after
recording the lien, but before 90 days elapses, give
credit to the owner and record a notice of the fact and
terms of credit. Within 90 days after your offer
expires, you must foreclose. You can keep granting
extensions by the above procedure, but you must
foreclose within one (1) year after work is completed.
The action should be brought to trial within two (2)
years after commencement.
3. If no Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation is
recorded and either:
(a) Labor ceases and the owner or agent uses work of
improvement, or
(b) The owner or agent accepts improvement, then:
(1) Within 90 days of any of the above acts, record a
Claim of Lien. Also at this time, serve stop notices
(see below).
(2) Within 90 days of recording the lien, file a Lien
Foreclosure Action and record a lis pendens at the
same time. If you want to extend the time in which
to file a foreclosure action, after you record the
Claim of Lien, but before 90 days elapse, give credit
to the owner and record a notice of the fact and
terms of credit. The extension will be for 90 days
after the credit expires, but even with extensions
you must foreclose within one (1) year after the
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 117

work is completed. The action should be brought to

trial within two (2) years after commencement.
4. Stop Notices:
(a) Serve stop notices on the owner, bonded stop
notice on the construction lender, or anyone
holding funds.
(b) If no mechanics lien has been recorded, and a
surety payment bond has been recorded, then the
notice must be served on the surety.
(c) File suit on the notice at the same time that you
file a Lien Foreclosure Action.
III. Prime Contractors
A. Within 10 days after completion, you may record a Notice of
Completion. (While this notice provision is designed to
primarily protect the owner, it might serve to increase the
funds accessible to satisfy your claim and indicate that you
have performed your contractual obligations.) Do not do
additional work under the contract. This notice requires the
signature of the owner or the owner’s agent.
B. Within 60 days of recording the above, record the Claim of
Lien.
C. Within 90 days of recording the lien, file a Lien Foreclosure
Action and record a lis pendens at the same time. If you want
to extend the time in which to file a foreclosure action, after
you record the Claim of Lien, but before 90 days elapse, give
credit to the owner and record a notice of the fact and terms of
credit. The extension will be for 90 days after the credit
expires, but even with extensions you must foreclose within
one (1) year after the work is completed. The action should be
brought to trial within two (2) years after commencement.
D. If the owner records a Notice of Cessation of Labor or a Notice
of Completion, do the following:
NOTE: Labor must have ceased for at least 30 days before the
owner is entitled to record the Notice of Cessation.
1. Within 60 days of recording a Notice of Cessation or a
Notice of Completion, the contractor must record a Claim
of Lien.
2. Within 90 days of recording the Claim of Lien, file a Lien
Foreclosure Action, and record a lis pendens. If you want
118 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

more than 90 days in which to foreclose, then after

recording the lien, but before the first 90 days elapse, give
credit to the owner and record a notice of fact and terms of
credit. Within 90 days after your “offer” expires, you must
foreclose. You can keep granting extensions by the above
procedure, but you must foreclose within one (1) year
after work is completed. The action should be brought to
trial two (2) years after commencement.
E. If no Notice of Completion or Cessation is recorded, and
either;
1. Labor ceases and owner or agent uses the work of
improvement or;
2. Owner or agent accepts improvement, then:
(a) Within 90 days of any of the above acts, record a
Claim of Lien.
(b) File Lien Foreclosure Action within 90 days of
recording Claim of Lien and record a lis pendens at
the same time. If you want more than 90 days in
which to foreclose, then after recording the lien, but
before the first 90 days elapse, extend credit to the
owner and record a notice of the fact and terms of
credit. Within 90 days after your offer expires, you
must foreclose. You can keep granting extensions by
the above procedure, but you must foreclose within
one (1) year after work is completed. The action
should be brought to trial within two (2) years after
commencement.
NOTE: Per AB 457, which took effect in 2011, the definitions of
“claim of lien” and “mechanics lien” are the same. This law
also requires that a Notice of Mechanics Lien be served on the
owner or person believed to be the owner of the property or
on the construction lender or original contractor, and that a
“proof of service affidavit” to the above mentioned party or
parties be completed and signed by the person serving the
Notice of Mechanics Lien. Failure to serve the mechanics lien
and confirm a proof of service affidavit will cause the
mechanics lien to be unenforceable. These requirements are
detailed at the following link:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0451-
0500/ab_457_bill_20090806_chaptered.html
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 119

FIGURE 6.C
Mechanics Lien and Stop Notice Process
(See also the Mechanics Lien and Stop Notice Checklist, page 114)
120 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ASSOCIATED WITH MECHANICS LIENS
Awarding Authority is the owner or the agent of the owner who
awards an original building or construction contract, also known as
the prime contract. This term is usually used with public works.
Bonded Stop Notice is a bond that accompanies a stop notice to a
construction lender and must be in a sum equal to 1-1/4 times the
amount of the claim. The bond, along with the stop notice, must be
delivered by certified or registered mail or in person, to the persons
responsible for administering or holding construction funds. Should
the claimant lose his/her action (lawsuit on the bond), then the
claimant must pay all costs that may be awarded against the owner
or contractor or construction lenders. This is the reason for the bond
on the stop notice.
Claimant is the person who is claiming or asserting the right or
demand (the person who is claiming mechanics lien or stop notice
rights).
Claim of Lien (mechanics lien) is a written statement signed and
verified by the claimant or by the claimant’s agent that must state
the following:
(a) the amount of claimant’s demand (after deducting credits and
offsets);
(b) the name of the owner or reputed owner, if known;
(c) the kind of labor, services, equipment, or materials furnished
by the claimant;
(d) the name of the person by whom the claimant was employed or
to whom the claimant furnished the labor, services, equipment,
or materials (the contractor who hired you if you are a
subcontractor or the owner who hired you if you are the prime
contractor); and,
(e) a description of the site sufficient for identification (see Civil
Code §3084).
Defendant is the person who defends him/herself or who denies a
claim. A defendant is the person against whom relief or recovery is
sought in an action or suit.
Lien Foreclosure Action is a lawsuit to foreclose the mechanics lien.
Lis Pendens is a notice that a lawsuit is pending and that the
lawsuit affects real property. It warns everyone who might acquire
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 121

the property that he or she may be bound by an adverse judgment

(see Civil Code §3146).
Notice of Cessation is a written notice, signed and verified by the
owner or his/her agent, stating:
(a) Approximate date when labor on the job stopped;
(b) Confirmation that no further labor has been performed since
the recording of the notice;
(c) Name and address of the owner;
(d) Nature of the interest or estate of the owner;
(e) Street address of the site, if any, or a description of the site
sufficient for identification; and
(f) Name of the original contractor, if any, for the work of
improvement.
The Notice of Cessation must be recorded in the Office of the County
Recorder of the county in which the site is located and will be
effective only if labor has ceased continuously for at least 30 days
prior to the recording (see Civil Code §3092).
Notice of Completion is a written notice, signed and verified by the
owner or his/her agent, stating:
(a) Date that the job was finished;
(b) Name and address of the owner;
(c) Nature of the interest or estate of the owner;
(d) Street address of the site, if any, or a description of the site
sufficient for identification; and
(e) Name of the original contractor, if any, for the contract
covering the portion of the work of improvement completed.
The Notice of Completion must be recorded in the Office of the
County Recorder of the county in which the site is located within 10
days after completion of the project (see Civil Code §3093). If the
Notice of Completion is recorded, then the time within that you have
to record your mechanics lien is 60 days if you are a prime contractor
and 30 days if you are a subcontractor. If this notice is not filed in a
timely manner, you have a 90-day period within which to record the
claim.
Notice of Non-Responsibility is a written notice, as described
below, which is signed and verified by a person or that person’s agent
who owns or claims to have an interest in the property that is being
122 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

improved and who has not caused the work of improvement. For
example, the owner completes this notice when his/her tenant is
requiring the work of improvement without the owner’s direction.
This notice must contain:
(a) Description of the site sufficient for identification;
(b) Name and nature of the title or interest of the person giving
the notice;
(c) Name of the purchaser or person holding the lease (lessee), if
known; and
(d) Statement by the person giving the notice that he/she will
NOT be responsible for any claims arising from the work of
improvement.
Within 10 days of discovering the work of improvement, the person
asserting non-responsibility must POST this notice in a conspicuous
place on the site AND must RECORD the notice in the Office of the
County Recorder of the county in which the site is located (see Civil
Code §3094).
Original Contractor, also known as prime contractor, is usually a
general contractor.
Owner includes any person(s) having some title or interest in a
parcel of real property.
Payment Bond is a bond that is usually procured by the owner or
contractor that is in an amount sufficient to pay all claims of
claimants. The bond gives the claimant the right to recover in any
suit brought on the bond. Usually the bond is used to protect against
mechanics liens and substitutes the bond as security instead of the
real property.
Prime Contractor see “Original Contractor” above.
Stop Notice is a written notice, signed and verified by the claimant
or the claimant’s agent, that puts a lender or anyone else holding
construction funds on notice that there is money due and owing to the
claimant. It must state the following:
(a) Type of labor, services, equipment, or materials furnished or
agreed to be furnished by the claimant;
(b) Name of the person to or for whom the labor, services, etc. were
furnished; and
(c) Amount, based on value as near as possible, of the work or
equipment already completed or furnished and the amount of
the whole work agreed to be done or furnished.
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 123

If involving a private work of improvement, the notice must be

delivered to the owner personally or left at his/her residence or place
of business with a person in charge or delivered to his/her architect, if
any; and, if the notice is served upon a construction lender holding
construction funds and maintaining branch offices, it must be
delivered to the manager or other responsible person at the office or
branch administering or holding the construction funds.
If involving any public work for the state, the notice must be filed
with the director of the department that initiated the contract.
If involving any other public work, the notice must be filed in the
office of the controller, auditor, or other public disbursing officer
whose duty it is to make payments under the provisions of the
contract or with the commissioners, managers, trustees, officers,
board of supervisors, board of trustees, common council, or other body
by whom the contract was awarded.
Any stop notice may be served by registered or certified mail with the
same effect as personal service (see Civil Code §3103).
The stop notice obligates the person holding construction funds to
withhold sufficient funds to satisfy the amount in the stop notice. If
the person holding the funds does not withhold sufficient funds to
satisfy the stop notice, then the lender or whoever else is holding the
funds may be responsible to the claimant directly.
To bind a construction lender, the stop notice must be bonded. The
bond that accompanies a stop notice to any construction lender must
be in the sum equal to 1-1/4 times the amount of the claim. The bond
must be delivered along with the stop notice in person or by certified
or registered mail to the persons responsible for administering or
holding the construction funds.
Should the claimant lose in his/her action (lawsuit on the bond), then
the claimant must pay all costs that may be awarded against the
owner or contractor or construction lender. That is the reason for the
bond on the stop notice (see Civil Code §3083).
Subcontractor is any person who does not have a contract directly
with an owner. The subcontractor has a contract with and from the
prime contractor or another subcontractor. A subcontractor is usually
a specialty contractor, but can also be a general contractor.
124 SECTION III. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

EXPERT ADVISORS
The new contractor must be prepared to seek out and utilize the
expertise of specialists in business affairs, just as the contractor has
come to rely upon skilled specialists in the building trades. If the
business is to be organized as a partnership or corporation, an
attorney, preferably one who specializes in drawing up partnership
agreements or incorporation papers, should be consulted. The local
bar association may be a good source for recommendations.
The accounting records should be prepared by a certified public
accountant (CPA) whose practice specializes in building trade
industry clients, if at all possible. The CPA or tax lawyer should be
consulted for specialized tax problems.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) along with its
resource partners, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE),
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), and Small Business
Information Centers (BIC), offer a wide variety of services to
individuals wanting to start or grow their business. Services include
one-on-one counseling, workshops, training, business seminars, and
SBA’s guaranteed loan programs designed to help with your business
financing needs. Contact them at:
U.S. Small Business Administration
(800) U ASK SBA (827-5722)
www.sba.gov
Email: answerdesk@sba.gov

BIDDING ON GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

Contractors bidding in California should know that there are a
variety of federal, state, and local governmental agencies, as well as
public utilities and private corporations, which may require a bidder
to take specific steps to achieve established minority, women, and
disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) goals. For information
on fulfilling these goals on bids for certain government contracts,
check with the following agencies:
California Department of General Services,
Procurement Division
Office of Small Business and DVBE Certification (OSDC)
707 Third Street, 1st Floor, Room 400
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 375-4940
Fax: (916) 375-4950
Email: OSDSHelp@dgs.ca.gov
CHAPTER 6. MANAGING A BUSINESS 125

Website: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/Programs/OSDS.aspx

The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development

Agency (MBDA) provides direct business development services to
minority businesses through a network of Minority Business
Development Centers (MBDCs) located in most major cities
throughout the country. Services may include identification of
contracting opportunities, preparation of bid proposals, identification
of lending sources, preparation of loan applications, etc.
As per Presidential Executive Order 11625, the following ethnic
groups are among those eligible for assistance from MBDA-funded
organizations: African-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-speaking
Americans, Native Americans, Eskimos, Aleuts, Hasidic Jews, Asian-
Pacific Islanders, and Asian Indians.
U.S. Department of Commerce
Minority Business Development Agency
221 Main Street, Suite 1280
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 744-3001
Fax: (415) 744-3061
http://www.mbda.gov/
 SECTION IV.
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS AND
SAFETY REGULATIONS
Chapter
7. Safety and Health in Construction
8. Regional Notification Centers: Underground Service Alert
9. Preservation of Native American Remains
10. Construction of Wells

Chapter 7.
Safety and Health in Construction
According to the California Division of Labor Statistics and Research,
the construction industry has one of the highest occupational injury
rates of any major industry in the state. A substantial portion of
these injuries could be prevented if employers complied with
occupational safety and health standards.
Following is a description of many of the general safety and health
requirements and practices that affect contractors in California. In
addition, there are many safety and health requirements that apply
to specific construction trades and activities.
It is your responsibility to be informed about the local, state,
and federal laws and regulations that affect your business, as
well as which regulatory agencies have or share jurisdiction
in your area.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES
Regulatory and advisory roles pertaining to construction safety and
health in California are performed by several state agencies. The
following agencies are those with whom contractors and their
employees are most likely to be involved.
California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of
Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)
DOSH, within the Department of Industrial Relations, is given the
authority to implement and enforce the Cal/OSHA program according
to the provisions of California Labor Law. The Cal/OSHA program is
approved, monitored, and partially funded by federal OSHA in
accordance with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act

127
128 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

(OSHA) of 1970. To ensure that working conditions are safe and

healthful and that employers meet their obligations to provide such
conditions, the DOSH Enforcement Unit enforces occupational safety
and health regulations, responds to employees’ complaints, makes
routine inspections of workplaces, and investigates serious and fatal
job-related injuries and illnesses.
DOSH works to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for
California employees through standards enforcement, consultation
service to employers, occupational safety and health research, and by
providing information and publications.
Cal/OSHA Consultation Service
The Cal/OSHA Consultation Service provides free on-site
consultation. Its goal is to help employers develop solutions to their
occupational safety and health problems so that they can voluntarily
comply with safety and health standards. The Consultation Service
staff identifies workplace hazards and helps employers develop and
improve the company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP),
as per Title 8 California Code of Regulations (T8 CCR §3203).
When the Consultation Service staff visits a job site and reviews the
contractor’s IIPP, they not only identify occupational hazards, but
also point out areas where the safety orders require specific actions
and recommend ways to achieve compliance.
In contrast to DOSH Enforcement, the Consultation Service staff
does not issue citations or penalties. Instead, they give the contractor
a report that outlines the conditions found and describes the need for
corrective action.
Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board adopts,
amends, or repeals California safety and health standards. (State
standards must be at least as strict as the federal OSHA standards.)
The Standards Board also has the authority to grant petitions to
adopt or amend regulations, and to grant variances to employers.
Anyone may exercise their say in standards development by
participating at the Standards Board’s public hearings or as members
of advisory committees.
To keep current on any proposed or new construction safety orders,
such as washing facilities at construction job sites (T8 CCR §1527)
and fall protection for residential-type framing activities (T8 CCR
§1716.2), visit the website at http://www.dir.ca.gov/OSHSB.
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 129

Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board

The Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board hears and makes
decisions on appeals concerning citations, orders, civil penalties, and
abatement dates issued by DOSH Enforcement. Employers,
employees, and employee representatives may participate in
proceedings of the Appeals Board.
Other Agencies Share Responsibility
The following agencies share additional responsibilities in the area of
hazardous substances: California Department of Public Health;
Department of Toxic Substances Control; California Environmental
Protection Agency; State Allocation Board, Office of Public School
Construction; California Department of Resources Recycling and
Recovery; Department of Fish and Game; California Highway Patrol;
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency; and regional air emissions control
boards.
NOTE: CSLB may take action against a contractor who has
violated regulations under the jurisdiction of other agencies.

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Every employer and employee must comply with all applicable
occupational safety and health standards, rules, regulations, and
orders. The bulk of the legal requirements governing employer
responsibilities and employee rights can be found in the California
Labor Code and Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).
Title 8 regulations that pertain to most construction contractors can
be found in the Construction Safety Orders (beginning with Section
1500) and the General Industry Safety Orders (beginning with
Section 3200). Title 8 regulations also include many other safety
orders that encompass regulations that govern more limited trades
and activities, such as the Electrical Safety Orders and Compressed
Air Safety Orders. Title 8 includes requirements for permits, safe
work practices, operations, and equipment. In some cases, detailed
specifications, which apply to construction work, are included.
Many of the employer responsibilities and employee rights are
detailed in the Cal/OSHA poster, Safety and Health Protection on the
Job. Each construction contractor is required to post at least
one copy of this poster and the Code of Safe Practices at each
location where employees report to work each day, or, if the
employees do not usually work at or report to a single establishment,
the notice shall be posted at the location(s) from which the employees
operate to carry out their activities (Labor Code §6408(a); T8 CCR
130 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

§340). The notice must be posted in a conspicuous place where notices

to employees are customarily posted.

MULTIPLE EMPLOYER WORK SITES

Construction and non-construction work sites may have multiple
employers (T8 CCR §§336.10-336.11). When multiple employers are
involved, DOSH has developed the following enforcement criteria to
categorize employers into four types:
● Exposing Employer: the employer whose employees were
exposed to the hazard;
● Creating Employer: the employer who actually created the
hazard;
● Controlling Employer: the employer who was responsible, by
contract or who has the authority for ensuring that the
hazardous condition is corrected; or
● Correcting Employer: the employer who had the
responsibility for actually correcting the hazard.
NOTE: DOSH may cite the Creating, Controlling, or
Correcting Employers regardless of whether or not their own
employees were exposed to the hazard.
DOSH may determine if the available information indicates that the
Exposing Employer meets each of the following five (5) criteria for an
affirmative defense:
1) The employer did not create the hazard;
2) The employer did not have the responsibility or the authority
to have the hazard corrected;
3) The employer did not have the ability to correct or remove the
hazard;
4) The employer can demonstrate that the Creating, Controlling,
and/or Correcting employers, as appropriate, were specifically
notified or were aware of the hazards to which the employees
were exposed; and
5) The employer took appropriate feasible steps to protect the
employees from the hazard; instructed them to recognize the
hazard; and, where necessary, informed them of how to avoid
dangers associated with it, including removing the employees
from the job if the hazard was extreme and there was no other
way to protect them from the hazard.
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 131

INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM (IIPP)

Accidents are costly. These costs may include:
● Productive time lost by the injured employee;
● Productive time lost by employees and supervisors attending to
the accident victim;
● Clean-up and start-up of operations interrupted by the accident;
● Time to hire or to retrain other individuals to replace the
injured employee until his or her return;
● Time and costs for repair or replacement of any damaged
equipment or materials;
● Costs of continuing all or part of the employee’s wages, in
addition to compensation;
● Reduced morale among employees, and perhaps lower efficiency;
● Increased workers’ compensation insurance rates;
● Costs of completing paperwork generated by the incident; and
● Costs of legal representation in civil and criminal cases.
In California, every employer is required to provide a safe and
healthful workplace for his or her employees by doing everything
reasonably necessary to protect their lives, safety, and health (Labor
Code §§6400, 6401, 6401.7, 6402, and 6403). The key to
accomplishing this goal of maintaining a safe and healthful workplace
is the requirement that every employer have and maintain an
effective IIPP. Senate Bill 198 placed strict guidelines for such a
program into law in 1989. The regulations required by that law, and
other related laws, can be found in T8 CCR §§1509, 1510, 1511, 1512,
1514, and 3203. Professional consultants from the Cal/OSHA
Consultation Service are available to provide free assistance to
employers and employees on how to set up an effective IIPP at your
job site. These consultants can also provide safety and health training
to your employees at your job site.
Required IIPP Elements
Your IIPP must be a WRITTEN PLAN that includes procedures and
is PUT INTO PRACTICE and DOCUMENTED. Some of the
requirements are:
● Management commitment to safety and health
This commitment should be evident from strong organizational
policies, procedures, incentives, and disciplinary actions that
132 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

ensure employee compliance with safe and healthful work

practices. Management commitment also is demonstrated by
the allocation of company resources—financial, material, and
personnel—for identifying and controlling hazards, purchasing
protective equipment, and training employees in safety and
health.
● Identify the person(s) with program implementation
authority and responsibility
● System for communicating with employees
Communicate with employees in a way readily understandable
by all affected employees on matters relating to occupational
safety and health. Employees should be encouraged to report
unsafe conditions with the assurance that management will
take action to correct the problem and that the employee need
not fear reprisal for reporting the problem.
○ As part of this communication system, every construction
contractor must adopt a written Code of Safe Practices.
The contents must include language equivalent to the
applicable general statements included in Plate A-3 of the
appendix to the Construction Safety Orders in Title 8. In
addition, each employer should include other safety
guidelines that fit the operations more exactly. The Code
of Safe Practices must be posted at a conspicuous location
at each job site office or be provided to each supervisory
employee, who shall have it readily available.
● System for identifying, evaluating and controlling
existing or potential workplace hazards
○ No employee shall be required or knowingly permitted to
work in an unsafe place, unless for the purpose of making
it safe, and then, only after proper precautions have been
taken to protect the employee while doing such work.
○ Prior to starting work, the employer must survey the job
site to determine what hazards may be involved and what
safeguards will be necessary to ensure that the work is
performed safely.
○ Periodic, scheduled inspections must be conducted to
identify unsafe conditions and work practices. The
frequency of inspections should be determined by the type
and magnitude of the hazards, the proficiency of the
employees, how recently any changes in equipment or
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 133

procedures were introduced, and the history of workplace

injuries and illnesses.
○ Occupational illnesses and accidents must be
investigated. The investigatory procedures must include a
written report of each event.
○ The employer shall permit only qualified persons to
operate equipment and machinery.
○ Every employer must provide and require employees to
use safety devices. Employers must adopt and require the
use of methods and procedures that are reasonably
adequate to make the work and workplace safe.
● Develop, maintain, and document training programs for
supervisors and employees
Every employer program should provide information about
general safe work practices, plus specific instruction with
regard to hazards unique to a job assignment.
○ When employees are first hired, they must be given
instructions regarding job hazards, safety precautions,
and the employer’s Code of Safe Practices.
○ Employees given new job assignments must be given
training for this work.
○ Supervisors must conduct “toolbox” or “tailgate” safety
meetings with their crews at least every ten (10) working
days.
○ Where employees may be subjected to known or new job
site hazards, such as flammable liquids, gases, poisons,
caustics, harmful plants and animals, toxic materials,
confined spaces, etc., they must be instructed in the
recognition of the hazard, in the procedures for protecting
themselves from injury, and in the first aid procedure in
the event of injury. (NOTE: Specific requirements
pertaining to exposure to hazardous substances are
discussed below.)
○ Employees need instruction whenever new protective
equipment or different work practices are to be used for
existing hazards.
134 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

● Ensure the availability of emergency medical services

for employees
Every employer must have a suitable number of appropriately
trained and available staff to render first aid. A first aid kit
must be present at each workplace.
Keep in mind that safety regulations and codes establish
minimum standards. It is up to each contractor to implement a
comprehensive safety program that goes above and beyond
these safety standards.

EMPLOYEE COMPLAINT RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS

Employees or their representatives who believe that unsafe or
unhealthful conditions exist in their workplace have the right to file a
complaint with any DOSH Enforcement Unit office. DOSH
Enforcement must investigate good faith complaints of serious
violations within three (3) working days of receiving the complaint.
Complaints of non-serious violations must be investigated within 14
calendar days (Labor Code §6309).
The name of the person making the complaint will be kept
confidential by DOSH (Labor Code §6309). Employees may not be
fired or otherwise punished for filing a good faith complaint with
DOSH or for cooperating in any investigation of unsafe working
conditions or work practices (Labor Code §6310). Employees have a
right to refuse to perform work that would violate any Labor Code
provision or occupational safety or health regulation, where the
violation would create a real and apparent hazard to the employee or
other employees. No employee may be laid off or discharged for
refusing to perform such work (Labor Code §6311).

INJURY AND ILLNESS REPORTING

AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the documentation of safety inspections and employee
training described above, employers must file reports and maintain
records of occupational injuries or illnesses. There are specific
requirements for the form and content of this information.
Reporting Requirements
● Employers must report immediately by telephone or other
immediate contact method to the nearest DOSH district office
any work-related fatality or serious injury or illness suffered by
an employee. “Immediately” means as soon as practically
possible, but not longer than eight (8) hours after the employer
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 135

knows of, or, with diligent inquiry would have known of, the
incident (T8 CCR §342). “Serious injury or illness,” in general,
means any employment-related injury or illness that requires
inpatient hospitalization for a period in excess of 24 hours for
other than medical observation, or in which an employee
suffers a loss of any member of the body or suffers any serious
degree of permanent disfigurement (T8 CCR §330).
● Employers must file a complete report of every occupational
injury or illness that results in absence from work for a full day
or shift beyond the date of the injury or illness, or which
requires medical treatment beyond first aid (Labor Code
§5401(a); Labor Code §6409.1; T8 CCR §14001).
The report must be made within five (5) days of the incident,
using Form 5020, “Employer’s Report of Occupational Injury
or Illness,” published by the Department of Industrial
Relations, Division of Labor Statistics and Research. In the
event an employer has filed a report of injury or illness, and
the employee subsequently dies as a result of the reported
injury or illness, the employer must file an amended report,
which indicates the death. This amended report must be
filed within five (5) days after the employer is notified or
learns of the death. Self-insured employers shall report
directly to the Division. Employers who are insured by a
workers’ compensation insurance carrier shall file the report
with the carrier.
NOTE: Insured employers are required to file a report with
their carriers of EVERY work-related illness or injury
(Labor Code §3760).
Recordkeeping Requirements
Records of accidents, work-related injuries, illnesses, and property
losses serve a valuable purpose. As stated above, occupational
illnesses, accidents, and near misses must be investigated. Standard
investigatory procedures must include a written report of each
incident. Records of scheduled periodic hazard identification
inspections must be maintained, as well as safety training that
employees and supervisors have received. When all of these records
are reviewed together, causes of the injuries and accidents can be
identified. An employer may determine he or she needs different or
additional inspection and/or training practices that will more likely
prevent similar illnesses or accidents from recurring.
Employers must keep records when injuries or illnesses occur on the
Cal/OSHA Form 300, “Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.”
The only exception applies to employers who had no more than ten
136 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

(10) employees for all shifts combined during any 24-hour period
during the previous calendar year. Employees, former employees, and
their representatives shall have access to the Form 300 log.
For more details on this regulation, see Title 8 CCR Sections 14300–
14300.48.

PERMITS
Permits must be obtained from the DOSH Enforcement Unit before
an employer undertakes the following kinds of work (T8 CCR §341):
● Construction of trenches or excavations which are five (5) feet
or more deep, into which a person is required to descend;
● Construction of any building, structure, falsework, or
scaffolding more than three (3) stories high (One story is 12
feet in height. A tower crane erected on a construction project
is considered, for the purposes of these requirements, to be a
structure.);
● Demolition of any building, structure, or the dismantling of
falsework, or scaffolding more than three (3) stories high or the
equivalent height (36 feet); and
● Underground use of diesel engines for work in mines and
tunnels.
The contractor should contact the local DOSH Enforcement Unit
office to obtain information regarding who must obtain the permit,
when the permit must be obtained, the fees charged to obtain the
permit, and any additional requirements the employer must comply
with before the permit can be granted.
Annual permits may be obtained for the erection and dismantling of
scaffolds, falsework, vertical shoring systems, and construction of
excavations or trenches (T8 CCR §341.1).
The DOSH Enforcement Unit may conduct an investigation or
require a safety conference prior to issuance of the permit. Employees
or their representatives are to be included in any required pre-job
safety conference (T8 CCR §341.1).
Permits must be posted at or near each place of employment
requiring a permit (T8 CCR §341.4).
An employer who is denied a permit by the DOSH Enforcement Unit
may appeal that denial to the Director of the Department of
Industrial Relations (T8 CCR §341.2).
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 137

The DOSH Enforcement Unit may at any time, upon a showing of

good cause and after notice and an opportunity to be heard, revoke or
suspend a permit (T8 CCR §341.5). The employer may appeal the
revocation or suspension to the Director.

VARIANCES
Permanent Variance
An employer may apply to the Standards Board for a permanent
variance from a California occupational safety and health standard,
order, or special order, if the employer demonstrates that an
equivalent method, device, or process can be used that will provide
equal or better safety for employees. Applications are considered at
variance hearings conducted by the Standards Board. Rules of
procedure are contained in Chapter 3.5 of Title 8 of the California
Code of Regulations.
Temporary Variance
DOSH may grant a temporary variance to employers if the employer
files a proper application and establishes that (Labor Code §6450–
§6457):
● He or she is unable to comply with a standard by its effective
date because of the unavailability of professional or technical
personnel or of materials and equipment needed to comply
with the standard or because necessary construction or
alteration of facilities cannot be completed by the effective
date;
● He or she is taking all available steps to safeguard employees
against the hazards covered by the standard; and
● He or she has an effective program for coming into compliance
with the standard as quickly as it can be put into practice.
A temporary variance of up to one (1) year may be granted only after
notice is given to employees and a hearing is held by DOSH. The
temporary order may be renewed up to two (2) times, for a maximum
of 180 days each time. Anyone adversely affected by the granting or
denial of a temporary variance may appeal that action to the
Standards Board.

INVESTIGATIONS OF UNSAFE CONDITIONS

Employers may be subject to an inspection (without advance notice) in
response to one or more of the DOSH criteria: imminent danger, fatality
or serious accident, investigations of serious injuries or illness, employee
138 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

complaint, public complaint, high hazards list, permits, etc. Also, firms
in industries with higher-than-average potential risk are scheduled for
inspections. During the inspection, employees may be interviewed and
photographs taken. An employee representative must have an
opportunity to accompany a DOSH investigator on work site inspections
(Labor Code §6314).
The employer is protected from having to reveal trade secrets as a
result of an inspection or subsequent proceedings (Labor Code §§6322
and 6396).
When, in the opinion of the DOSH Enforcement officer, a place of
employment or piece of equipment is in a dangerous condition, is not
properly guarded, or is dangerously placed so as to constitute an
imminent hazard to employees, DOSH may prohibit entry into the
area or use of the equipment (other than, with DOSH approval, to
eliminate the dangerous condition). The DOSH Enforcement officer
will attach a conspicuous notice stating the limitations. The notice
must remain in place until removed by a DOSH Enforcement officer
after the area or equipment is made safe and the required safeguards
or safety devices are provided (Labor Code §6325).
As a result of the investigation, the employer may receive a citation,
notice, special order, information memorandum, or an order to take
special action for any alleged violation of standards, rules, orders, or
regulations. Violations will be classified as serious, general, or
regulatory, and may be designated as repeat or willful. Citations will
have financial penalty assessments.
Any citation (or copy of a citation) issued for safety and health
violations must be posted at or near the place of violation where it is
readily observable by affected employees for a period of three (3)
working days or until the condition is corrected, whichever is longer
(Labor Code §6318; T8 CCR §332.4).
The employer may contest any citations, penalties, and abatement
(correction) requirements through both formal and informal
proceedings (Labor Code §6319).
Penalties will be determined, based on the gravity and severity of the
violation (Labor Code §6319, §6423-6435).
Penalties may be adjusted, based on:
● The size of the business;
● The good faith of the employer, including timely abatement;
and
● The employer’s history of previous violations.
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 139

Employers who do not have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program

shall receive no adjustment for either good faith or a positive history
(Labor Code §6428).
The law contains other misdemeanor provisions relating to such
matters as revealing trade secrets and unauthorized advance notice
of an inspection.
If, after inspection or investigation, the DOSH Enforcement Unit
issues a citation for a serious violation, it may conduct a reinspection
at the end of the period fixed for abatement of the violation (Labor
Code §6320).

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Information and Training
All employers who use hazardous substances and whose employees
might be exposed under either normal work conditions or reasonably
foreseeable emergency conditions resulting from workplace
operations (e.g., equipment failure, rupture of containers, failure of
control equipment, etc.) must provide their employees with
information and training about these substances, the hazards of these
substances, and how to handle these substances under normal and
emergency conditions.
Manufacturers of these substances must prepare Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS), and the manufacturers or sellers of these
substances must provide the MSDS to anyone who purchases them.
Employers and employees can find out what hazards are associated
with particular substances or chemicals in the workplace, the
recommended exposure levels, and the precautions to take in using
these substances or chemicals by writing to:
HESIS (Hazard Evaluation System and
Information Service)
850 Marina Bay Parkway
Bldg. P, 3rd Floor
Richmond, CA 94804
www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Pages/default.aspx
In your letter or phone contact with HESIS, include the following
information:
● Your name;
● Job title;
● Mailing address;
140 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

● Phone number (include area code);

● Chemical name (not just the product name);
● How the chemical is used;
● How any exposure to the chemical occurred; and
● When the exposure occurred.
California residents may also call the following numbers:
HESIS WORKPLACE HAZARD HELPLINE
System (English) ................................................... (866) 282-5516
Free publications on workplace hazards .............. (866) 627-1586
Fax .......................................................................... (510) 620-5743
Employers must notify any employee who has been or is being
exposed to toxic substances or harmful physical agents in
concentrations at levels exceeding those prescribed by applicable
standards, orders, or special orders, and inform any employee so
exposed of corrective action being taken (Labor Code §6408(e)).
Employers must allow employees to observe monitoring or measuring
of exposure to hazards (Labor Code §6408(c)).
Employees must have access to their medical records and exposure
records to potentially toxic materials or harmful physical agents
(Labor Code §6408(d); T8 CCR §3204).
Hazardous Substance Removal Work and Remedial Actions
NOTE: The removal of hazardous substances and related
remedial actions do not include asbestos-related work, as
defined in Labor Code §6501.8, or work related to a hazardous
substance spill on a highway (B&P Code §7058.7).
As of 1988, a contractor must have passed an approved hazardous
substance removal certification examination before removing
hazardous substances or taking related remedial actions (as defined
in Chapter 6.8 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code) in cases
that involve digging into the surface of the earth and removing the
material from:
● A site listed pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and
Safety Code;
● A site listed as a hazardous waste site by the Department of
Toxic Substances Control; or
● A site listed on the National Priorities List compiled pursuant
to the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 141

Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. Section

9601 et seq.).
CSLB may require currently certified licensees to pass additional
updated, approved hazardous substance removal certification
examinations based on new public or occupational health and safety
information (B&P Code §7058.7; Labor Code §142.7).
Contractors must also comply with the “Hazardous Waste Operations
and Emergency Response Standards” (Labor Code §142.7; T8 CCR
§5192). These require:
● Specific work practices;
● The certification of employees and supervisors involved in
hazardous substance removal work;
● The designation of a qualified person who shall be responsible
for scheduling any air sampling, laboratory calibration of
sampling equipment, evaluation of soil or other contaminated
materials sampling results, and for conducting any equipment
testing and evaluating the results of the tests; and
● Holding a safety and health conference for all hazardous
substance removal jobs before the start of actual work. The
conference shall include representatives of the owner or
contracting agency, the contractor, the employer, employees,
and employee representatives. It shall include a discussion of
the employer’s safety and health program and the means that
the employer intends to use to provide a safe and healthy place
of employment.
Any contractor who engages in hazardous substance work, or any
contractor or employer who either knowingly or negligently enters
into a contract with another person to do hazardous substance work,
when that person is required to be but is not certified pursuant to
B&P Code §7058.7, is subject to penalty (B&P Code §7028.1 and
7118.6).
Lead in Construction Work
This section applies to all construction work where an employee may
be exposed to lead. Construction work, in general, is defined as work
for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and
decoration (T8 CCR §1532.1). Lead is defined as metallic lead, all
inorganic lead compounds, and organic lead soaps.
Employers shall provide a written lead-work pre-job notification to
the nearest DOSH District office as per T8 CCR §1532.1 (p)(1) to
(p)(4) when work is planned that includes any of the tasks listed in
142 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

subsection (d)(2). Also, employers are responsible for being

knowledgeable about the permissible exposure limit (PEL); exposure
assessment; methods of compliance; respiratory protection; protective
work clothing and equipment; housekeeping procedures; and hygiene
facilities, practices, and establishing regulated areas. The employer
must also know the medical surveillance program and medical
removal protection practices. Lastly, the employer is to display
appropriate signs and allow employees to observe monitoring
procedures.
The employer is required to provide employee information, training,
and certification as per T8 CCR §1532.1(l). As required by T8 CCR
§1532.1(l)(3), the employer shall ensure that all employees and
supervisors that perform any lead-related construction work are
trained by an accredited training provider and are then certified by
the California Department of Health Services.

CARCINOGEN CONTROL
LAW: Employers in California must meet strict standards for
the occupational health and safety of employees who handle
carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances on their jobs—for
example, asbestos. These standards are part of the “Construction
Safety Orders and General Industry Safety Orders” in Title 8 of the
California Code of Regulations. Due to the extent and complexity of
the many code requirements, contractors are urged to read the
regulations themselves. Regulated carcinogen means a recognized
cancer-causing substance, compound, mixture, or product regulated
by Sections 1529, 1532, 1535, 8358, or Article 110 Sections 5200-5220.
Registration Required for Carcinogen Use
Businesses involved in the use of carcinogens must inform DOSH as
per T8 CCR §5203. Report of Use must be mailed to:
Occupational Carcinogen Control Unit
Division of Occupational Safety and Health
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1901
Oakland, CA 94612
Requirements for Asbestos-Related Work
Asbestos is the most common carcinogen in construction and
demolition work. Persons engaged in insulation, plasterboard,
siding, and ceiling plasterwork risk higher-than-usual exposure to
asbestos. Failure to adopt safe work practices for handling asbestos
has caused many employees to develop asbestos-related disabilities
and fatal diseases. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself
with the laws pertaining to asbestos.
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 143

The owner of a commercial or industrial building or structure, an

employer, or a contractor who engages in, or contracts for, asbestos-
related work must make a good faith effort to determine if asbestos is
present before work begins. The contractor or employer must first ask
the owner of a building or structure built prior to 1978 if asbestos is
present. Failure to do so may result in penalty (Labor Code §§6501.9
and 6505.5). Similar requirements exist in T8 CCR § 1529(k)(1) and
(2), “Communication of Hazards and Duties of Building and Facility
Owners.”
If DOSH has reasonable cause to believe that any workplace contains
asbestos, and if there appears to be inadequate protection for
employees at that workplace from the hazards of airborne asbestos
fibers, DOSH may issue an order prohibiting use (Labor Code
§6325.5).
“Asbestos-related work” means any activity which, by disturbing
asbestos-containing construction materials, may release asbestos
fibers into the air and which is not related to its manufacture, the
mining or excavation of asbestos-bearing ore or materials, or the
installation or repair of automotive materials containing asbestos
(Labor Code §6501.8).
“Asbestos-containing construction material” means any manufactured
construction material which contains more than one-tenth of one
percent (0.1%) asbestos by weight (T8 CCR §341.6).
Asbestos Certification
A contractor may not engage in asbestos-related work that involves
100 square feet or more of surface area of asbestos-containing
materials unless the qualifier for the license holds the asbestos
certification or the C-22 Asbestos Abatement classification.
Exceptions include contractors involved with the installation,
maintenance, and repair of asbestos cement pipe or sheets, vinyl
asbestos floor materials, or asbestos bituminous or resinous materials
(B&P Code §§7058.5 and 7065.01, and T16 CCR § 7058.5).
Any contractor who engages in asbestos-related work, or any
contractor or employer who either knowingly or negligently enters
into a contract with another person to do asbestos-related work, when
that person is required to be but is not certified pursuant to B&P
Code §7058.5, or does not hold the C-22 Asbestos Abatement
classification pursuant to T16 CCR § 832.22, is subject to penalty
(B&P Code §§7028.1 and 7118.5). A contractor who is not certified for
asbestos-related work or does not hold the C-22 Asbestos Abatement
classification may bid on a project involving this work if a contractor
who is properly certified or licensed by CSLB and registered by
DOSH performs the asbestos-related work.
144 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

Asbestos Abatement Registration

All contractors who engage in asbestos-related work that involves 100
square feet or more of surface area of asbestos-containing material at
a single work site must be registered by DOSH. A “single work site”
includes all buildings, structures, premises, fixtures, machinery, or
other areas where asbestos-containing construction material will be
handled during the course of the work for which the employer has
contracted, whether pursuant to single or multiple contracts with the
same hirer (Labor Code §6501.5; T8 CCR §341.6).
THERE ARE NO EXEMPTIONS FROM DOSH REGISTRATION. All
contractors who perform asbestos-related work must be registered
with DOSH. In addition, the State of California, a city, city and
county, county, district, or public utility subject to the jurisdiction of
the Public Utilities Commission shall be required to apply for a
registration through the designated chief executive officer of that
body. No registration fees shall be required, however, of any public
agencies (Labor Code §6508.5).
DOSH registration applications, applications for renewal, and
information can be obtained from Asbestos Contractors Registration
Unit (ACRU) at:
ACRU-DOSH
P.O. Box 420603
San Francisco, CA 94142
Email: ACRU@dir.ca.gov
Notification and Posting of Asbestos-Related Work
When an employer will be conducting separate jobs or phases of work
that require asbestos removal registration, or where the work process
may differ or is performed at noncontiguous locations, written notice
must be provided to the nearest DOSH Enforcement district office
prior to commencement of any work (Labor Code §6501.5; T8 CCR
§341.7). Furthermore, the employer must post a sign readable at 20
feet at the location where any asbestos-related work is to be
conducted that states “Danger–Asbestos. Cancer and Lung Hazard.
Keep Out.”
Asbestos-Related Work in Schools
When asbestos-related work is done in elementary or secondary
schools, either public or private, additional standards must be met as
per Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 763, Asbestos
Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).
Local education agencies are required to use only AHERA-accredited
persons to perform the following tasks:
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 145

● Inspecting for asbestos-containing materials in school

buildings;
● Preparing management plans concerning the presence of
asbestos-containing materials in schools;
● Designing and drafting specifications for asbestos abatement
projects; and
● Supervising and conducting the abatement work.
Persons seeking to be accredited must complete a training course
approved by DOSH and pass an examination for that course. There
are separate course requirements for inspectors, management
planners, project designers, asbestos abatement contractors and
supervisors, and for asbestos abatement workers.
NOTE: For schools to receive funding for asbestos abatement
programs, they must comply with the rules and regulations of
the State Allocation Board, Office of Public School
Construction (OPSC). Since prompt payment to the
contractor may be closely related to the school’s receipt of
OPSC funding, it is important that the contractor be aware of
and encourage compliance with the OPSC requirements.
Renovation and Demolition Work
Renovation and demolition jobs are subject to the National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), which are
enforced by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and local
air quality and air pollution districts. Before a renovation or
demolition job begins on a site that may include asbestos-containing
materials, one of these agencies must be notified. There are strict
penalties for violations of the NESHAP requirements.
Disposal of Asbestos
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Hazardous
Waste Management Branch, enforces the requirements governing the
disposal of waste that contains asbestos. These requirements include
the following (Health and Safety Code §25143.7):
● If a landfill is used, it must meet waste disposal requirements
issued by the regional water quality control board that allows
the disposal of such waste; and
● The waste must be handled and disposed of in accordance with
the Toxic Substances Control Act (Public Law §94-469) and all
other applicable laws and regulations.
146 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

CONFINED SPACES
Safety and health practices for confined spaces are outlined in Title 8
of the California Code of Regulations Sections 5156, 5157, and 5158
(Labor Code §142.3). A permit-required confined space (T8 CCR
§5157) is defined as a space large enough and so configured that an
employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; has limited or
restricted means for entry or exit; and is not designed for continuous
employee occupancy. In other confined space operations (T8 CCR
§5158), confined space is defined by the concurrent existence of
conditions where the existing ventilation is insufficient to remove
dangerous air contamination, oxygen enrichment and/or oxygen
deficiency that may exist or develop; and where ready access or egress
for the removal of a suddenly disabled employee is difficult due to the
location or size of the openings.

EXCAVATIONS AND TRENCHES

For regulations relating to permits for excavations and trenches, refer
to the California Code of Regulations Title 8, Chapter 3.2, Article 2,
Section 341 of the California Occupational Safety and Health
Regulations (Cal/OSHA).
For definitions, general requirements, and information pertaining to
excavations and trenching safety orders, see Title 8 of the California
Code of Regulations, §1504, 1539–1547 and Labor Code §142.3.
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 147

HOW TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WHAT YOU NEED WHERE TO GET IT

Browse and order free DOSH www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/puborder.asp
publications

California Occupational Safety and Barclays Official CA Code of Regulations

Health Standards— Title 8 California P.O. Box 2006
Code of Regulations, Industrial San Francisco, CA 94126
Relations. The entire Title 8 and the (800) 888-3600
Safety Orders for each industry are or: www.dir.ca.gov
available for purchase.

Information concerning California Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Offices

Occupational Safety and Health (see list on the next page) or order posters
requirements online at: www.dir.ca.gov/wpnodb.html
Free on-site consultation to discuss
particular problems and obtain
assistance and advice
DOSH workplace posters

Recordkeeping and Reporting Department of Industrial Relations

Requirements Division of Labor Statistics and Research
P.O. Box 420603
Log and Summary of Occupational San Francisco, CA 94142
Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300) (415) 703-3020
California Work Injuries and Illnesses—
Annual Report
Work Injuries and Illnesses—Quarterly
Report
148 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

Cal/OSHA Enforcement Branch Regional and District Offices

American 3419 Broadway Street, Suite H8 (707) 649-3700
Canyon American Canyon, CA 94503 Fax (707) 649-3712
DIRDOSHAmericanCanyon@dir.ca.gov

Bakersfield 7718 Meany Avenue (661) 588-6400

Bakersfield, CA 93008 Fax (661) 588-6428
DOSHBAK@dir.ca.gov

Foster City 1065 East Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 110 (650) 573-3812
Foster City, CA 94404 Fax (650) 573-3817
DOSHFC@dir.ca.gov

Fremont 39141 Civic Center Dr., Suite 310 (510) 794-2521

Fremont, CA 94538-5818 Fax (510) 794-3889
DOSHFremont@dir.ca.gov

Fresno 2550 Mariposa Street, Room 4000 (559) 445-5302

Fresno, CA 93721 Fax (559) 445-5786
DOSHFRE@dir.ca.gov

Long Beach 3939 Atlantic Avenue (310) 516-3734

Long Beach, CA 90807 Fax (562) 426-8341
DOSHTOR@dir.ca.gov

Los Angeles 320 West 4th Street, Suite 670 (213) 576-7451
Los Angeles, CA 90013 Fax (213) 576-7461
DOSHLA@dir.ca.gov

Modesto 4206 Technology Drive, Suite 3 (209) 545-7310

Modesto, CA 95356 Fax (209) 545-7313
DOSHMOD@dir.ca.gov

Monrovia 750 Royal Oaks Drive, Suite 104 (regional office) (626) 471-9122
Monrovia, CA 91016 Fax (626) 471-9133
DOSHREG4Monrovia@dir.ca.gov

Oakland 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1303 (510) 622-2916

Oakland, CA 94612 Fax (510) 622-2908
DOSHOAK@dir.ca.gov

Redding 381 Hemsted Drive (530) 224-4743

Redding, CA 96002 Fax (530) 224-4747
DOSHRED@dir.ca.gov

Sacramento 2424 Arden Way, Suite 300 (regional office) (916) 263-2803
Sacramento, CA 95825 Fax (916) 263-2824
DOSHSAC@dir.ca.gov

San Bernardino 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 332 (909) 383-4321

San Bernardino, CA 92401 Fax (909) 383-6789
DOSHSB@dir.ca.gov

San Diego 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 207 (619) 767-2280

San Diego, CA 92108 Fax (619) 767-2299
DOSHSD@dir.ca.gov

San Francisco 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 9516 (regional office) (415) 557-0100
San Francisco, CA 94102 Fax (415) 557-0123
DOSHSF@dir.ca.gov
CHAPTER 7. SAFETY & HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION 149

Santa Ana 2000 E. McFadden Avenue, Suite 122 (regional office) (714) 558-4451
Santa Ana, CA 92705 Fax (714) 558-2035
DOSHSA@dir.ca.gov

Van Nuys 6150 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 405 (818) 901-5403
Van Nuys, CA 91401 Fax (818) 901-5578
DOSHVN@dir.ca.gov

High Hazard Compliance Unit

Oakland 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1303 (510) 622-3009
Oakland, CA 94612 Fax (510) 622-3025
Santa Ana 2000 E. McFadden Ave., Suite 111 (714) 567-7100
Santa Ana, CA 92705 Fax (714) 567-6074

Cal/OSHA Consultation Service Area Offices—Consultation

Toll-Free Number (800) 963-9424
Northern California 2424 Arden Way, Suite 410
Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 263-0704

San Francisco Bay Area 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1103

Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 622-2891

Central Valley 1901 North Gateway Blvd., Suite 102

Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 454-1295

San Fernando Valley 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 307

Van Nuys, CA 91401 (818) 901-5754

Los Angeles/Orange 1 Centerpointe Drive, Suite 150

La Palma, CA 90623 (714) 562-5525

San Bernardino 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 339

San Bernardino, CA 92401 (909) 383-4567

San Diego 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 204

San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 767-2060

Process Safety Management Unit HQ

Concord 1450 Civic Court, Suite 550 (925) 602-2665
Concord, CA 94520 Fax (925) 602-2668
DOSHPSMCONCORD@dir.ca.gov

Santa Ana 2000 E. McFadden Ave., Suite 111 (714) 567-7100

Santa Ana, CA 92705 Fax (714) 567-6074

Mining and Tunneling

Sacramento 2424 Arden Way, Suite 125 (916) 574-2540
Sacramento, CA 95825 Fax (916) 574-2542
DOSHM%26TSAC@dir.ca.gov

San Bernardino 464 West 4th Street, Suite 354 (909) 383-6782
San Bernardino, CA 92401 Fax (909) 388-7132
DOSHM&TSB@dir.ca.gov

Van Nuys 6150 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 310 (818) 901-5420
Van Nuys, CA 91401 Fax (818) 901-5579
DOSHM&TVN@dir.ca.gov
150 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

Other Resources
Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board
2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 350 (916) 274-5721
Sacramento, CA 95833
OSHSB@dir.ca.gov

Occupational Safety & Health Appeals Board

2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 300 (916) 274-5751
Sacramento, CA 95833
OSHAppeals@dir.ca.gov

DOSH Asbestos Contractors Registration Unit

P.O. Box 420603
San Francisco, CA 94142
ACRU@dir.ca.gov (916) 574-2993

Department of Toxic Substances Control

1001 I Street, P.O. Box 806
Sacramento, CA 95812 (800) 728-6942

State Allocation Board/Office of Public School Construction

707 3rd Street, P.O. Box 980610 (916) 376-5000
West Sacramento, CA 95605
 Chapter 8.
Regional Notification Centers:
Underground Service Alert

What is a Regional Notification Center?

A regional notification center is an association of owners and
operators of subsurface installations (water, gas, electric, telephone,
sewer, oil lines, etc.). Damage to these underground structures may
result in the disruption of essential public services and pose a threat
to workers, the public, and environmental safety. The purpose of the
center is to provide a single telephone number that excavators can
use to give the center’s members advance notification of their intent
to excavate. The operators of the underground installations are then
responsible for providing information about the locations of the
facility, or marking or staking the approximate location of their
facility, or advising the excavator of clearance. Operators are only
responsible for facilities they own; operators are not responsible for
facilities they do not own.
Contacting a Regional Notification Center is a Requirement—
Not an Option.
California Government Code §4216-4216.9 require anyone planning
to excavate to contact the appropriate regional notification center at
least two (2) working days (but not more than 14 calendar days)
before beginning to excavate. The center will issue an inquiry
identification number to the excavator as confirmation of the call.
NOTE: An excavation permit is not valid without this
identification number.
Who Must Comply:
● Any person or entity who plans to disturb the surface of the
ground by digging, drilling, boring, etc.
Exempt Persons:
● An owner of private property who contracts with a contractor
or subcontractor (contractor/subcontractor must be state-
licensed) for an excavation project that does not require an
excavation permit;
● An owner of private property (who is not a licensed contractor
or subcontractor) who, as a part of improving his or her

151
152 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

principal residence, does work that does not require an

excavation permit.
● Regardless of whether or not an equipment operator is
provided for that piece of equipment, any person or private
entity that leases or rents power-operated or power-driven
excavating or boring equipment to a contractor or
subcontractor licensed pursuant to contractors’ state license
law, if the signed rental agreement between the person or
private entity and the contractor or subcontractor contains the
following provision: “It is the sole responsibility of the lessee or
renter to follow the requirements of the regional notification
center law pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section
4216) of Chapter 3.1 of Division 5 of Title 1 of the Government
Code. By signing this contract, the lessee or renter accepts all
liabilities and responsibilities contained in the regional
notification center law.”
Steps Required for Compliance:
● Every contractor or subcontractor excavating at a job site must
have his or her own Underground Service Alert (USA)
identification (ticket) number for the excavation work he or she
is performing.
● Excluding emergency situations, parties planning excavation
activities must contact the appropriate regional notification
center not less than two (2) working days, nor more than 14
calendar days, prior to the start of work.
NOTE: THE REGIONAL NOTIFICATION CENTER CALL
IS FREE: 811 / (800) 227-2600.
● Upon notification, the center will issue an identification (ticket)
number. The ticket number will be valid for 28 calendar days.
If work is to continue past 28 calendar days, the ticket number
must be revalidated by again notifying the center before the
ticket number expires.
● At the site, excavators must clearly mark the boundaries of the
work area, usually with white paint.
● Within these boundary markings, operators of underground
installations must then provide information about their
facilities, mark or stake the location of their lines clearly using
the appropriate color to show what type of installation is
present, or advise of clearance.
● If, during the course of the job, the operator’s markings become
no longer visible, the excavator must contact the regional
CHAPTER 8. REGIONAL NOTIFICATION CENTERS 153

center and request the operator to re-mark the lines within two
(2) working days.
● Using the operator’s markings, an excavator must determine
the exact location of underground facilities with hand tools or a
vacuum device before any power equipment may be used.
Helpful Hints
● Provide the beginning date and time of your excavation.
● Give your name, company’s name, company’s mailing address,
email address, telephone number where you can be contacted,
nature of work (grading, drilling, etc.), whom the work is being
done for, name of the foreman, permit name and number, if
excavation has been outlined in white paint, and a description
of the excavation site.
● When describing your excavation site, give the address or
description where you will be digging (including side of street,
the intersection corner, footage, and total distances or other
tie-in measurements), and nearest intersecting street, city, and
county.
Penalties
● Any operator or excavator who NEGLIGENTLY violates any
portion of Government Code sections 4216–4216.9 is subject to
a fine not to exceed $10,000.
● Any operator or excavator who KNOWINGLY AND
WILLFULLY violates any portion of Government Code sections
4216–4216.9 is subject to a fine not to exceed $50,000.
● An excavator also may be subject to third party claims for
damages arising from the excavation work.
● Violation of Government Code sections 4216–4216.9 could
result in disciplinary action and possible revocation of your
contractor license by CSLB.
REGIONAL NOTIFICATION CENTERS
Underground Service Alert of Northern California and
Nevada: 811 / (800) 227-2600, www.usasnorth.org
Serves the following counties in Northern California:
Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del
Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Lake,
Lassen, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono,
Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito,
San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara,
154 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus,

Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.
Serves the entire state of Nevada.
Service: Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–7 p.m., excluding holidays
Underground Service Alert of Southern California—
811 / (800) 227-2600, www.digalert.org
Serves the following counties in Southern California:
Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San
Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura
Service: Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–7 p.m., excluding holidays

Five Steps to a Safe Excavation:

1) Survey and mark.
2) Call before you dig.
3) Wait the required time.
4) Respect the marks.
5) Dig with care.
Whatever you do, do it safely, but CALL AT LEAST TWO (2)
WORKING DAYS TO FOURTEEN (14) CALENDAR DAYS
BEFORE YOU DIG.
 Chapter 9.
Preservation of Native American Remains
California has one of the largest Native American populations in the
United States. With approximately 115 federally recognized tribes
and more applying for recognition, California Native American lands
include reservations and rancherias in over half of California’s
counties. Historically, Native American land holdings encompassed
the entire state of California.
There has been an increasing rate of vandalism and inadvertent
destruction of Native American burial grounds, human remains, and
associated grave goods. Several laws provide for the protection and
sensitive treatment of these human remains and associated burial
goods (Health and Safety Code section 7050.5; Public Resources Code
sections 5097.9-5097.991). The intent of the law is to provide
protection to Native American burials and associated grave goods
from vandalism and inadvertent destruction.

REPORTING REQUIREMENT
In the event of discovery or recognition of any human remains in any
location other than a dedicated cemetery, there shall be no further
excavation or disturbance of the site or nearby area. Upon the
discovery of human remains or burial artifacts at any site other than
a dedicated cemetery, the following actions MUST BE TAKEN
IMMEDIATELY:
● Stop work immediately at that site and any nearby area
reasonably suspected to have remains, and contact the county
coroner.
● The coroner has two (2) working days to examine the remains
after being notified by the person responsible for the
excavation. If the remains are Native American, the coroner
has 24 hours to notify the Native American Heritage
Commission.
● The Native American Heritage Commission will immediately
notify the person it believes to be the most likely descendant of
the deceased Native American.
● The most likely descendant has 24 hours to make
recommendations to the owner, or representative, for the

155
156 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

treatment and disposition, with proper dignity, of the remains

and grave goods.
● If the owner doesn’t accept the descendant’s recommendations,
the owner or the descendant may request mediation by the
Native American Heritage Commission.
● If mediation fails to provide measures acceptable to the
landowner, the landowner or his or her authorized
representative shall re-inter the human remains and items
associated with Native American burials, with appropriate
dignity, and in a location on the property not subject to further
subsurface disturbance.

PENALTIES
It is a felony to obtain or possess Native American remains or
associated grave goods. (See Public Resource Code sections 5097.94,
5097.98, and 5097.99.) Any person who knowingly or willfully
removes, obtains, or possesses any Native American remains or
associated burial artifacts, without authority of law, is guilty of a
felony, punishable by imprisonment in state prison.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To learn more about the protection and preservation of Native
American burial grounds, human remains, and associated grave
goods, contact the Native American Heritage Commission at:
Native American Heritage Commission
1550 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 100
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 373-3710
Email: nahc@pacbell.net
 Chapter 10.
Construction of Wells

LICENSE REQUIRED FOR WATER WELLS

Section 13750.5 of the California Water Code states:
No person shall undertake to dig, bore, or drill a water well,
cathodic protection well, groundwater monitoring well, or
geothermal heat exchange well, to deepen or re-perforate such a
well, or to abandon or destroy such a well, unless the person
responsible for that construction, alteration, destruction, or
abandonment possesses a C-57 Water Well contractor’s license.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Water Wells, Cathodic Protection Wells, and Monitoring Wells
California Water Code sections 13751 through 13754, requires
persons who construct, alter, (including, but not limited to, drilling,
deepening, re-perforation, or abandonment), or destroy a water well,
cathodic protection well, monitoring well, or geothermal heat
exchange well, to file a report of completion, called the “Well
Completion Report, DWR 188,” with the California Department of
Water Resources (DWR) within 60 days after completion of the work.
Earlier versions of the form were called “Water Well Driller’s Report.”
All of these reports are also called “well logs” or “driller’s logs.”
This requirement also applies to persons who convert—for use as a
water well, cathodic protection well, or monitoring well—any oil or
gas well originally constructed under the jurisdiction of the California
Department of Conservation.
The State of California and other agencies use the information
provided by these reports to evaluate groundwater resources, to
protect groundwater quality, and to conserve water supplies. In
addition, the Water Code was amended in 2002 to require that
certain specifics be included in groundwater management plans
adopted by local water management agencies. Knowledge of the
construction details of wells and the local geology will be useful in
developing such plans.
NOTE: Failure to file the Well Completion Report is a
misdemeanor (Water Code §13754) and constitutes cause for

157
158 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

disciplinary action against your contractor license (Business

and Professions Code section 7110).
How and where to file
The Department of Water Resources provides the proper forms to file
a report and pertinent sections of the California Water Code. You
may obtain hard copies from any of the DWR district offices listed
below or you can download a blank copy of the “Well Completion
Report” from DWR’s website listed below. If you download the form,
be sure to obtain the unique sequential number at the top of the form
before downloading. DWR staff uses this number to enter the
information into the database.
http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/wells/well_completion_reports.cfm
A number of county health departments also have paper copies
available.
The How to Fill Out a Well Completion Report - Instruction
Pamphlet also can be downloaded from the website above, as well as
several other publications relating to groundwater. Software that
allows you to fill in the Well Completion Report on your computer and
store it in digital format can be purchased from several firms.
Submit your completed reports to the DWR district office that has
jurisdiction over the county where the well is located. For the
appropriate office address, find the county and its corresponding
district office in the table below.
CHAPTER 10. CONSTRUCTION OF WELLS 159

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

REGIONAL OFFICES

Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Northern Region Office

Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, 2440 Main Street
Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity (530) 529-7300

Alameda, Alpine, Amador, North Central Region Office

Calaveras, Contra Costa, El 3500 Industrial Blvd.
Dorado, Marin, Mendocino, West Sacramento, CA 95691
Mono (North), Napa, Nevada, (530) 529-7370
Placer, Sacramento, San
Francisco, San Joaquin, San
Mateo, Santa Clara, Sierra,
Solano, Sonoma, Sutter,
Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba

Fresno, Kern (Valley), Kings, South Central Region Office

Madera, Mariposa, Merced, 3374 E. Shields Avenue
Monterey, San Benito, Santa Fresno, CA 93726-6913
Cruz, Stanislaus and Tulare (559) 230-3300

Imperial, Inyo, Kern (Desert), Southern Region Office

Los Angeles, Mono (South), 77 Fairmont Avenue
Orange, Riverside, San Glendale, CA 91203-1035
Bernardino, San Diego, San (818) 543-4600
Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
and Ventura
160 SECTION IV. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS & SAFETY REGULATIONS

WELL STANDARDS
Standards for construction, modification, rehabilitation, and
destruction of water wells, monitoring wells, and cathodic protection
wells are published by DWR in Bulletin 74-90, supplement to Bulletin
74-81, entitled California Well Standards: Water Wells, Monitoring
Wells, Cathodic Protection Wells. Copies can be obtained from:
Publications/Department of Water Resources
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
(916) 653-1097
California Well Standards, and standards for the construction,
rehabilitation, and destruction of geothermal heat exchange wells
(also called ground source heat pumps) in California Laws for Wells
(March 2003) can be viewed on DWR’s website:
http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/wells/standards.cfm.
Counties and other local government jurisdictions that have been
designated as local enforcing agencies may have adopted standards in
addition to the statewide standards contained in Bulletin 74-90.
These local agencies should be contacted whenever work on a well is
being planned to ensure compliance with local ordinances. Many of
these local agencies require permits for any work on a well, and
charge a fee for that permit. For information, contact the local
agency, which is usually the county Department of Environmental
Health.
Questions about well standards should be directed to the local
enforcing agency, to the DWR district offices listed above, or to DWR’s
Division of Planning and Local Assistance Headquarters at (916) 654-
1324.
 SECTION V.
THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER
AFFAIRS
Chapter
11. Laws Governing the Department of Consumer Affairs

Chapter 11.
Laws Governing the Department of Consumer
Affairs
The Department of Consumer Affairs includes 40 regulatory enti-
ties—among them the Contractors State License Board—which regu-
late various services and industries in the state. Some of the other
boards and bureaus under the department’s purview include the Med-
ical Board of California, the Structural Pest Control Board, and the
Bureau of Automotive Repair. The department’s mission, through its
regulatory boards, is “to promote and protect the interests of Califor-
nia consumers by serving as guardian and advocate for their health,
safety, privacy, and economic well being; enhancing public participa-
tion in regulatory decision-making; promoting legal and ethical
standards of professional conduct; identifying marketplace trends so
that the Department’s programs and policies are contemporary, rele-
vant, and responsive; partnering with business and consumer groups
in California and the nation; and working with law enforcement to
combat fraud and enforce consumer protection laws vigorously and
fairly.” The laws governing the department and the CSLB are part of
California’s Business and Professions Code. What follows are selected
sections from the codes that relate, in general or in specifics, to the
purpose and function of the department.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE

GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 7.5. “Conviction”; When action by board following establishment of conviction may
be taken; Prohibition against denial of licensure; Application of section

161
162 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 8. Governing provisions
§ 9. Effect of headings
§ 10. Authority of deputies
§ 12.5. Violation of regulation adopted pursuant to code provision; Issuance of cita-
tion
§ 14.1. Legislative intent
§ 14.2. “Spouse” to include registered domestic partner
§ 22. “Board”
§ 23.5. “Director”
§ 23.6. “Appointing power”
§ 23.7. “License”
§ 23.8. “Licentiate”
§ 23.9. Licensing eligibility of prison releasees
§ 26. Rules and regulations regarding building standards
§ 27. Information to be provided on Internet; Entities in Department of Consumer
Affairs required to comply
§ 29.5. Additional qualifications for licensure
§ 30. Provision of federal employer identification number or social security number
by licensee
§ 31. Compliance with judgment or order for support upon issuance or renewal of
license
§ 35. Provision in rules and regulations for evaluation experience obtained in
armed services
§ 40. State Board of Chiropractic Examiners or Osteopathic Medical Board of Cali-
fornia expert consultant agreements

§ 7.5. “Conviction”; When action by board following

establishment of conviction may be taken; Prohibition against
denial of licensure; Application of section
A conviction within the meaning of this code means a plea or ver-
dict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. Any
action which a board is permitted to take following the establishment
of a conviction may be taken when the time for appeal has elapsed, or
the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal or when an
order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sen-
tence, irrespective of a subsequent order under the provisions of Sec-
tion 1203.4 of the Penal Code. However, a board may not deny a li-
cense to an applicant who is otherwise qualified pursuant to subdivi-
sion (b) of Section 480.
Nothing in this section shall apply to the licensure of persons pur-
suant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 6000) of Division 3.
Added Stats 1979 ch 876 § 1.

§ 8. Governing provisions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the general provisions here-
inafter set forth shall govern the construction of this code.
Enacted Stats 1937.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 163

§ 9. Effect of headings
Division, part, chapter, article and section headings contained here-
in shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify, or in any manner af-
fect the scope, meaning, or intent of the provisions of this code.
Enacted Stats 1937.

§ 10. Authority of deputies

Whenever, by the provisions of this code, a power is granted to a
public officer or a duty imposed upon such an officer, the power may
be exercised or duty performed by a deputy of the officer or by a per-
son authorized pursuant to law by the officer, unless it is expressly
otherwise provided.
Enacted Stats 1937.

§ 12.5. Violation of regulation adopted pursuant to code

provision; Issuance of citation
Whenever in any provision of this code authority is granted to issue
a citation for a violation of any provision of this code, that authority
also includes the authority to issue a citation for the violation of any
regulation adopted pursuant to any provision of this code.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1379 § 1.

§ 14.1. Legislative intent

The Legislature hereby declares its intent that the terms “man” or
“men” where appropriate shall be deemed “person” or “persons” and
any references to the terms “man” or “men” in sections of this code be
changed to “person” or “persons” when such code sections are being
amended for any purpose. This act is declaratory and not amendatory
of existing law.
Added Stats 1976 ch 1171 § 1.

§ 14.2. “Spouse” to include registered domestic partner

“Spouse” includes “registered domestic partner,” as required by Sec-
tion 297.5 of the Family Code.
Added Stats 2016 ch 50 § 1 (SB 1005), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 22. “Board”
“Board,” as used in any provision of this code, refers to the board in
which the administration of the provision is vested, and unless oth-
erwise expressly provided, shall include “bureau,” “commission,”
164 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

“committee,” “department,” “division,” “examining committee,” “pro-

gram,” and “agency.”
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1947 ch 1350 § 1; Stats 1980 ch 676 § 1; Stats 1991
ch 654 § 1 (AB 1893); Stats 1999 ch 656 § 1 (SB 1306); Stats 2004 ch 33 § 1 (AB 1467),
effective April 13, 2004; Stats 2010 ch 670 § 1 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 23.5. “Director”
“Director,” unless otherwise defined, refers to the Director of Con-
sumer Affairs.
Wherever the laws of this state refer to the Director of Professional
and Vocational Standards, the reference shall be construed to be to
the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Added Stats 1939 ch 30 § 2. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 2.

§ 23.6. “Appointing power”

“Appointing power,” unless otherwise defined, refers to the Director
of Consumer Affairs.
Added Stats 1945 ch 1276 § 1. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 3.

§ 23.7. “License”
Unless otherwise expressly provided, “license” means license, certif-
icate, registration, or other means to engage in a business or profes-
sion regulated by this code or referred to in Section 1000 or 3600.
Added Stats 1994 ch 26 § 1 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994.

§ 23.8. “Licentiate”
“Licentiate” means any person authorized by a license, certificate,
registration, or other means to engage in a business or profession
regulated by this code or referred to in Sections 1000 and 3600.
Added Stats 1961 ch 2232 § 1.

§ 23.9. Licensing eligibility of prison releasees

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, any individual
who, while imprisoned in a state prison or other correctional institu-
tion, is trained, in the course of a rehabilitation program approved by
the particular licensing agency concerned and provided by the prison
or other correctional institution, in a particular skill, occupation, or
profession for which a state license, certificate, or other evidence of
proficiency is required by this code shall not, when released from the
prison or institution, be denied the right to take the next regularly
scheduled state examination or any examination thereafter required
to obtain the license, certificate, or other evidence of proficiency and
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 165

shall not be denied such license, certificate, or other evidence of profi-

ciency, because of his imprisonment or the conviction from which the
imprisonment resulted, or because he obtained his training in prison
or in the correctional institution, if the licensing agency, upon recom-
mendation of the Adult Authority or the Department of the Youth Au-
thority, as the case may be, finds that he is a fit person to be licensed.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1690 § 1, as B & P C § 23.8. Amended and Renumbered by Stats
1971 ch 582 § 1.

§ 26. Rules and regulations regarding building standards

Wherever, pursuant to this code, any state department, officer,
board, agency, committee, or commission is authorized to adopt rules
and regulations, such rules and regulations which are building
standards, as defined in Section 18909 of the Health and Safety Code,
shall be adopted pursuant to the provisions of Part 2.5 (commencing
with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code un-
less the provisions of Sections 18930, 18933, 18938, 18940, 18943,
18944, and 18945 of the Health and Safety Code are expressly ex-
cepted in the provision of this code under which the authority to
adopt the specific building standard is delegated. Any building stand-
ard adopted in violation of this section shall have no force or effect.
Any building standard adopted prior to January 1, 1980, pursuant to
this code and not expressly excepted by statute from such provisions
of the State Building Standards Law shall remain in effect only until
January 1, 1985, or until adopted, amended, or superseded by provi-
sions published in the State Building Standards Code, whichever oc-
curs sooner.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1152 § 1.

§ 27. Information to be provided on Internet; Entities in

Department of Consumer Affairs required to comply
(a) Each entity specified in subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) shall pro-
vide on the Internet information regarding the status of every license
issued by that entity in accordance with the California Public Records
Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Ti-
tle 1 of the Government Code) and the Information Practices Act of
1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of Part 4
of Division 3 of the Civil Code). The public information to be provided
on the Internet shall include information on suspensions and revoca-
tions of licenses issued by the entity and other related enforcement
action, including accusations filed pursuant to the Administrative
Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part
1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) taken by the entity
relative to persons, businesses, or facilities subject to licensure or
166 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

regulation by the entity. The information may not include personal

information, including home telephone number, date of birth, or so-
cial security number. Each entity shall disclose a licensee’s address of
record. However, each entity shall allow a licensee to provide a post
office box number or other alternate address, instead of his or her
home address, as the address of record. This section shall not pre-
clude an entity from also requiring a licensee, who has provided a
post office box number or other alternative mailing address as his or
her address of record, to provide a physical business address or resi-
dence address only for the entity’s internal administrative use and
not for disclosure as the licensee’s address of record or disclosure on
the Internet.
(b) In providing information on the Internet, each entity specified in
subdivisions (c) and (d) shall comply with the Department of Con-
sumer Affairs’ guidelines for access to public records.
(c) Each of the following entities within the Department of Con-
sumer Affairs shall comply with the requirements of this section:
(1) The Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Ge-
ologists shall disclose information on its registrants and licensees.
(2) The Bureau of Automotive Repair shall disclose information on
its licensees, including auto repair dealers, smog stations, lamp and
brake stations, smog check technicians, and smog inspection certifica-
tion stations.
(3) The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnish-
ings, and Thermal Insulation shall disclose information on its licen-
sees and registrants, including major appliance repair dealers, com-
bination dealers (electronic and appliance), electronic repair dealers,
service contract sellers, and service contract administrators.
(4) The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau shall disclose information on
its licensees, including cemetery brokers, cemetery salespersons,
cemetery managers, crematory managers, cemetery authorities,
crematories, cremated remains disposers, embalmers, funeral estab-
lishments, and funeral directors.
(5) The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau shall disclose information
on its licensees.
(6) The Contractors’ State License Board shall disclose information
on its licensees and registrants in accordance with Chapter 9 (com-
mencing with Section 7000) of Division 3. In addition to information
related to licenses as specified in subdivision (a), the board shall also
disclose information provided to the board by the Labor Commission-
er pursuant to Section 98.9 of the Labor Code.
(7) The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education shall disclose
information on private postsecondary institutions under its jurisdic-
tion, including disclosure of notices to comply issued pursuant to Sec-
tion 94935 of the Education Code.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 167

(8) The California Board of Accountancy shall disclose information

on its licensees and registrants.
(9) The California Architects Board shall disclose information on its
licensees, including architects and landscape architects.
(10) The State Athletic Commission shall disclose information on its
licensees and registrants.
(11) The State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology shall disclose
information on its licensees.
(12) The State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind shall disclose in-
formation on its licensees and registrants.
(13) The Acupuncture Board shall disclose information on its licen-
sees.
(14) The Board of Behavioral Sciences shall disclose information on
its licensees, including licensed marriage and family therapists, li-
censed clinical social workers, licensed educational psychologists, and
licensed professional clinical counselors.
(15) The Dental Board of California shall disclose information on its
licensees.
(16) The State Board of Optometry shall disclose information on its
licensees and registrants.
(17) The Board of Psychology shall disclose information on its licen-
sees, including psychologists, psychological assistants, and registered
psychologists.
(d) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners shall disclose infor-
mation on its licensees.
(e) The Structural Pest Control Board shall disclose information on
its licensees, including applicators, field representatives, and opera-
tors in the areas of fumigation, general pest and wood destroying
pests and organisms, and wood roof cleaning and treatment.
(f) The Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation shall disclose in-
formation on its licensees.
(g) “Internet” for the purposes of this section has the meaning set
forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (f) of Section 17538.
Added Stats 1997 ch 661 § 1 (SB 492). Amended Stats 1998 ch 59 § 1 (AB 969); Stats
1999 ch 655 § 1 (SB 1308); Stats 2000 ch 927 § 1 (SB 1889); Stats 2001 ch 159 § 1 (SB
662); Stats 2003 ch 849 § 1 (AB 1418); Stats 2009 ch 308 § 1 (SB 819), effective January
1, 2010, ch 310 § 1.5 (AB 48), effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2011 ch 381 § 2 (SB 146),
effective January 1, 2012, ch 712 § 1 (SB 706), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2014 ch
316 § 1 (SB 1466), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 689 § 1 (AB 266), effective
January 1, 2016; Stats 2016 ch 32 § 1 (SB 837), effective June 27, 2016, Stats 2016 ch
489 § 1 (SB 1478), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 29.5. Additional qualifications for licensure

In addition to other qualifications for licensure prescribed by the
various acts of boards under the department, applicants for licensure
168 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

and licensees renewing their licenses shall also comply with Section
17520 of the Family Code.
Added Stats 1991 ch 542 § 1 (SB 1161). Amended Stats 2003 ch 607 § 1 (SB 1077).
—See Family Code Section 17520, Compliance with Support Orders by Applicants for
Professional Licenses, in Appendix.

§ 30. Provision of federal employer identification number or

social security number by licensee
(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, any board, as defined in Sec-
tion 22, and the State Bar and the Bureau of Real Estate shall, at the
time of issuance of the license, require that the applicant provide its
federal employer identification number, if the applicant is a partner-
ship, or the applicant’s social security number for all other applicants.
(2) No later than January 1, 2016, in accordance with Section 135.5,
a board, as defined in Section 22, and the State Bar and the Bureau
of Real Estate shall require either the individual taxpayer identifica-
tion number or social security number if the applicant is an individu-
al for purposes of this subdivision.
(b) A licensee failing to provide the federal employer identification
number, or the individual taxpayer identification number or social
security number shall be reported by the licensing board to the Fran-
chise Tax Board. If the licensee fails to provide that information after
notification pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section
19528 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the licensee shall be subject
to the penalty provided in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section
19528 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(c) In addition to the penalty specified in subdivision (b), a licensing
board shall not process an application for an initial license unless the
applicant provides its federal employer identification number, or in-
dividual taxpayer identification number or social security number
where requested on the application.
(d) A licensing board shall, upon request of the Franchise Tax
Board or the Employment Development Department, furnish to the
board or the department, as applicable, the following information
with respect to every licensee:
(1) Name.
(2) Address or addresses of record.
(3) Federal employer identification number if the licensee is a part-
nership, or the licensee’s individual taxpayer identification number or
social security number for all other licensees.
(4) Type of license.
(5) Effective date of license or a renewal.
(6) Expiration date of license.
(7) Whether license is active or inactive, if known.
(8) Whether license is new or a renewal.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 169

(e) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Licensee” means a person or entity, other than a corporation,
authorized by a license, certificate, registration, or other means to
engage in a business or profession regulated by this code or referred
to in Section 1000 or 3600.
(2) “License” includes a certificate, registration, or any other au-
thorization needed to engage in a business or profession regulated by
this code or referred to in Section 1000 or 3600.
(3) “Licensing board” means any board, as defined in Section 22, the
State Bar, and the Bureau of Real Estate.
(f) The reports required under this section shall be filed on magnet-
ic media or in other machine-readable form, according to standards
furnished by the Franchise Tax Board or the Employment Develop-
ment Department, as applicable.
(g) Licensing boards shall provide to the Franchise Tax Board or
the Employment Development Department the information required
by this section at a time that the board or the department, as appli-
cable, may require.
(h) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250)
of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, a federal employer
identification number, individual taxpayer identification number, or
social security number furnished pursuant to this section shall not be
deemed to be a public record and shall not be open to the public for
inspection.
(i) A deputy, agent, clerk, officer, or employee of a licensing board
described in subdivision (a), or any former officer or employee or other
individual who, in the course of his or her employment or duty, has or
has had access to the information required to be furnished under this
section, shall not disclose or make known in any manner that infor-
mation, except as provided pursuant to this section to the Franchise
Tax Board, the Employment Development Department, or the Office
of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, or as provid-
ed in subdivision (k).
(j) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to uti-
lize the federal employer identification number, individual taxpayer
identification number, or social security number for the purpose of
establishing the identification of persons affected by state tax laws,
for purposes of compliance with Section 17520 of the Family Code,
and for purposes of measuring employment outcomes of students who
participate in career technical education programs offered by the Cal-
ifornia Community Colleges and, to that end, the information fur-
nished pursuant to this section shall be used exclusively for those
purposes.
(k) If the board utilizes a national examination to issue a license,
and if a reciprocity agreement or comity exists between the State of
California and the state requesting release of the individual taxpayer
170 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

identification number or social security number, any deputy, agent,

clerk, officer, or employee of any licensing board described in subdivi-
sion (a) may release an individual taxpayer identification number or
social security number to an examination or licensing entity, only for
the purpose of verification of licensure or examination status.
(l ) For the purposes of enforcement of Section 17520 of the Family
Code, and notwithstanding any other law, a board, as defined in Sec-
tion 22, and the State Bar and the Bureau of Real Estate shall at the
time of issuance of the license require that each licensee provide the
individual taxpayer identification number or social security number
of each individual listed on the license and any person who qualifies
for the license. For the purposes of this subdivision, “licensee” means
an entity that is issued a license by any board, as defined in Section
22, the State Bar, the Bureau of Real Estate, and the Department of
Motor Vehicles.
(m) The department shall, upon request by the Office of the Chan-
cellor of the California Community Colleges, furnish to the chancel-
lor’s office, as applicable, the following information with respect to
every licensee:
(1) Name.
(2) Federal employer identification number if the licensee is a part-
nership, or the licensee’s individual taxpayer identification number or
social security number for all other licensees.
(3) Date of birth.
(4) Type of license.
(5) Effective date of license or a renewal.
(6) Expiration date of license.
(n) The department shall make available information pursuant to
subdivision (m) only to allow the chancellor’s office to measure em-
ployment outcomes of students who participate in career technical
education programs offered by the California Community Colleges
and recommend how these programs may be improved. Licensure in-
formation made available by the department pursuant to this section
shall not be used for any other purpose.
(o) The department may make available information pursuant to
subdivision (m) only to the extent that making the information avail-
able complies with state and federal privacy laws.
(p) The department may, by agreement, condition or limit the
availability of licensure information pursuant to subdivision (m) in
order to ensure the security of the information and to protect the pri-
vacy rights of the individuals to whom the information pertains.
(q) All of the following apply to the licensure information made
available pursuant to subdivision (m):
(1) It shall be limited to only the information necessary to accom-
plish the purpose authorized in subdivision (n).
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 171

(2) It shall not be used in a manner that permits third parties to

personally identify the individual or individuals to whom the infor-
mation pertains.
(3) Except as provided in subdivision (n), it shall not be shared with
or transmitted to any other party or entity without the consent of the
individual or individuals to whom the information pertains.
(4) It shall be protected by reasonable security procedures and prac-
tices appropriate to the nature of the information to protect that in-
formation from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or
disclosure.
(5) It shall be immediately and securely destroyed when no longer
needed for the purpose authorized in subdivision (n).
(r) The department or the chancellor’s office may share licensure in-
formation with a third party who contracts to perform the function
described in subdivision (n), if the third party is required by contract
to follow the requirements of this section.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1361 § 1. Amended Stats 1988 ch 1333 § 1, effective September
24, 1988; Stats 1991 ch 542 § 2 (SB 1161), ch 654 § 1.5 (AB 1893); Stats 1994 ch 1135
§ 1 (AB 3302); Stats 1997 ch 17 § 1 (SB 947) (ch 604 prevails), ch 604 § 1 (SB 1106),
effective October 3, 1997, ch 605 § 1 (AB 1040); Stats 1999 ch 652 § 1.5 (SB 240); Stats
2006 ch 658 § 1 (SB 1476), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2013 ch 352 § 1 (AB 1317),
effective September 26, 2013, operative July 1, 2013; Stats 2014 ch 752 § 1 (SB 1159),
effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 389 § 1 (SB 560), effective January 1, 2016;
Stats 2016 ch 770 § 2 (SB 66), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 31. Compliance with judgment or order for support upon

issuance or renewal of license
(a) As used in this section, “board” means any entity listed in Sec-
tion 101, the entities referred to in Sections 1000 and 3600, the State
Bar, the Bureau of Real Estate, and any other state agency that is-
sues a license, certificate, or registration authorizing a person to en-
gage in a business or profession.
(b) Each applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license, certifi-
cate, registration, or other means to engage in a business or profes-
sion regulated by a board who is not in compliance with a judgment
or order for support shall be subject to Section 17520 of the Family
Code.
(c) “Compliance with a judgment or order for support” has the
meaning given in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 17520 of
the Family Code.
(d) Each licensee or applicant whose name appears on a list of the
500 largest tax delinquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code shall be subject to Section 494.5.
(e) Each application for a new license or renewal of a license shall
indicate on the application that the law allows the State Board of
Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board to share taxpayer infor-
172 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

mation with a board and requires the licensee to pay his or her state
tax obligation and that his or her license may be suspended if the
state tax obligation is not paid.
(f) For purposes of this section, “tax obligation” means the tax im-
posed under, or in accordance with, Part 1 (commencing with Section
6001), Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 7200), Part 1.6 (commenc-
ing with Section 7251), Part 1.7 (commencing with Section 7280),
Part 10 (commencing with Section 17001), or Part 11 (commencing
with Section 23001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
Added Stats 1991 ch 110 § 4 (SB 101). Amended Stats 1991 ch 542 § 3 (SB 1161); Stats
2010 ch 328 § 1 (SB 1330), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2011 ch 455 § 1 (AB 1424),
effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2013 ch 352 § 2 (AB 1317), effective September 26,
2013, operative July 1, 2013.

§ 35. Provision in rules and regulations for evaluation

experience obtained in armed services
It is the policy of this state that, consistent with the provision of
high-quality services, persons with skills, knowledge, and experience
obtained in the armed services of the United States should be permit-
ted to apply this learning and contribute to the employment needs of
the state at the maximum level of responsibility and skill for which
they are qualified. To this end, rules and regulations of boards pro-
vided for in this code shall provide for methods of evaluating educa-
tion, training, and experience obtained in the armed services, if appli-
cable to the requirements of the business, occupation, or profession
regulated. These rules and regulations shall also specify how this ed-
ucation, training, and experience may be used to meet the licensure
requirements for the particular business, occupation, or profession
regulated. Each board shall consult with the Department of Veterans
Affairs and the Military Department before adopting these rules and
regulations. Each board shall perform the duties required by this sec-
tion within existing budgetary resources of the agency within which
the board operates.
Added Stats 1994 ch 987 § 1 (SB 1646), effective September 28, 1994. Amended Stats
1995 ch 91 § 1 (SB 975); Stats 2010 ch 214 § 1 (AB 2783), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 40. State Board of Chiropractic Examiners or Osteopathic

Medical Board of California expert consultant agreements
(a) Subject to the standards described in Section 19130 of the Gov-
ernment Code, any board, as defined in Section 22, the State Board of
Chiropractic Examiners, or the Osteopathic Medical Board of Califor-
nia may enter into an agreement with an expert consultant to do any
of the following:
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 173

(1) Provide an expert opinion on enforcement-related matters, in-

cluding providing testimony at an administrative hearing.
(2) Assist the board as a subject matter expert in examination de-
velopment, examination validation, or occupational analyses.
(3) Evaluate the mental or physical health of a licensee or an appli-
cant for a license as may be necessary to protect the public health and
safety.
(b) An executed contract between a board and an expert consultant
shall be exempt from the provisions of Part 2 (commencing with Sec-
tion 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code.
(c) Each board shall establish policies and procedures for the selec-
tion and use of expert consultants.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to expand the scope of
practice of an expert consultant providing services pursuant to this
section.
Added Stats 2011 ch 339 § 1 (SB 541), effective September 26, 2011.

DIVISION 1
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Chapter 1
The Department
§ 100. Establishment
§ 101. Composition of department
§ 101.1. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 101.6. Purpose
§ 101.7. Meetings of boards; Regular and special
§ 102. Assumption of duties of board created by initiative
§ 102.3. Interagency agreement to delegate duties of certain repealed boards;
Technical committees for regulation of professions under delegated
authority; Renewal of agreement
§ 103. Compensation and reimbursement for expenses
§ 105.5. Tenure of members of boards, etc., within department
§ 106. Removal of board members
§ 106.5. Removal of member of licensing board for disclosure of examination
information
§ 107. Executive officers
§ 107.5. Official seals
§ 108. Status and powers of boards
§ 108.5. Witness fees and expenses
§ 109. Review of decisions; Investigations
§ 110. Records and property
§ 111. Commissioners on examination
§ 112. Publication and sale of directories of authorized persons
§ 113. Conferences; Traveling expenses
§ 114. Reinstatement of expired license of licensee serving in military
§ 114.3. Waiver of fees and requirements for active duty members of armed forces and
national guard
174 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 114.5. Military service; Posting of information on Web site about application of mili-
tary experience and training towards licensure
§ 115. Applicability of Section 114
§ 115.4. Licensure process expedited for honorably discharged veterans of Armed
Forces
§ 115.5. Board required to expedite licensure process for certain applicants; Adoption
of regulations
§ 118. Effect of withdrawal of application; Effect of suspension, forfeiture, etc., of
license
§ 119. Misdemeanors pertaining to use of licenses
§ 121. Practice during period between renewal and receipt of evidence of renewal
§ 121.5. Application of fees to licenses or registrations lawfully inactivated
§ 122. Fee for issuance of duplicate certificate
§ 123. Conduct constituting subversion of licensing examination; Penalties and
damages
§ 123.5. Enjoining violations
§ 124. Manner of notice
§ 125. Misdemeanor offenses by licensees
§ 125.3. Direction to licentiate violating licensing act to pay costs of investigation and
enforcement
§ 125.5. Enjoining violations; Restitution orders
§ 125.6. Unlawful discrimination by licensees
§ 125.7. Restraining orders
§ 125.8. Temporary order restraining licensee engaged or about to engage in violation
of law
§ 125.9. System for issuance of citations to licensees; Contents; Fines
§ 126. Submission of reports to Governor
§ 127. Submission of reports to director
§ 128. Sale of equipment, supplies, or services for use in violation of licensing
requirements
§ 128.5. Reduction of license fees in event of surplus funds
§ 129. Handling of complaints; Reports to Legislature
§ 130. Terms of office of agency members
§ 131. Maximum number of terms
§ 134. Proration of license fees
§ 135. Reexamination of applicants
§ 135.5. Licensure and citizenship or immigration status
§ 136. Notification of change of address; Punishment for failure to comply
§ 137. Regulations requiring inclusion of license numbers in advertising, etc.
§ 138. Notice that practitioner is licensed; Evaluation of licensing examination
§ 139. Policy for examination development and validation, and occupational analy-
sis
§ 140. Disciplinary action; Licensee’s failure to record cash transactions in payment
of employee wages
§ 141. Disciplinary action by foreign jurisdiction; Grounds for disciplinary action by
state licensing board
§ 143. Proof of license as condition of bringing action for collection of compensation
§ 143.5. Provision in agreements to settle certain causes of action prohibited; Adop-
tion of regulations; Exemptions
§ 144. Requirement of fingerprints for criminal record checks; Applicability

Chapter 2
The Director of Consumer Affairs
§ 150. Designation
§ 151. Appointment and tenure; Salary and traveling expenses
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 175

§ 152. Departmental organization

§ 152.5. Extension of renewal dates
§ 152.6. Establishment of license periods and renewal dates
§ 153. Investigations
§ 154. Matters relating to employees of boards
§ 154.5. Legal assistance for experts aiding in investigations of licensees
§ 155. Employment of investigators; Inspectors as employees or under contract
§ 156. Contractual authority
§ 156.1. Retention of records by providers of services related to treatment of alcohol or
drug impairment
§ 156.5. Leases for examination or meeting purposes
§ 157. Expenses in criminal prosecutions and unprofessional conduct proceedings
§ 158. Refunds to applicants
§ 159. Administration of oaths
§ 159.5. Division of Investigation; Appointments; Health Quality Investigation Unit
§ 161. Sale of copies of public records
§ 162. Evidentiary effect of certificate of records officer as to license, etc.
§ 163. Fee for certification of records, etc.
§ 163.5. Delinquency fees; Reinstatement fees
§ 163.6. [Section repealed 1992.]
§ 164. Form and content of license, certificate, permit, or similar indicia of authority
§ 165. Prohibition against submission of fiscal impact analysis relating to pending
legislation without prior submission to director for comment
§ 166. Development of guidelines for mandatory continuing education programs

Chapter 3
Funds of the Department
§ 200.1. Fund accruals exempt from transfer
§ 201. Levy for administrative expenses
§ 202.5. Itemized statement of services and changes from Department of Justice
§ 205. Professions and Vocations Fund (First of three)
§ 205. Professions and Vocations Fund (Second of three)
§ 205. Professions and Vocations Fund (Third of three)
§ 206. Dishonored check tendered for payment of fine, fee, or penalty
§ 210. Contract with vendor of BreEZe system after written notification to certain
committees of the Legislature; Term; Amount; Submission of report (Sub-
division (b) inoperative December 1, 2018; Subdivision (c) operative term
contingent)

Chapter 4
Consumer Affairs
Article 1
General Provisions and Definitions
§ 300. Citation of chapter
§ 301. Declaration of intent
§ 302. Definitions
§ 303. Division of Consumer Services; Chief
176 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Article 2
Director and Employees
§ 305. Administration of chapter
§ 306. Employment matters
§ 307. Experts and consultants

Article 3
Powers and Duties
§ 310. Director’s powers and duties
§ 311. Interdepartmental committee
§ 312. Report to Governor and Legislature
§ 313.2. Adoption of regulations in conformance with Americans with Disabilities
Act
§ 313.5. Publication of consumer information bibliography

Article 3.6
Uniform Standards Regarding Substance-Abusing Healing Arts Licensees
§ 315.2. Cease practice order
§ 315.4. Cease practice order for violation of probation or diversion program

Article 4
Representation of Consumers
§ 320. Intervention in administrative or judicial proceedings
§ 321. Commencement of legal proceedings

Article 5
Consumer Complaints
§ 325. Actionable complaints
§ 325.3. Consumer complaints on paging services
§ 326. Proceedings on receipt of complaint

Article 7
Personal Information and Privacy Protection
§ 350. [Section repealed 2008.]
§ 352. [Section repealed 2008.]
Chapter 6
Public Members
§ 450. Qualifications generally
§ 450.3. Conflicting pecuniary interests
§ 450.4. [Section repealed 2003.]
§ 450.5. Prior industrial and professional pursuits
§ 450.6. Age
§ 451. Delegation of duties
§ 452. “Board”
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 177

Chapter 7
Licensee
§ 460. Powers of local governmental entities
§ 461. Asking applicant to reveal arrest record prohibited
§ 462. Inactive category of licensure
§ 464. Retired category of licensure

Chapter 8
Dispute Resolution Programs
Article 1
Legislative Purpose
§ 465.5. Legislative intent

Article 3
Establishment and Administration of Programs
§ 467. Dispute Resolution Advisory Council
§ 467.1. Contract requirements; County programs
§ 467.2. Eligibility for program funding
§ 467.3. Provision of written statement to parties; Contents
§ 467.4. Agreements resolving disputes; Enforcement; Admissibility in evidence;
Tolling statute of limitations
§ 467.5. Communications during mediation proceedings
§ 467.6. Statistical records; Anonymity of parties
§ 467.7. Withdrawal from dispute resolution; Criminal complaints; Waiver of right
to counsel

Article 4
Application Procedures
§ 468.1. Selection of programs
§ 468.2. Applications; Required information
§ 468.3. Funding priorities; Criteria

Article 6
Funding
§ 470.1. Acceptance of funds by grant recipients
§ 470.2. County’s share of funding
§ 470.3. [Section repealed 2006.]
§ 470.5. Monthly distributions from filing fees for support of dispute resolution
programs
§ 470.6. Carry over of moneys and fees

Article 7
Rules and Regulations
§ 471.3. Statewide uniformity with guidelines contained in rules and regulations
§ 471.5. Annual provision of statistical data
178 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Chapter 1
The Department

§ 100. Establishment
There is in the state government, in the Business, Consumer Ser-
vices, and Housing Agency, a Department of Consumer Affairs.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1969 ch 138 § 5; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 4; Stats 1984
ch 144 § 1. See this section as modified in Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 § 1 of
2012. Amended Stats 2012 ch 147 § 1 (SB 1039), effective January 1, 2013, operative
July 1, 2013 (ch 147 prevails).

§ 101. Composition of department

The department is comprised of the following:
(a) The Dental Board of California.
(b) The Medical Board of California.
(c) The State Board of Optometry.
(d) The California State Board of Pharmacy.
(e) The Veterinary Medical Board.
(f) The California Board of Accountancy.
(g) The California Architects Board.
(h) The Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology.
(i) The Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
(j) The Contractors’ State License Board.
(k) The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
(l ) The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnish-
ings, and Thermal Insulation.
(m) The Board of Registered Nursing.
(n) The Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(o) The State Athletic Commission.
(p) The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
(q) The State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
(r) The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
(s) The Court Reporters Board of California.
(t) The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
(u) The Landscape Architects Technical Committee.
(v) The Division of Investigation.
(w) The Bureau of Automotive Repair.
(x) The Respiratory Care Board of California.
(y) The Acupuncture Board.
(z) The Board of Psychology.
(aa) The California Board of Podiatric Medicine.
(ab) The Physical Therapy Board of California.
(ac) The Arbitration Review Program.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 179

(ad) The Physician Assistant Committee.

(ae) The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board.
(af) The California Board of Occupational Therapy.
(ag) The Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
(ah) The Naturopathic Medicine Committee.
(ai) The Dental Hygiene Committee of California.
(aj) The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.
(ak) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
(al) The Bureau of Real Estate.
(am) The Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers.
(an) The Structural Pest Control Board.
(ao) The Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation.
(ap) Any other boards, offices, or officers subject to its jurisdiction
by law.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1939 ch 651 § 1; Stats 1947 ch 1350 § 2; Stats 1953
ch 966 § 1; Stats 1955 ch 965 § 1; Stats 1961 ch 1095 § 1; Stats 1968 ch 444 § 1, ch 1323
§ 1; Stats 1969 ch 1249 § 5; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 5, ch 1578 § 1, ch 1593 § 23.1, operative
July 1, 1973; Stats 1972 ch 749 § 1, ch 1396 § 2; Stats 1973 ch 122 § 2.2, effective June
29, 1973, ch 863 § 1; Stats 1974 ch 546 § 1; Stats 1977 ch 141 § 1, effective June 29,
1977; Stats 1983 ch 150 § 1; Stats 1985 ch 1230 § 1; Stats 1987 ch 925 § 1, effective
September 22, 1987; Stats 1989 ch 886 § 1; Stats 1990 ch 1256 § 1 (AB 2649); Stats
1991 ch 359 § 1 (AB 1332), ch 654 § 2 (AB 1893); Stats 1993 ch 1263 § 1 (AB 936); Stats
1994 ch 26 § 3 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994, ch 1274 § 1 (SB 2039), ch 1275 § 1
(SB 2101); Stats 1995 ch 60 § 1 (SB 42), effective July 6, 1995; Stats 1997 ch 758 § 1
(SB 1346), ch 759 § 1.5 (SB 827); Stats 1998 ch 59 § 2 (AB 969); Stats 1999 ch 655 § 1.1
(SB 1308); Stats 2000 ch 697 § 1 (SB 1046); Stats 2001 ch 615 § 1 (SB 26), effective
October 9, 2001, ch 687 § 1.5 (AB 1409); Stats 2003 ch 485 § 1 (SB 907); Stats 2008 ch
31 § 1 (SB 853), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2009–2010 4th Ex Sess ch 18 § 1 (AB
20XXXX), effective October 23, 2009; Stats 2009 ch 308 § 2 (SB 819), effective January
1, 2010, ch 309 § 1 (AB 1535), effective January 1, 2010, ch 310 § 2.7 (AB 48), effective
January 1, 2010. See this section as modified in Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 2
§ 2 of 2012. Amended Stats 2013 ch 352 § 3 (AB 1317), effective September 26, 2013,
operative July 1, 2013; Stats 2015 ch 689 § 2 (AB 266), effective January 1, 2016; Stats
2016 ch 32 § 2 (SB 837), effective June 27, 2016.

§ 101.1. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1994 ch 908 § 2 (SB 2036). Amended Stats 1999 ch 983 § 1 (SB 1307). Re-
pealed Stats 2010 ch 670 § 2 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed section
related to legislative intent regarding existing and proposed consumer-related boards.

§ 101.6. Purpose
The boards, bureaus, and commissions in the department are estab-
lished for the purpose of ensuring that those private businesses and
professions deemed to engage in activities which have potential im-
pact upon the public health, safety, and welfare are adequately regu-
lated in order to protect the people of California.
180 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

To this end, they establish minimum qualifications and levels of

competency and license persons desiring to engage in the occupa-
tions they regulate upon determining that such persons possess the
requisite skills and qualifications necessary to provide safe and ef-
fective services to the public, or register or otherwise certify persons
in order to identify practitioners and ensure performance according
to set and accepted professional standards. They provide a means
for redress of grievances by investigating allegations of unprofes-
sional conduct, incompetence, fraudulent action, or unlawful activity
brought to their attention by members of the public and institute
disciplinary action against persons licensed or registered under the
provisions of this code when such action is warranted. In addition,
they conduct periodic checks of licensees, registrants, or otherwise
certified persons in order to ensure compliance with the relevant
sections of this code.
Added Stats 1980 ch 375 § 1.

§ 101.7. Meetings of boards; Regular and special

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, boards shall meet
at least three times each calendar year. Boards shall meet at least
once each calendar year in northern California and once each calen-
dar year in southern California in order to facilitate participation by
the public and its licensees.
(b) The director at his or her discretion may exempt any board from
the requirement in subdivision (a) upon a showing of good cause that
the board is not able to meet at least three times in a calendar year.
(c) The director may call for a special meeting of the board when a
board is not fulfilling its duties.
Added Stats 2007 ch 354 § 1 (SB 1047), effective January 1, 2008.

§ 102. Assumption of duties of board created by initiative

Upon the request of any board regulating, licensing, or controlling
any professional or vocational occupation created by an initiative act,
the Director of Consumer Affairs may take over the duties of the
board under the same conditions and in the same manner as provided
in this code for other boards of like character. Such boards shall pay a
proportionate cost of the administration of the department on the
same basis as is charged other boards included within the depart-
ment. Upon request from any such board which has adopted the pro-
visions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of
Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code as rules of procedure in
proceedings before it, the director shall assign hearing officers for
such proceedings in accordance with Section 110.5.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1945 ch 869 § 1; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 6.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 181

§ 102.3. Interagency agreement to delegate duties of certain

repealed boards; Technical committees for regulation of
professions under delegated authority; Renewal of agreement
(a) The director may enter into an interagency agreement with an
appropriate entity within the Department of Consumer Affairs as
provided for in Section 101 to delegate the duties, powers, purposes,
responsibilities, and jurisdiction that have been succeeded and vested
with the department, of a board, as defined in Section 477, which be-
came inoperative and was repealed in accordance with Chapter 908 of
the Statutes of 1994.
(b)(1) Where, pursuant to subdivision (a), an interagency agreement
is entered into between the director and that entity, the entity receiv-
ing the delegation of authority may establish a technical committee to
regulate, as directed by the entity, the profession subject to the au-
thority that has been delegated. The entity may delegate to the tech-
nical committee only those powers that it received pursuant to the
interagency agreement with the director. The technical committee
shall have only those powers that have been delegated to it by the
entity.
(2) Where the entity delegates its authority to adopt, amend, or re-
peal regulations to the technical committee, all regulations adopted,
amended, or repealed by the technical committee shall be subject to
the review and approval of the entity.
(3) The entity shall not delegate to a technical committee its author-
ity to discipline a licentiate who has violated the provisions of the ap-
plicable chapter of the Business and Professions Code that is subject
to the director’s delegation of authority to the entity.
(c) An interagency agreement entered into, pursuant to subdivision
(a), shall continue until such time as the licensing program adminis-
tered by the technical committee has undergone a review by the Joint
Committee on Boards, Commissions, and Consumer Protection to
evaluate and determine whether the licensing program has demon-
strated a public need for its continued existence. Thereafter, at the
director’s discretion, the interagency agreement may be renewed.
Added Stats 1997 ch 475 § 1 (AB 1546). Amended Stats 2004 ch 33 § 2 (AB 1467), effec-
tive April 13, 2004.

§ 103. Compensation and reimbursement for expenses

Each member of a board, commission, or committee created in the
various chapters of Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) and
Division 3 (commencing with Section 5000), and in Chapter 2 (com-
mencing with Section 18600) and Chapter 3 (commencing with Sec-
tion 19000) of Division 8, shall receive the moneys specified in this
section when authorized by the respective provisions.
182 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Each such member shall receive a per diem of one hundred dollars
($100) for each day actually spent in the discharge of official duties,
and shall be reimbursed for traveling and other expenses necessarily
incurred in the performance of official duties.
The payments in each instance shall be made only from the fund
from which the expenses of the agency are paid and shall be subject
to the availability of money.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no public officer or em-
ployee shall receive per diem salary compensation for serving on
those boards, commissions, committees, or the Consumer Advisory
Council on any day when the officer or employee also received com-
pensation for his or her regular public employment.
Added Stats 1959 ch 1645 § 1. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1141 § 1; Stats 1985 ch 502 § 1;
Stats 1987 ch 850 § 1; Stats 1993 ch 1264 § 1 (SB 574).

§ 105.5. Tenure of members of boards, etc., within

department
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, each member of a
board, commission, examining committee, or other similarly consti-
tuted agency within the department shall hold office until the ap-
pointment and qualification of his successor or until one year shall
have elapsed since the expiration of the term for which he was ap-
pointed, whichever first occurs.
Added Stats 1967 ch 524 § 1.

§ 106. Removal of board members

The Governor has power to remove from office at any time, any
member of any board appointed by him for continued neglect of duties
required by law, or for incompetence, or unprofessional or dishonora-
ble conduct. Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation
or restriction on the power of the Governor, conferred on him by any
other provision of law, to remove any member of any board.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1276 § 3.

§ 106.5. Removal of member of licensing board for disclosure

of examination information
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Governor may re-
move from office a member of a board or other licensing entity in the
department if it is shown that such member has knowledge of the
specific questions to be asked on the licensing entity’s next examina-
tion and directly or indirectly discloses any such question or ques-
tions in advance of or during the examination to any applicant for
that examination.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 183

The proceedings for removal shall be conducted in accordance with

the provisions of Chapter 5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the
Government Code, and the Governor shall have all the powers grant-
ed therein.
Added Stats 1977 ch 482 § 1.

§ 107. Executive officers

Pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 4 of Article VII of the Califor-
nia Constitution, each board may appoint a person exempt from civil
service and may fix his or her salary, with the approval of the De-
partment of Human Resources pursuant to Section 19825 of the Gov-
ernment Code, who shall be designated as an executive officer unless
the licensing act of the particular board designates the person as a
registrar.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1984 ch 47 § 2, effective March 21, 1984; Stats
1987 ch 850 § 2. See this section as modified in Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1
§ 1 of 2011. Amended Stats 2012 ch 665 § 1 (SB 1308), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 107.5. Official seals

If any board in the department uses an official seal pursuant to any
provision of this code, the seal shall contain the words “State of Cali-
fornia” and “Department of Consumer Affairs” in addition to the title
of the board, and shall be in a form approved by the director.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1272 § 1. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 7.

§ 108. Status and powers of boards

Each of the boards comprising the department exists as a separate
unit, and has the functions of setting standards, holding meetings,
and setting dates thereof, preparing and conducting examinations,
passing upon applicants, conducting investigations of violations of
laws under its jurisdiction, issuing citations and holding hearings for
the revocation of licenses, and the imposing of penalties following
those hearings, insofar as these powers are given by statute to each
respective board.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 2008 ch 179 § 1 (SB 1498), effective January 1,
2009.

§ 108.5. Witness fees and expenses

In any investigation, proceeding or hearing which any board, com-
mission or officer in the department is empowered to institute, con-
duct, or hold, any witness appearing at such investigation, proceeding
or hearing whether upon a subpoena or voluntarily, may be paid the
sum of twelve dollars ($12) per day for every day in actual attendance
184 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

at such investigation, proceeding or hearing and for his actual, neces-

sary and reasonable expenses and such sums shall be a legal charge
against the funds of the respective board, commission or officer; pro-
vided further, that no witness appearing other than at the instance of
the board, commission or officer may be compensated out of such fund.
The board, commission or officer will determine the sums due any
such witness and enter the amount on its minutes.
Added Stats 1943 ch 1035 § 1. Amended Stats 1957 ch 1908 § 6; Stats 1970 ch 1061 § 1.

§ 109. Review of decisions; Investigations

(a) The decisions of any of the boards comprising the department
with respect to setting standards, conducting examinations, passing
candidates, and revoking licenses, are not subject to review by the di-
rector, but are final within the limits provided by this code which are
applicable to the particular board, except as provided in this section.
(b) The director may initiate an investigation of any allegations of
misconduct in the preparation, administration, or scoring of an ex-
amination which is administered by a board, or in the review of qual-
ifications which are a part of the licensing process of any board. A
request for investigation shall be made by the director to the Divi-
sion of Investigation through the chief of the division or to any law
enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the alleged misconduct
occurred.
(c) The director may intervene in any matter of any board where an
investigation by the Division of Investigation discloses probable cause
to believe that the conduct or activity of a board, or its members or
employees constitutes a violation of criminal law.
The term “intervene,” as used in paragraph (c) of this section may
include, but is not limited to, an application for a restraining order or
injunctive relief as specified in Section 123.5, or a referral or request
for criminal prosecution. For purposes of this section, the director
shall be deemed to have standing under Section 123.5 and shall seek
representation of the Attorney General, or other appropriate counsel
in the event of a conflict in pursuing that action.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1991 ch 1013 § 1 (SB 961).

§ 110. Records and property

The department shall have possession and control of all records,
books, papers, offices, equipment, supplies, funds, appropriations,
land and other property—real or personal—now or hereafter held for
the benefit or use of all of the bodies, offices or officers comprising the
department. The title to all property held by any of these bodies, of-
fices or officers for the use and benefit of the state, is vested in the
State of California to be held in the possession of the department. Ex-
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 185

cept as authorized by a board, the department shall not have the pos-
session and control of examination questions prior to submission to
applicants at scheduled examinations.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1996 ch 829 § 1 (AB 3473).

§ 111. Commissioners on examination

Unless otherwise expressly provided, any board may, with the ap-
proval of the appointing power, appoint qualified persons, who shall
be designated as commissioners on examination, to give the whole or
any portion of any examination. A commissioner on examination need
not be a member of the board but he shall have the same qualifica-
tions as one and shall be subject to the same rules.
Added Stats 1937 ch 474. Amended Stats 1947 ch 1350 § 3; Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 1.

§ 112. Publication and sale of directories of authorized

persons
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, no agency in the
department, with the exception of the Board for Professional Engineers
and Land Surveyors, shall be required to compile, publish, sell, or oth-
erwise distribute a directory. When an agency deems it necessary to
compile and publish a directory, the agency shall cooperate with the
director in determining its form and content, the time and frequency of
its publication, the persons to whom it is to be sold or otherwise dis-
tributed, and its price if it is sold. Any agency that requires the ap-
proval of the director for the compilation, publication, or distribution of
a directory, under the law in effect at the time the amendment made to
this section at the 1970 Regular Session of the Legislature becomes
effective, shall continue to require that approval. As used in this sec-
tion, “directory” means a directory, roster, register, or similar compila-
tion of the names of persons who hold a license, certificate, permit, reg-
istration, or similar indicia of authority from the agency.
Added Stats 1937 ch 474. Amended Stats 1968 ch 1345 § 1; Stats 1970 ch 475 § 1; Stats
1998 ch 59 § 3 (AB 969).

§ 113. Conferences; Traveling expenses

Upon recommendation of the director, officers, and employees of the
department, and the officers, members, and employees of the boards,
committees, and commissions comprising it or subject to its jurisdic-
tion may confer, in this state or elsewhere, with officers or employees
of this state, its political subdivisions, other states, or the United
States, or with other persons, associations, or organizations as may
be of assistance to the department, board, committee, or commission
in the conduct of its work. The officers, members, and employees shall
186 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

be entitled to their actual traveling expenses incurred in pursuance

hereof, but when these expenses are incurred with respect to travel
outside of the state, they shall be subject to the approval of the Gov-
ernor and the Director of Finance.
Added Stats 1937 ch 474. Amended Stats 1941 ch 885 § 1; Stats 2000 ch 277 § 1 (AB
2697); Stats 2001 ch 159 § 2 (SB 662).

§ 114. Reinstatement of expired license of licensee serving in

military
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, any licensee or
registrant of any board, commission, or bureau within the depart-
ment whose license expired while the licensee or registrant was on
active duty as a member of the California National Guard or the
United States Armed Forces, may, upon application, reinstate his or
her license or registration without examination or penalty, provided
that all of the following requirements are satisfied:
(1) His or her license or registration was valid at the time he or she
entered the California National Guard or the United States Armed
Forces.
(2) The application for reinstatement is made while serving in the
California National Guard or the United States Armed Forces, or not
later than one year from the date of discharge from active service or
return to inactive military status.
(3) The application for reinstatement is accompanied by an affidavit
showing the date of entrance into the service, whether still in the ser-
vice, or date of discharge, and the renewal fee for the current renewal
period in which the application is filed is paid.
(b) If application for reinstatement is filed more than one year after
discharge or return to inactive status, the applicant, in the discretion
of the licensing agency, may be required to pass an examination.
(c) If application for reinstatement is filed and the licensing agency
determines that the applicant has not actively engaged in the practice
of his or her profession while on active duty, then the licensing agen-
cy may require the applicant to pass an examination.
(d) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this code, any licensee
or registrant who, either part time or full time, practices in this state
the profession or vocation for which he or she is licensed or registered
shall be required to maintain his or her license in good standing even
though he or she is in military service.
For the purposes in this section, time spent by a licensee in receiv-
ing treatment or hospitalization in any veterans’ facility during which
he or she is prevented from practicing his or her profession or voca-
tion shall be excluded from said period of one year.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 187

Added Stats 1951 ch 185 § 2. Amended Stats 1953 ch 423 § 1; Stats 1961 ch 1253 § 1;
Stats 2010 ch 389 § 1 (AB 2500), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2011 ch 296 § 1 (AB
1023), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 114.3. Waiver of fees and requirements for active duty

members of armed forces and national guard
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, every board, as de-
fined in Section 22, within the department shall waive the renewal
fees, continuing education requirements, and other renewal require-
ments as determined by the board, if any are applicable, for any li-
censee or registrant called to active duty as a member of the United
States Armed Forces or the California National Guard if all of the
following requirements are met:
(1) The licensee or registrant possessed a current and valid license
with the board at the time he or she was called to active duty.
(2) The renewal requirements are waived only for the period during
which the licensee or registrant is on active duty service.
(3) Written documentation that substantiates the licensee or regis-
trant's active duty service is provided to the board.
(b) (1) Except as specified in paragraph (2), the licensee or regis-
trant shall not engage in any activities requiring a license during the
period that the waivers provided by this section are in effect.
(2) If the licensee or registrant will provide services for which he or
she is licensed while on active duty, the board shall convert the li-
cense status to military active and no private practice of any type
shall be permitted.
(c) In order to engage in any activities for which he or she is li-
censed once discharged from active duty, the licensee or registrant
shall meet all necessary renewal requirements as determined by the
board within six months from the licensee's or registrant's date of dis-
charge from active duty service.
(d) After a licensee or registrant receives notice of his or her dis-
charge date, the licensee or registrant shall notify the board of his or
her discharge from active duty within 60 days of receiving his or her
notice of discharge.
(e) A board may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this
section.
(f) This section shall not apply to any board that has a similar li-
cense renewal waiver process statutorily authorized for that board.
Added Stats 2012 ch 742 § 1 (AB 1588), effective January 1, 2013.
188 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 114.5. Military service; Posting of information on Web site

about application of military experience and training towards
licensure
(a) Each board shall inquire in every application for licensure if the
individual applying for licensure is serving in, or has previously
served in, the military.
(b) If a board’s governing law authorizes veterans to apply military
experience and training towards licensure requirements, that board
shall post information on the board’s Internet Web site about the abil-
ity of veteran applicants to apply military experience and training
towards licensure requirements.
Added Stats 2013 ch 693 § 1 (AB 1057), effective January 1, 2014. Amended Stats 2016
ch 174 § 1 (SB 1348), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 115. Applicability of Section 114

The provisions of Section 114 of this code are also applicable to a li-
censee or registrant whose license or registration was obtained while
in the armed services.
Added Stats 1951 ch 1577 § 1.

§ 115.4. Licensure process expedited for honorably

discharged veterans of Armed Forces
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, on and after July 1, 2016, a
board within the department shall expedite, and may assist, the ini-
tial licensure process for an applicant who supplies satisfactory evi-
dence to the board that the applicant has served as an active duty
member of the Armed Forces of the United States and was honorably
discharged.
(b) A board may adopt regulations necessary to administer this sec-
tion.
Added Stats 2014 ch 657 § 1 (SB 1226), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 115.5. Board required to expedite licensure process for

certain applicants; Adoption of regulations
(a) A board within the department shall expedite the licensure pro-
cess for an applicant who meets both of the following requirements:
(1) Supplies evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is
married to, or in a domestic partnership or other legal union with, an
active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is
assigned to a duty station in this state under official active duty mili-
tary orders.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 189

(2) Holds a current license in another state, district, or territory of

the United States in the profession or vocation for which he or she
seeks a license from the board.
(b) A board may adopt regulations necessary to administer this sec-
tion.
Added Stats 2012 ch 399 § 1 (AB 1904), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 118. Effect of withdrawal of application; Effect of

suspension, forfeiture, etc., of license
(a) The withdrawal of an application for a license after it has been
filed with a board in the department shall not, unless the board has
consented in writing to such withdrawal, deprive the board of its au-
thority to institute or continue a proceeding against the applicant for
the denial of the license upon any ground provided by law or to enter
an order denying the license upon any such ground.
(b) The suspension, expiration, or forfeiture by operation of law of a
license issued by a board in the department, or its suspension, forfei-
ture, or cancellation by order of the board or by order of a court of
law, or its surrender without the written consent of the board, shall
not, during any period in which it may be renewed, restored, reissued,
or reinstated, deprive the board of its authority to institute or contin-
ue a disciplinary proceeding against the licensee upon any ground
provided by law or to enter an order suspending or revoking the li-
cense or otherwise taking disciplinary action against the licensee on
any such ground.
(c) As used in this section, “board” includes an individual who is au-
thorized by any provision of this code to issue, suspend, or revoke a li-
cense, and “license” includes “certificate,” “registration,” and “permit.”
Added Stats 1961 ch 1079 § 1.

§ 119. Misdemeanors pertaining to use of licenses

Any person who does any of the following is guilty of a misdemean-
or:
(a) Displays or causes or permits to be displayed or has in his or her
possession either of the following:
(1) A canceled, revoked, suspended, or fraudulently altered license.
(2) A fictitious license or any document simulating a license or pur-
porting to be or have been issued as a license.
(b) Lends his or her license to any other person or knowingly per-
mits the use thereof by another.
(c) Displays or represents any license not issued to him or her as be-
ing his or her license.
190 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(d) Fails or refuses to surrender to the issuing authority upon its

lawful written demand any license, registration, permit, or certificate
which has been suspended, revoked, or canceled.
(e) Knowingly permits any unlawful use of a license issued to him
or her.
(f) Photographs, photostats, duplicates, manufactures, or in any
way reproduces any license or facsimile thereof in a manner that it
could be mistaken for a valid license, or displays or has in his or her
possession any such photograph, photostat, duplicate, reproduction,
or facsimile unless authorized by this code.
(g) Buys or receives a fraudulent, forged, or counterfeited license
knowing that it is fraudulent, forged, or counterfeited. For purposes
of this subdivision, “fraudulent” means containing any misrepresen-
tation of fact.
As used in this section, “license” includes “certificate,” “permit,”
“authority,” and “registration” or any other indicia giving authoriza-
tion to engage in a business or profession regulated by this code or
referred to in Section 1000 or 3600.
Added Stats 1965 ch 1083 § 1. Amended Stats 1990 ch 350 § 1 (SB 2084) (ch 1207 pre-
vails), ch 1207 § 1 (AB 3242); Stats 1994 ch 1206 § 1 (SB 1775); Stats 2000 ch 568 § 1
(AB 2888).

§ 121. Practice during period between renewal and receipt of

evidence of renewal
No licensee who has complied with the provisions of this code relat-
ing to the renewal of his or her license prior to expiration of such li-
cense shall be deemed to be engaged illegally in the practice of his or
her business or profession during any period between such renewal
and receipt of evidence of such renewal which may occur due to delay
not the fault of the applicant.
As used in this section, “license” includes “certificate,” “permit,”
“authorization,” and “registration,” or any other indicia giving author-
ization, by any agency, board, bureau, commission, committee, or en-
tity within the Department of Consumer Affairs, to engage in a busi-
ness or profession regulated by this code or by the board referred to in
the Chiropractic Act or the Osteopathic Act.
Added Stats 1979 ch 77 § 1.

§ 121.5. Application of fees to licenses or registrations

lawfully inactivated
Except as otherwise provided in this code, the application of delin-
quency fees or accrued and unpaid renewal fees for the renewal of
expired licenses or registrations shall not apply to licenses or regis-
trations that have lawfully been designated as inactive or retired.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 191

Added Stats 2001 ch 435 § 1 (SB 349).

§ 122. Fee for issuance of duplicate certificate

Except as otherwise provided by law, the department and each of
the boards, bureaus, committees, and commissions within the de-
partment may charge a fee for the processing and issuance of a dupli-
cate copy of any certificate of licensure or other form evidencing licen-
sure or renewal of licensure. The fee shall be in an amount sufficient
to cover all costs incident to the issuance of the duplicate certificate or
other form but shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).
Added Stats 1986 ch 951 § 1.

§ 123. Conduct constituting subversion of licensing

examination; Penalties and damages
It is a misdemeanor for any person to engage in any conduct which
subverts or attempts to subvert any licensing examination or the ad-
ministration of an examination, including, but not limited to:
(a) Conduct which violates the security of the examination materi-
als; removing from the examination room any examination materials
without authorization; the unauthorized reproduction by any means
of any portion of the actual licensing examination; aiding by any
means the unauthorized reproduction of any portion of the actual li-
censing examination; paying or using professional or paid examina-
tion-takers for the purpose of reconstructing any portion of the licens-
ing examination; obtaining examination questions or other examina-
tion material, except by specific authorization either before, during,
or after an examination; or using or purporting to use any examina-
tion questions or materials which were improperly removed or taken
from any examination for the purpose of instructing or preparing any
applicant for examination; or selling, distributing, buying, receiving,
or having unauthorized possession of any portion of a future, current,
or previously administered licensing examination.
(b) Communicating with any other examinee during the admin-
istration of a licensing examination; copying answers from another
examinee or permitting one’s answers to be copied by another exami-
nee; having in one’s possession during the administration of the li-
censing examination any books, equipment, notes, written or printed
materials, or data of any kind, other than the examination materials
distributed, or otherwise authorized to be in one’s possession during
the examination; or impersonating any examinee or having an imper-
sonator take the licensing examination on one’s behalf.
Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under the author-
ity provided for in any other provision of law.
192 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

In addition to any other penalties, a person found guilty of violating

this section, shall be liable for the actual damages sustained by the
agency administering the examination not to exceed ten thousand
dollars ($10,000) and the costs of litigation.
(c) If any provision of this section or the application thereof to any
person or circumstances is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect
other provisions or applications of the section that can be given effect
without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the pro-
visions of this section are severable.
Added Stats 1989 ch 1022 § 1. Amended Stats 1991 ch 647 § 1 (SB 879).

§ 123.5. Enjoining violations

Whenever any person has engaged, or is about to engage, in any
acts or practices which constitute, or will constitute, a violation of
Section 123, the superior court in and for the county wherein the acts
or practices take place, or are about to take place, may issue an in-
junction, or other appropriate order, restraining such conduct on ap-
plication of a board, the Attorney General or the district attorney of
the county.
The proceedings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3
(commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil
Procedure.
The remedy provided for by this section shall be in addition to, and
not a limitation on, the authority provided for in any other provision
of law.
Added Stats 1983 ch 95 § 2, as B & P C § 497. Amended and Renumbered by Stats
1989 ch 1022 § 4.

§ 124. Manner of notice

Notwithstanding subdivision (c) of Section 11505 of the Govern-
ment Code, whenever written notice, including a notice, order, or
document served pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section
11340), Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 11370), or Chapter 5
(commencing with Section 11500), of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of
the Government Code, is required to be given by any board in the de-
partment, the notice may be given by regular mail addressed to the
last known address of the licentiate or by personal service, at the op-
tion of the board.
Added Stats 1961 ch 1253 § 2. Amended Stats 1994 ch 26 § 4 (AB 1807), effective
March 30, 1994; Stats 1995 ch 938 § 1 (SB 523), operative July 1, 1997.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 193

§ 125. Misdemeanor offenses by licensees

Any person, licensed under Division 1 (commencing with Section
100), Division 2(commencing with Section 500 ), or Division
3(commencing with Section 5000) is guilty of a misdemeanor and sub-
ject to the disciplinary provisions of this code applicable to him or her,
who conspires with a person not so licensed to violate any provision of
this code, or who, with intent to aid or assist that person in violating
those provisions does either of the following:
(a) Allows his or her license to be used by that person.
(b) Acts as his or her agent or partner.
Added Stats 1949 ch 308 § 1. Amended Stats 1994 ch 1206 § 2 (SB 1775).

§ 125.3. Direction to licentiate violating licensing act to pay

costs of investigation and enforcement
(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, in any order issued in reso-
lution of a disciplinary proceeding before any board within the de-
partment or before the Osteopathic Medical Board, upon request of
the entity bringing the proceeding, the administrative law judge may
direct a licentiate found to have committed a violation or violations of
the licensing act to pay a sum not to exceed the reasonable costs of
the investigation and enforcement of the case.
(b) In the case of a disciplined licentiate that is a corporation or a
partnership, the order may be made against the licensed corporate
entity or licensed partnership.
(c) A certified copy of the actual costs, or a good faith estimate of
costs where actual costs are not available, signed by the entity bring-
ing the proceeding or its designated representative shall be prima
facie evidence of reasonable costs of investigation and prosecution of
the case. The costs shall include the amount of investigative and en-
forcement costs up to the date of the hearing, including, but not lim-
ited to, charges imposed by the Attorney General.
(d) The administrative law judge shall make a proposed finding of
the amount of reasonable costs of investigation and prosecution of the
case when requested pursuant to subdivision (a). The finding of the
administrative law judge with regard to costs shall not be reviewable
by the board to increase the cost award. The board may reduce or
eliminate the cost award, or remand to the administrative law judge
if the proposed decision fails to make a finding on costs requested
pursuant to subdivision (a).
(e) If an order for recovery of costs is made and timely payment is
not made as directed in the board’s decision, the board may enforce
the order for repayment in any appropriate court. This right of en-
forcement shall be in addition to any other rights the board may have
as to any licentiate to pay costs.
194 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(f) In any action for recovery of costs, proof of the board’s decision
shall be conclusive proof of the validity of the order of payment and
the terms for payment.
(g) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the board shall not re-
new or reinstate the license of any licentiate who has failed to pay all
of the costs ordered under this section.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the board may, in its discretion,
conditionally renew or reinstate for a maximum of one year the li-
cense of any licentiate who demonstrates financial hardship and who
enters into a formal agreement with the board to reimburse the board
within that one-year period for the unpaid costs.
(h) All costs recovered under this section shall be considered a re-
imbursement for costs incurred and shall be deposited in the fund of
the board recovering the costs to be available upon appropriation by
the Legislature.
(i) Nothing in this section shall preclude a board from including the
recovery of the costs of investigation and enforcement of a case in any
stipulated settlement.
(j) This section does not apply to any board if a specific statutory
provision in that board’s licensing act provides for recovery of costs in
an administrative disciplinary proceeding.
(k) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Medical
Board of California shall not request nor obtain from a physician and
surgeon, investigation and prosecution costs for a disciplinary pro-
ceeding against the licentiate. The board shall ensure that this subdi-
vision is revenue neutral with regard to it and that any loss of reve-
nue or increase in costs resulting from this subdivision is offset by an
increase in the amount of the initial license fee and the biennial re-
newal fee, as provided in subdivision (e) of Section 2435.
Added Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 1 (AB 2743), effective January 1, 1993. Amended Stats
2001 ch 728 § 1 (SB 724); Stats 2005 ch 674 § 2 (SB 231), effective January 1, 2006;
Stats 2006 ch 223 § 2 (SB 1438), effective January 1, 2007.

§ 125.5. Enjoining violations; Restitution orders

(a) The superior court for the county in which any person has en-
gaged or is about to engage in any act which constitutes a violation of
a chapter of this code administered or enforced by a board within the
department may, upon a petition filed by the board with the approval
of the director, issue an injunction or other appropriate order re-
straining such conduct. The proceedings under this section shall be
governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of
Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. As used in this section, “board”
includes commission, bureau, division, agency and a medical quality
review committee.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 195

(b) The superior court for the county in which any person has en-
gaged in any act which constitutes a violation of a chapter of this code
administered or enforced by a board within the department may, up-
on a petition filed by the board with the approval of the director, or-
der such person to make restitution to persons injured as a result of
such violation.
(c) The court may order a person subject to an injunction or re-
straining order, provided for in subdivision (a) of this section, or sub-
ject to an order requiring restitution pursuant to subdivision (b), to
reimburse the petitioning board for expenses incurred by the board in
its investigation related to its petition.
(d) The remedy provided for by this section shall be in addition to,
and not a limitation on, the authority provided for in any other sec-
tion of this code.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1238 § 1. Amended Stats 1973 ch 632 § 1; Stats 2d Ex Sess 1975
ch 1 § 2; Stats 1982 ch 517 § 1.

§ 125.6. Unlawful discrimination by licensees

(a) With regard to an applicant, every person who holds a license
under the provisions of this code is subject to disciplinary action un-
der the disciplinary provisions of this code applicable to that person
if, because of any characteristic listed or defined in subdivision (b) or
(e) of Section 51 of the Civil Code, he or she refuses to perform the
licensed activity or aids or incites the refusal to perform that licensed
activity by another licensee, or if, because of any characteristic listed
or defined in subdivision (b) or (e) of Section 51 of the Civil Code, he
or she makes any discrimination, or restriction in the performance of
the licensed activity. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to
apply to discrimination by employers with regard to employees or
prospective employees, nor shall this section authorize action against
any club license issued pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Sec-
tion 23425) of Chapter 3 of Division 9 because of discriminatory
membership policy. The presence of architectural barriers to an indi-
vidual with physical disabilities that conform to applicable state or
local building codes and regulations shall not constitute discrimina-
tion under this section.
(b)(1) Nothing in this section requires a person licensed pursuant to
Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) to permit an individual to
participate in, or benefit from, the licensed activity of the licensee
where that individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of
others. For this purpose, the term “direct threat” means a significant
risk to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a
modification of policies, practices, or procedures or by the provision of
auxiliary aids and services.
196 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(2) Nothing in this section requires a person licensed pursuant to

Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) to perform a licensed activ-
ity for which he or she is not qualified to perform.
(c)(1) “Applicant,” as used in this section, means a person applying
for licensed services provided by a person licensed under this code.
(2) “License,” as used in this section, includes “certificate,” “permit,”
“authority,” and “registration” or any other indicia giving authoriza-
tion to engage in a business or profession regulated by this code.
Added Stats 1974 ch 1350 § 1. Amended Stats 1977 ch 293 § 1; Stats 1980 ch 191 § 1;
Stats 1992 ch 913 § 2 (AB 1077); Stats 2007 ch 568 § 2 (AB 14), effective January 1,
2008.

§ 125.7. Restraining orders

In addition to the remedy provided for in Section 125.5, the superior
court for the county in which any licensee licensed under Division 2
(commencing with Section 500), or any initiative act referred to in
that division, has engaged or is about to engage in any act that con-
stitutes a violation of a chapter of this code administered or enforced
by a board referred to in Division 2 (commencing with Section 500),
may, upon a petition filed by the board and accompanied by an affi-
davit or affidavits in support thereof and a memorandum of points
and authorities, issue a temporary restraining order or other appro-
priate order restraining the licensee from engaging in the business or
profession for which the person is licensed or from any part thereof,
in accordance with this section.
(a) If the affidavits in support of the petition show that the licensee
has engaged or is about to engage in acts or omissions constituting a
violation of a chapter of this code and if the court is satisfied that
permitting the licensee to continue to engage in the business or pro-
fession for which the license was issued will endanger the public
health, safety, or welfare, the court may issue an order temporarily
restraining the licensee from engaging in the profession for which he
or she is licensed.
(b) The order may not be issued without notice to the licensee unless
it appears from facts shown by the affidavits that serious injury would
result to the public before the matter can be heard on notice.
(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided by this section, proceed-
ings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing
with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(d) When a restraining order is issued pursuant to this section, or
within a time to be allowed by the superior court, but in any case not
more than 30 days after the restraining order is issued, an accusation
shall be filed with the board pursuant to Section 11503 of the Gov-
ernment Code or, in the case of a licensee of the State Department of
Health Services, with that department pursuant to Section 100171 of
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 197

the Health and Safety Code. The accusation shall be served upon the
licensee as provided by Section 11505 of the Government Code. The
licensee shall have all of the rights and privileges available as speci-
fied in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Divi-
sion 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. However, if the licensee re-
quests a hearing on the accusation, the board shall provide the licen-
see with a hearing within 30 days of the request and a decision within
15 days of the date the decision is received from the administrative
law judge, or the court may nullify the restraining order previously
issued. Any restraining order issued pursuant to this section shall be
dissolved by operation of law at the time the board’s decision is sub-
ject to judicial review pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil
Procedure.
(e) The remedy provided for in this section shall be in addition to,
and not a limitation upon, the authority provided by any other provi-
sion of this code.
Added Stats 1977 ch 292 § 1. Amended Stats 1982 ch 517 § 2; Stats 1994 ch 1206 § 3
(SB 1775); Stats 1997 ch 220 § 1 (SB 68), effective August 4, 1997; Stats 1998 ch 878
§ 1.5 (SB 2239).

§ 125.8. Temporary order restraining licensee engaged or

about to engage in violation of law
In addition to the remedy provided for in Section 125.5, the supe-
rior court for the county in which any licensee licensed under Divi-
sion 3 (commencing with Section 5000) or Chapter 2 (commencing
with Section 18600) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 19000)
of Division 8 has engaged or is about to engage in any act which
constitutes a violation of a chapter of this code administered or en-
forced by a board referred to in Division 3 (commencing with Section
5000) or Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 18600) or Chapter 3
(commencing with Section 19000) of Division 8 may, upon a petition
filed by the board and accompanied by an affidavit or affidavits in
support thereof and a memorandum of points and authorities, issue
a temporary restraining order or other appropriate order restrain-
ing the licensee from engaging in the business or profession for
which the person is licensed or from any part thereof, in accordance
with the provisions of this section.
(a) If the affidavits in support of the petition show that the licensee
has engaged or is about to engage in acts or omissions constituting a
violation of a chapter of this code and if the court is satisfied that
permitting the licensee to continue to engage in the business or pro-
fession for which the license was issued will endanger the public
health, safety, or welfare, the court may issue an order temporarily
restraining the licensee from engaging in the profession for which he
is licensed.
198 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(b) Such order may not be issued without notice to the licensee un-
less it appears from facts shown by the affidavits that serious injury
would result to the public before the matter can be heard on notice.
(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided by this section, proceed-
ings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing
with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(d) When a restraining order is issued pursuant to this section, or
within a time to be allowed by the superior court, but in any case not
more than 30 days after the restraining order is issued, an accusation
shall be filed with the board pursuant to Section 11503 of the Gov-
ernment Code. The accusation shall be served upon the licensee as
provided by Section 11505 of the Government Code. The licensee
shall have all of the rights and privileges available as specified in
Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of
Title 2 of the Government Code; however, if the licensee requests a
hearing on the accusation, the board must provide the licensee with a
hearing within 30 days of the request and a decision within 15 days of
the date of the conclusion of the hearing, or the court may nullify the
restraining order previously issued. Any restraining order issued
pursuant to this section shall be dissolved by operation of law at such
time the board’s decision is subject to judicial review pursuant to Sec-
tion 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Added Stats 1977 ch 443 § 1. Amended Stats 1982 ch 517 § 3.

§ 125.9. System for issuance of citations to licensees;

Contents; Fines
(a) Except with respect to persons regulated under Chapter 11
(commencing with Section 7500), any board, bureau, or commission
within the department, the board created by the Chiropractic Initia-
tive Act, and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, may estab-
lish, by regulation, a system for the issuance to a licensee of a citation
which may contain an order of abatement or an order to pay an ad-
ministrative fine assessed by the board, bureau, or commission where
the licensee is in violation of the applicable licensing act or any regu-
lation adopted pursuant thereto.
(b) The system shall contain the following provisions:
(1) Citations shall be in writing and shall describe with particulari-
ty the nature of the violation, including specific reference to the pro-
vision of law determined to have been violated.
(2) Whenever appropriate, the citation shall contain an order of
abatement fixing a reasonable time for abatement of the violation.
(3) In no event shall the administrative fine assessed by the board,
bureau, or commission exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each
inspection or each investigation made with respect to the violation, or
five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation or count if the viola-
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 199

tion involves fraudulent billing submitted to an insurance company,

the Medi-Cal program, or Medicare. In assessing a fine, the board,
bureau, or commission shall give due consideration to the appropri-
ateness of the amount of the fine with respect to factors such as the
gravity of the violation, the good faith of the licensee, and the history
of previous violations.
(4) A citation or fine assessment issued pursuant to a citation shall
inform the licensee that if he or she desires a hearing to contest the
finding of a violation, that hearing shall be requested by written no-
tice to the board, bureau, or commission within 30 days of the date of
issuance of the citation or assessment. If a hearing is not requested
pursuant to this section, payment of any fine shall not constitute an
admission of the violation charged. Hearings shall be held pursuant
to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3
of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(5) Failure of a licensee to pay a fine within 30 days of the date of
assessment, unless the citation is being appealed, may result in disci-
plinary action being taken by the board, bureau, or commission.
Where a citation is not contested and a fine is not paid, the full
amount of the assessed fine shall be added to the fee for renewal of
the license. A license shall not be renewed without payment of the
renewal fee and fine.
(c) The system may contain the following provisions:
(1) A citation may be issued without the assessment of an adminis-
trative fine.
(2) Assessment of administrative fines may be limited to only par-
ticular violations of the applicable licensing act.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a fine is paid to
satisfy an assessment based on the finding of a violation, payment of
the fine shall be represented as satisfactory resolution of the matter
for purposes of public disclosure.
(e) Administrative fines collected pursuant to this section shall be
deposited in the special fund of the particular board, bureau, or com-
mission.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1379 § 2. Amended Stats 1987 ch 1088 § 1; Stats 1991 ch 521 § 1
(SB 650); Stats 1995 ch 381 § 4 (AB 910), effective August 4, 1995, ch 708 § 1 (SB 609);
Stats 2000 ch 197 § 1 (SB 1636); Stats 2001 ch 309 § 1 (AB 761), ch 728 § 1.2 (SB 724);
Stats 2003 ch 788 § 1 (SB 362); Stats 2012 ch 291 § 1 (SB 1077), effective January 1,
2013.

§ 126. Submission of reports to Governor

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, any board, com-
mission, examining committee, or other similarly constituted agency
within the department required prior to the effective date of this sec-
200 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

tion to submit reports to the Governor under any provision of this

code shall not be required to submit such reports.
Added Stats 1967 ch 660 § 1.

§ 127. Submission of reports to director

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the director may
require such reports from any board, commission, examining commit-
tee, or other similarly constituted agency within the department as
he deems reasonably necessary on any phase of their operations.
Added Stats 1967 ch 660 § 2.

§ 128. Sale of equipment, supplies, or services for use in

violation of licensing requirements
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is a misdemeanor to
sell equipment, supplies, or services to any person with knowledge
that the equipment, supplies, or services are to be used in the per-
formance of a service or contract in violation of the licensing require-
ments of this code.
The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to cash sales of
less than one hundred dollars ($100).
For the purposes of this section, “person” includes, but is not lim-
ited to, a company, partnership, limited liability company, firm, or
corporation.
For the purposes of this section, “license” includes certificate or reg-
istration.
A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less
than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and by imprisonment in the coun-
ty jail not exceeding six months.
Added Stats 1971 ch 1052 § 1. Amended Stats 1994 ch 1010 § 1 (SB 2053).

§ 128.5. Reduction of license fees in event of surplus funds

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if at the end of any
fiscal year, an agency within the Department of Consumer Affairs,
except the agencies referred to in subdivision (b), has unencumbered
funds in an amount that equals or is more than the agency’s operat-
ing budget for the next two fiscal years, the agency shall reduce li-
cense or other fees, whether the license or other fees be fixed by stat-
ute or may be determined by the agency within limits fixed by stat-
ute, during the following fiscal year in an amount that will reduce
any surplus funds of the agency to an amount less than the agency’s
operating budget for the next two fiscal years.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if at the end of any
fiscal year, the California Architects Board, the Board of Behavioral
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 201

Sciences, the Veterinary Medical Board, the Court Reporters Board of

California, the Medical Board of California, the Board of Vocational
Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, or the Bureau of Security and
Investigative Services has unencumbered funds in an amount that
equals or is more than the agency’s operating budget for the next two
fiscal years, the agency shall reduce license or other fees, whether the
license or other fees be fixed by statute or may be determined by the
agency within limits fixed by statute, during the following fiscal year
in an amount that will reduce any surplus funds of the agency to an
amount less than the agency’s operating budget for the next two fiscal
years.
Added Stats 1972 ch 938 § 2, effective August 16, 1972, as B & P C § 128. Amended
Stats 1973 ch 863 § 3. Amended and Renumbered by Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 4. Amended
Stats 1987 ch 850 § 3; Stats 1989 ch 886 § 2; Stats 1993 ch 1263 § 2 (AB 936); Stats
1994 ch 26 § 5 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994; Stats 1995 ch 60 § 2 (SB 42), effec-
tive July 6, 1995; Stats 1997 ch 759 § 2 (SB 827); Stats 2000 ch 1054 § 1 (SB 1863);
Stats. 2009, Ch. 308 (SB 819).

§ 129. Handling of complaints; Reports to Legislature

(a) As used in this section, “board” means every board, bureau,
commission, committee and similarly constituted agency in the de-
partment which issues licenses.
(b) Each board shall, upon receipt of any complaint respecting a li-
centiate thereof, notify the complainant of the initial administrative
action taken on his complaint within 10 days of receipt. Each board
shall thereafter notify the complainant of the final action taken on his
complaint. There shall be a notification made in every case in which
the complainant is known. If the complaint is not within the jurisdic-
tion of the board or if the board is unable to dispose satisfactorily of
the complaint, the board shall transmit the complaint together with
any evidence or information it has concerning the complaint to the
agency, public or private, whose authority in the opinion of the board
will provide the most effective means to secure the relief sought. The
board shall notify the complainant of such action and of any other
means which may be available to the complainant to secure relief.
(c) The board shall, when the board deems it appropriate, notify the
person against whom the complaint is made of the nature of the com-
plaint, may request appropriate relief for the complainant, and may
meet and confer with the complainant and the licentiate in order to
mediate the complaint. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed
as authorizing or requiring any board to set or to modify any fee
charged by a licentiate.
(d) It shall be the continuing duty of the board to ascertain patterns
of complaints and to report on all actions taken with respect to such
patterns of complaints to the director and to the Legislature at least
202 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

once a year. The board shall evaluate those complaints dismissed for
lack of jurisdiction or no violation and recommend to the director and
to the Legislature at least once a year such statutory changes as it
deems necessary to implement the board’s functions and responsibili-
ties under this section.
(e) It shall be the continuing duty of the board to take whatever ac-
tion it deems necessary, with the approval of the director, to inform
the public of its functions under this section.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1041 § 1.

§ 130. Terms of office of agency members

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the term of office of any mem-
ber of an agency designated in subdivision (b) shall be for a term of
four years expiring on June 1.
(b) Subdivision (a) applies to the following boards or committees:
(1) The Medical Board of California.
(2) The California Board of Podiatric Medicine.
(3) The Physical Therapy Board of California.
(4) The Board of Registered Nursing, except as provided in subdivi-
sion (c) of Section 2703.
(5) The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
(6) The State Board of Optometry.
(7) The California State Board of Pharmacy.
(8) The Veterinary Medical Board.
(9) The California Architects Board.
(10) The Landscape Architect Technical Committee.
(11) The Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
(12) The Contractors’ State License Board.
(13) The State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
(14) The Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(15) The Court Reporters Board of California.
(16) The State Athletic Commission.
(17) The Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
(18) The Respiratory Care Board of California.
(19) The Acupuncture Board.
(20) The Board of Psychology.
(21) The Structural Pest Control Board.
Added Stats 1969 ch 465 § 1. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 8; Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 5;
Stats 1983 ch 150 § 2; Stats 1986 ch 655 § 1; Stats 1987 ch 850 § 4; Stats 1989 ch 886
§ 3; Stats 1990 ch 1256 § 2 (AB 2649); Stats 1991 ch 359 § 2 (AB 1332); Stats 1994 ch
26 § 6 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994, ch 1274 § 1.3 (SB 2039); Stats 1995 ch 60
§ 3 (SB 42), effective July 6, 1995; Stats 1997 ch 759 § 3 (SB 827); Stats 1998 ch 59 § 4
(AB 969), ch 970 § 1 (AB 2802), ch 971 § 1 (AB 2721); Stats 2000 ch 1054 § 2 (SB 1863);
Stats 2001 ch 159 § 3 (SB 662); Stats 2009–2010 4th Ex Sess ch 18 § 2 (ABX4 20), effec-
tive October 23, 2009; Stats 2012 ch 4 § 1 (SB 98), effective February 14, 2012. See this
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 203

section as modified in Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 2 § 3 of 2012. Amended

Stats 2013 ch 352 § 4 (AB 1317), effective September 26, 2013, operative July 1, 2013.

§ 131. Maximum number of terms

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no member of an agen-
cy designated in subdivision (b) of Section 130 or member of a board,
commission, committee, or similarly constituted agency in the de-
partment shall serve more than two consecutive full terms.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 1, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1987 ch 850 § 5.

§ 134. Proration of license fees

When the term of any license issued by any agency in the depart-
ment exceeds one year, initial license fees for licenses which are issued
during a current license term shall be prorated on a yearly basis.
Added Stats 1974 ch 743 § 1. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 6.

§ 135. Reexamination of applicants

No agency in the department shall, on the basis of an applicant’s
failure to successfully complete prior examinations, impose any addi-
tional limitations, restrictions, prerequisites, or requirements on any
applicant who wishes to participate in subsequent examinations ex-
cept that any examining agency which allows an applicant condition-
al credit for successfully completing a divisible part of an examination
may require that an applicant be reexamined in those parts success-
fully completed if such applicant has not successfully completed all
parts of the examination within a required period of time established
by the examining agency. Nothing in this section, however, requires
the exemption of such applicant from the regular fees and require-
ments normally associated with examinations.
Added Stats 1974 ch 743 § 2.

§ 135.5. Licensure and citizenship or immigration status

(a) The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the best interests
of the State of California to provide persons who are not lawfully pre-
sent in the United States with the state benefits provided by all li-
censing acts of entities within the department, and therefore enacts
this section pursuant to subsection (d) of Section 1621 of Title 8 of the
United States Code.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 30, and except as re-
quired by subdivision (e) of Section 7583.23, no entity within the de-
partment shall deny licensure to an applicant based on his or her citi-
zenship status or immigration status.
204 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(c) Every board within the department shall implement all required
regulatory or procedural changes necessary to implement this section
no later than January 1, 2016. A board may implement the provisions
of this section at any time prior to January 1, 2016.
Added Stats 2014 ch 752 § 2 (SB 1159), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 136. Notification of change of address; Punishment for

failure to comply
(a) Each person holding a license, certificate, registration, permit,
or other authority to engage in a profession or occupation issued by a
board within the department shall notify the issuing board at its
principal office of any change in his or her mailing address within 30
days after the change, unless the board has specified by regulations a
shorter time period.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, failure of a licentiate to
comply with the requirement in subdivision (a) constitutes grounds
for the issuance of a citation and administrative fine, if the board has
the authority to issue citations and administrative fines.
Added Stats 1994 ch 26 § 7 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994.

§ 137. Regulations requiring inclusion of license numbers in

advertising, etc.
Any agency within the department may promulgate regulations re-
quiring licensees to include their license numbers in any advertising,
soliciting, or other presentments to the public.
However, nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize
regulation of any person not a licensee who engages in advertising,
solicitation, or who makes any other presentment to the public on
behalf of a licensee. Such a person shall incur no liability pursuant to
this section for communicating in any advertising, soliciting, or other
presentment to the public a licensee’s license number exactly as pro-
vided to him by the licensee or for failure to communicate such num-
ber if none is provided to him by the licensee.
Added Stats 1974 ch 743 § 3.

§ 138. Notice that practitioner is licensed; Evaluation of

licensing examination
Every board in the department, as defined in Section 22, shall initi-
ate the process of adopting regulations on or before June 30, 1999, to
require its licentiates, as defined in Section 23.8, to provide notice to
their clients or customers that the practitioner is licensed by this
state. A board shall be exempt from the requirement to adopt regula-
tions pursuant to this section if the board has in place, in statute or
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 205

regulation, a requirement that provides for consumer notice of a prac-

titioner’s status as a licensee of this state.
Added Stats 1998 ch 879 § 1 (SB 2238). Amended Stats 1999 ch 67 § 1 (AB 1105), effec-
tive July 6, 1999.

§ 139. Policy for examination development and validation,

and occupational analysis
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that occupational analyses
and examination validation studies are fundamental components of
licensure programs. It is the intent of the Legislature that the policy
developed by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) be used by
the fiscal, policy, and sunset review committees of the Legislature in
their annual reviews of these boards, programs, and bureaus.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department
shall develop, in consultation with the boards, programs, bureaus,
and divisions under its jurisdiction, and the Osteopathic Medical
Board of California and the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a
policy regarding examination development and validation, and occu-
pational analysis. The department shall finalize and distribute this
policy by September 30, 1999, to each of the boards, programs, bu-
reaus, and divisions under its jurisdiction and to the Osteopathic
Medical Board of California and the State Board of Chiropractic Ex-
aminers. This policy shall be submitted in draft form at least 30 days
prior to that date to the appropriate fiscal, policy, and sunset review
committees of the Legislature for review. This policy shall address,
but shall not be limited to, the following issues:
(1) An appropriate schedule for examination validation and occupa-
tional analyses, and circumstances under which more frequent re-
views are appropriate.
(2) Minimum requirements for psychometrically sound examination
validation, examination development, and occupational analyses, in-
cluding standards for sufficient number of test items.
(3) Standards for review of state and national examinations.
(4) Setting of passing standards.
(5) Appropriate funding sources for examination validations and oc-
cupational analyses.
(6) Conditions under which boards, programs, and bureaus should
use internal and external entities to conduct these reviews.
(7) Standards for determining appropriate costs of reviews of differ-
ent types of examinations, measured in terms of hours required.
(8) Conditions under which it is appropriate to fund permanent and
limited term positions within a board, program, or bureau to manage
these reviews.
(c) Every regulatory board and bureau, as defined in Section 22,
and every program and bureau administered by the department, the
206 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Osteopathic Medical Board of California, and the State Board of Chi-

ropractic Examiners, shall submit to the director on or before Decem-
ber 1, 1999, and on or before December 1 of each subsequent year, its
method for ensuring that every licensing examination administered
by or pursuant to contract with the board is subject to periodic evalu-
ation. The evaluation shall include (1) a description of the occupa-
tional analysis serving as the basis for the examination; (2) sufficient
item analysis data to permit a psychometric evaluation of the items;
(3) an assessment of the appropriateness of prerequisites for admit-
tance to the examination; and (4) an estimate of the costs and per-
sonnel required to perform these functions. The evaluation shall be
revised and a new evaluation submitted to the director whenever, in
the judgment of the board, program, or bureau, there is a substantial
change in the examination or the prerequisites for admittance to the
examination.
(d) The evaluation may be conducted by the board, program, or bu-
reau, the Office of Professional Examination Services of the depart-
ment, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, or the State Board
of Chiropractic Examiners or pursuant to a contract with a qualified
private testing firm. A board, program, or bureau that provides for
development or administration of a licensing examination pursuant
to contract with a public or private entity may rely on an occupational
analysis or item analysis conducted by that entity. The department
shall compile this information, along with a schedule specifying when
examination validations and occupational analyses shall be per-
formed, and submit it to the appropriate fiscal, policy, and sunset re-
view committees of the Legislature by September 30 of each year. It is
the intent of the Legislature that the method specified in this report
be consistent with the policy developed by the department pursuant
to subdivision (b).
Added Stats 1999 ch 67 § 2 (AB 1105), effective July 6, 1999. Amended Stats. 2009,
Ch. 307 (SB 821)

§ 140. Disciplinary action; Licensee’s failure to record cash

transactions in payment of employee wages
Any board, as defined in Section 22, which is authorized under this
code to take disciplinary action against a person who holds a license
may take disciplinary action upon the ground that the licensee has
failed to record and preserve for not less than three years, any and all
cash transactions involved in the payment of employee wages by a
licensee. Failure to make these records available to an authorized
representative of the board may be made grounds for disciplinary ac-
tion. In any action brought and sustained by the board which involves
a violation of this section and any regulation adopted thereto, the
board may assess the licensee with the actual investigative costs in-
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 207

curred, not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).

Failure to pay those costs may result in revocation of the license. Any
moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the
respective fund of the board.
Added Stats 1984 ch 1490 § 2, effective September 27, 1984.

§ 141. Disciplinary action by foreign jurisdiction; Grounds

for disciplinary action by state licensing board
(a) For any licensee holding a license issued by a board under the
jurisdiction of the department, a disciplinary action taken by another
state, by any agency of the federal government, or by another country
for any act substantially related to the practice regulated by the Cali-
fornia license, may be a ground for disciplinary action by the respec-
tive state licensing board. A certified copy of the record of the disci-
plinary action taken against the licensee by another state, an agency
of the federal government, or another country shall be conclusive evi-
dence of the events related therein.
(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude a board from applying a
specific statutory provision in the licensing act administered by that
board that provides for discipline based upon a disciplinary action
taken against the licensee by another state, an agency of the federal
government, or another country.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1275 § 2 (SB 2101).

§ 143. Proof of license as condition of bringing action for

collection of compensation
(a) No person engaged in any business or profession for which a li-
cense is required under this code governing the department or any
board, bureau, commission, committee, or program within the de-
partment, may bring or maintain any action, or recover in law or eq-
uity in any action, in any court of this state for the collection of com-
pensation for the performance of any act or contract for which a li-
cense is required without alleging and proving that he or she was du-
ly licensed at all times during the performance of that act or contract,
regardless of the merits of the cause of action brought by the person.
(b) The judicial doctrine of substantial compliance shall not apply to
this section.
(c) This section shall not apply to an act or contract that is consid-
ered to qualify as lawful practice of a licensed occupation or profes-
sion pursuant to Section 121.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1207 § 1.5 (AB 3242).
208 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 143.5. Provision in agreements to settle certain causes of

action prohibited; Adoption of regulations; Exemptions
(a) No licensee who is regulated by a board, bureau, or program
within the Department of Consumer Affairs, nor an entity or person
acting as an authorized agent of a licensee, shall include or permit to
be included a provision in an agreement to settle a civil dispute,
whether the agreement is made before or after the commencement of
a civil action, that prohibits the other party in that dispute from con-
tacting, filing a complaint with, or cooperating with the department,
board, bureau, or program within the Department of Consumer Af-
fairs that regulates the licensee or that requires the other party to
withdraw a complaint from the department, board, bureau, or pro-
gram within the Department of Consumer Affairs that regulates the
licensee. A provision of that nature is void as against public policy,
and any licensee who includes or permits to be included a provision of
that nature in a settlement agreement is subject to disciplinary action
by the board, bureau, or program.
(b) Any board, bureau, or program within the Department of Con-
sumer Affairs that takes disciplinary action against a licensee or li-
censees based on a complaint or report that has also been the subject
of a civil action and that has been settled for monetary damages
providing for full and final satisfaction of the parties may not require
its licensee or licensees to pay any additional sums to the benefit of
any plaintiff in the civil action.
(c) As used in this section, “board” shall have the same meaning as
defined in Section 22, and “licensee” means a person who has been
granted a license, as that term is defined in Section 23.7.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, upon granting a petition filed
by a licensee or authorized agent of a licensee pursuant to Section
11340.6 of the Government Code, a board, bureau, or program within
the Department of Consumer Affairs may, based upon evidence and
legal authorities cited in the petition, adopt a regulation that does
both of the following:
(1) Identifies a code section or jury instruction in a civil cause of ac-
tion that has no relevance to the board's, bureau's, or program's en-
forcement responsibilities such that an agreement to settle such a
cause of action based on that code section or jury instruction other-
wise prohibited under subdivision (a) will not impair the board's, bu-
reau's, or program's duty to protect the public.
(2) Exempts agreements to settle such a cause of action from the
requirements of subdivision (a).
(e) This section shall not apply to a licensee subject to Section
2220.7.
Added Stats 2012 ch 561 § 1 (AB 2570), effective January 1, 2013.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 209

§ 144. Requirement of fingerprints for criminal record

checks; Applicability
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, an agency designated in subdi-
vision (b) shall require an applicant to furnish to the agency a full set
of fingerprints for purposes of conducting criminal history record
checks. Any agency designated in subdivision (b) may obtain and re-
ceive, at its discretion, criminal history information from the De-
partment of Justice and the United States Federal Bureau of Investi-
gation.
(b) Subdivision (a) applies to the following:
(1) California Board of Accountancy.
(2) State Athletic Commission.
(3) Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(4) Court Reporters Board of California.
(5) State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
(6) California State Board of Pharmacy.
(7) Board of Registered Nursing.
(8) Veterinary Medical Board.
(9) Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
(10) Respiratory Care Board of California.
(11) Physical Therapy Board of California.
(12) Physician Assistant Committee of the Medical Board of Cali-
fornia.
(13) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid
Dispenser Board.
(14) Medical Board of California.
(15) State Board of Optometry.
(16) Acupuncture Board.
(17) Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
(18) Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
(19) Division of Investigation.
(20) Board of Psychology.
(21) California Board of Occupational Therapy.
(22) Structural Pest Control Board.
(23) Contractors’ State License Board.
(24) Naturopathic Medicine Committee.
(25) Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.
(26) Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geolo-
gists.
(27) Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation.
(c) For purposes of paragraph (26) of subdivision (b), the term “ap-
plicant” shall be limited to an initial applicant who has never been
registered or licensed by the board or to an applicant for a new licen-
sure or registration category.
210 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Added Stats 1997 ch 758 § 2 (SB 1346). Amended Stats 2000 ch 697 § 1.2 (SB 1046),
operative January 1, 2001; Stats 2001 ch 159 § 4 (SB 662), ch 687 § 2 (AB 1409) (ch 687
prevails); Stats 2002 ch 744 § 1 (SB 1953), ch 825 § 1 (SB 1952); Stats 2003 ch 485 § 2
(SB 907), ch 789 § 1 (SB 364), ch 874 § 1 (SB 363); Stats 2004 ch 909 § 1.2 (SB 136),
effective September 30, 2004; Stats 2009 ch 308 § 4 (SB 819), effective January 1, 2010;
Stats 2011 ch 448 § 1 (SB 543), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2015 ch 719 § 1 (SB
643), effective January 1, 2016; Stats 2016 ch 32 § 3 (SB 837), effective June 27, 2016.

Chapter 2
The Director of Consumer Affairs

§ 150. Designation
The department is under the control of a civil executive officer who
is known as the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 9.

§ 151. Appointment and tenure; Salary and traveling

expenses
The director is appointed by the Governor and holds office at the
Governor’s pleasure. The director shall receive the annual salary pro-
vided for by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550) of Part 1 of
Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and his or her necessary
traveling expenses.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1943 ch 1029 § 1; Stats 1945 ch 1185 § 2; Stats
1947 ch 1442 § 1; Stats 1951 ch 1613 § 14; Stats 1984 ch 144 § 2, ch 268 § 0.1, effective
June 30, 1984; Stats 1985 ch 106 § 1.

§ 152. Departmental organization

For the purpose of administration, the reregistration and clerical
work of the department is organized by the director, subject to the
approval of the Governor, in such manner as he deems necessary
properly to segregate and conduct the work of the department.
Enacted Stats 1937.

§ 152.5. Extension of renewal dates

For purposes of distributing the reregistration work of the depart-
ment uniformly throughout the year as nearly as practicable, the
boards in the department may, with the approval of the director, ex-
tend by not more than six months the date fixed by law for the re-
newal of any license, certificate or permit issued by them, except that
in such event any renewal fee which may be involved shall be prorat-
ed in such manner that no person shall be required to pay a greater
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 211

or lesser fee than would have been required had the change in renew-
al dates not occurred.
Added Stats 1959 ch 1707 § 1.

§ 152.6. Establishment of license periods and renewal dates

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, each board within
the department shall, in cooperation with the director, establish such
license periods and renewal dates for all licenses in such manner as
best to distribute the renewal work of all boards throughout each year
and permit the most efficient, and economical use of personnel and
equipment. To the extent practicable, provision shall be made for the
proration or other adjustment of fees in such manner that no person
shall be required to pay a greater or lesser fee than he would have
been required to pay if the change in license periods or renewal dates
had not occurred.
As used in this section “license” includes “certificate,” “permit,” “au-
thority,” “registration,” and similar indicia of authority to engage in a
business or profession, and “board” includes “board,” “commission,”
“committee,” and an individual who is authorized to renew a license.
Added Stats 1968 ch 1248 § 1.

§ 153. Investigations
The director may investigate the work of the several boards in his
department and may obtain a copy of all records and full and com-
plete data in all official matters in possession of the boards, their
members, officers, or employees, other than examination questions
prior to submission to applicants at scheduled examinations.
Enacted Stats 1937.

§ 154. Matters relating to employees of boards

Any and all matters relating to employment, tenure or discipline of
employees of any board, agency or commission, shall be initiated by
said board, agency or commission, but all such actions shall, before
reference to the State Personnel Board, receive the approval of the
appointing power.
To effect the purposes of Division 1 of this code and each agency of
the department, employment of all personnel shall be in accord with
Article XXIV of the Constitution, the law and rules and regulations of
the State Personnel Board. Each board, agency or commission, shall
select its employees from a list of eligibles obtained by the appointing
power from the State Personnel Board. The person selected by the
board, agency or commission to fill any position or vacancy shall
212 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

thereafter be reported by the board, agency or commission, to the ap-

pointing power.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1276 § 4.

§ 154.5. Legal assistance for experts aiding in investigations

of licensees
If a person, not a regular employee of a board under this code, in-
cluding the Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the Osteopathic
Medical Board of California, is hired or under contract to provide ex-
pertise to the board in the evaluation of an applicant or the conduct of
a licensee, and that person is named as a defendant in a civil action
arising out of the evaluation or any opinions rendered, statements
made, or testimony given to the board or its representatives, the board
shall provide for representation required to defend the defendant in
that civil action. The board shall not be liable for any judgment ren-
dered against the person. The Attorney General shall be utilized in
the action and his or her services shall be a charge against the board.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1205 § 1, as B & P C § 483. Amended and Renumbered by Stats
1987 ch 850 § 8. Amended Stats 1991 ch 359 § 3 (AB 1332).

§ 155. Employment of investigators; Inspectors as employees

or under contract
(a) In accordance with Section 159.5, the director may employ such
investigators, inspectors, and deputies as are necessary properly to
investigate and prosecute all violations of any law, the enforcement of
which is charged to the department or to any board, agency, or com-
mission in the department.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that inspectors used by boards,
bureaus, or commissions in the department shall not be required to
be employees of the Division of Investigation, but may either be em-
ployees of, or under contract to, the boards, bureaus, or commissions.
Contracts for services shall be consistent with Article 4.5 (commenc-
ing with Section 19130) of Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 5 of Title 2
of the Government Code. All civil service employees currently em-
ployed as inspectors whose functions are transferred as a result of
this section shall retain their positions, status, and rights in accord-
ance with Section 19994.10 of the Government Code and the State
Civil Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division
5 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(c) Nothing in this section limits the authority of, or prohibits, in-
vestigators in the Division of Investigation in the conduct of inspec-
tions or investigations of any licensee, or in the conduct of investiga-
tions of any officer or employee of a board or the department at the
specific request of the director or his or her designee.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 213

Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1276 § 5; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 10; Stats
1985 ch 1382 § 1.

§ 156. Contractual authority

(a) The director may, for the department and at the request and
with the consent of a board within the department on whose behalf
the contract is to be made, enter into contracts pursuant to Chapter 3
(commencing with Section 11250) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of
the Government Code or Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290)
of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code for and on behalf of
any board within the department.
(b) In accordance with subdivision (a), the director may, in his or
her discretion, negotiate and execute contracts for examination pur-
poses which include provisions which hold harmless a contractor
where liability resulting from a contract between a board in the de-
partment and the contractor is traceable to the state or its officers,
agents, or employees.
Added Stats 1953 ch 864 § 1. Amended Stats 1984 ch 144 § 3; Stats 1988 ch 1448 § 1.

§ 156.1. Retention of records by providers of services related

to treatment of alcohol or drug impairment
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, individuals or enti-
ties contracting with the department or any board within the de-
partment for the provision of services relating to the treatment and
rehabilitation of licentiates impaired by alcohol or dangerous drugs
shall retain all records and documents pertaining to those services
until such time as these records and documents have been reviewed
for audit by the department. These records and documents shall be
retained for three years from the date of the last treatment or service
rendered to that licentiate, after which time the records and docu-
ments may be purged and destroyed by the contract vendor. This pro-
vision shall supersede any other provision of law relating to the purg-
ing or destruction of records pertaining to those treatment and reha-
bilitation programs.
(b) Unless otherwise expressly provided by statute or regulation, all
records and documents pertaining to services for the treatment and
rehabilitation of licentiates impaired by alcohol or dangerous drugs
provided by any contract vendor to the department or to any board
within the department shall be kept confidential and are not subject
to discovery or subpoena.
(c) With respect to all other contracts for services with the depart-
ment or any board within the department other than those set forth
in subdivision (a), the director or chief deputy director may request
an examination and audit by the department’s internal auditor of all
performance under the contract. For this purpose, all documents and
214 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

records of the contract vendor in connection with such performance

shall be retained by such vendor for a period of three years after final
payment under the contract. Nothing in this section shall affect the
authority of the State Auditor to conduct any examination or audit
under the terms of Section 8546.7 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 1991 ch 654 § 3 (AB 1893). Amended Stats 2003 ch 107 § 1 (AB 569); Stats
2010 ch 517 § 1 (SB 1172), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 156.5. Leases for examination or meeting purposes

The director may negotiate and execute for the department and for
its component agencies, rental agreements for short-term hiring of
space and furnishings for examination or meeting purposes. The di-
rector may, in his or her discretion, negotiate and execute contracts
for that space which include provisions which hold harmless the pro-
vider of the space where liability resulting from use of the space un-
der the contract is traceable to the state or its officers, agents, or em-
ployees. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the director
may, in his or her discretion, advance payments as deposits to reserve
and hold examination or meeting space. Any such agreement is sub-
ject to the approval of the legal office of the Department of General
Services.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1235 § 1. Amended Stats 1988 ch 1448 § 1.5.

§ 157. Expenses in criminal prosecutions and unprofessional

conduct proceedings
Expenses incurred by any board or on behalf of any board in any
criminal prosecution or unprofessional conduct proceeding constitute
proper charges against the funds of the board.
Added Stats 1937 ch 474.

§ 158. Refunds to applicants

With the approval of the Director of Consumer Affairs, the boards
and commissions comprising the department or subject to its jurisdic-
tion may make refunds to applicants who are found ineligible to take
the examinations or whose credentials are insufficient to entitle them
to certificates or licenses.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law any application fees, li-
cense fees or penalties imposed and collected illegally, by mistake,
inadvertence, or error shall be refunded. Claims authorized by the
department shall be filed with the State Controller, and the Control-
ler shall draw his warrant against the fund of the agency in payment
of such refund.
Added Stats 1937 ch 474. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1378 § 1; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 11.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 215

§ 159. Administration of oaths

The members and the executive officer of each board, agency, bu-
reau, division, or commission have power to administer oaths and
affirmations in the performance of any business of the board, and to
certify to official acts.
Added Stats 1947 ch 1350 § 5.

§ 159.5. Division of Investigation; Appointments; Health

Quality Investigation Unit
(a) (1) There is in the department the Division of Investigation. The
division is in the charge of a person with the title of chief of the divi-
sion.
(2) Except as provided in Section 160, investigators who have the
authority of peace officers, as specified in subdivision (a) of Section
160 and in subdivision (a) of Section 830.3 of the Penal Code, shall be
in the division and shall be appointed by the director.
(b) (1) There is in the Division of Investigation the Health Quality
Investigation Unit. The primary responsibility of the unit is to inves-
tigate violations of law or regulation within the jurisdiction of the
Medical Board of California, the California Board of Podiatric Medi-
cine, the Board of Psychology, the Osteopathic Medical Board of Cali-
fornia, the Physician Assistant Board, or any entities under the juris-
diction of the Medical Board of California.
(2) The Medical Board of California shall not be charged an hourly
rate for the performance of investigations by the unit.
(3) This subdivision shall become operative on July 1, 2014.
Added Stats 1971 ch 716 § 12. Amended Stats 1985 ch 1382 § 2; Stats 2010 ch 719 § 2
(SB 856), effective October 19, 2010; Stats 2013 ch 515 § 1 (SB 304), effective January
1, 2014.

§ 161. Sale of copies of public records

The department, or any board in the department, may sell copies of
any part of its respective public records, or compilations, extracts, or
summaries of information contained in its public records, at a charge
sufficient to pay the actual cost thereof. Such charge, and the condi-
tions under which sales may be made, shall be determined by the di-
rector with the approval of the Department of General Services.
Added Stats 1949 ch 704 § 1. Amended Stats 1963 ch 590 § 1; Stats 1965 ch 371 § 9.

§ 162. Evidentiary effect of certificate of records officer as to

license, etc.
The certificate of the officer in charge of the records of any board in
the department that any person was or was not on a specified date, or
216 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

during a specified period of time, licensed, certified or registered un-

der the provisions of law administered by the board, or that the li-
cense, certificate or registration of any person was revoked or under
suspension, shall be admitted in any court as prima facie evidence of
the facts therein recited.
Added Stats 1949 ch 355 § 1.

§ 163. Fee for certification of records, etc.

Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the department and
each board in the department shall charge a fee of two dollars ($2) for
the certification of a copy of any record, document, or paper in its cus-
tody or for the certification of any document evidencing the content of
any such record, document or paper.
Added Stats 1961 ch 1858 § 1. Amended Stats 1963 ch 590 § 2.

§ 163.5. Delinquency fees; Reinstatement fees

Except as otherwise provided by law, the delinquency, penalty, or
late fee for any licensee within the Department of Consumer Affairs
shall be 50 percent of the renewal fee for such license in effect on the
date of the renewal of the license, but not less than twenty-five dol-
lars ($25) nor more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
A delinquency, penalty, or late fee shall not be assessed until 30
days have elapsed from the date that the licensing agency mailed a
notice of renewal to the licensee at the licensee’s last known address
of record. The notice shall specify the date for timely renewal, and
that failure to renew in a timely fashion shall result in the assess-
ment of a delinquency, penalty, or late fee.
In the event a reinstatement or like fee is charged for the rein-
statement of a license, the reinstatement fee shall be 150 percent of
the renewal fee for such license in effect on the date of the reinstate-
ment of the license, but not more than twenty-five dollars ($25) in
excess of the renewal fee, except that in the event that such a fee is
fixed by statute at less than 150 percent of the renewal fee and less
than the renewal fee plus twenty-five dollars ($25), the fee so fixed
shall be charged.
Added Stats 1974 ch 743 § 4. Amended Stats 1985 ch 587 § 1.

§ 163.6. [Section repealed 1992.]

Added Stats 1985 ch 587 § 2. Inoperative June 30, 1991. Repealed, operative January
1, 1992, by its own terms. The repealed section related to reduction in license renewal
fees to offset increase in revenue.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 217

§ 164. Form and content of license, certificate, permit, or

similar indicia of authority
The form and content of any license, certificate, permit, or similar
indicia of authority issued by any agency in the department, includ-
ing any document evidencing renewal of a license, certificate, permit,
or similar indicia of authority, shall be determined by the director
after consultation with and consideration of the views of the agency
concerned.
Added Stats 1971 ch 716 § 15. Amended Stats 1987 ch 850 § 6.

§ 165. Prohibition against submission of fiscal impact

analysis relating to pending legislation without prior
submission to director for comment
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no board, bureau, com-
mittee, commission, or program in the Department of Consumer Af-
fairs shall submit to the Legislature any fiscal impact analysis relat-
ing to legislation pending before the Legislature until the analysis has
been submitted to the Director of Consumer Affairs, or his or her de-
signee, for review and comment. The boards, bureaus, committees,
commissions, and programs shall include the comments of the director
when submitting any fiscal impact analysis to the Legislature. This
section shall not be construed to prohibit boards, bureaus, committees,
commissions, and programs from responding to direct requests for fis-
cal data from Members of the Legislature or their staffs. In those in-
stances it shall be the responsibility of boards, bureaus, committees,
commissions, and programs to also transmit that information to the
director, or his or her designee, within five working days.
Added Stats 1984 ch 268 § 0.2, effective June 30, 1984.

§ 166. Development of guidelines for mandatory continuing

education programs
The director shall, by regulation, develop guidelines to prescribe
components for mandatory continuing education programs adminis-
tered by any board within the department.
(a) The guidelines shall be developed to ensure that mandatory con-
tinuing education is used as a means to create a more competent li-
censing population, thereby enhancing public protection. The guide-
lines shall require mandatory continuing education programs to ad-
dress, at least, the following:
(1) Course validity.
(2) Occupational relevancy.
(3) Effective presentation.
(4) Actual attendance.
218 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(5) Material assimilation.

(6) Potential for application.
(b) The director shall consider educational principles, and the
guidelines shall prescribe mandatory continuing education program
formats to include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) The specified audience.
(2) Identification of what is to be learned.
(3) Clear goals and objectives.
(4) Relevant learning methods (participatory, hands-on, or clinical
setting).
(5) Evaluation, focused on the learner and the assessment of the in-
tended learning outcomes (goals and objectives).
(c) Any board within the department that, after January 1, 1993,
proposes a mandatory continuing education program for its licensees
shall submit the proposed program to the director for review to assure
that the program contains all the elements set forth in this section
and complies with the guidelines developed by the director.
(d) Any board administering a mandatory continuing education
program that proposes to amend its current program shall do so in a
manner consistent with this section.
(e) Any board currently administering a mandatory continuing edu-
cation program shall review the components and requirements of the
program to determine the extent to which they are consistent with
the guidelines developed under this section. The board shall submit a
report of their findings to the director. The report shall identify the
similarities and differences of its mandatory continuing education
program. The report shall include any board-specific needs to explain
the variation from the director’s guidelines.
(f) Any board administering a mandatory continuing education pro-
gram, when accepting hours for credit which are obtained out of state,
shall ensure that the course for which credit is given is administered
in accordance with the guidelines addressed in subdivision (a).
(g) Nothing in this section or in the guidelines adopted by the direc-
tor shall be construed to repeal any requirements for continuing edu-
cation programs set forth in any other provision of this code.
Added Stats 1992 ch 1135 § 2.2 (SB 2044). Amended Stats 1994 ch 146 § 1 (AB 3601).

Chapter 3
Funds of the Department

§ 200.1. Fund accruals exempt from transfer

(a) Any accruals that occur on or after September 11, 1993, to any
funds or accounts within the Professions and Vocations Fund that
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 219

realize increased revenues to that fund or account as a result of legis-

lation enacted on or after September 11, 1993, and that have not been
transferred pursuant to Sections 13.50, 13.60, and 13.70 of the Budg-
et Act of 1993 on the effective date of the act that enacted this section,
shall be exempt from the transfers contained in Sections 13.50, 13.60,
and 13.70 of the Budget Act of 1993. These funds shall include, but
not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) Athletic Commission Fund.
(2) Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Fund.
(3) Contractors’ License Fund.
(4) Private Investigator Fund.
(5) Respiratory Care Fund.
(6) Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians Fund.
(b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to the Contingent Fund of the
Medical Board of California.
Added Stats 1994 ch 26 § 10 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994. Amended Stats 1997
ch 759 § 4 (SB 827).

§ 201. Levy for administrative expenses

A charge for the estimated administrative expenses of the depart-
ment, not to exceed the available balance in any appropriation for any
one fiscal year, may be levied in advance on a pro rata share basis
against any of the funds of any of the boards, bureaus, commissions,
divisions, and agencies, at the discretion of the director and with the
approval of the Department of Finance.
Enacted Stats 1937. Amended Stats 1947 ch 1350 § 4; Stats 1965 ch 371 § 10; Stats
1974 ch 1221 § 1.

§ 202.5. Itemized statement of services and changes from

Department of Justice
Prior to payment to the Department of Justice of any charges for
legal services rendered to any board within the department, the De-
partment of Justice shall submit to the board an itemized statement
of the services and charges. The itemized statement shall include de-
tailed information regarding the services performed and the amount
of time billed for each of those services.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1273 § 1 (SB 2038).

§ 205. Professions and Vocations Fund (First of three)

(a) There is in the State Treasury the Professions and Vocations
Fund. The fund shall consist of the following special funds:
(1) Accountancy Fund.
(2) California Architects Board Fund.
(3) Athletic Commission Fund.
220 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(4) Barbering and Cosmetology Contingent Fund.

(5) Cemetery and Funeral Fund.
(6) Contractors’ License Fund.
(7) State Dentistry Fund.
(8) Guide Dogs for the Blind Fund.
(9) Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Fund.
(10) California Architects Board-Landscape Architects Fund.
(11) Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California.
(12) Optometry Fund.
(13) Pharmacy Board Contingent Fund.
(14) Physical Therapy Fund.
(15) Private Investigator Fund.
(16) Professional Engineer’s and Land Surveyor’s Fund.
(17) Consumer Affairs Fund.
(18) Behavioral Sciences Fund.
(19) Licensed Midwifery Fund.
(20) Court Reporters’ Fund.
(21) Veterinary Medical Board Contingent Fund.
(22) Vocational Nurses Account of the Vocational Nursing and Psy-
chiatric Technicians Fund.
(23) Electronic and Appliance Repair Fund.
(24) Geology and Geophysics Account of the Professional Engineer’s
and Land Surveyor’s Fund.
(25) Dispensing Opticians Fund.
(26) Acupuncture Fund.
(27) Physician Assistant Fund.
(28) Board of Podiatric Medicine Fund.
(29) Psychology Fund.
(30) Respiratory Care Fund.
(31) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid
Dispensers Fund.
(32) Board of Registered Nursing Fund.
(33) Psychiatric Technician Examiners Account of the Vocational
Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians Fund.
(34) Animal Health Technician Examining Committee Fund.
(35) State Dental Hygiene Fund.
(36) State Dental Assistant Fund.
(37) Structural Pest Control Fund.
(38) Structural Pest Control Eradication and Enforcement Fund.
(39) Structural Pest Control Research Fund.
(b) For accounting and recordkeeping purposes, the Professions and
Vocations Fund shall be deemed to be a single special fund, and each
of the several special funds therein shall constitute and be deemed to
be a separate account in the Professions and Vocations Fund. Each
account or fund shall be available for expenditure only for the pur-
poses as are now or may hereafter be provided by law.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 221

(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2016.

Added Stats 2015 ch 395 § 2 (AB 180), effective January 1, 2016 operative July 1, 2016.

§ 205. Professions and Vocations Fund (Second of three)

(a) There is in the State Treasury the Professions and Vocations
Fund. The fund shall consist of the following special funds:
(1) Accountancy Fund.
(2) California Architects Board Fund.
(3) Athletic Commission Fund.
(4) Barbering and Cosmetology Contingent Fund.
(5) Cemetery Fund.
(6) Contractors’ License Fund.
(7) State Dentistry Fund.
(8) State Funeral Directors and Embalmers Fund.
(9) Guide Dogs for the Blind Fund.
(10) Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Fund.
(11) California Architects Board-Landscape Architects Fund.
(12) Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California.
(13) Optometry Fund.
(14) Pharmacy Board Contingent Fund.
(15) Physical Therapy Fund.
(16) Private Investigator Fund.
(17) Professional Engineer’s, Land Surveyor’s, and Geologist’s
Fund.
(18) Consumer Affairs Fund.
(19) Behavioral Sciences Fund.
(20) Licensed Midwifery Fund.
(21) Court Reporters’ Fund.
(22) Veterinary Medical Board Contingent Fund.
(23) Vocational Nurses Account of the Vocational Nursing and Psy-
chiatric Technicians Fund.
(24) Electronic and Appliance Repair Fund.
(25) Dispensing Opticians Fund.
(26) Acupuncture Fund.
(27) Physician Assistant Fund.
(28) Board of Podiatric Medicine Fund.
(29) Psychology Fund.
(30) Respiratory Care Fund.
(31) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid
Dispensers Fund.
(32) Board of Registered Nursing Fund.
(33) Psychiatric Technician Examiners Account of the Vocational
Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians Fund.
(34) Animal Health Technician Examining Committee Fund.
(35) State Dental Hygiene Fund.
222 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(36) State Dental Assistant Fund.

(37) Structural Pest Control Fund.
(38) Structural Pest Control Eradication and Enforcement Fund.
(39) Structural Pest Control Research Fund.
(b) For accounting and recordkeeping purposes, the Professions and
Vocations Fund shall be deemed to be a single special fund, and each
of the several special funds therein shall constitute and be deemed to
be a separate account in the Professions and Vocations Fund. Each
account or fund shall be available for expenditure only for the pur-
poses as are now or may hereafter be provided by law.
(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2016.
Added Stats 2015 ch 428 § 2 (AB 177), operative January 1, 2016, operative July 1,
2016.

§ 205. Professions and Vocations Fund (Third of three)

(a) There is in the State Treasury the Professions and Vocations
Fund. The fund shall consist of the following special funds:
(1) Accountancy Fund.
(2) California Architects Board Fund.
(3) Athletic Commission Fund.
(4) Barbering and Cosmetology Contingent Fund.
(5) Cemetery and Funeral Fund.
(6) Contractors’ License Fund.
(7) State Dentistry Fund.
(8) Guide Dogs for the Blind Fund.
(9) Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Fund.
(10) California Architects Board-Landscape Architects Fund.
(11) Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California.
(12) Optometry Fund.
(13) Pharmacy Board Contingent Fund.
(14) Physical Therapy Fund.
(15) Private Investigator Fund.
(16) Private Security Services Fund.
(17) Professional Engineer’s, Land Surveyor’s, and Geologist’s
Fund.
(18) Consumer Affairs Fund.
(19) Behavioral Sciences Fund.
(20) Licensed Midwifery Fund.
(21) Court Reporters’ Fund.
(22) Veterinary Medical Board Contingent Fund.
(23) Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians Fund.
(24) Electronic and Appliance Repair Fund.
(25) Dispensing Opticians Fund.
(26) Acupuncture Fund.
(27) Physician Assistant Fund.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 223

(28) Board of Podiatric Medicine Fund.

(29) Psychology Fund.
(30) Respiratory Care Fund.
(31) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid
Dispensers Fund.
(32) Board of Registered Nursing Fund.
(33) Animal Health Technician Examining Committee Fund.
(34) State Dental Hygiene Fund.
(35) State Dental Assistant Fund.
(36) Structural Pest Control Fund.
(37) Structural Pest Control Eradication and Enforcement Fund.
(38) Structural Pest Control Research Fund.
(b) For accounting and recordkeeping purposes, the Professions and
Vocations Fund shall be deemed to be a single special fund, and each
of the several special funds therein shall constitute and be deemed to
be a separate account in the Professions and Vocations Fund. Each
account or fund shall be available for expenditure only for the pur-
poses as are now or may hereafter be provided by law.
(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2016.
Added Stats 2015 ch 510 § 2.3 (AB 179), effective January 1, 2016, operative July 1,
2016. Amended Stats 2016 ch 800 § 1 (SB 1196), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 206. Dishonored check tendered for payment of fine, fee, or

penalty
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person tendering a
check for payment of a fee, fine, or penalty that was subsequently
dishonored, shall not be granted a license, or other authority that
they were seeking, until the applicant pays the amount outstanding
from the dishonored payment together with the applicable fee, includ-
ing any delinquency fee. The board may require the person whose
check was returned unpaid to make payment of all fees by cashier’s
check or money order.
Added Stats 1994 ch 26 § 12 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994.

§ 210. Contract with vendor of BreEZe system after written

notification to certain committees of the Legislature; Term;
Amount; Submission of report (Subdivision (b) inoperative
December 1, 2018; Subdivision (c) operative term contingent)
(a) (1) The department may enter into a contract with a vendor for
the BreEZe system, the integrated, enterprisewide enforcement case
management and licensing system described in the department's
strategic plan, no sooner than 30 days after notification in writing to
the chairpersons of the Appropriations Committees of each house of
224 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

the Legislature and the Chairperson of the Joint Legislative Budget

Committee.
(2) The amount of BreEZe system vendor contract funds, authorized
pursuant to this section, shall be consistent with the project costs ap-
proved by the office of the State Chief Information Officer based on its
review and approval of the most recent BreEZe Special Project Report
to be submitted by the department prior to contract award at the con-
clusion of procurement activities.
(3) Paragraph (2) shall apply to all Budget Act items for the de-
partment that have an appropriation for the BreEZe system.
(b) (1) If the department enters into a contract with a vendor for the
BreEZe system pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall, by
December 31, 2014, submit to the Legislature, the Senate Committee
on Business, Professions and Economic Development, the Assembly
Committee on Business, Professions and Consumer Protection, and
the budget committees of each house, a report analyzing the workload
of licensing personnel employed by boards within the department
participating in the BreEZe system.
(2) A report to the Legislature pursuant to this subdivision shall be
submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(3) This subdivision shall become inoperative on December 1, 2018,
pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.
(c) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the request
of the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Finance
may augment the budgets of the boards, bureaus, commissions, com-
mittees, programs, and divisions that comprise the Department of
Consumer Affairs, as defined in Section 101, for expenditure of non-
General Fund moneys to pay BreEZe project costs. The augmentation
may be made no sooner than 30 days after notification in writing to
the chairpersons of the committees in each house of the Legislature
that consider appropriations and the Chairperson of the Joint Legis-
lative Budget Committee, or no sooner than whatever lesser time the
chairperson of the joint committee may in each instance determine.
The amount of funds augmented pursuant to the authority of this
subdivision shall be consistent with project cost increases approved
by the Secretary of California Technology based on the secretary's
review and approval of the most recent BreEZe Special Project Report
to be submitted at the conclusion of procurement activities. This sub-
division shall apply to all Budget Act items for the boards, bureaus,
commissions, committees, programs, and divisions that comprise the
Department of Consumer Affairs, as defined in Section 101, that have
an appropriation for the BreEZe system in the Budget Act of 2011.
(2) This subdivision shall become inoperative upon enactment of the
Budget Act of 2012.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 225

Added Stats 2010 ch 719 § 4 (SB 856), effective October 19, 2010. Amended Stats 2011
ch 448 § 3 (SB 543), effective January 1, 2012.

Chapter 4
Consumer Affairs
Article 1
General Provisions and Definitions
§ 300. Citation of chapter
This chapter may be cited as the Consumer Affairs Act
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971.

§ 301. Declaration of intent

It is the intent of the Legislature and the purpose of this chapter to
promote and protect the interests of the people as consumers. The
Legislature finds that vigorous representation and protection of con-
sumer interests are essential to the fair and efficient functioning of a
free enterprise market economy. The Legislature declares that gov-
ernment advances the interests of consumers by facilitating the prop-
er functioning of the free enterprise market economy through (a) edu-
cating and informing the consumer to insure rational consumer
choice in the marketplace; (b) protecting the consumer from the sale
of goods and services through the use of deceptive methods, acts, or
practices which are inimical to the general welfare of consumers; (c)
fostering competition; and (d) promoting effective representation of
consumers’ interests in all branches and levels of government.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 1.

§ 302. Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following
meanings:
(a) “Department” means the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(b) “Director” means the Director of the Department of Consumer
Affairs.
(c) “Consumer” means any individual who seeks or acquires, by
purchase or lease, any goods, services, money, or credit for personal,
family, or household purposes.
(d) “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited
liability company, association, or other group, however organized.
(e) “Individual” does not include a partnership, corporation, associa-
tion, or other group, however organized.
(f) “Division” means the Division of Consumer Services.
226 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(g) “Interests of consumers” is limited to the cost, quality, purity,

safety, durability, performance, effectiveness, dependability, availa-
bility, and adequacy of choice of goods and services offered or fur-
nished to consumers and the adequacy and accuracy of information
relating to consumer goods, services, money, or credit (including la-
beling, packaging, and advertising of contents, qualities, and terms
of sales).
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1972 ch 808 § 1;
Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 2; Stats 1994 ch 1010 § 2 (SB 2053).

§ 303. Division of Consumer Services; Chief

There is in the department a Division of Consumer Services under
the supervision and control of a chief. The chief shall be appointed by
the Governor and shall serve at his pleasure. His compensation shall
be fixed by the director in accordance with law.
Added Stats 1972 ch 808 § 2.

Article 2
Director and Employees
§ 305. Administration of chapter
The director shall administer and enforce the provisions of this
chapter. Every power granted or duty imposed upon the director un-
der this chapter may be exercised or performed in the name of the
director by a deputy or assistant director or the chief of the depart-
ment’s Division of Consumer Services, subject to such conditions and
limitations as the director may prescribe.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1971 ch 114 § 1,
effective June 2, 1971, operative July 1, 1971.

§ 306. Employment matters

The director, in accordance with the State Civil Service Act, may
appoint and fix the compensation of such clerical or other personnel
as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. All
such personnel shall perform their respective duties under the super-
vision and the direction of the director.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971.

§ 307. Experts and consultants

The director may contract for the services of experts and consult-
ants where necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 227

may provide compensation and reimbursement of expenses for such

experts and consultants in accordance with state law.
Added Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 3.

Article 3
Powers and Duties
§ 310. Director’s powers and duties
The director shall have the following powers and it shall be his
duty to:
(a) Recommend and propose the enactment of such legislation as
necessary to protect and promote the interests of consumers.
(b) Represent the consumer’s interests before federal and state leg-
islative hearings and executive commissions.
(c) Assist, advise, and cooperate with federal, state, and local agen-
cies and officials to protect and promote the interests of consumers.
(d) Study, investigate, research, and analyze matters affecting the
interests of consumers.
(e) Hold public hearings, subpoena witnesses, take testimony, com-
pel the production of books, papers, documents, and other evidence,
and call upon other state agencies for information.
(f) Propose and assist in the creation and development of consumer
education programs.
(g) Promote ethical standards of conduct for business and consum-
ers and undertake activities to encourage public responsibility in the
production, promotion, sale and lease of consumer goods and services.
(h) Advise the Governor and Legislature on all matters affecting the
interests of consumers.
(i) Exercise and perform such other functions, powers and duties as
may be deemed appropriate to protect and promote the interests of
consumers as directed by the Governor or the Legislature.
(j) Maintain contact and liaison with consumer groups in California
and nationally.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 4.

§ 311. Interdepartmental committee

The director may create an interdepartmental committee to assist
and advise him in the implementation of his duties. The members of
such committee shall consist of the heads of state departments, or
their designees. Members of such committee shall serve without com-
pensation but shall be reimbursed for the expenses actually and nec-
essarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971.
228 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 312. Report to Governor and Legislature

The director shall submit to the Governor and the Legislature on or
before January 1, 2003, and annually thereafter, a report of pro-
grammatic and statistical information regarding the activities of the
department and its constituent entities. The report shall include in-
formation concerning the director’s activities pursuant to Section 326,
including the number and general patterns of consumer complaints
and the action taken on those complaints.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 5;
Stats 1998 ch 829 § 1 SB 1652); Stats 2002 ch 405 § 3 (AB 2973).

§ 313.2. Adoption of regulations in conformance with

Americans with Disabilities Act
The director shall adopt regulations to implement, interpret, and
make specific the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(P.L. 101–336), as they relate to the examination process for profes-
sional licensing and certification programs under the purview of the
department.
Added Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 3 (AB 2743).

§ 313.5. Publication of consumer information bibliography

The director shall periodically publish a bibliography of consumer
information available in the department library and elsewhere. Such
bibliography shall be sent to subscribers upon payment of a reasona-
ble fee therefor.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1251 § 2. Amended Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 7.

Article 3.6
Uniform Standards Regarding Substance-Abusing Healing Arts
Licensees
§ 315.2. Cease practice order
(a) A board, as described in Section 315, shall order a licensee of the
board to cease practice if the licensee tests positive for any substance
that is prohibited under the terms of the licensee’s probation or diver-
sion program.
(b) An order to cease practice under this section shall not be gov-
erned by the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(c) A cease practice order under this section shall not constitute dis-
ciplinary action.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 229

(d) This section shall have no effect on the Board of Registered

Nursing pursuant to Article 3.1 (commencing with Section 2770) of
Chapter 6 of Division 2.
Added Stats 2010 ch 517 § 2 (SB 1172), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 315.4. Cease practice order for violation of probation or

diversion program
(a) A board, as described in Section 315, may adopt regulations au-
thorizing the board to order a licensee on probation or in a diversion
program to cease practice for major violations and when the board
orders a licensee to undergo a clinical diagnostic evaluation pursuant
to the uniform and specific standards adopted and authorized under
Section 315.
(b) An order to cease practice under this section shall not be gov-
erned by the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(c) A cease practice order under this section shall not constitute dis-
ciplinary action.
(d) This section shall have no effect on the Board of Registered
Nursing pursuant to Article 3.1 (commencing with Section 2770) of
Chapter 6 of Division 2.
Added Stats 2010 ch 517 § 3 (SB 1172), effective January 1, 2011.

Article 4
Representation of Consumers
§ 320. Intervention in administrative or judicial proceedings
Whenever there is pending before any state commission, regulatory
agency, department, or other state agency, or any state or federal
court or agency, any matter or proceeding which the director finds
may affect substantially the interests of consumers within California,
the director, or the Attorney General, may intervene in such matter
or proceeding in any appropriate manner to represent the interests of
consumers. The director, or any officer or employee designated by the
director for that purpose, or the Attorney General, may thereafter
present to such agency, court, or department, in conformity with the
rules of practice and procedure thereof, such evidence and argument
as he shall determine to be necessary, for the effective protection of
the interests of consumers.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 8.
230 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 321. Commencement of legal proceedings

Whenever it appears to the director that the interests of the con-
sumers of this state are being damaged, or may be damaged, by any
person who engaged in, or intends to engage in, any acts or practices
in violation of any law of this state, or any federal law, the director or
any officer or employee designated by the director, or the Attorney
General, may commence legal proceedings in the appropriate forum
to enjoin such acts or practices and may seek other appropriate relief
on behalf of such consumers.
Added Stats 1975 ch 1262 § 9.

Article 5
Consumer Complaints
§ 325. Actionable complaints
It shall be the duty of the director to receive complaints from con-
sumers concerning (a) unfair methods of competition and unfair or
deceptive acts or practices undertaken by any person in the conduct
of any trade or commerce; (b) the production, distribution, sale, and
lease of any goods and services undertaken by any person which may
endanger the public health, safety, or welfare; (c) violations of provi-
sions of this code relating to businesses and professions licensed by
any agency of the department, and regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto; (d) student concerns related to the Bureau for Private Post-
secondary Education’s performance of its responsibilities, including
concerns that arise related to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary
Education’s handling of a complaint or its administration of the Stu-
dent Tuition Recovery Fund, established in Article 14 (commencing
with Section 94923) of Chapter 8 of Part 59 of Division 10 of Title 3 of
the Education Code; and (e) other matters consistent with the pur-
poses of this chapter, whenever appropriate.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 2016 ch 593 § 1
(SB 1192), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 325.3. Consumer complaints on paging services

In addition to the duties prescribed by Section 325, it shall be the
duty of the director to receive complaints from consumers concerning
services provided by the entities described in paragraph (2) of subdi-
vision (b) of Section 234 of the Public Utilities Code.
Added Stats 1995 ch 357 § 1 (AB 202).
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 231

§ 326. Proceedings on receipt of complaint

(a) Upon receipt of any complaint pursuant to Section 325, the di-
rector may notify the person against whom the complaint is made of
the nature of the complaint and may request appropriate relief for the
consumer.
(b) The director shall also transmit any valid complaint to the local,
state or federal agency whose authority provides the most effective
means to secure the relief.
The director shall, if appropriate, advise the consumer of the action
taken on the complaint and of any other means which may be availa-
ble to the consumer to secure relief.
(c) If the director receives a complaint or receives information from
any source indicating a probable violation of any law, rule, or order of
any regulatory agency of the state, or if a pattern of complaints from
consumers develops, the director shall transmit any complaint he or
she considers to be valid to any appropriate law enforcement or regu-
latory agency and any evidence or information he or she may have
concerning the probable violation or pattern of complaints or request
the Attorney General to undertake appropriate legal action. It shall
be the continuing duty of the director to discern patterns of com-
plaints and to ascertain the nature and extent of action taken with
respect to the probable violations or pattern of complaints.
Added Stats 1970 ch 1394 § 3, operative July 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 8;
Stats 1989 ch 1360 § 1.

Article 7
Personal Information and Privacy Protection
§ 350. [Section repealed 2008.]
Added Stats 2000 ch 984 § 1 (SB 129). Amended Stats 2001 ch 159 § 5 (SB 662). Re-
pealed Stats 2007 ch 183 § 1 (SB 90), effective January 1, 2008. The repealed section
related to the office of privacy protection.

§ 352. [Section repealed 2008.]

Added Stats 2000 ch 984 § 1 (SB 129). Amended Stats 2004 ch 227 § 1 (SB 1102), effec-
tive August 16, 2004, operation contingent. Repealed Stats 2007 ch 183 § 2 (SB 90),
effective January 1, 2008. The repealed section related to commencement of activities
under the article and funding for such.
232 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Chapter 6
Public Members

§ 450. Qualifications generally

In addition to the qualifications provided in the respective chapters
of this code, a public member or a lay member of any board shall not
be, nor shall he have been within the period of five years immediately
preceding his appointment, any of the following:
(a) An employer, or an officer, director, or substantially fulltime
representative of an employer or group of employers, of any licentiate
of such board, except that this shall not preclude the appointment of a
person which maintains infrequent employer status with such licen-
tiate, or maintains a client, patient, or customer relationship with
any such licentiate which does not constitute more than 2 percent of
the practice or business of the licentiate.
(b) A person maintaining a contractual relationship with a licentiate
of such board, which would constitute more than 2 percent of the prac-
tice or business of any such licentiate, or an officer, director, or sub-
stantially full-time representative of such person or group of persons.
(c) An employee of any licentiate of such board, or a representative
of such employee, except that this shall not preclude the appointment
of a person who maintains an infrequent employee relationship or a
person rendering professional or related services to a licentiate if
such employment or service does not constitute more than 2 percent
of the employment or practice of the member of the board.
Added Stats 1961 ch 2232 § 2.

§ 450.3. Conflicting pecuniary interests

No public member shall either at the time of his appointment or
during his tenure in office have any financial interest in any organi-
zation subject to regulation by the board, commission or committee of
which he is a member.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1032 § 1.

§ 450.4. [Section repealed 2003.]

Added Stats 1976 ch 1188 § 1. Repealed Stats 2003 ch 563 § 1 (AB 827). The repealed
section related to expertise required by board members.

§ 450.5. Prior industrial and professional pursuits

A public member, or a lay member, at any time within five years
immediately preceding his or her appointment, shall not have been
engaged in pursuits which lie within the field of the industry or pro-
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 233

fession, or have provided representation to the industry or profession,

regulated by the board of which he or she is a member, nor shall he or
she engage in those pursuits or provide that representation during
his or her term of office.
Added Stats 1961 ch 2232 § 2. Amended Stats 2003 ch 563 § 2 (AB 827).

§ 450.6. Age
Notwithstanding any other section of law, a public member may be
appointed without regard to age so long as the public member has
reached the age of majority prior to appointment.
Added Stats 1976 ch 1188 § 1.3.

§ 451. Delegation of duties

If any board shall as a part of its functions delegate any duty or re-
sponsibility to be performed by a single member of such board, such
delegation shall not be made solely to any public member or any lay
member of the board in any of the following instances:
(a) The actual preparation of, the administration of, and the grad-
ing of, examinations.
(b) The inspection or investigation of licentiates, the manner or
method of practice or doing business, or their place of practice or
business.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as precluding a public
member or a lay member from participating in the formation of policy
relating to the scope of the activities set forth in subdivisions (a) and
(b) or in the approval, disapproval or modification of the action of its
individual members, nor preclude such member from participating as
a member of a subcommittee consisting of more than one member of
the board in the performance of any duty.
Added Stats 1961 ch 2232 § 2.

§ 452. “Board”
“Board,” as used in this chapter, includes a board, advisory board,
commission, examining committee, committee or other similarly con-
stituted body exercising powers under this code.
Added Stats 1961 ch 2232 § 2. Amended Stats 1976 ch 1188 § 1.5.
234 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Chapter 7
Licensee

§ 460. Powers of local governmental entities

(a) No city or county shall prohibit a person or group of persons, au-
thorized by one of the agencies in the Department of Consumer Af-
fairs by a license, certificate, or other such means to engage in a par-
ticular business, from engaging in that business,occupation, or pro-
fession or any portion thereof.
(b) No city, county, or city and county shall prohibit a healingarts
professional licensed with the state under Division 2 (commencing
with Section 500) from engaging in any act or performing any proce-
dure that falls within the professionally recognized scopeof practice of
that licensee.
(1) This subdivision shall not be construed to prohibit the enforce-
ment of a local ordinance in effect prior to January 1, 2010,related to
any act or procedure that falls within the professionally recognized
scope of practice of a healing arts professional licensed under Divi-
sion 2 (commencing with Section 500).
(2) This subdivision shall not be construed to prevent a city,county,
or city and county from adopting or enforcing any local ordinance
governing zoning, business licensing, or reasonable health and safety
requirements for establishments or businesses of a healing arts pro-
fessional licensed under Division 2 (commencing with Section500).
(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit any city, county, or city
and county from levying a business license tax solely forrevenue pur-
poses, nor any city or county from levying a license taxsolely for the
purpose of covering the cost of regulation.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1095 § 1. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 24; Stats. 2009, Ch. 16.

§ 461. Asking applicant to reveal arrest record prohibited

No public agency, state or local, shall, on an initial application form
for any license, certificate or registration, ask for or require the appli-
cant to reveal a record of arrest that did not result in a conviction or a
plea of nolo contendere. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
This section shall apply in the case of any license, certificate or reg-
istration provided for by any law of this state or local government,
including, but not limited to, this code, the Corporations Code, the
Education Code, and the Insurance Code.
Added Stats 1975 ch 883 § 1.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 235

§ 462. Inactive category of licensure

(a) Any of the boards, bureaus, commissions, or programs within
the department may establish, by regulation, a system for an inactive
category of licensure for persons who are not actively engaged in the
practice of their profession or vocation.
(b) The regulation shall contain the following provisions:
(1) The holder of an inactive license issued pursuant to this section
shall not engage in any activity for which a license is required.
(2) An inactive license issued pursuant to this section shall be re-
newed during the same time period in which an active license is re-
newed. The holder of an inactive license need not comply with any
continuing education requirement for renewal of an active license.
(3) The renewal fee for a license in an active status shall apply also
for a renewal of a license in an inactive status, unless a lesser renew-
al fee is specified by the board.
(4) In order for the holder of an inactive license issued pursuant to
this section to restore his or her license to an active status, the holder
of an inactive license shall comply with all the following:
(A) Pay the renewal fee.
(B) If the board requires completion of continuing education for re-
newal of an active license, complete continuing education equivalent
to that required for renewal of an active license, unless a different
requirement is specified by the board.
(c) This section shall not apply to any healing arts board as speci-
fied in Section 701.
Added Stats 1994 ch 26 § 14 (AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994.

§ 464. Retired category of licensure

(a) Any of the boards within the department may establish, by regu-
lation, a system for a retired category of licensure for persons who are
not actively engaged in the practice of their profession or vocation.
(b) The regulation shall contain the following:
(1) A retired license shall be issued to a person with either an active
license or an inactive license that was not placed on inactive status
for disciplinary reasons.
(2) The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section
shall not engage in any activity for which a license is required, unless
the board, by regulation, specifies the criteria for a retired licensee to
practice his or her profession or vocation.
(3) The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew
that license.
(4) The board shall establish an appropriate application fee for a re-
tired license to cover the reasonable regulatory cost of issuing a re-
tired license.
236 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(5) In order for the holder of a retired license issued pursuant to

this section to restore his or her license to an active status, the holder
of that license shall meet all the following:
(A) Pay a fee established by statute or regulation.
(B) Certify, in a manner satisfactory to the board, that he or she
has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial of
licensure.
(C) Comply with the fingerprint submission requirements estab-
lished by regulation.
(D) If the board requires completion of continuing education for re-
newal of an active license, complete continuing education equivalent
to that required for renewal of an active license, unless a different
requirement is specified by the board.
(E) Complete any other requirements as specified by the board by
regulation.
(c) A board may upon its own determination, and shall upon receipt
of a complaint from any person, investigate the actions of any licen-
see, including a person with a license that either restricts or prohibits
the practice of that person in his or her profession or vocation, includ-
ing, but not limited to, a license that is retired, inactive, canceled,
revoked, or suspended.
(d) Subdivisions (a) and (b) shall not apply to a board that has other
statutory authority to establish a retired license.
Added Stats 2016 ch 473 § 1 (AB 2859), effective January 1, 2017.

Chapter 8
Dispute Resolution Programs
Article 1
Legislative Purpose
§ 465.5. Legislative intent
It is the intent of the Legislature to permit counties to accomplish
all of the following:
(a) Encouragement and support of the development and use of al-
ternative dispute resolution techniques.
(b) Encouragement and support of community participation in the
development, administration, and oversight of local programs de-
signed to facilitate the informal resolution of disputes among mem-
bers of the community.
(c) Development of structures for dispute resolution that may serve
as models for resolution programs in other communities.
(d) Education of communities with regard to the availability and
benefits of alternative dispute resolution techniques.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 237

(e) Encouragement of courts, prosecuting authorities, public de-

fenders, law enforcement agencies, and administrative agencies to
work in cooperation with, and to make referrals to, dispute resolution
programs.
At the time that the state assumes the responsibility for the fund-
ing of California trial courts, consideration shall be given to the Dis-
pute Resolution Advisory Council’s evaluation of the effectiveness of
alternative dispute resolution programs and the feasibility of the op-
eration of a statewide program of grants, with the intention of fund-
ing alternative dispute resolution programs on a statewide basis.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

Article 3
Establishment and Administration of Programs
§ 467. Dispute Resolution Advisory Council
(a) There is in the Division of Consumer Services of the Department
of Consumer Affairs a Dispute Resolution Advisory Council. The ad-
visory council shall complete the duties required by this chapter no
later than January 1, 1989.
(b) The advisory council shall consist of seven persons, five of whom
shall be appointed by the Governor. One member shall be appointed
by the Senate Rules Committee, and one member shall be appointed
by the Speaker of the Assembly. At least four of the persons appoint-
ed to the advisory council shall be active members of the State Bar of
California, and at least four persons appointed to the advisory council
shall have a minimum of two years of direct experience in utilizing
dispute resolution techniques. The members of the advisory council
shall reflect the racial, ethnic, sexual, and geographic diversity of the
State of California.
(c) The members of the advisory council shall not receive a salary for
their services but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary
travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1. Amended Stats 1987 ch 28 § 1, effective May 28, 1987.

§ 467.1. Contract requirements; County programs

(a) A program funded pursuant to this chapter shall be operated
pursuant to contract with the county and shall comply with all of the
requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations of the ad-
visory council.
(b) Counties may establish a program of grants to public entities
and nonpartisan nonprofit corporations for the establishment and
continuance of programs to be operated under the requirements of
this chapter and the standards developed by the advisory council. The
238 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

board of supervisors of a county in which, because of the county’s size,

the distribution authorized by Section 470.5 is insufficient to estab-
lish a county program may enter into an agreement with the board of
supervisors of one or more other such counties to establish a program
authorized by this chapter on a regional basis.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1. Amended Stats 1987 ch 28 § 2, effective May 28, 1987;
Stats 2005 ch 75 § 2 (AB 145), effective July 19, 2005, operative January 1, 2006.

§ 467.2. Eligibility for program funding

A program shall not be eligible for funding under this chapter un-
less it meets all of the following requirements:
(a) Compliance with this chapter and the applicable rules and regu-
lations of the advisory council.
(b) Provision of neutral persons adequately trained in conflict reso-
lution techniques as required by the rules and regulations promul-
gated by the advisory council pursuant to Section 471.
(c) Provision of dispute resolution, on a sliding scale basis, and
without cost to indigents.
(d) Provision that, upon consent of the parties, a written agreement
or an award resolving a dispute will be issued setting out a settle-
ment of the issues involved in the dispute and the future responsibili-
ties of each party.
(e) Provision of neutral procedures applicable equally to all partici-
pants without any special benefit or consideration given to persons or
entities providing funding for the programs.
(f) Provision that participation in the program is voluntary and that
the parties are not coerced to enter dispute resolution.
(g) Provision of alternative dispute resolution is the primary pur-
pose of the program.
(h) Programs operated by counties that receive funding under this
chapter shall be operated primarily for the purposes of dispute reso-
lution, consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

§ 467.3. Provision of written statement to parties; Contents

Programs funded pursuant to this chapter shall provide persons in-
dicating an intention to utilize the dispute resolution process with a
written statement prior to the dispute resolution proceeding, in lan-
guage easy to read and understand, stating all of the following:
(a) The nature of the dispute.
(b) The nature of the dispute resolution process.
(c) The rights and obligations of the parties, including, but not lim-
ited to, all of the following:
(1) The right to call and examine witnesses.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 239

(2) The right of the parties to be accompanied by counsel, who may

participate as permitted under the rules and procedures of the program.
(d) The procedures under which the dispute resolution will be con-
ducted.
(e) If the parties enter into arbitration, whether the dispute resolu-
tion process will be binding.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

§ 467.4. Agreements resolving disputes; Enforcement;

Admissibility in evidence; Tolling statute of limitations
(a) An agreement resolving a dispute entered into with the assis-
tance of a program shall not be enforceable in a court nor shall it be
admissible as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding,
unless the consent of the parties or the agreement includes a provi-
sion that clearly states the intention of the parties that the agree-
ment or any resulting award shall be so enforceable or admissible as
evidence.
(b) The parties may agree in writing to toll the applicable statute of
limitations during the pendency of the dispute resolution process.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

§ 467.5. Communications during mediation proceedings

Notwithstanding the express application of Chapter 2 (commencing
with Section 1115) of Division 9 of the Evidence Code to mediations,
all proceedings conducted by a program funded pursuant to this chap-
ter, including, but not limited to, arbitrations and conciliations, are
subject to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1115) of Division 9 of
the Evidence Code.
Added Stats 1988 ch 188 § 2. Amended Stats 1997 ch 772 § 1 (AB 939).

§ 467.6. Statistical records; Anonymity of parties

Each program shall maintain those statistical records required by
Section 471.5, and as may be required by the county. The records
shall maintain the confidentiality and anonymity of the parties.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

§ 467.7. Withdrawal from dispute resolution; Criminal

complaints; Waiver of right to counsel
(a) Unless the parties have agreed to a binding award, nothing in
this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any person who voluntarily
enters the dispute resolution process from revoking his or her con-
240 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

sent, withdrawing from dispute resolution, and seeking judicial or

administrative redress.
(b) In cases in which a criminal complaint has been filed by a prose-
cutor, other than for an infraction, the advice of counsel shall be ob-
tained before any dispute resolution process is initiated. Nothing in
this subdivision shall be construed to preclude a defendant from
knowingly and voluntarily waiving the right to counsel. A defendant
who indicates a desire to waive the right to counsel shall be encour-
aged to consult with the public defender or private counsel before
waiving that right.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

Article 4
Application Procedures
§ 468.1. Selection of programs
Programs shall be selected for funding by a county from the appli-
cations submitted therefor.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

§ 468.2. Applications; Required information

Applications submitted for funding shall include, but need not be
limited to, all of the following information:
(a) Evidence of compliance with Sections 467.2, 467.3, and 467.4.
(b) A description of the proposed community area of service, cost of
the principal components of operation, and any other characteristics,
as determined by rules of the advisory council.
(c) A description of available dispute resolution services and facili-
ties within the defined geographical area.
(d) A description of the applicant’s proposed program, by type and
purpose, including evidence of community support, the present avail-
ability of resources, and the applicant’s administrative capability.
(e) A description of existing or planned cooperation between the ap-
plicant and local human service and justice system agencies.
(f) A demonstrated effort on the part of the applicant to show the
manner in which funds that may be awarded under this program may
be coordinated or consolidated with other local, state, or federal funds
available for the activities described in Sections 467.2, 467.3, and 467.4.
(g) An explanation of the methods to be used for selecting and train-
ing mediators and other facilitators used in the dispute resolution
process.
(h) Such additional information as may be required by the county.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 241

§ 468.3. Funding priorities; Criteria

Data supplied by each applicant shall be used to assign relative
funding priority on the basis of criteria developed by the advisory
council. The criteria may include, but shall not be limited to, all of the
following, in addition to the criteria set forth in Section 468.2:
(a) Unit cost, according to the type and scope of the proposed program.
(b) Quality and validity of the program.
(c) Number of participants who may be served.
(d) Administrative capability.
(e) Community support factors.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

Article 6
Funding
§ 470.1. Acceptance of funds by grant recipients
(a) A grant recipient may accept funds from any public or private
source for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) A county and its representatives may inspect, examine, and au-
dit the fiscal affairs of the programs and the projects funded under
this chapter.
(c) Programs shall, whenever reasonably possible, make use of pub-
lic facilities at free or nominal costs.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

§ 470.2. County’s share of funding

A county’s share of the funding pursuant to this chapter shall not
exceed 50 percent of the approved estimated cost of the program.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1.

§ 470.3. [Section repealed 2006.]

Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1. Amended Stats 1987 ch 28 § 3, effective May 28, 1987,
ch 1431 § 1; Stats 1992 ch 685 § 2 (SB 1707), effective September 12, 1992; Stats 1998
ch 931 § 1 (SB 2139), effective September 28, 1998. Repealed Stats 2005 ch 75 § 3 (AB
145), effective July 19, 2005, operative January 1, 2006. The repealed section related to
fees for support of programs.

§ 470.5. Monthly distributions from filing fees for support of

dispute resolution programs
(a) On and after January 1, 2006, as described in Section 68085.1 of
the Government Code, the Administrative Office of the Courts shall
make monthly distributions from superior court filing fees for the
242 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

support of dispute resolution programs under this chapter in each

county that has acted to establish a program. The amount distributed
in each county shall be equal to the following:
(1) From each first paper filing fee collected by the court as provid-
ed under Section 70611 or 70612, subdivision (a) of Section 70613,
subdivision (a) of Section 70614, or Section 70670 of the Government
Code, and each first paper or petition filing fee collected by the court
in a probate matter as provided under Section 70650, 70651, 70652,
70653, or 70655 of the Government Code, the same amount as was
required to be collected for the support of dispute resolution programs
in that county as of December 31, 2005, when a fee was collected for
the filing of a first paper in a civil action under Section 26820.4 of the
Government Code.
(2) From each first paper filing fee in a limited civil case collected
by the court as provided under subdivision (b) of Section 70613 or
subdivision (b) of Section 70614 of the Government Code, and each
first paper or petition filing fee collected by the court in a probate
matter as provided under Section 70654, 70656, or 70658 of the Gov-
ernment Code, the same amount as was required to be collected for
the support of dispute resolution programs in that county as of De-
cember 31, 2005, when a fee was collected for the filing of a first pa-
per in a civil action under Section 72055 of the Government Code
where the amount demanded, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, was
ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or less.
(b) Distributions under this section shall be used only for the sup-
port of dispute resolution programs authorized by this chapter. The
county shall deposit the amounts distributed under this section in an
account created and maintained for this purpose by the county. Rec-
ords of these distributions shall be available for inspection by the
public upon request.
(c) After January 1, 2006, a county that does not already have a dis-
tribution from superior court filing fees under this section and that
establishes a dispute resolution program authorized by this chapter
may approve a distribution under this section. A county that already
has a distribution under this section may change the amount of the
distribution. The total amount to be distributed for the support of
dispute resolution programs under this section may not exceed eight
dollars ($8) per filing fee.
(d) The county may make changes under subdivision (c) to be effec-
tive January 1 or July 1 of any year, on and after January 1, 2006. The
county shall provide the Administrative Office of the Courts with a
copy of the action of the board of supervisors that establishes the
change at least 15 days before the date that the change goes into effect.
Added Stats 2005 ch 75 § 4 (AB 145), effective July 19, 2005, operative January 1, 2006.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 243

§ 470.6. Carry over of moneys and fees

A county may carry over moneys received from distributions under
Section 470.5 and from the fees for the support of dispute resolution
programs authorized by this chapter that were added to fees for filing
a first paper in a civil action in superior court under the laws in effect
before January 1, 2006.
Added Stats 2005 ch 75 § 5 (AB 145), effective July 19, 2005, operative January 1, 2006.

Article 7
Rules and Regulations
§ 471.3. Statewide uniformity with guidelines contained in
rules and regulations
The rules and regulations adopted by the advisory council pursuant
to Section 471 shall be formulated to promote statewide uniformity
with the guidelines contained in those rules and regulations.
Added Stats 1987 ch 28 § 6, effective May 28, 1987.

§ 471.5. Annual provision of statistical data

Each program funded pursuant to this chapter shall annually pro-
vide the county with statistical data regarding its operating budget;
the number of referrals, categories, or types of cases referred to the
program; the number of persons served by the program; the number
of disputes resolved; the nature of the disputes resolved; rates of
compliance; the number of persons utilizing the process more than
once; the duration of and the estimated costs of the hearings conduct-
ed by the programs; and any other information that the county may
require. The data shall maintain the confidentiality and anonymity of
the persons employing the dispute resolution process.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1313 § 1. Amended Stats 1987 ch 56 § 1.
244 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

DIVISION 1.2
JOINT COMMITTEE ON BOARDS, COMMISSIONS,
AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

Chapter 1
Review of Boards under the Department of
Consumer Affairs

§ 473. [Section repealed 2011.]

§ 473.1. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 473.15. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 473.16. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 473.17. [Section repealed 2000.]
§ 473.2. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 473.3. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 473.4. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 473.5. [Section repealed 2011.]
§ 473.6. [Section repealed 2011.]

§ 473. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1994 ch 908 § 5 (SB 2036). Amended Stats 1998 ch 991 § 2 (SB 1980);
Stats 2003 ch 874 § 2 (SB 363); Stats 2004 ch 33 § 3 (AB 1467), effective April 13, 2004.
Repealed Stats 2010 ch 670 § 3 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed
section related to the establishment of the Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions,
and Consumer Protection, powers and duties, designation of staff, and termination of
Committee.

§ 473.1. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1994 ch 908 § 5 (SB 2036). Amended Stats 1997 ch 78 § 3.5 (AB 71); Stats
2000 ch 393 § 1 (SB 2028); Stats 2002 ch 825 § 2 (SB 1952); Stats 2003 ch 789 § 3 (SB
364); Stats 2009 ch 310 § 5 (AB 48), effective January 1, 2010. Repealed Stats 2010 ch
670 § 3 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed section related to applicabil-
ity of chapter “Review of Boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs.”

§ 473.15. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1997 ch 759 § 6 (SB 827). Amended Stats 2000 ch 199 § 1 (SB 2034); Stats
2002 ch 681 § 1 (SB 1954), ch 1012 § 1.5 (SB 2025), effective September 27, 2002; Stats
2004 ch 33 § 4 (AB 1467), effective April 13, 2004; Stats 2005 ch 659 § 0.5 (SB 248),
effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2006 ch 658 § 4 (SB 1476), effective January 1, 2007.
Repealed Stats 2010 ch 670 § 3 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed
section related to review of specified boards by committee and legislative intent.

§ 473.16. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 2005 ch 674 § 3 (SB 231), effective January 1, 2006. Repealed Stats 2010
ch 670 § 3 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed section related to exami-
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 245

nation and report of Medical Board of California’s composition, initial and biennial
fees, and report of findings.

§ 473.17. [Section repealed 2000.]

Added Stats ch 736 § 1 (SB 1981). Repealed Stats 2000 ch 393 § 3 (SB 2028). The re-
pealed section related to review of referral of cases by specified boards to Licensing and
Health Quality Enforcement Sections of Attorney General’s office.

§ 473.2. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1994 ch 908 § 5 (SB 2036). Amended Stats 2000 ch 393 § 4 (SB 2028);
Stats 2003 ch 789 § 4 (SB 364); Stats 2004 ch 33 § 5 (AB 1467), effective April 13, 2004.
Repealed Stats 2010 ch 670 § 3 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed
section related to submission of analysis and report to committee concerning the board.

§ 473.3. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1994 ch 908 § 5 (SB 2036). Amended Stats 1997 ch 78 § 3.7 (AB 71); Stats
2000 ch 393 § 5 (SB 2028); Stats 2001 ch 399 § 1 (AB 1720); Stats 2003 ch 789 § 5 (SB
364); Stats 2004 ch 33 § 6 (AB 1467), effective April 13, 2004. Repealed Stats 2010 ch
670 § 3 (AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed section related to public
hearings prior to termination, continuation, or reestablishment of any board, the re-
view of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education and Bureau of
Automotive Repair.

§ 473.4. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1994 ch 908 § 5 (SB 2036). Amended Stats 2004 ch 33 § 7 (AB 1467), effec-
tive April 13, 2004. Repealed Stats 2010 ch 670 § 3 (AB 2130), effective January 1,
2011. The repealed section related to the evaluation of boards and regulatory programs
and determination of need for continued existence.

§ 473.5. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1994 ch 908 § 5 (SB 2036). Amended Stats 2000 ch 393 § 6 (SB 2028);
Stats 2004 ch 33 § 8 (AB 1467), effective April 13, 2004. Repealed Stats 2010 ch 670 § 3
(AB 2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed section related to report of findings
and preliminary recommendations by Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions, and
Consumer Protection.

§ 473.6. [Section repealed 2011.]

Added Stats 1997 ch 759 § 7 (SB 827). Amended Stats 2002 ch 1012 § 2 (SB 2025), ef-
fective September 27, 2002; Stats 2004 ch 33 § 9 (AB 1467), effective April 13, 2004, ch
909 § 1.5 (SB 136), effective September 30, 2004. Repealed Stats 2010 ch 670 § 3 (AB
2130), effective January 1, 2011. The repealed section related to the referral of pro-
posals to create new licensure categories, change requirements, or create new licensing
board to Joint Committee.
246 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

DIVISION 1.5
DENIAL, SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF
LICENSES
Chapter 1
General Provisions
§ 475. Applicability of division
§ 476. Exemptions
§ 477. “Board”; “License”
§ 478. “Application”; “Material”

Chapter 2
Denial of Licenses
§ 480. Grounds for denial; Effect of obtaining certificate of rehabilitation
§ 481. Crime and job-fitness criteria
§ 482. Rehabilitation criteria
§ 484. Attestation to good moral character of applicant
§ 485. Procedure upon denial
§ 486. Contents of decision or notice
§ 487. Hearing; Time
§ 488. Hearing request
§ 489. Denial of application without a hearing

Chapter 3
Suspension and Revocation of Licenses
§ 490. Grounds for suspension or revocation; Discipline for substantially related
crimes; Conviction; Legislative findings
§ 490.5. Suspension of license for failure to comply with child support order
§ 491. Procedure upon suspension or revocation
§ 493. Evidentiary effect of record of conviction of crime substantially related to
licensee’s qualifications, functions, and duties
§ 494. Interim suspension or restriction order
§ 494.5. Agency actions when licensee is on certified list; Definitions; Collection and
distribution of certified list information; Timing; Notices; Challenges by
applicants and licensees; Release forms; Interagency agreements; Fees;
Remedies; Inquiries and disclosure of information; Severability
§ 494.6. Suspension under Labor Code Section 244

Chapter 4
Public Reprovals
§ 495. Public reproval of licentiate or certificate holder for act constituting grounds
for suspension or revocation of license or certificate; Proceedings

Chapter 5
Examination Security
§ 496. Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of license
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 247

§ 498. Fraud, deceit or misrepresentation as grounds for action against license

§ 499. Action against license based on licentiate’s actions regarding application of
another

Chapter 1
General Provisions

§ 475. Applicability of division

(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code, the provi-
sions of this division shall govern the denial of licenses on the
grounds of:
(1) Knowingly making a false statement of material fact, or know-
ingly omitting to state a material fact, in an application for a license.
(2) Conviction of a crime.
(3) Commission of any act involving dishonesty, fraud or deceit with
the intent to substantially benefit himself or another, or substantially
injure another.
(4) Commission of any act which, if done by a licentiate of the busi-
ness or profession in question, would be grounds for suspension or
revocation of license.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code, the provisions
of this division shall govern the suspension and revocation of licenses
on grounds specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a).
(c) A license shall not be denied, suspended, or revoked on the
grounds of a lack of good moral character or any similar ground relat-
ing to an applicant’s character, reputation, personality, or habits.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 1; Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 5
(AB 2743).

§ 476. Exemptions
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), nothing in this division
shall apply to the licensure or registration of persons pursuant to
Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 6000) of Division 3, or pursuant
to Division 9 (commencing with Section 23000) or pursuant to Chap-
ter 5 (commencing with Section 19800) of Division 8.
(b) Section 494.5 shall apply to the licensure of persons authorized
to practice law pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section
6000) of Division 3, and the licensure or registration of persons pur-
suant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 19800) of Division 8 or
pursuant to Division 9 (commencing with Section 23000).
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1983 ch 721 § 1; Stats 2011 ch 455 § 2 (AB
1424), effective January 1, 2012.
248 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 477. “Board”; “License”

As used in this division:
(a) “Board” includes “bureau,” “commission,” “committee,” “depart-
ment,” “division,” “examining committee,” “program,” and “agency.”
(b) “License” includes certificate, registration or other means to en-
gage in a business or profession regulated by this code.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 2; Stats 1983 ch 95 § 1;
Stats 1991 ch 654 § 5 (AB 1893).

§ 478. “Application”; “Material”

(a) As used in this division, “application” includes the original docu-
ments or writings filed and any other supporting documents or writ-
ings including supporting documents provided or filed contemporane-
ously, or later, in support of the application whether provided or filed
by the applicant or by any other person in support of the application.
(b) As used in this division, “material” includes a statement or
omission substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or du-
ties of the business or profession.
Added Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 6 (AB 2743).

Chapter 2
Denial of Licenses

§ 480. Grounds for denial; Effect of obtaining certificate of

rehabilitation
(a) A board may deny a license regulated by this code on the
grounds that the applicant has one of the following:
(1) Been convicted of a crime. A conviction within the meaning of
this section means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following
a plea of nolo contendere. Any action that a board is permitted to take
following the establishment of a conviction may be taken when the
time for appeal has elapsed, or the judgment of conviction has been
affirmed on appeal, or when an order granting probation is made sus-
pending the imposition of sentence, irrespective of a subsequent order
under the provisions of Section 1203.4, 1203.4a, or 1203.41 of the Pe-
nal Code.
(2) Done any act involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit with the in-
tent to substantially benefit himself or herself or another, or substan-
tially injure another.
(3) (A) Done any act that if done by a licentiate of the business or
profession in question, would be grounds for suspension or revocation
of license.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 249

(B) The board may deny a license pursuant to this subdivision only
if the crime or act is substantially related to the qualifications, func-
tions, or duties of the business or profession for which application is
made.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, a person shall
not be denied a license solely on the basis that he or she has been
convicted of a felony if he or she has obtained a certificate of rehabili-
tation under Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title
6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code or that he or she has been convicted of a
misdemeanor if he or she has met all applicable requirements of the
criteria of rehabilitation developed by the board to evaluate the reha-
bilitation of a person when considering the denial of a license under
subdivision (a) of Section 482.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code, a person shall
not be denied a license solely on the basis of a conviction that has
been dismissed pursuant to Section 1203.4, 1203.4a, or 1203.41 of the
Penal Code. An applicant who has a conviction that has been dis-
missed pursuant to Section 1203.4, 1203.4a, or 1203.41 of the Penal
Code shall provide proof of the dismissal.
(d) A board may deny a license regulated by this code on the ground
that the applicant knowingly made a false statement of fact that is
required to be revealed in the application for the license.
Added Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 4. Amended Stats 1976 ch 947 § 1; Stats 1979 ch 876 § 2;
Stats 2008 ch 179 § 2 (SB 1498), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2014 ch 737 § 1 (AB
2396), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 481. Crime and job-fitness criteria

Each board under the provisions of this code shall develop criteria
to aid it, when considering the denial, suspension or revocation of a
license, to determine whether a crime or act is substantially related
to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession
it regulates.
Added Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 6.

§ 482. Rehabilitation criteria

Each board under the provisions of this code shall develop criteria
to evaluate the rehabilitation of a person when:
(a) Considering the denial of a license by the board under Section
480; or
(b) Considering suspension or revocation of a license under Section
490.
Each board shall take into account all competent evidence of reha-
bilitation furnished by the applicant or licensee.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 7.
250 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

§ 484. Attestation to good moral character of applicant

No person applying for licensure under this code shall be required
to submit to any licensing board any attestation by other persons to
his good moral character.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 9.

§ 485. Procedure upon denial

Upon denial of an application for a license under this chapter or
Section 496, the board shall do either of the following:
(a) File and serve a statement of issues in accordance with Chapter
5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of
the Government Code.
(b) Notify the applicant that the application is denied, stating (1)
the reason for the denial, and (2) that the applicant has the right to a
hearing under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1
of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code if written request for
hearing is made within 60 days after service of the notice of denial.
Unless written request for hearing is made within the 60-day period,
the applicant’s right to a hearing is deemed waived.
Service of the notice of denial may be made in the manner author-
ized for service of summons in civil actions, or by registered mail ad-
dressed to the applicant at the latest address filed by the applicant in
writing with the board in his or her application or otherwise. Service
by mail is complete on the date of mailing.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1997 ch 758 § 2.3 (SB 1346).

§ 486. Contents of decision or notice

Where the board has denied an application for a license under this
chapter or Section 496, it shall, in its decision, or in its notice under
subdivision (b) of Section 485, inform the applicant of the following:
(a) The earliest date on which the applicant may reapply for a li-
cense which shall be one year from the effective date of the decision,
or service of the notice under subdivision (b) of Section 485, unless
the board prescribes an earlier date or a later date is prescribed by
another statute.
(b) That all competent evidence of rehabilitation presented will be
considered upon a reapplication.
Along with the decision, or the notice under subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 485, the board shall serve a copy of the criteria relating to reha-
bilitation formulated under Section 482.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 9.5; Stats 1997 ch 758
§ 2.4 (SB 1346).
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 251

§ 487. Hearing; Time

If a hearing is requested by the applicant, the board shall conduct
such hearing within 90 days from the date the hearing is requested
unless the applicant shall request or agree in writing to a postpone-
ment or continuance of the hearing. Notwithstanding the above, the
Office of Administrative Hearings may order, or on a showing of good
cause, grant a request for, up to 45 additional days within which to
conduct a hearing, except in cases involving alleged examination or
licensing fraud, in which cases the period may be up to 180 days. In
no case shall more than two such orders be made or requests be
granted.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 10; Stats 1986 ch 220 § 1,
effective June 30, 1986.

§ 488. Hearing request

Except as otherwise provided by law, following a hearing requested
by an applicant pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 485, the board
may take any of the following actions:
(a) Grant the license effective upon completion of all licensing re-
quirements by the applicant.
(b) Grant the license effective upon completion of all licensing re-
quirements by the applicant, immediately revoke the license, stay the
revocation, and impose probationary conditions on the license, which
may include suspension.
(c) Deny the license.
(d) Take other action in relation to denying or granting the license
as the board in its discretion may deem proper.
Added Stats 2000 ch 568 § 2 (AB 2888).

§ 489. Denial of application without a hearing

Any agency in the department which is authorized by law to deny
an application for a license upon the grounds specified in Section 480
or 496, may without a hearing deny an application upon any of those
grounds, if within one year previously, and after proceedings con-
ducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, that
agency has denied an application from the same applicant upon the
same ground.
Added Stats 1955 ch 1151 § 1, as B & P C § 116. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 2. Re-
numbered by Stats 1989 ch 1104 § 1. Amended Stats 1997 ch 758 § 2.5 (SB 1346).
252 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Chapter 3
Suspension and Revocation of Licenses

§ 490. Grounds for suspension or revocation; Discipline for

substantially related crimes; Conviction; Legislative findings
(a) In addition to any other action that a board is permitted to take
against a licensee, a board may suspend or revoke a license on the
ground that the licensee has been convicted of a crime, if the crime is
substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the
business or profession for which the license was issued.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a board may exer-
cise any authority to discipline a licensee for conviction of a crime
that is independent of the authority granted under subdivision (a)
only if the crime is substantially related to the qualifications, func-
tions, or duties of the business or profession for which the licensee’s
license was issued.
(c) A conviction within the meaning of this section means a plea or
verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. An
action that a board is permitted to take following the establishment of
a conviction may be taken when the time for appeal has elapsed, or
the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or when an
order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sen-
tence, irrespective of a subsequent order under Section 1203.4 of the
Penal Code.
(d) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the application
of this section has been made unclear by the holding in Petropoulos v.
Department of Real Estate (2006) 142 Cal.App.4th 554, and that the
holding in that case has placed a significant number of statutes and
regulations in question, resulting in potential harm to the consumers
of California from licensees who have been convicted of crimes. There-
fore, the Legislature finds and declares that this section establishes
an independent basis for a board to impose discipline upon a licensee,
and that the amendments to this section made by Chapter 33 of the
Statutes of 2008 do not constitute a change to, but rather are declara-
tory of, existing law.
Added Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 13. Amended Stats 1979 ch 876 § 3; Stats 1980 ch 548 § 1;
Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 7 (AB 2743); Stats 2008 ch 33 § 2 (SB 797) (ch 33 prevails), effec-
tive June 23, 2008, ch 179 § 3 (SB 1498), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2010 ch 328
§ 2 (SB 1330), effective January 1, 2011.
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 253

§ 490.5. Suspension of license for failure to comply with child

support order
A board may suspend a license pursuant to Section 17520 of the
Family Code if a licensee is not in compliance with a child support
order or judgment.
Added Stats 1994 ch 906 § 1 (AB 923), operative January 1, 1996. Amended Stats 2010
ch 328 § 3 (SB 1330), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 491. Procedure upon suspension or revocation

Upon suspension or revocation of a license by a board on one or
more of the grounds specified in Section 490, the board shall:
(a) Send a copy of the provisions of Section 11522 of the Govern-
ment Code to the ex-licensee.
(b) Send a copy of the criteria relating to rehabilitation formulated
under Section 482 to the ex-licensee.
Added Stats 1972 ch 903 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 1321 § 14; Stats 1975 ch 678 § 1.

§ 493. Evidentiary effect of record of conviction of crime

substantially related to licensee’s qualifications, functions,
and duties
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in a proceeding con-
ducted by a board within the department pursuant to law to deny an
application for a license or to suspend or revoke a license or otherwise
take disciplinary action against a person who holds a license, upon
the ground that the applicant or the licensee has been convicted of a
crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties
of the licensee in question, the record of conviction of the crime shall
be conclusive evidence of the fact that the conviction occurred, but
only of that fact, and the board may inquire into the circumstances
surrounding the commission of the crime in order to fix the degree of
discipline or to determine if the conviction is substantially related to
the qualifications, functions, and duties of the licensee in question.
As used in this section, “license” includes “certificate,” “permit,”
“authority,” and “registration.”
Added Stats 1961 ch 934 § 1, as B & P C § 117. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 3. Re-
numbered by Stats 1989 ch 1104 § 1.3.

§ 494. Interim suspension or restriction order

(a) A board or an administrative law judge sitting alone, as provid-
ed in subdivision (h), may, upon petition, issue an interim order sus-
pending any licentiate or imposing license restrictions, including, but
not limited to, mandatory biological fluid testing, supervision, or re-
254 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

medial training. The petition shall include affidavits that demon-

strate, to the satisfaction of the board, both of the following:
(1) The licentiate has engaged in acts or omissions constituting a
violation of this code or has been convicted of a crime substantially
related to the licensed activity.
(2) Permitting the licentiate to continue to engage in the licensed
activity, or permitting the licentiate to continue in the licensed activi-
ty without restrictions, would endanger the public health, safety, or
welfare.
(b) No interim order provided for in this section shall be issued
without notice to the licentiate unless it appears from the petition
and supporting documents that serious injury would result to the
public before the matter could be heard on notice.
(c) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the licentiate shall be giv-
en at least 15 days’ notice of the hearing on the petition for an interim
order. The notice shall include documents submitted to the board in
support of the petition. If the order was initially issued without notice
as provided in subdivision (b), the licentiate shall be entitled to a
hearing on the petition within 20 days of the issuance of the interim
order without notice. The licentiate shall be given notice of the hear-
ing within two days after issuance of the initial interim order, and
shall receive all documents in support of the petition. The failure of
the board to provide a hearing within 20 days following the issuance
of the interim order without notice, unless the licentiate waives his or
her right to the hearing, shall result in the dissolution of the interim
order by operation of law.
(d) At the hearing on the petition for an interim order, the licentiate
may:
(1) Be represented by counsel.
(2) Have a record made of the proceedings, copies of which shall be
available to the licentiate upon payment of costs computed in accord-
ance with the provisions for transcript costs for judicial review con-
tained in Section 11523 of the Government Code.
(3) Present affidavits and other documentary evidence.
(4) Present oral argument.
(e) The board, or an administrative law judge sitting alone as pro-
vided in subdivision (h), shall issue a decision on the petition for in-
terim order within five business days following submission of the
matter. The standard of proof required to obtain an interim order
pursuant to this section shall be a preponderance of the evidence
standard. If the interim order was previously issued without notice,
the board shall determine whether the order shall remain in effect, be
dissolved, or modified.
(f) The board shall file an accusation within 15 days of the issuance
of an interim order. In the case of an interim order issued without
notice, the time shall run from the date of the order issued after the
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 255

noticed hearing. If the licentiate files a Notice of Defense, the hearing

shall be held within 30 days of the agency’s receipt of the Notice of
Defense. A decision shall be rendered on the accusation no later than
30 days after submission of the matter. Failure to comply with any of
the requirements in this subdivision shall dissolve the interim order
by operation of law.
(g) Interim orders shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to
Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure and shall be heard only
in the superior court in and for the Counties of Sacramento, San
Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. The review of an interim order
shall be limited to a determination of whether the board abused its
discretion in the issuance of the interim order. Abuse of discretion is
established if the respondent board has not proceeded in the manner
required by law, or if the court determines that the interim order is
not supported by substantial evidence in light of the whole record.
(h) The board may, in its sole discretion, delegate the hearing on
any petition for an interim order to an administrative law judge in
the Office of Administrative Hearings. If the board hears the noticed
petition itself, an administrative law judge shall preside at the hear-
ing, rule on the admission and exclusion of evidence, and advise the
board on matters of law. The board shall exercise all other powers
relating to the conduct of the hearing but may delegate any or all of
them to the administrative law judge. When the petition has been
delegated to an administrative law judge, he or she shall sit alone
and exercise all of the powers of the board relating to the conduct of
the hearing. A decision issued by an administrative law judge sitting
alone shall be final when it is filed with the board. If the administra-
tive law judge issues an interim order without notice, he or she shall
preside at the noticed hearing, unless unavailable, in which case an-
other administrative law judge may hear the matter. The decision of
the administrative law judge sitting alone on the petition for an inter-
im order is final, subject only to judicial review in accordance with
subdivision (g).
(i) Failure to comply with an interim order issued pursuant to sub-
division (a) or (b) shall constitute a separate cause for disciplinary
action against any licentiate, and may be heard at, and as a part of,
the noticed hearing provided for in subdivision (f). Allegations of non-
compliance with the interim order may be filed at any time prior to
the rendering of a decision on the accusation. Violation of the interim
order is established upon proof that the licentiate was on notice of the
interim order and its terms, and that the order was in effect at the
time of the violation. The finding of a violation of an interim order
made at the hearing on the accusation shall be reviewed as a part of
any review of a final decision of the agency.
If the interim order issued by the agency provides for anything less
than a complete suspension of the licentiate from his or her business
256 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

or profession, and the licentiate violates the interim order prior to the
hearing on the accusation provided for in subdivision (f), the agency
may, upon notice to the licentiate and proof of violation, modify or
expand the interim order.
(j) A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction after a plea of nolo con-
tendere is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of this sec-
tion. A certified record of the conviction shall be conclusive evidence
of the fact that the conviction occurred. A board may take action un-
der this section notwithstanding the fact that an appeal of the convic-
tion may be taken.
(k) The interim orders provided for by this section shall be in addi-
tion to, and not a limitation on, the authority to seek injunctive relief
provided in any other provision of law.
(l ) In the case of a board, a petition for an interim order may be
filed by the executive officer. In the case of a bureau or program, a
petition may be filed by the chief or program administrator, as the
case may be.
(m) “Board,” as used in this section, shall include any agency de-
scribed in Section 22, and any allied health agency within the juris-
diction of the Medical Board of California. Board shall also include
the Osteopathic Medical Board of California and the State Board of
Chiropractic Examiners. The provisions of this section shall not be
applicable to the Medical Board of California, the Board of Podiatric
Medicine, or the State Athletic Commission.
Added Stats 1993 ch 840 § 1 (SB 842). Amended Stats 1994 ch 1275 § 4 (SB 2101).

§ 494.5. Agency actions when licensee is on certified list;

Definitions; Collection and distribution of certified list
information; Timing; Notices; Challenges by applicants and
licensees; Release forms; Interagency agreements; Fees;
Remedies; Inquiries and disclosure of information;
Severability
(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), a state
governmental licensing entity shall refuse to issue, reactivate, rein-
state, or renew a license and shall suspend a license if a licensee's
name is included on a certified list.
(2) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend a license if a li-
censee's name is included on a certified list. Any reference in this sec-
tion to the issuance, reactivation, reinstatement, renewal, or denial of
a license shall not apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
(3) The State Bar of California may recommend to refuse to issue,
reactivate, reinstate, or renew a license and may recommend to sus-
pend a license if a licensee's name is included on a certified list. The
word “may” shall be substituted for the word “shall” relating to the
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 257

issuance of a temporary license, refusal to issue, reactivate, reinstate,

renew, or suspend a license in this section for licenses under the ju-
risdiction of the California Supreme Court.
(4) The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may refuse to is-
sue, reactivate, reinstate, or renew a license, and may suspend a li-
cense, if a licensee's name is included on a certified list.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Certified list” means either the list provided by the State Board
of Equalization or the list provided by the Franchise Tax Board of
persons whose names appear on the lists of the 500 largest tax delin-
quencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of the Revenue and Taxa-
tion Code, as applicable.
(2) “License” includes a certificate, registration, or any other au-
thorization to engage in a profession or occupation issued by a state
governmental licensing entity. “License” includes a driver's license
issued pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 12500) of
Division 6 of the Vehicle Code. “License” excludes a vehicle registra-
tion issued pursuant to Division 3 (commencing with Section 4000) of
the Vehicle Code.
(3) “Licensee” means an individual authorized by a license to drive
a motor vehicle or authorized by a license, certificate, registration, or
other authorization to engage in a profession or occupation issued by
a state governmental licensing entity.
(4) “State governmental licensing entity” means any entity listed in
Section 101, 1000, or 19420, the office of the Attorney General, the
Department of Insurance, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the
State Bar of California, the Department of Real Estate, and any other
state agency, board, or commission that issues a license, certificate, or
registration authorizing an individual to engage in a profession or
occupation, including any certificate, business or occupational license,
or permit or license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or
the Department of the California Highway Patrol. “State governmen-
tal licensing entity” shall not include the Contractors' State License
Board.
(c) The State Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board
shall each submit its respective certified list to every state govern-
mental licensing entity. The certified lists shall include the name,
social security number or taxpayer identification number, and the
last known address of the persons identified on the certified lists.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, each state governmental licens-
ing entity shall collect the social security number or the federal tax-
payer identification number from all applicants for the purposes of
matching the names of the certified lists provided by the State Board
of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board to applicants and licen-
sees.
258 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

(e) (1) Each state governmental licensing entity shall determine

whether an applicant or licensee is on the most recent certified list
provided by the State Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax
Board.
(2) If an applicant or licensee is on either of the certified lists, the
state governmental licensing entity shall immediately provide a pre-
liminary notice to the applicant or licensee of the entity's intent to
suspend or withhold issuance or renewal of the license. The prelimi-
nary notice shall be delivered personally or by mail to the applicant's
or licensee's last known mailing address on file with the state gov-
ernmental licensing entity within 30 days of receipt of the certified
list. Service by mail shall be completed in accordance with Section
1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(A) The state governmental licensing entity shall issue a temporary
license valid for a period of 90 days to any applicant whose name is on
a certified list if the applicant is otherwise eligible for a license.
(B) The 90-day time period for a temporary license shall not be ex-
tended. Only one temporary license shall be issued during a regular
license term and the term of the temporary license shall coincide with
the first 90 days of the regular license term. A license for the full
term or the remainder of the license term may be issued or renewed
only upon compliance with this section.
(C) In the event that a license is suspended or an application for a
license or the renewal of a license is denied pursuant to this section,
any funds paid by the applicant or licensee shall not be refunded by
the state governmental licensing entity.
(f) (1) A state governmental licensing entity shall refuse to issue or
shall suspend a license pursuant to this section no sooner than 90
days and no later than 120 days of the mailing of the preliminary no-
tice described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e), unless the state
governmental licensing entity has received a release pursuant to sub-
division (h). The procedures in the administrative adjudication provi-
sions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 4.5 (commencing
with Section 11400) and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500)
of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) shall not
apply to the denial or suspension of, or refusal to renew, a license or
the issuance of a temporary license pursuant to this section.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law, if a board, bureau, or commis-
sion listed in Section 101, other than the Contractors' State License
Board, fails to take action in accordance with this section, the De-
partment of Consumer Affairs shall issue a temporary license or sus-
pend or refuse to issue, reactivate, reinstate, or renew a license, as
appropriate.
(g) Notices shall be developed by each state governmental licensing
entity. For an applicant or licensee on the State Board of Equaliza-
tion's certified list, the notice shall include the address and telephone
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 259

number of the State Board of Equalization, and shall emphasize the

necessity of obtaining a release from the State Board of Equalization
as a condition for the issuance, renewal, or continued valid status of a
license or licenses. For an applicant or licensee on the Franchise Tax
Board's certified list, the notice shall include the address and tele-
phone number of the Franchise Tax Board, and shall emphasize the
necessity of obtaining a release from the Franchise Tax Board as a
condition for the issuance, renewal, or continued valid status of a li-
cense or licenses.
(1) The notice shall inform the applicant that the state governmen-
tal licensing entity shall issue a temporary license, as provided in
subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (e), for 90 calendar
days if the applicant is otherwise eligible and that upon expiration of
that time period, the license will be denied unless the state govern-
mental licensing entity has received a release from the State Board of
Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is applicable.
(2) The notice shall inform the licensee that any license suspended
under this section will remain suspended until the state governmen-
tal licensing entity receives a release along with applications and
fees, if applicable, to reinstate the license.
(3) The notice shall also inform the applicant or licensee that if an
application is denied or a license is suspended pursuant to this sec-
tion, any moneys paid by the applicant or licensee shall not be re-
funded by the state governmental licensing entity. The state govern-
mental licensing entity shall also develop a form that the applicant or
licensee shall use to request a release by the State Board of Equaliza-
tion or the Franchise Tax Board. A copy of this form shall be included
with every notice sent pursuant to this subdivision.
(h) If the applicant or licensee wishes to challenge the submission of
his or her name on a certified list, the applicant or licensee shall
make a timely written request for release to the State Board of Equal-
ization or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is applicable. The
State Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board shall imme-
diately send a release to the appropriate state governmental licensing
entity and the applicant or licensee, if any of the following conditions
are met:
(1) The applicant or licensee has complied with the tax obligation,
either by payment of the unpaid taxes or entry into an installment
payment agreement, as described in Section 6832 or 19008 of the
Revenue and Taxation Code, to satisfy the unpaid taxes.
(2) The applicant or licensee has submitted a request for release not
later than 45 days after the applicant's or licensee's receipt of a pre-
liminary notice described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e), but the
State Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is
applicable, will be unable to complete the release review and send
notice of its findings to the applicant or licensee and state govern-
260 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

mental licensing entity within 45 days after the State Board of Equal-
ization's or the Franchise Tax Board's receipt of the applicant's or
licensee's request for release. Whenever a release is granted under
this paragraph, and, notwithstanding that release, the applicable li-
cense or licenses have been suspended erroneously, the state govern-
mental licensing entity shall reinstate the applicable licenses with
retroactive effect back to the date of the erroneous suspension and
that suspension shall not be reflected on any license record.
(3) The applicant or licensee is unable to pay the outstanding tax
obligation due to a current financial hardship. “Financial hardship”
means financial hardship as determined by the State Board of Equal-
ization or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is applicable, where
the applicant or licensee is unable to pay any part of the outstanding
liability and the applicant or licensee is unable to qualify for an in-
stallment payment arrangement as provided for by Section 6832 or
Section 19008 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. In order to estab-
lish the existence of a financial hardship, the applicant or licensee
shall submit any information, including information related to rea-
sonable business and personal expenses, requested by the State
Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is ap-
plicable, for purposes of making that determination.
(i) An applicant or licensee is required to act with diligence in re-
sponding to notices from the state governmental licensing entity and
the State Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board with the
recognition that the temporary license will lapse or the license sus-
pension will go into effect after 90 days and that the State Board of
Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board must have time to act with-
in that period. An applicant's or licensee's delay in acting, without
good cause, which directly results in the inability of the State Board
of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is applicable,
to complete a review of the applicant's or licensee's request for release
shall not constitute the diligence required under this section which
would justify the issuance of a release. An applicant or licensee shall
have the burden of establishing that he or she diligently responded to
notices from the state governmental licensing entity or the State
Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board and that any delay
was not without good cause.
(j) The State Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board
shall create release forms for use pursuant to this section. When the
applicant or licensee has complied with the tax obligation by payment
of the unpaid taxes, or entry into an installment payment agreement,
or establishing the existence of a current financial hardship as de-
fined in paragraph (3) of subdivision (h), the State Board of Equaliza-
tion or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is applicable, shall mail a
release form to the applicant or licensee and provide a release to the
appropriate state governmental licensing entity. Any state govern-
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 261

mental licensing entity that has received a release from the State
Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board pursuant to this
subdivision shall process the release within five business days of its
receipt. If the State Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board
determines subsequent to the issuance of a release that the licensee
has not complied with their installment payment agreement, the
State Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is
applicable, shall notify the state governmental licensing entity and
the licensee in a format prescribed by the State Board of Equalization
or the Franchise Tax Board, whichever is applicable, that the licensee
is not in compliance and the release shall be rescinded. The State
Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board may, when it is
economically feasible for the state governmental licensing entity to
develop an automated process for complying with this subdivision,
notify the state governmental licensing entity in a manner prescribed
by the State Board of Equalization or the Franchise Tax Board,
whichever is applicable, that the licensee has not complied with the
installment payment agreement. Upon receipt of this notice, the state
governmental licensing entity shall immediately notify the licensee
on a form prescribed by the state governmental licensing entity that
the licensee's license will be suspended on a specific date, and this
date shall be no longer than 30 days from the date the form is mailed.
The licensee shall be further notified that the license will remain
suspended until a new release is issued in accordance with this sub-
division.
(k) The State Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board
may enter into interagency agreements with the state governmental
licensing entities necessary to implement this section.
(l ) Notwithstanding any other law, a state governmental licensing
entity, with the approval of the appropriate department director or
governing body, may impose a fee on a licensee whose license has
been suspended pursuant to this section. The fee shall not exceed the
amount necessary for the state governmental licensing entity to cover
its costs in carrying out the provisions of this section. Fees imposed
pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the fund in which other
fees imposed by the state governmental licensing entity are deposited
and shall be available to that entity upon appropriation in the annual
Budget Act.
(m) The process described in subdivision (h) shall constitute the sole
administrative remedy for contesting the issuance of a temporary li-
cense or the denial or suspension of a license under this section.
(n) Any state governmental licensing entity receiving an inquiry as
to the licensed status of an applicant or licensee who has had a li-
cense denied or suspended under this section or who has been grant-
ed a temporary license under this section shall respond that the li-
cense was denied or suspended or the temporary license was issued
262 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

only because the licensee appeared on a list of the 500 largest tax de-
linquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code. Information collected pursuant to this section by any
state agency, board, or department shall be subject to the Information
Practices Act of 1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of
Title 1.8 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code). Any state govern-
mental licensing entity that discloses on its Internet Web site or other
publication that the licensee has had a license denied or suspended
under this section or has been granted a temporary license under this
section shall prominently disclose, in bold and adjacent to the infor-
mation regarding the status of the license, that the only reason the
license was denied, suspended, or temporarily issued is because the
licensee failed to pay taxes.
(o) Any rules and regulations issued pursuant to this section by any
state agency, board, or department may be adopted as emergency
regulations in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Ad-
ministrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section
11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). The
adoption of these regulations shall be deemed an emergency and nec-
essary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and
safety, or general welfare. The regulations shall become effective im-
mediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
(p) The State Board of Equalization, the Franchise Tax Board, and
state governmental licensing entities, as appropriate, shall adopt
regulations as necessary to implement this section.
(q) (1) Neither the state governmental licensing entity, nor any of-
ficer, employee, or agent, or former officer, employee, or agent of a
state governmental licensing entity, may disclose or use any infor-
mation obtained from the State Board of Equalization or the Fran-
chise Tax Board, pursuant to this section, except to inform the public
of the denial, refusal to renew, or suspension of a license or the issu-
ance of a temporary license pursuant to this section. The release or
other use of information received by a state governmental licensing
entity pursuant to this section, except as authorized by this section, is
punishable as a misdemeanor. This subdivision may not be interpret-
ed to prevent the State Bar of California from filing a request with
the Supreme Court of California to suspend a member of the bar pur-
suant to this section.
(2) A suspension of, or refusal to renew, a license or issuance of a
temporary license pursuant to this section does not constitute denial
or discipline of a licensee for purposes of any reporting requirements
to the National Practitioner Data Bank and shall not be reported to
the National Practitioner Data Bank or the Healthcare Integrity and
Protection Data Bank.
(3) Upon release from the certified list, the suspension or revocation
of the applicant's or licensee's license shall be purged from the state
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 263

governmental licensing entity's Internet Web site or other publication

within three business days. This paragraph shall not apply to the
State Bar of California.
(r) If any provision of this section or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect
other provisions or applications of this section that can be given effect
without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the pro-
visions of this section are severable.
(s) All rights to review afforded by this section to an applicant shall
also be afforded to a licensee.
(t) Unless otherwise provided in this section, the policies, practices,
and procedures of a state governmental licensing entity with respect
to license suspensions under this section shall be the same as those
applicable with respect to suspensions pursuant to Section 17520 of
the Family Code.
(u) No provision of this section shall be interpreted to allow a court
to review and prevent the collection of taxes prior to the payment of
those taxes in violation of the California Constitution.
(v) This section shall apply to any licensee whose name appears on
a list of the 500 largest tax delinquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or
19195 of the Revenue and Taxation Code on or after July 1, 2012.
Added Stats 2011 ch 455 § 3 (AB 1424), effective January 1, 2012. Amended Stats 2012
ch 327 § 1 (SB 937), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 494.6. Suspension under Labor Code Section 244

(a) A business license regulated by this code may be subject to sus-
pension or revocation if the licensee has been determined by the La-
bor Commissioner or the court to have violated subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 244 of the Labor Code and the court or Labor Commissioner has
taken into consideration any harm such suspension or revocation
would cause to employees of the licensee, as well as the good faith
efforts of the licensee to resolve any alleged violations after receiving
notice.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a licensee of an agency within
the Department of Consumer Affairs who has been found by the La-
bor Commissioner or the court to have violated subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 244 of the Labor Code may be subject to disciplinary action by his
or her respective licensing agency.
(c) An employer shall not be subject to suspension or revocation un-
der this section for requiring a prospective or current employee to
submit, within three business days of the first day of work for pay, an
I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form.
Added Stats 2013 ch 577 § 1 (SB 666), effective January 1, 2014.
264 SECTION V. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Chapter 4
Public Reprovals

§ 495. Public reproval of licentiate or certificate holder for

act constituting grounds for suspension or revocation of
license or certificate; Proceedings
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any entity authorized
to issue a license or certificate pursuant to this code may publicly re-
prove a licentiate or certificate holder thereof, for any act that would
constitute grounds to suspend or revoke a license or certificate. Any
proceedings for public reproval, public reproval and suspension, or
public reproval and revocation shall be conducted in accordance with
Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of
Title 2 of the Government Code, or, in the case of a licensee or certifi-
cate holder under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Health
Services, in accordance with Section 100171 of the Health and Safety
Code.
Added Stats 1977 ch 886 § 1. Amended Stats 1997 ch 220 § 2 (SB 68), effective August
4, 1997.

Chapter 5
Examination Security

§ 496. Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of

license
A board may deny, suspend, revoke, or otherwise restrict a license
on the ground that an applicant or licensee has violated Section 123
pertaining to subversion of licensing examinations.
Added Stats 1989 ch 1022 § 3.

§ 498. Fraud, deceit or misrepresentation as grounds for

action against license
A board may revoke, suspend, or otherwise restrict a license on the
ground that the licensee secured the license by fraud, deceit, or know-
ing misrepresentation of a material fact or by knowingly omitting to
state a material fact.
Added Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 8 (AB 2743).
CHAPTER 11. LAWS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 265

§ 499. Action against license based on licentiate’s actions

regarding application of another
A board may revoke, suspend, or otherwise restrict a license on the
ground that the licensee, in support of another person’s application
for license, knowingly made a false statement of a material fact or
knowingly omitted to state a material fact to the board regarding the
application.
Added Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 9 (AB 2743).
 SECTION VI.
THE CONTRACTORS STATE
LICENSE BOARD; LICENSE LAW,
RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND
RELATED LAWS
Chapter
12. Contractors License Law
13. Contractors State License Board Rules and Regulations

Chapter 12.
Contractors’ State License Law

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE

DIVISION 3
PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY
Chapter 9
Contractors
Article 1
Administration
§ 7000. Citation of chapter
§ 7000.2. Requiring contractors to show proof of compliance with local business tax
requirements prior to permit issuance; Limit on business taxes
§ 7000.5. Contractors’ State License Board; Members; Effect of repeal (Repealed
January 1, 2020)
§ 7000.6. Priority of board; Protection of the public
§ 7001. Members of board; Qualifications; Public member
§ 7002. Board members; Kinds of contractors and qualifications; Definitions
§ 7003. Terms, vacancies, and appointment of successors
§ 7005. Removal of members; Grounds
§ 7006. Meetings of board; Regular and special
§ 7007. Quorum; Notice of meetings
§ 7008. Appointment of committees; Making of rules and regulations

267
268 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7009. Administration of oaths and taking of proofs

§ 7010. Functions and duties of board
§ 7011. Registrar of contractors (Repealed January 1, 2020)
§ 7011.3. Prohibition against double penalty for same offense
§ 7011.4. Enforcements of licensing provisions and workers’ compensation
§ 7011.5. Investigators as peace officers
§ 7011.7. Reviewing and investigating complaints
§ 7011.8. False complaints against contractors; Penalties
§ 7012. Cooperation in enforcement of legislation relating to construction indus-
try; Assistants
§ 7013. Review of registrar’s acts or decisions by board; Application of section
§ 7013.5. Transcript of witness as evidence
§ 7014. Equipment and records; Procurement
§ 7015. Seal of board
§ 7016. Per diem and expenses of members of board
§ 7017.3. Report on complaints and case aging statistics
§ 7018. Contractor license search by ZIP Code or geographic location
§ 7019. Contract with licensed professionals for site investigation of consumer
complaints
§ 7019.1. [Section repealed 2001.]
§ 7020. Computerized enforcement tracking system for consumer complaints
§ 7021. Interagency agreement for information to protect the public

Article 2
Application of Chapter
§ 7025. “Members of the personnel of record”; “Person”; “Qualifying person”;
“Qualifying individual”; “Qualifier”
§ 7026. “Contractor”; “Roadway”
§ 7026.1. “Contractor”
§ 7026.2. Definitions
§ 7026.3. Persons who install or contract for the installation of carpet
§ 7026.11. Permissible scope of work for the General Manufactured Housing Con-
tractor (C-47) license classification
§ 7026.12. Installations of fire protection systems
§ 7026.13. [Section repealed 2017.]
§ 7027. Advertising as contractor
§ 7027.1. Advertising by unlicensed person; Penalties
§ 7027.2. Advertising by person not licensed
§ 7027.3. Penalties for fraudulent use of incorrect license number
§ 7027.4. Advertising as insured or bonded; Requirements; Cause for discipline
§ 7027.5. Authority for landscape contractor to design systems or facilities; Prime
contract for pool, spa, hot tub, outdoor cooking center, outdoor fireplace, or
rainwater capture system; Subcontracting work outside of the field and
scope of activities
§ 7028. Engaging in business without license; Fine and punishment; Statute of
limitations
§ 7028.1. Penalties against uncertified contractors performing asbestos-related
work
§ 7028.2. Complaints; Disposition of penalties
§ 7028.3. Injunction against violations
§ 7028.4. Injunction against continuing violation by person not holding state
contractor’s license
§ 7028.5. Specified individuals acting as contractor without license
§ 7028.6. Authority to issue citations
§ 7028.7. Issuance of citation
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 269

§ 7028.8. Service of citation

§ 7028.9. Limitations period
§ 7028.10. Appeal to registrar
§ 7028.11. Citation as final order
§ 7028.12. Hearing; Decision
§ 7028.13. Application for court order; Collection of civil penalty; Assignment of
rights to civil penalty; Time limit for collection of penalty
§ 7028.14. Waiver of part of civil penalty on issuance of license
§ 7028.15. License required to submit bid to public agency; Exceptions
§ 7028.16. Punishment for engaging in business without license with respect to
structures damaged by natural disaster for which state of emergency has
been declared
§ 7028.17. Failure of unlicensed person to comply with citation; Distribution of fines
§ 7029. Issuance and suspension of joint venture license
§ 7029.1. Unlawfully acting in joint venture without license
§ 7029.5. Display of name, business address and business license number on
commercial vehicles
§ 7029.6. Display of business name and contractors’ license number
§ 7030. Licensee’s statement on contracts; Notice requirements; Exceptions
§ 7030.1. Disclosure
§ 7030.5. Inclusion of license number in contracts, bids, and advertising
§ 7031. Allegation and proof of license in action on contract; Recovery of compen-
sation paid to unlicensed contractor; Substantial compliance; Exceptions
§ 7031.5. Applicant’s statement as to license required by city or county permit
regulations; Penalty for violation
§ 7032. Construction of chapter; Complaints to registrar against licensees
§ 7033. Requirement of filing by licensee or applicant statement as to license, or
exemption and proof thereof
§ 7034. Insertion of void or unenforceable provisions in contract prohibited

Article 3
Exemptions
§ 7040. United States, State, and subdivisions
§ 7041. Court officers
§ 7042. Public utilities in their own business operations
§ 7042.1. Adoption fees; Deferral, waiver, or reduction
§ 7042.5. Application of chapter; Underground trenching operations; Cable televi-
sion corporation defined
§ 7043. Oil or gas drilling and operation
§ 7044. Property owner making own improvements
§ 7044.01 Remedies; Violations; Fees and costs
§ 7044.1. Real estate licensee acting within scope of license
§ 7044.2. Inapplicability of chapter
§ 7045. Sale or installation of products not part of structure
§ 7046. Personal property work; Mobilehome accessory buildings or structures
§ 7048. Contracts aggregating less than specified amount; When exemption not
applicable
§ 7049. Ditch work and agricultural or fire prevention work
§ 7051. Application of chapter to certain licensees or registrants
§ 7052. People furnishing material or supplies
§ 7053. Employees
§ 7054. Inapplicability of chapter to licensed alarm company operators
§ 7054.5. Application of licensing provisions to installation of satellite antenna
systems on residential structures
270 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Article 4
Classifications
§ 7055. Branches of contracting business
§ 7056. General engineering contractor
§ 7057. General building contractor
§ 7058. “Specialty contractor”
§ 7058.1. [Section repealed 2002.]
§ 7058.5. Certification of contractors performing asbestos-related work
§ 7058.6. Registration with Division of Occupational Safety and Health as condition
of asbestos certification; Certification examination; Proof of current
registration
§ 7058.7. Hazardous substance certification examination
§ 7058.8. Information to public regarding removal or encapsulation of asbestos-
containing materials
§ 7059. Rules and regulations affecting classification of contractors; Contracts
involving two or more crafts; Public works contracts
§ 7059.1. Misleading or incompatible use of name styles

Article 5
Licensing
§ 7065. Investigation, classification, and examinations
§ 7065.01. Examination not required for limited specialty license classification
§ 7065.05. Review and revision of examination contents
§ 7065.1. Waiver of examination
§ 7065.2. Waiver of examination
§ 7065.3. Additional classification without examination under specified conditions
§ 7065.4. Reciprocity
§ 7065.5. Minor not to be licensed unless guardian appointed
§ 7066. Application; Form and contents; Fee
§ 7066.5. Blank forms
§ 7067.5. [Section repealed 2016.]
§ 7067.6. Application form; Signatures required
§ 7068. Qualifications
§ 7068.1. Duty of individual qualifying on behalf of another; Acting as qualifying
individual for additional person or firm; Violation as cause for disciplinary
action and misdemeanor
§ 7068.2. Disassociation of responsible managing officer; Notice; Replacement;
Petition of licensee; Failure to notify registrar
§ 7068.5. Taking qualifying examination on behalf of applicant for contractor’s
license; Misdemeanor
§ 7068.7. Obtaining examination for another; Misdemeanor
§ 7069. Grounds for denial of license; Fingerprints of applicants; Criminal history
and subsequent arrest information
§ 7069.1. Arrest of licensee or home improvement salesperson
§ 7070. Showing that no license was refused or revoked
§ 7071. Refusal to corporation, partnership, or limited liability company for mem-
ber’s lack of qualifications
§ 7071.3. Entry into armed forces by licensee; Designation of manager to act for
such entrant; Renewal fee and duration of license
§ 7071.5. Contractor’s bond
§ 7071.6. Bond as condition precedent to license
§ 7071.6.5. Surety bond as condition precedent to license
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 271

§ 7071.7. Acceptance of bond as of effective date; Retroactive reinstatement of li-

cense
§ 7071.8. Bond required for restoration of suspended or revoked license
§ 7071.9. Requirement of qualifying individual’s bond as condition precedent to
license
§ 7071.10. Qualifying individual’s bond
§ 7071.11. Aggregate liability of surety on claim for wages and benefits; Renewal of
license contingent on satisfaction of claims and debts; Limitations periods;
Notice of payment; Protest of settlement; Accord; Legal fees not to be
charged
§ 7071.12. Deposit in lieu of bond; When released; Limitations periods; Filing of
claims for nonpayment of wages or benefits
§ 7071.13. Reference to bond in advertising, soliciting, or other presentments as
ground for suspension of license
§ 7071.14. Prohibited discrimination in denying license bond; Liability for damages
§ 7071.15. Revocation or suspension of license for failure to maintain bond
§ 7071.17. Bond required where applicant or licensee has unsatisfied final judgment
for failure to pay contractor, subcontractor, consumer, materials supplier,
or employee; Notice of unsatisfied final judgments; Suspension for
noncompliance; Reinstatement; Disqualification from serving as
personnel of record for other licensee; Disciplinary action
§ 7071.18. Report to registrar of convictions; Study of judgments, arbitration awards,
settlements for construction defects in rental residential units; Contents
of study
§ 7071.19. Insurance as condition precedent to license; Aggregate limit of liability;
Compliance with financial security requirements; Duties of registrar
§ 7072. Issuance of license
§ 7072.5. Issuance of pocket card
§ 7073. Grounds and procedures for denial of application; Rehabilitation and
reapplication; Probationary license in lieu of denial
§ 7074. When application becomes void; Disposition of application; Fee for
reapplication
§ 7075. Display of license
§ 7075.1. Nontransferability of license
§ 7076. Events resulting in cancellation of license; Continuance of license
§ 7076.1. Voluntary surrender of license
§ 7076.2. Suspension for failure to be registered and in good standing after notice;
Personal liability
§ 7076.5. Inactive license certificate; Reinstatement; Holder not entitled to practice
§ 7077. Original license probationary; Revocation

Article 6
Records
§ 7080.5. Public posting following acceptance of application
§ 7081. List of contractors
§ 7082. Publication and distribution of information of industry
§ 7083. Notification by licensees of changes in recorded information
§ 7083.1. Notification of registrar of change of address of licensee whose license is
expired, suspended, or cancelled
§ 7084. Rules and regulations to carry out article
272 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Article 6.2
Arbitration
§ 7085. Referral to arbitration; Conditions
§ 7085.2. Arbitrator’s award deemed award of registrar
§ 7085.3. Notice; Consequences of election; Right to retain counsel; Agreement to
arbitrate
§ 7085.4. Referral of agreement to arbitrate to arbitrator or arbitration association;
Notification of complainant and licensee
§ 7085.5. Rules of conduct for arbitrations; court procedure and exclusion of liability
§ 7085.6. Failure to comply with award as grounds for automatic suspension;
Appeal; Reinstatement; Delay in revocation for good cause; Dissociation
from other licensee
§ 7085.7. Enforcement of award
§ 7085.9. Disclosure to public of complaint referred to arbitration

Article 7
Disciplinary Proceedings
§ 7090. Investigation, suspension, revocation; Construction without permit as
violation; Burden of proof
§ 7090.1. Automatic suspension of license for failure to pay civil penalty or comply
with order of correction; Contest of determination; Reinstatement; Delay
in revocation for good cause; Dissociation from other licensee
§ 7090.5. Effect of correction of condition caused by fraudulent act
§ 7091. Filing complaints and disciplinary actions
§ 7095. Decision of registrar
§ 7096. “Licensee”
§ 7097. Suspension of additional license issued following suspension of any license
§ 7098. Revocation of additional license issued following revocation of license
§ 7099. Citation
§ 7099.1. Regulations for order of correction
§ 7099.2. Regulations for assessment of civil penalties; Factors; Maximum amount
§ 7099.3. Appeal to registrar
§ 7099.4. Time to contest citation
§ 7099.5. Hearing
§ 7099.6. Failure to comply with citation as ground for denial, suspension, or
revocation of license
§ 7099.7. Bond exempt from payment of civil penalty
§ 7099.10. Citation; Hearing; Disconnection of telephone service
§ 7099.11. Advertising to promote services for asbestos removal; Notice to comply;
Citation
§ 7100. Continuance of business pending review
§ 7102. Reinstatement or reissuance of license
§ 7103. Effect of disciplinary action by another state
§ 7104. Notice to complainant of resolution of complaint
§ 7106. Revocation or suspension of license incident to court action
§ 7106.5. Effect of expiration, cancellation, forfeiture, revocation, or suspension of
license on jurisdiction of registrar
§ 7107. Abandonment of contract
§ 7108. Diversion or misapplication of funds or property
§ 7108.5. Failure to pay subcontractor
§ 7108.6. Failure to pay transportation charges submitted by dump truck carrier
§ 7109. Departure from accepted trade standards; Departure from plans or
specifications
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 273

§ 7109.5. Violation of safety provisions

§ 7110. Disregard or violation of statutes
§ 7110.1. Requiring or causing execution of release
§ 7110.5. Initiation of action against contractor after receipt of Labor Commission-
er’s finding of willful violation of Labor Code
§ 7111. Failure to make and keep records for inspection; Disciplinary action
§ 7111.1. Failure to respond to request to cooperate in investigation of complaint
§ 7112. Omission or misrepresentation of material fact by applicant
§ 7112.1. Expungement of classification due to omission or misrepresentation
§ 7113. Failure to complete project for contract price
§ 7113.5. Avoidance or settlement of obligations for less than full amount
§ 7114. Aiding, abetting, or conspiring with unlicensed person to evade law
§ 7114.1. False certification of qualifications
§ 7114.2. Administrative remedies authorized for misuse of contractor’s license
§ 7115. Material failure to comply with chapter, rules, or regulations
§ 7116. Wilful or fraudulent act injuring another
§ 7116.5. Causes for discipline
§ 7117. Acting as contractor under unlicensed name or personnel
§ 7117.5. Acting as contractor under inactive or suspended license
§ 7117.6. Acting as contractor in unauthorized classification
§ 7118. Entering into contract with unlicensed contractor
§ 7118.4. Asbestos inspections; Disclosure requirements
§ 7118.5. Sanctions against contractor hiring uncertified person to perform asbes-
tos-related work
§ 7118.6. Sanctions for contracting with uncertified person to perform removal or
remedial action
§ 7119. Failure to prosecute work diligently
§ 7120. Failure to pay for materials or services; False denial of liability
§ 7121. Participation in certain acts as disqualification from employment, election
or association by licensee; Disciplinary action
§ 7121.1. Responsibility of disassociated partner, officer, director, manager, or asso-
ciate for compliance with citation
§ 7121.5. Effect of participation by qualifying individual in acts for which license
suspended, revoked, or not renewed
§ 7121.6. Restricted activities for specified individuals
§ 7121.65. Notification of license revocation required
§ 7121.7. Employment of individuals with revoked licenses
§ 7121.8. “Bona fide nonsupervising employee”
§ 7122. When act or omission of individual or business entity constitutes cause for
disciplinary action against licensee
§ 7122.1. Responsibility of disassociated qualifying individual for compliance with
citation; Applicability of § 7122.5
§ 7122.2. Responsibility for compliance with arbitration award following
disassociation
§ 7122.5. Immateriality of licensee’s knowledge or participation
§ 7123. Criminal conviction as cause for discipline
§ 7123.5. Disciplinary action for violation of overpricing following emergency or
major disaster
§ 7124. What constitutes conviction; When license may be ordered suspended or
revoked, or issuance refused
§ 7124.5. [Section repealed 2004.]
§ 7124.6. Public access to complaints against licensees; Disclaimer; Limitations of
disclosure
274 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Article 7.5
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Reports
§ 7125. Reports to registrar; Exemptions
§ 7125.1. Time limit for acceptance of certificate
§ 7125.2. Suspension of license for failure to maintain workers’ compensation
insurance
§ 7125.3. Periods of licensure
§ 7125.4. Causes for disciplinary action; Misdemeanor
§ 7125.5. Renewal of license; Exemption for workers’ compensation insurance;
Recertification; Retroactive renewal
§ 7126. Violation of article; Misdemeanor
§ 7127. Stop order; Failure to observe; Protest

Article 8
Revenue
§ 7135. Disposition of fees and penalties; Appropriation
§ 7135.1. Funds to enforce unlicensed activity provisions
§ 7136. Percentage to be transferred to Consumer Affairs Fund
§ 7137. Fee schedule (First of two; Inoperative July 1, 2017; Repealed January 1,
2018)
§ 7137. Fee schedule (Second of two; Operative July 1, 2017)
§ 7137.5. Transfer of funds for use of Uniform Construction Cost Accounting
Commission; Recommendation; Reimbursement
§ 7138. Earned fee; Nonrefundability when application is filed
§ 7138.1. Reserve fund level

Article 8.5
The Construction Management Education Sponsorship Act of 1991
§ 7139. Title of article
§ 7139.1. Legislative findings and declarations
§ 7139.2. Creation of account
§ 7139.3. Grant awards
§ 7139.4. Postsecondary programs; Qualifications
§ 7139.5. Amounts of grants
§ 7139.6. Purposes for which grants may be used
§ 7139.7. [Section repealed 2013.]
§ 7139.8. Report by president of institution receiving grant
§ 7139.9. Allocation for administration
§ 7139.10. Intent of Legislature

Article 9
Renewal of Licenses
§ 7140. Expiration of licenses; Renewal of unexpired licenses
§ 7141. Time for renewal; Effect; Failure to renew
§ 7141.5. Retroactive issuance of license after failure to renew
§ 7143. Renewal of suspended license
§ 7143.5. Application for new license by person prohibited from renewing
§ 7144. Reinstatement of revoked license
§ 7145. Incompleteness of application as grounds for refusal to renew license;
Abandonment of application; Petition
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 275

§ 7145.5. Failure to resolve outstanding liabilities as grounds for refusal to renew

license

Article 10
Home Improvement Business
§ 7150. “Person”
§ 7150.1. “Home improvement contractor”
§ 7150.2. [Section repealed 2004.]
§ 7150.3. [Section repealed 2004.]
§ 7151. “Home improvement”; “Home improvement goods or services”
§ 7151.2. “Home improvement contract”
§ 7152. “Home improvement salesperson”
§ 7153. Selling without registration
§ 7153.1. Salesperson’s application for registration; Grounds for denial; Finger-
prints of applicants; Criminal history and subsequent arrest information
§ 7153.2. Expiration of registrations
§ 7153.3. Renewal of registration; Delinquent renewal penalty; Abandonment of
application; Petition (First of two; Inoperative July 1, 2017; Repealed
January 1, 2018)
§ 7153.3. Renewal of registration; Delinquent renewal penalty; Abandonment of
application; Petition (Second of two; Operative July 1, 2017)
§ 7154. Notification of employment of registered salesperson; Notification when
registered salesperson ceases employment; Discipline for failure to report
regarding employment of registered salesperson; Discipline for employ-
ment of unregistered salesperson
§ 7155. Discipline of salesman
§ 7155.5. Discipline of contractor for salesperson’s violations
§ 7156. Misdemeanors; Grounds for discipline
§ 7156.6. Electronic transmission of applications, renewals, and notices
§ 7157. Prohibited inducements
§ 7158. False completion certificates
§ 7159. Requirements for home improvement contracts
§ 7159.1. Notice in sale of home improvement goods or services
§ 7159.2. Security interest for home improvement goods or services
§ 7159.5. Contract amount; Finance charges; Down payment; Violations; Restitu-
tion and punishment
§ 7159.6. Work or change order
§ 7159.9. Requirements for home improvement contracts, exemption for fire alarm
system
§ 7159.10. Service and repair contract defined
§ 7159.11. Discipline for violation
§ 7159.14. Further requirements; Statement of agreed amount; Payment due;
Punishment for violations; Restitution
§ 7160. Penalty for fraudulent misrepresentation
§ 7161. Specification of prohibited acts; Misdemeanor
§ 7162. Contents of contract; Representations as to goods and materials
§ 7163. Enforceability of contract prior to buyer obtaining loan
§ 7164. Contract and changes to be in writing; Requirements
§ 7165. Conditions under which swimming pool contract financed by third-party
lender is enforceable
§ 7166. Application of article to contracts for construction of specfied swimming
pools
§ 7167. Certain contracts for construction of swimming pool void; Recovery for
work performed
276 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7168. Reasonable attorney’s fees

Article 11
Asbestos Consultants
§ 7180. Requirement of certification
§ 7180.5. Requirement of certification for building owner or operator contracts
§ 7181. “Asbestos consultant”
§ 7182. “Site surveillance technician”
§ 7183. Notice of complete application; Issuance of certificate; Provisional certifi-
cation card
§ 7183.5. Enforcement by division
§ 7184. Requirements for qualification as certified asbestos consultant
§ 7185. Requirements for qualification as certified site surveillance technician
§ 7186. [No section of this number.]
§ 7187. Financial conflict of interest; Legislative intent
§ 7188. [No section of this number.]
§ 7189. Penalties for violation

Article 12
Prohibitions
§ 7189.5. Application of article
§ 7189.7. Construction of article
§ 7190. Use of name or position of public official in advertisement or promotional
material; Disclaimer
§ 7191. Title of provision for arbitration of disputes in contract for work on speci-
fied residential property

Chapter 9.3
Home Inspectors
§ 7195. Definitions
§ 7196. Duties
§ 7196.1. Application
§ 7197. Unfair practices
§ 7198. Public policy
§ 7199. Statute of limitation

Chapter 9.4
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Home Inspections
§ 7199.5. HERS California home energy audit
§ 7199.7. Legislative intent
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 277

Chapter 9
Contractors
Article 1
Administration
§ 7000. Citation of chapter
This chapter constitutes, and may be cited as, the Contractors’
State License Law.
Added Stats 1961 ch 1822 § 2. Amended Stats 1984 ch 193 § 1.

§ 7000.2. Requiring contractors to show proof of compliance

with local business tax requirements prior to permit issuance;
Limit on business taxes
Nothing in this code shall be interpreted to prohibit cities, counties,
and cities and counties from requiring contractors to show proof that
they are in compliance with local business tax requirements of the
entity prior to issuing any city, county, or city and county permit.
Nothing in this code shall be interpreted to prohibit cities, counties,
and cities and counties from denying the issuance of a permit to a
licensed contractor who is not in compliance with local business tax
requirements.
Any business tax required or collected as part of this process shall
not exceed the amount of the license tax or license fee authorized by
Section 37101 of the Government Code or Section 16000 of the Busi-
ness and Professions Code.
Added Stats 1992 ch 325 § 1 (AB 2710).

§ 7000.5. Contractors’ State License Board; Members; Effect

of repeal (Repealed January 1, 2020)
(a) There is in the Department of Consumer Affairs a Contractors’
State License Board, which consists of 15 members.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the repeal of this
section renders the board subject to review by the appropriate policy
committees of the Legislature.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2020,
and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is
enacted before January 1, 2020, deletes or extends that date.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1, as B & P C § 7000. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1821 § 61.
Amended and renumbered by Stats 1961 ch 1822 § 3. Amended Stats 1963 ch 1098 § 1;
Stats 1971 ch 716 § 98; Stats 1972 ch 1314 § 1; Stats 1975 ch 1153 § 1; Stats 1982 ch
676 § 40; Stats 1994 ch 908 § 48 (SB 2036); Stats 1997 ch 812 § 1 (SB 857), ch 813 § 1
(SB 825); Stats 1999 ch 656 § 5 (SB 1306); Stats 2000 ch 1005 § 1 (SB 2029); Stats 2002
278 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

ch 744 § 2 (SB 1953); Stats 2004 ch 33 § 24 (AB 1467), effective April 13, 2004; Stats
2005 ch 675 § 10 (SB 232), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2006 ch 658 § 105 (SB
1476), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2008 ch 385 § 7 (SB 963), effective January 1,
2009; Stats 2010 ch 695 § 37 (SB 294), effective January 1, 2011, repealed January 1,
2012; Stats 2011 ch 448 § 21 (SB 543), effective January 1, 2012, repealed January 1,
2016; Stats 2015 ch 656 § 6 (SB 467), effective January 1, 2016, repealed January 1,
2020.

§ 7000.6. Priority of board; Protection of the public

Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the Con-
tractors’ State License Board in exercising its licensing, regulatory,
and disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is
inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protec-
tion of the public shall be paramount.
Added Stats 2002 ch 744 § 3 (SB 1953).

§ 7001. Members of board; Qualifications; Public member

All members of the board, except the public members, shall be con-
tractors actively engaged in the contracting business, have been so
engaged for a period of not less than five years preceding the date of
their appointment and shall so continue in the contracting business
during the term of their office. No one, except a public member, shall
be eligible for appointment who does not at the time hold an unex-
pired license to operate as a contractor.
The public members shall not be licentiates of the board.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1821 § 62; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 99;
Stats 2000 ch 1005 § 2 (SB 2029).

§ 7002. Board members; Kinds of contractors and

qualifications; Definitions
(a) One member of the board shall be a general engineering con-
tractor, two members shall be general building contractors, two
members shall be specialty contractors, one member shall be a mem-
ber of a labor organization representing the building trades, one
member shall be an active local building official, and eight members
shall be public members, one of whom shall be from a statewide sen-
ior citizen organization.
(b) No public member shall be a current or former licensee of the
board or a close family member of a licensee or be currently or for-
merly connected with the construction industry or have any financial
interest in the business of a licensee of the board. Each public mem-
ber shall meet all of the requirements for public membership on a
board as set forth in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 450) of Di-
vision 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision and those
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 279

of Section 450, a representative of a labor organization shall be eligi-

ble for appointment to serve as a public member of the board.
(c) Each contractor member of the board shall be of recognized
standing in his or her branch of the contracting business and hold an
unexpired license to operate as a contractor. In addition, each con-
tractor member shall, as of the date of his or her appointment, be ac-
tively engaged in the contracting business and have been so engaged
for a period of not less than five years. Each contractor member shall
remain actively engaged in the contracting business during the entire
term of his or her membership on the board.
(d) Each member of the board shall be at least 30 years of age and
of good character. In addition, each member shall have been a citizen
and resident of the State of California for at least five years next pre-
ceding his or her appointment.
(e) For the purposes of construing this article, the terms “general
engineering contractor,” “general building contractor,” and “specialty
contractor” shall have the meanings given in Article 4 (commencing
with Section 7055) of this chapter.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended 1941 ch 971 § 1; Stats 1961 ch 1821 § 63; Stats
1963 ch 1098 § 2; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 100; Stats 1972 ch 1314 § 2; Stats 1973 ch 319
§ 32; Stats 1975 ch 1153 § 2; Stats 1976 ch 1188 § 39; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 1 (AB 2190);
Stats 1994 ch 279 § 1 (AB 203); Stats 2000 ch 1005 § 3 (SB 2029).

§ 7003. Terms, vacancies, and appointment of successors

Except as otherwise provided, an appointment to fill a vacancy
caused by the expiration of the term of office shall be for a term of
four years and shall be filled, except for a vacancy in the term of a
public member, by a member from the same branch of the contracting
business as was the branch of the member whose term has expired. A
vacancy in the term of a public member shall be filled by another pub-
lic member. Each member shall hold office until the appointment and
qualification of his or her successor or until the office is deemed to be
vacant pursuant to Section 1774 of the Government Code, whichever
first occurs.
Vacancies occurring in the membership of the board for any cause
shall be filled by appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.
No person shall serve as a member of the board for more than two
consecutive terms.
The Governor shall appoint four of the public members, including
the public member who is from a statewide senior citizen organization,
the local building official, the member of a labor organization repre-
senting the building trades, and the five contractor members qualified
as provided in Section 7002. The Senate Rules Committee and the
Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint two public members.
280 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1955 ch 1532 § 1; Stats 1961 ch 1821 § 64;
Stats 1963 ch 1098 § 3; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 101; Stats 1972 ch 1314 § 3; Stats 1973 ch
319 § 33; Stats 1975 ch 1153 § 3; Stats 1976 ch 1188 § 40; Stats 1982 ch 676 § 41; Stats
1991 ch 1160 § 2 (AB 2190); Stats 1994 ch 279 § 2 (AB 203); Stats 1999 ch 983 § 5 (SB
1307); Stats 2000 ch 1005 § 4 (SB 2029).
—See Government Code 1774, Vacancies; Appointments and Reappointments by the
Governor and Senate, in Appendix.

§ 7005. Removal of members; Grounds

The Governor may remove any member of the board for misconduct,
incompetency or neglect of duty.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7006. Meetings of board; Regular and special

The board shall meet at least once each calendar quarter for the
purpose of transacting business as may properly come before it.
Special meetings of the board may be held at times as the board
may provide in its bylaws. Four members of the board may call a spe-
cial meeting at any time.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 2001 ch 728 § 52 (SB 724).

§ 7007. Quorum; Notice of meetings

Eight members constitute a quorum at a board meeting.
Due notice of each meeting and the time and place thereof shall be
given each member in the manner provided by the bylaws.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1821 § 65; Stats 1972 ch 1314 § 4;
Stats 1975 ch 1153 § 4; Stats 2000 ch 1005 § 5 (SB 2029).

§ 7008. Appointment of committees; Making of rules and

regulations
The board may appoint such committees and make such rules and
regulations as are reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of
this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall be adopted in accord-
ance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1957 ch 2084 § 20; Stats 1983 ch 891 § 1.

§ 7009. Administration of oaths and taking of proofs

Any member or committee of the board may administer oaths and
may take testimony and proofs concerning all matters within the ju-
risdiction of the board.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 281

§ 7010. Functions and duties of board

The board is vested with all functions and duties relating to the
administration of this chapter, except those functions and duties
vested in the director under the provisions of Division I of this code.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7011. Registrar of contractors (Repealed January 1, 2020)

(a) The board, by and with the approval of the director, shall ap-
point a registrar of contractors and fix his or her compensation.
(b) The registrar shall be the executive officer and secretary of the
board and shall carry out all of the administrative duties as provided
in this chapter and as delegated to him or her by the board.
(c) For the purpose of administration of this chapter, there may be
appointed a deputy registrar, a chief reviewing and hearing officer,
and, subject to Section 159.5, other assistants and subordinates as
may be necessary.
(d) Appointments shall be made in accordance with the provisions
of civil service laws.
(e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2020,
and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is
enacted before January 1, 2020, deletes or extends that date.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1947 ch 1406 § 1; Stats 1951 ch 1613 § 16;
Stats 1963 ch 1587 § 1; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 102; Stats 1994 ch 908 § 49 (SB 2036);
Stats 1997 ch 812 § 2 (SB 857), ch 813 § 2 (SB 825); Stats 1999 ch 656 § 6 (SB 1306);
Stats 2001 ch 615 § 9 (SB 26), effective October 9, 2001; Stats 2002 ch 744 § 4 (SB
1953); Stats 2005 ch 675 § 11 (SB 232), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2006 ch 658
§ 106 (SB 1476), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2008 ch 385 § 8 (SB 963), effective
January 1, 2009; Stats 2010 ch 695 § 38 (SB 294), effective January 1, 2011, repealed
January 1, 2012; Stats 2011 ch 448 § 22 (SB 543), effective January 1, 2012, repealed
January 1, 2016; Stats 2015 ch 656 § 7 (SB 467), effective January 1, 2016, repealed
January 1, 2020.

§ 7011.3. Prohibition against double penalty for same offense

The registrar shall not assess a civil penalty against a licensed con-
tractor who has been assessed a specified civil penalty by the Labor
Commissioner under Section 1020 or 1022 of the Labor Code for the
same offense.
Added Stats 1982 ch 327 § 5, effective June 30, 1982.

§ 7011.4. Enforcements of licensing provisions and workers’

compensation
(a) Notwithstanding Section 7011, there is in the Contractors’ State
License Board, a separate enforcement division that shall rigorously
enforce this chapter prohibiting all forms of unlicensed activity and
282 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

shall enforce the obligation to secure the payment of valid and cur-
rent workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with Section
3700.5 of the Labor Code.
(b) Persons employed as enforcement representatives of the Con-
tractors’ State License Board and designated by the Director of Con-
sumer Affairs shall have the authority to issue a written notice to ap-
pear in court pursuant to Chapter 5C (commencing with Section
853.5) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code. An employee so designat-
ed is not a peace officer and is not entitled to safety member retire-
ment benefits as a result of that designation. He or she does not have
the power of arrest.
(c) When participating in the activities of the Joint Enforcement
Strike Force on the Underground Economy pursuant to Section 329 of
the Unemployment Insurance Code, the enforcement division shall
have free access to all places of labor.
Added Stats 1989 ch 1363 § 1. Amended Stats 1994 ch 413 § 1 (SB 1694); Stats 2004 ch
865 § 4 (SB 1914); Stats 2012 ch 85 § 1 (AB 2554), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2014
ch 392 § 1 (SB 315), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 389 § 2 (SB 560), effective
January 1, 2016.
—See Government Code Section 11181, Powers in Connection with Investigations and
Actions, in Appendix.

§ 7011.5. Investigators as peace officers

Persons employed as investigators of the Special Investigations
Unit of the Contractors’ State License Board and designated by the
Director of Consumer Affairs have the authority of peace officers
while engaged in exercising the powers granted or performing the
duties imposed upon them in investigating the laws administered by
the Contractors’ State License Board or commencing directly or indi-
rectly any criminal prosecution arising from any investigation con-
ducted under these laws. All persons herein referred to shall be
deemed to be acting within the scope of employment with respect to
all acts and matters in this section set forth.
Added Stats 1982 ch 1277 § 1.

§ 7011.7. Reviewing and investigating complaints

(a) The registrar shall review and investigate complaints filed in a
manner consistent with this chapter and the Budget Act. It is the in-
tent of the Legislature that complaints be reviewed and investigated
as promptly as resources allow.
(b) The board shall set as a goal the improvement of its disciplinary
system so that an average of no more than six months elapses from
the receipt of a complaint to the completion of an investigation.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 283

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the goal for completing the re-
view and investigation of complaints that, in the opinion of the board,
involve complex fraud issues or complex contractual arrangements,
should be no more than one year.
Added Stats 1983 ch 1301 § 1, operative January 1, 1984. Amended Stats 1989 ch 1132
§ 1, effective September 29, 1989; Stats 2000 ch 1005 § 6 (SB 2029).

§ 7011.8. False complaints against contractors; Penalties

(a) Any person subject to licensure under this chapter who reports
to, or causes a complaint to be filed with, the Contractors' State Li-
cense Board that a person licensed by that entity has engaged in pro-
fessional misconduct, knowing the report or complaint to be false,
may be issued a citation by the registrar.
(b) The board may notify the appropriate district attorney or city
attorney that a person subject to licensure under this chapter has
made or filed what the entity believes to be a false report or com-
plaint against a licensee.
Added Stats 1992 ch 437 § 1 (AB 2966). Amended Stats 2001 ch 745 § 5 (SB 1191),
effective October 12, 2001; Stats 2012 ch 661 § 10 (SB 1576), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 7012. Cooperation in enforcement of legislation relating to

construction industry; Assistants
The registrar, with the approval of the board and the director, may,
when funds are available, cooperate in the enforcement of govern-
mental legislation relating to the construction industry, and, except
as provided by Section 159.5, shall appoint such assistants as may be
necessary therefor.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 103.

§ 7013. Review of registrar’s acts or decisions by board;

Application of section
The board may in its discretion review and sustain or reverse by a
majority vote any action or decision of the registrar.
This section shall apply to any action, decision, order, or proceeding
of the registrar conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chap-
ter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title
2 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 941 § 1; Stats 1979 ch 410 § 1.

§ 7013.5. Transcript of witness as evidence

In all application, citation, or disciplinary proceedings pursuant to
this chapter and conducted in accordance with the provisions of
284 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of

Title 2 of the Government Code, the testimony of a witness given in
any contested civil or criminal action or special proceeding, in any
state or before any governmental body or agency, to which the licen-
see or person complained against is a party, or in whose behalf the
action or proceeding is prosecuted or defended, may be received in
evidence, so far as relevant and material to the issues in the proceed-
ings, by means of a duly authenticated transcript of that testimony
and without proof of the unavailability of the witness; provided that
the registrar may order the production of and testimony by that wit-
ness, in lieu of or in addition to receiving a transcript of his or her
testimony and may decline to receive in evidence the transcript of
testimony, in whole or in part, when it appears that the testimony
was given under circumstances that did not require or allow an op-
portunity for full cross-examination.
Added Stats 2003 ch 607 § 30 (SB 1077).

§ 7014. Equipment and records; Procurement

The board may procure equipment and records necessary to carry
out the provisions of this chapter.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7015. Seal of board

The board shall adopt a seal for its own use. The seal shall have the
words “Contractors’ State License Board, State of California, De-
partment of Consumer Affairs,” and the care and custody thereof
shall be in the hands of the registrar.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 1.

§ 7016. Per diem and expenses of members of board

Each member of the board shall receive a per diem and expenses as
provided in Section 103.
Added Stats 1959 ch 1645 § 27.

§ 7017.3. Report on complaints and case aging statistics

The Contractors’ State License Board shall report annually to the
Legislature, not later than October 1 of each year, the following sta-
tistical information for the prior fiscal year. The following data shall
be reported on complaints filed with the board against licensed con-
tractors, registered home improvement salespersons, and unlicensed
persons acting as licensees or registrants:
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 285

(a) The number of complaints received by the board categorized by

source, such as public, trade, profession, government agency, or
board-initiated, and by type of complaint, such as licensee or nonli-
censee.
(b) The number of complaints closed prior to referral for field inves-
tigation, categorized by the reason for the closure, such as settled,
referred for mandatory arbitration, or referred for voluntary arbitra-
tion.
(c) The number of complaints referred for field investigation catego-
rized by the type of complaint, such as licensee or nonlicensee.
(d) The number of complaints closed after referral for field investiga-
tion categorized by the reason for the closure, such as settled, referred
for mandatory arbitration, or referred for voluntary arbitration.
(e) For the board’s Intake/Mediation Center and the board’s Inves-
tigation Center closures, respectively, the total number of complaints
closed prior to a field investigation per consumer services representa-
tive, and the total number of complaints closed after referral for a
field investigation per enforcement representative. Additionally, the
board shall report the total number of complaints closed by other
board staff during the year.
(f) The number of complaints pending at the end of the fiscal year
grouped in 90-day increments, and the percentage of total complaints
pending, represented by the number of complaints in each grouping.
(g) The number of citations issued to licensees categorized by the
type of citation such as order of correction only or order of correction
and fine, and the number of citations issued to licensees that were
vacated or withdrawn.
(h) The number of citations issued to nonlicensees and the number
of these citations that were vacated or withdrawn.
(i) The number of complaints referred to a local prosecutor for crim-
inal investigation or prosecution, the number of complaints referred
to the Attorney General for the filing of an accusation, and the num-
ber of complaints referred to both a local prosecutor and the Attorney
General, categorized by type of complaint, such as licensee and nonli-
censee.
(j) Actions taken by the board, including, but not limited to, the fol-
lowing:
(1) The number of disciplinary actions categorized by type, such as
revocations or suspensions, categorized by whether the disciplinary
action resulted from an accusation, failure to comply with a citation,
or failure to comply with an arbitration award.
(2) The number of accusations dismissed or withdrawn.
(k) For subdivisions (g) and (j), the number of cases containing vio-
lations of Sections 7121 and 7121.5, and paragraph (5) of subdivision
(a) of Section 7159.5, categorized by section.
286 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(l ) The number of interim suspension orders sought, the number of

interim suspension orders granted, the number of temporary re-
straining orders sought, and the number of temporary restraining
orders granted.
(m) The amount of cost recovery ordered and the amount collected.
(n) Case aging data, including data for each major stage of the en-
forcement process, including the following:
(1) The average number of days from the filing of a complaint to its
closure by the board’s Intake/Mediation Center prior to the referral
for an investigation categorized by the type of complaint, such as li-
censee or nonlicensee.
(2) The average number of days from the referral of a complaint for
an investigation to its closure by the Investigation Center categorized
by the type of complaint, such as licensee or nonlicensee.
(3) The average number of days from the filing of a complaint to the
referral of the completed investigation to the Attorney General.
(4) The average number of days from the referral of a completed in-
vestigation to the Attorney General to the filing of an accusation by
the Attorney General.
(5) The average number of days from the filing of an accusation to
the first hearing date or date of a stipulated settlement.
(6) The average number of days from the receipt of the Administra-
tive Law Judge’s proposed decision to the registrar’s final decision.
Added Stats 2002 ch 744 § 5 (SB 1953). Amended Stats 2006 ch 106 § 1 (AB 2457),
effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2007 ch 130 § 28 (AB 299), effective January 1, 2008.

—See Civil Code Section 3097, Preliminary 20-Day Notice (Private Work), in Appendix.

§ 7018. Contractor license search by ZIP Code or geographic

location
Prior to January 1, 2019, the board shall add an enhancement to
the current contractor license check search function that permits
consumers to search for a licensed contractor by either ZIP Code or
geographic location.
Added Stats 2016 ch 270 § 1 (AB 2486), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 7019. Contract with licensed professionals for site

investigation of consumer complaints
(a) If funding is made available for that purpose, the board may
contract with licensed professionals, as appropriate, for the site inves-
tigation of consumer complaints.
(b) The board may contract with other professionals, including, but
not limited to, interpreters and manufacturer’s representatives,
whose skills or expertise are required to aid in the investigation or
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 287

prosecution of a licensee, registrant, applicant for a license or regis-

tration, or those subject to licensure or registration by the board.
(c) The registrar shall determine the rate of reimbursement for those
individuals providing assistance to the board pursuant to this section.
All reports shall be completed on a form prescribed by the registrar.
(d) As used in this section, “licensed professionals” means, but is
not limited to, engineers, architects, landscape architects, geologists,
and accountants licensed, certificated, or registered pursuant to this
division.
Added Stats 1987 ch 1264 § 2, effective September 28, 1987. Amended Stats 1991 ch
1160 § 4 (AB 2190); Stats 2002 ch 1013 § 59 (SB 2026).

§ 7019.1. [Section repealed 2001.]

Added Stats 1997 ch 812 § 2 (SB 857), operative until July 1, 2000. Repealed, operative
January 1, 2001, by its own terms. The repealed section related to copy of opinion.
—See Unemployment Insurance Code Section 329, Joint Enforcement Strike Force on
the Underground Economy, in Appendix.
—See also Labor Code Section 106, Authority of the Labor Commissioner, in the Ap-
pendix.

§ 7020. Computerized enforcement tracking system for

consumer complaints
The board shall maintain a computerized enforcement tracking sys-
tem for consumer complaints.
Added Stats 1987 ch 1264 § 3, effective September 28, 1987. Amended Stats 1991 ch
1160 § 5 (AB 2190).

§ 7021. Interagency agreement for information to protect the

public
The board may enter into an interagency agreement with any other
state or local agency the board deems to be in possession of any in-
formation relevant to its priority to protect the public described in
Section 7000.6.
Added Stats 2016 ch 372 § 1 (SB 465), effective January 1, 2017.
288 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Article 2
Application of Chapter
§ 7025. “Members of the personnel of record”; “Person”;
“Qualifying person”; “Qualifying individual”; “Qualifier”
(a) “Members of the personnel of record” as used in this chapter
means every person listed in the records of the registrar as then asso-
ciated with a licensee.
(b) “Person” as used in this chapter includes an individual, a firm,
partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association or
other organization, or any combination thereof.
(c) “Qualifying person,” “qualifying individual,” or “qualifier,” as
used in this chapter, means a person who qualifies for a license pur-
suant to Section 7068.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 2 (SB 392), effective January
1, 2011.

§ 7026. “Contractor”; “Roadway”

“Contractor,” for the purposes of this chapter, is synonymous with
“builder” and, within the meaning of this chapter, a contractor is any
person who undertakes to or offers to undertake to, or purports to
have the capacity to undertake to, or submits a bid to, or does himself
or herself or by or through others, construct, alter, repair, add to, sub-
tract from, improve, move, wreck or demolish any building, highway,
road, parking facility, railroad, excavation or other structure, project,
development or improvement, or to do any part thereof, including the
erection of scaffolding or other structures or works in connection
therewith, or the cleaning of grounds or structures in connection
therewith, or the preparation and removal of roadway construction
zones, lane closures, flagging, or traffic diversions, or the installation,
repair, maintenance, or calibration of monitoring equipment for un-
derground storage tanks, and whether or not the performance of work
herein described involves the addition to, or fabrication into, any
structure, project, development or improvement herein described of
any material or article of merchandise. “Contractor” includes subcon-
tractor and specialty contractor. “Roadway” includes, but is not lim-
ited to, public or city streets, highways, or any public conveyance.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1939 ch 1091 § 1; Stats 1941 ch 971 § 2;
Stats 1949 ch 90 § 1; Stats 1963 ch 972 § 1; Stats 1969 ch 761 § 1; Stats 1970 ch 340
§ 1; Stats 1973 ch 892 § 1; Stats 1977 ch 429 § 1; Stats 1999 ch 708 § 1 (AB 1206); Stats
2001 ch 728 § 53 (SB 724).

§ 7026.1. “Contractor”
(a) The term “contractor” includes all of the following:
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 289

(1) Any person not exempt under Section 7053 who maintains or
services air-conditioning, heating, or refrigeration equipment that is a
fixed part of the structure to which it is attached.
(2) (A) Any person, consultant to an owner-builder, firm, association,
organization, partnership, business trust, corporation, or company,
who or which undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the
capacity to undertake, or submits a bid to construct any building or
home improvement project, or part thereof.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, a consultant is a person, other
than a public agency or an owner of privately owned real property to
be improved, who meets either of the following criteria as it relates to
work performed pursuant to a home improvement contract as defined
in Section 7151.2:
(i) Provides or oversees a bid for a construction project.
(ii) Arranges for and sets up work schedules for contractors and sub-
contractors and maintains oversight of a construction project.
(3) A temporary labor service agency that, as the employer, provides
employees for the performance of work covered by this chapter. The
provisions of this paragraph shall not apply if there is a properly li-
censed contractor who exercises supervision in accordance with Sec-
tion 7068.1 and who is directly responsible for the final results of the
work. Nothing in this paragraph shall require a qualifying individual,
as provided in Section 7068, to be present during the supervision of
work covered by this chapter. A contractor requesting the services of a
temporary labor service agency shall provide his or her license number
to that temporary labor service agency.
(4) Any person not otherwise exempt by this chapter, who performs
tree removal, tree pruning, stump removal, or engages in tree or limb
cabling or guying. The term contractor does not include a person per-
forming the activities of a nurseryperson who in the normal course of
routine work performs incidental pruning of trees, or guying of plant-
ed trees and their limbs. The term contractor does not include a gar-
dener who in the normal course of routine work performs incidental
pruning of trees measuring less than 15 feet in height after planting.
(5) Any person engaged in the business of drilling, digging, boring,
or otherwise constructing, deepening, repairing, reperforating, or
abandoning any water well, cathodic protection well, or monitoring
well.
(b) The term “contractor” or “consultant” does not include a common
interest development manager, as defined in Section 11501, and a
common interest development manager is not required to have a con-
tractor’s license when performing management services, as defined in
subdivision (d) of Section 11500.
290 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1971 ch 1365 § 1. Amended Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 6 (AB 2190); Stats 2003
ch 759 § 1 (AB 544); Stats 2004 ch 183 § 10 (AB 3082); Stats 2012 ch 371 § 1 (AB 2237),
effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 319 § 6 (SB 822), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 7026.2. Definitions
(a) For the purposes of this chapter, “contractor” includes any per-
son engaged in the business of the construction, installation, altera-
tion, repair, or preparation for moving of a mobilehome or mo-
bilehome accessory buildings and structures upon a site for the pur-
pose of occupancy as a dwelling.
(b) “Contractor” does not include the manufacturer of the mo-
bilehome or mobilehome accessory building or structure if it is con-
structed at a place other than the site upon which it is installed for
the purpose of occupancy as a dwelling, and does not include the
manufacturer when the manufacturer is solely performing work in
compliance with the manufacturer’s warranty. “Contractor” includes
the manufacturer if the manufacturer is engaged in onsite construc-
tion, alteration, or repair of a mobilehome or mobilehome accessory
buildings and structures pursuant to specialized plans, specifications,
or models, or any work other than in compliance with the manufac-
turer’s warranty.
(c) “Contractor” does not include a seller of a manufactured home or
mobilehome who holds a retail manufactured home or mobilehome
dealer’s license under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 18045) of
Part 2 of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code, if the installation
of the manufactured home or mobilehome is to be performed by a li-
censed contractor and the seller certifies that fact in writing to the
buyer prior to the performance of the installation. The certification
shall include the name, business address, and contractor’s license
number of the licensed contractor by whom the installation will be
performed.
(d) For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the
following meanings:
(1) “Mobilehome” means a vehicle defined in Section 18008 of the
Health and Safety Code.
(2) “Mobilehome accessory building or structure” means a building
or structure defined in Section 18008.5 of the Health and Safety
Code.
(3) “Manufactured home” means a structure defined in Section
18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
Added Stats 1969 ch 761 § 2 as § 7027. Amended Stats 1970 ch 340 § 2; Stats 1973 ch
892 § 2; Stats 1983 ch 891 § 1.5; Stats 1986 ch 851 § 1. Renumbered by Stats 1991 ch
1160 § 17 (AB 2190).
—See California Water Code Section 13750.5, License Required for Water Wells, in the
Appendix.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 291

§ 7026.3. Persons who install or contract for the installation

of carpet
For the purpose of this chapter, “contractor” includes any person
who installs or contracts for the installation of carpet wherein the
carpet is attached to the structure by any conventional method as
determined by custom and usage in the trade; except that a seller of
installed carpet who holds a retail furniture dealer’s license under
Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 19000) of Division 8 shall not be
required to have a contractor’s license if the installation of the carpet
is performed by a licensed contractor and the seller so certifies in
writing to the buyer prior to the performance of the installation,
which certification shall include the name, business address, and con-
tractor’s license number of the licensed contractor by whom the in-
stallation will be performed.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 9 (AB 2190).

§ 7026.11. Permissible scope of work for the General

Manufactured Housing Contractor (C-47) license
classification
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the permissible scope
of work for the General Manufactured Housing Contractor (C-47) li-
cense classification set forth in Section 832.47 of Division 8 of Title 16
of the California Code of Regulations shall include manufactured
homes, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code,
mobilehomes, as defined in Section 18008 of the Health and Safety
Code, and multifamily manufactured homes, as defined in Section
18008.7 of the Health and Safety Code.
Added Stats 2007 ch 540 § 1 (SB 538), effective January 1, 2008.

§ 7026.12. Installations of fire protection systems

Except as provided in Section 7026.13, the installation of a fire pro-
tection system, excluding an electrical alarm system, shall be per-
formed only by either of the following:
(a) A contractor holding a fire protection contractor classification, as
defined in the regulations of the board.
(b) An owner-builder of an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling,
if not more than two single-family dwellings on the same parcel are
constructed within one year, plans are submitted to, and approved by,
the city, county, or city and county authority, and the city, county, or
city and county authority inspects and approves the installation.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1035 § 1. Amended Stats 1994 ch 185 § 1 (AB 2646); Stats 2013 ch
377 § 1 (AB 433), effective January 1, 2014.
292 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7026.13. [Section repealed 2017.]

Added Stats 2013 ch 377 § 2 (AB 433), effective January 1, 2014, repealed January 1,
2017. The repealed section related to exception for installations of residential fire pro-
tection systems.

§ 7027. Advertising as contractor

Any person who advertises or puts out any sign or card or other de-
vice that would indicate to the public that he or she is a contractor, or
who causes his or her name or business name to be included in a clas-
sified advertisement or directory under a classification for construc-
tion or work of improvement covered by this chapter is subject to the
provisions of this chapter regardless of whether his or her operations
as a builder are otherwise exempted.
Added Stats 1957 ch 948 § 1, as B & P C § 7026.6. Amended Stats 1978 ch 771 § 1.
Amended and renumbered by Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 12 (AB 2190); Stats 2011 ch 432 § 8
(SB 944), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 7027.1. Advertising by unlicensed person; Penalties

(a) It is a misdemeanor for any person to advertise for construction
or work of improvement covered by this chapter unless that person
holds a valid license under this chapter in the classification so adver-
tised, except that a licensed building or engineering contractor may
advertise as a general contractor.
(b) “Advertise,” as used in this section, includes, but not by way of
limitation, the issuance of any card, sign, or device to any person, the
causing, permitting, or allowing of any sign or marking on or in any
building or structure, or in any newspaper, magazine, or by airwave
or any electronic transmission, or in any directory under a listing for
construction or work of improvement covered by this chapter, with or
without any limiting qualifications.
(c) A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of not less than
seven hundred dollars ($700) and not more than one thousand dollars
($1,000), which fine shall be in addition to any other punishment im-
posed for a violation of this section.
(d) If upon investigation, the registrar has probable cause to believe
that an unlicensed individual is in violation of this section, the regis-
trar may issue a citation pursuant to Section 7028.7 or 7099.10.
Added Stats 1957 ch 948 § 2, as B & P C § 7026.7. Amended Stats 1978 ch 771 § 2;
Stats 1986 ch 518 § 1. Amended and renumbered by Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 13 (AB 2190).
Amended Stats 1994 ch 413 § 2 (SB 1694); Stats 1998 ch 599 § 2 (SB 597).

§ 7027.2. Advertising by person not licensed

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a person who
is not licensed pursuant to this chapter may advertise for construc-
tion work or a work of improvement covered by this chapter only if
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 293

the aggregate contract price for labor, material, and all other items on
a project or undertaking is less than five hundred dollars ($500), and
he or she states in the advertisement that he or she is not licensed
under this chapter.
Added Stats 1978 ch 771 § 3, as B & P C § 7026.8. Amended and renumbered by Stats
1991 ch 1160 § 14 (AB 2190); Stats 2014 ch 392 § 2 (SB 315), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 7027.3. Penalties for fraudulent use of incorrect license

number
Any person, licensed or unlicensed, who willfully and intentionally
uses, with intent to defraud, a contractor’s license number that does
not correspond to the number on a currently valid contractor’s license
held by that person, is punishable by a fine not exceeding ten thou-
sand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment in state prison, or in coun-
ty jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprison-
ment. The penalty provided by this section is cumulative to the penal-
ties available under all other laws of this state. If, upon investigation,
the registrar has probable cause to believe that an unlicensed indi-
vidual is in violation of this section, the registrar may issue a citation
pursuant to Section 7028.7.
Added Stats 1984 ch 815 § 1, as B & P C § 7026.10. Amended Stats 1987 ch 930 § 1,
effective September 22, 1987. Amended and renumbered by Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 15
(AB 2190). Amended Stats 2001 ch 728 § 54 (SB 724).

§ 7027.4. Advertising as insured or bonded; Requirements;

Cause for discipline
(a) It is a cause for discipline for any contractor to advertise that he
or she is “insured” or has insurance without identifying in the adver-
tisement the type of insurance, including, for example, “commercial
general liability insurance” or “workers’ compensation insurance”
that is carried by the contractor. The contractor may abbreviate the
title of the type of insurance.
(b) It is cause for discipline for a contractor to advertise that he or
she is “bonded” if the reference is to a contractor’s license bond re-
quired pursuant to Section 7071.6 or to a disciplinary bond required
pursuant to Section 7071.8.
(c) “Advertise,” as used in this section, includes, but is not limited
to, the issuance of any card, sign, or device to any person, the causing,
permitting, or allowing of any sign or marking on or in any building
or structure or business vehicle or in any newspaper, magazine, or by
airwave or any electronic transmission, or in any directory under a
listing for construction or work of improvement covered by this chap-
ter, for the direct or indirect purpose of performing or offering to per-
form services that require a contractor’s license.
294 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 2003 ch 607 § 31 (SB 1077).

§ 7027.5. Authority for landscape contractor to design

systems or facilities; Prime contract for pool, spa, hot tub,
outdoor cooking center, outdoor fireplace, or rainwater
capture system; Subcontracting work outside of the field and
scope of activities
(a) A landscape contractor working within the classification for
which the license is issued may design systems or facilities for work
to be performed and supervised by that contractor.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a land-
scape contractor working within the classification for which the li-
cense is issued may enter into a prime contract for the construction of
any of the following:
(1) A swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, provided that the improve-
ments are included within the landscape project that the landscape
contractor is supervising and the construction of any swimming pool,
spa, or hot tub is subcontracted to a single licensed contractor holding
a Swimming Pool (C-53) classification, as set forth in Section 832.53
of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, or performed by the
landscape contractor if the landscape contractor also holds a Swim-
ming Pool (C-53) classification. The contractor constructing the
swimming pool, spa, or hot tub may subcontract with other appropri-
ately licensed contractors for the completion of individual components
of the construction.
(2) An outdoor cooking center, provided that the improvements are
included within a residential landscape project that the contractor is
supervising. For purposes of this subdivision, “outdoor cooking cen-
ter” means an unenclosed area within a landscape that is used for the
cooking or preparation of food or beverages.
(3) An outdoor fireplace, provided that it is included within a resi-
dential landscape project that the contractor is supervising and is not
attached to a dwelling.
(4) A rainwater capture system, as defined in Section 10573 of the
Water Code, used exclusively for landscape irrigation or as a water
supply for a fountain, pond, or similar decorative water feature in a
landscaping project.
(c) (1) Work performed in connection with a landscape project speci-
fied in paragraph (2) , (3), or (4) of subdivision (b) that is outside of
the field and scope of activities authorized to be performed under the
Landscape Contractor (C-27) classification , as set forth in Section
832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, may only be
performed by a landscape contractor if the landscape contractor also
either holds an appropriate specialty license classification to perform
the work or is licensed as a General Building contractor. If the land-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 295

scape contractor neither holds an appropriate specialty license classi-

fication to perform the work nor is licensed as a General Building
contractor, the work shall be performed by a Specialty contractor
holding the appropriate license classification or by a General Building
contractor performing work in accordance with the requirements of
subdivision (b) of Section 7057.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a landscape contractor perform-
ing work under the Landscape Contractor (C-27) classification, as set
forth in Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regula-
tions, may design and install all exterior components of a rainwater
capture system, as defined in Section 10573 of the Water Code, that
are not a part of, or attached to, a structure.
(d) A violation of this section shall be cause for disciplinary action.
(e) Nothing in this section authorizes a landscape contractor to en-
gage in or perform activities that require a license pursuant to the Pro-
fessional Engineers Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700)).
Added Stats 1983 ch 699 § 12. Amended Stats 2003 ch 34 § 1 (AB 341); Stats 2007 ch
107 § 1 (AB 711), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2008 ch 179 § 17 (SB 1498), effective
January 1, 2009; Stats 2012 ch 537 § 1 (AB 1750), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 7028. Engaging in business without license; Fine and

punishment; Statute of limitations
(a) Unless exempted from this chapter, it is a misdemeanor for a
person to engage in the business of, or act in the capacity of, a con-
tractor within this state under either of the following conditions:
(1) The person is not licensed in accordance with this chapter.
(2) The person performs acts covered by this chapter under a li-
cense that is under suspension for failure to pay a civil penalty or to
comply with an order of correction, pursuant to Section 7090.1, or for
failure to resolve all outstanding final liabilities, pursuant to Section
7145.5.
(b) A first conviction for the offense described in this section is pun-
ishable by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by
imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both
that fine and imprisonment.
(c) If a person has been previously convicted of the offense described
in this section, unless the provisions of subdivision (d) are applicable,
the court shall impose a fine of 20 percent of the contract price, or 20
percent of the aggregate payments made to, or at the direction of, the
unlicensed person, or five thousand dollars ($5,000), whichever is
greater, and, unless the sentence prescribed in subdivision (d) is im-
posed, the person shall be confined in a county jail for not less than
90 days, except in an unusual case where the interests of justice
would be served by imposition of a lesser sentence or a fine. If the
court imposes only a fine or a jail sentence of less than 90 days for
296 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

second or subsequent convictions under this section, the court shall

state the reasons for its sentencing choice on the record.
(d) A third or subsequent conviction for the offense described in this
section is punishable by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars
($5,000) nor more than the greater amount of ten thousand dollars
($10,000) or 20 percent of the contract price, or 20 percent of the ag-
gregate payments made to, or at the direction of, the unlicensed per-
son, and by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year
or less than 90 days. The penalty provided by this subdivision is cu-
mulative to the penalties available under all other laws of this state.
(e) A person who violates this section is subject to the penalties pre-
scribed in subdivision (d) if the person was named on a license that
was previously revoked and, either in fact or under law, was held re-
sponsible for any act or omission resulting in the revocation.
(f) If the unlicensed person engaging in the business of or acting in
the capacity of a contractor has agreed to furnish materials and labor
on an hourly basis, “the contract price” for the purposes of this section
means the aggregate sum of the cost of materials and labor furnished
and the cost of completing the work to be performed.
(g) Notwithstanding any other law, an indictment for any violation
of this section by an unlicensed person shall be found, or information
or a complaint shall be filed, within four years from the date of the
contract proposal, contract, completion, or abandonment of the work,
whichever occurs last.
(h) For any conviction under this section, a person who utilized the
services of the unlicensed person is a victim of crime and is eligible,
pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 1202.4 of the Penal Code, for
restitution for economic losses, regardless of whether he or she had
knowledge that the person was unlicensed.
(i) The changes made to this section by the act adding this subdivi-
sion are declaratory of existing law.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1963 ch 1883 § 1; Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 4;
Stats 1972 ch 125 § 1; Stats 1982 ch 607 § 1; Stats 1989 ch 366 § 1; Stats 1995 ch 467
§ 1 (SB 1061); Stats 1996 ch 145 § 1 (AB 2958); Stats 2003 ch 706 § 1 (SB 443); Stats
2004 ch 183 § 11 (AB 3082); Stats 2005 ch 205 § 1 (SB 488), effective January 1, 2006;
Stats 2008 ch 33 § 13 (SB 797), effective June 23, 2008; Stats 2009 ch 319 § 1 (AB 370),
effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2010 ch 328 § 15 (SB 1330), effective January 1, 2011;
Stats 2014 ch 392 § 3 (SB 315), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 7028.1. Penalties against uncertified contractors

performing asbestos-related work
It is a misdemeanor for any contractor, whether licensed or unli-
censed, to perform or engage in asbestos-related work, as defined in
Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, without certification pursuant to
Section 7058.5 of this code, or to perform or engage in a removal or
remedial action, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 7058.7, or,
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 297

unless otherwise exempted by this chapter, to bid for the installation

or removal of, or to install or remove, an underground storage tank,
without certification pursuant to Section 7058.7. A contractor in vio-
lation of this section is subject to one of the following penalties:
(a) Conviction of a first offense is punishable by a fine of not less
than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more than three thousand dol-
lars ($3,000), and by possible revocation or suspension of any contrac-
tor’s license.
(b) Conviction of a subsequent offense requires a fine of not less
than three thousand dollars ($3,000) or more than five thousand dol-
lars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one
year, or both the fine and imprisonment, and a mandatory action to
suspend or revoke any contractor’s license.
Added Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 1, effective October 2, 1985. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1443
§ 1, effective September 30, 1986, ch 1451 § 1.4, effective September 30, 1986; Stats
1990 ch 1366 § 1 (SB 2004), effective September 26, 1990; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 18 (AB
2190); Stats 1993 ch 589 § 10 (AB 2211); Stats 1996 ch 712 § 1 (SB 1557); Stats 2004 ch
865 § 7 (SB 1914).

§ 7028.2. Complaints; Disposition of penalties

A criminal complaint pursuant to this chapter may be brought by
the Attorney General or by the district attorney or prosecuting attor-
ney of any city, in any county in the state with jurisdiction over the
contractor or employer, by reason of the contractor’s or employer’s
act, or failure to act, within that jurisdiction. Any penalty assessed by
the court shall be paid to the office of the prosecutor bringing the
complaint.
Added Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 2, effective October 2, 1985. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1451
§ 1.5, effective September 30, 1986; Stats 1989 ch 366 § 2; Stats 1998 ch 931 § 8 (SB
2139), effective September 28, 1998.

§ 7028.3. Injunction against violations

In addition to all other remedies, when it appears to the registrar,
either upon complaint or otherwise, that a licensee has engaged in, or
is engaging in, any act, practice, or transaction which constitutes a
violation of this chapter whereby another person may be substantial-
ly injured, or that any person, who does not hold a state contractor’s
license in any classification, has engaged in, or is engaging in, any
act, practice, or transaction which constitutes a violation of this chap-
ter, whether or not there is substantial injury, the registrar may, ei-
ther through the Attorney General or through the district attorney of
the county in which the act, practice, or transaction is alleged to have
been committed, apply to the superior court of that county or any oth-
er county in which such person maintains a place of business or re-
sides, for an injunction restraining such person from acting in the
capacity of a contractor without a license in violation of this chapter,
298 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

or from acting in violation of this chapter when another person may

be substantially injured, and, upon a proper showing, a temporary
restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or a permanent injunc-
tion shall be granted.
Added Stats 1965 ch 942 § 1. Amended Stats 1969 ch 698 § 1, ch 1583 § 7; Stats 1982
ch 517 § 17.

§ 7028.4. Injunction against continuing violation by person

not holding state contractor’s license
In addition to the remedies set forth in Section 7028.3, on proper
showing by (1) a licensed contractor, or an association of contractors,
(2) a consumer affected by the violation, (3) a district attorney, or (4)
the Attorney General, of a continuing violation of this chapter by a
person who does not hold a state contractor’s license in any classifica-
tion, an injunction shall issue by a court specified in Section 7028.3 at
the request of any such party, prohibiting such violation. The plaintiff
in any such action shall not be required to prove irreparable injury.
Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 8. Amended Stats 1971 ch 442 § 1.

§ 7028.5. Specified individuals acting as contractor without

license
It is unlawful for a person who is or has been a partner, officer, di-
rector, manager, responsible managing employee, responsible manag-
ing member, responsible managing manager, or responsible manag-
ing officer of, or an individual who is listed in the personnel of record
of, a licensed partnership, corporation, limited liability company,
firm, association or other organization to individually engage in the
business or individually act in the capacity of a contractor within this
state without having a license in good standing to so engage or act.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 3. Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 3 (SB 392), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2011.

§ 7028.6. Authority to issue citations

The Registrar of Contractors is hereby empowered to issue citations
containing orders of abatement and civil penalties against persons
acting in the capacity of or engaging in the business of a contractor
within this state without having a license in good standing to so act
or engage.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 1. Amended Stats 1998 ch 633 § 1 (SB 2217); Stats 2010 ch
415 § 17 (SB 1491), effective January 1, 2011.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 299

§ 7028.7. Issuance of citation

(a) If upon inspection or investigation, either upon complaint or
otherwise, the registrar has probable cause to believe that a person
is acting in the capacity of or engaging in the business of a contractor
or salesperson within this state without having a license or registra-
tion in good standing to so act or engage, and the person is not oth-
erwise exempted from this chapter, the registrar shall issue a cita-
tion to that person.
(b) Within 72 hours of receiving notice that a public entity is in-
tending to award, or has awarded, a contract to an unlicensed con-
tractor, the registrar shall give written notice to the public entity
that a citation may be issued if a contract is awarded to an unli-
censed contractor. If after receiving the written notice from the regis-
trar that the public entity has awarded or awards the contract to an
unlicensed contractor, the registrar may issue a citation to the re-
sponsible officer or employee of the public entity as specified in Sec-
tion 7028.15.
(c) Each citation shall be in writing and shall describe with partic-
ularity the basis of the citation. Notwithstanding Sections 125.9 and
148, each citation shall contain an order of abatement and an as-
sessment of a civil penalty in an amount not less than two hundred
dollars ($200) nor more than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
(d) With the approval of the Contractors’ State License Board, the
registrar shall prescribe procedures for the issuance of a citation un-
der this section. The board shall adopt regulations covering the as-
sessment of a civil penalty that shall give due consideration to the
gravity of the violation, and any history of previous violations.
(e) The sanctions authorized under this section shall be separate
from, and in addition to, all other remedies either civil or criminal.
Added Stats 1986 ch 995 § 3, operative January 1, 1988. Amended Stats 1990 ch 774
§ 1 (SB 1079), effective September 11, 1990; Stats 1991 ch 785 § 1 (AB 800); Stats 1992
ch 606 § 1 (AB 3240); Stats 2001 ch 728 § 55 (SB 724); Stats 2009 ch 307 § 69 (SB 821),
effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2010 ch 415 § 18 (SB 1491), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7028.8. Service of citation

Service of a citation issued under Section 7028.7 may be made by
certified mail at the last known business address or residence address
of the person cited.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 3.

§ 7028.9. Limitations period

A citation under Section 7028.7 shall be issued by the registrar
within four years after the act or omission that is the basis for the
300 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

citation or within 18 months after the date of the filing of the com-
plaint with the registrar, whichever is later.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 4. Amended Stats 1996 ch 145 § 2 (AB 2958); Stats 2010 ch
415 § 19 (SB 1491), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7028.10. Appeal to registrar

Any person served with a citation under Section 7028.7 may appeal
to the registrar within 15 working days after service of the citation
with respect to violations alleged, scope of the order of abatement, or
amount of civil penalty assessed.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 5. Amended Stats 1985 ch 1281 § 1.

§ 7028.11. Citation as final order

If within 15 working days after service of the citation, the person
cited fails to notify the registrar that he or she intends to appeal the
citation, the citation shall be deemed a final order of the registrar and
not subject to review by any court or agency. The 15-day period may
be extended by the registrar for good cause.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 6. Amended Stats 1985 ch 1281 § 2.

§ 7028.12. Hearing; Decision

If the person cited under Section 7028.7 timely notifies the registrar
that he or she intends to contest the citation, the registrar shall af-
ford an opportunity for a hearing. The registrar shall thereafter issue
a decision, based on findings of fact, affirming, modifying, or vacating
the citation or directing other appropriate relief. The proceedings un-
der this section shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions
of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3
of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the registrar shall have all the
powers granted therein.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 7.

§ 7028.13. Application for court order; Collection of civil

penalty; Assignment of rights to civil penalty; Time limit for
collection of penalty
(a) After the exhaustion of the review procedures provided for in
Sections 7028.10 to 7028.12, inclusive, the registrar may apply to the
appropriate superior court for a judgment in the amount of the civil
penalty and an order compelling the cited person to comply with the
order of abatement. The application, which shall include a certified
copy of the final order of the registrar, shall constitute a sufficient
showing to warrant the issuance of the judgment and order. If the
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 301

cited person did not appeal the citation, a certified copy of the citation
and proof of service, and a certification that the person cited is not or
was not a licensed contractor or applicant for a license at the time of
issuance of the citation, shall constitute a sufficient showing to war-
rant the issuance of the judgment and order.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the registrar may
delegate the collection of the civil penalty for any citation issued to
any person or entity legally authorized to engage in collections. Costs
of collection shall be borne by the person cited. The registrar shall not
delegate the authority to enforce the order of abatement.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the registrar shall
have the authority to assign the rights to the civil penalty, or a por-
tion thereof, for adequate consideration. The assignee and the regis-
trar shall have all the rights afforded under the ordinary laws of as-
signment of rights and delegation of duties. The registrar shall not
assign the order of abatement. The assignee may apply to the appro-
priate superior court for a judgment based upon the assigned rights
upon the same evidentiary showing as set forth in subdivision (a).
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including subdivi-
sions (a) and (b) of Section 340 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the reg-
istrar or his or her designee or assignee shall have four years from
the date of the final order to collect civil penalties except that the reg-
istrar or his or her designee or assignee shall have 10 years from the
date of the judgment to enforce civil penalties on citations that have
been converted to judgments through the process described in subdi-
visions (a) and (c).
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 8. Amended Stats 2001 ch 728 § 56 (SB 724); Stats 2005 ch
280 § 2 (SB 1112), effective January 1, 2006.

§ 7028.14. Waiver of part of civil penalty on issuance of

license
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, the registrar may
waive part of the civil penalty if the person against whom the civil
penalty is assessed satisfactorily completes all the requirements for,
and is issued, a contractor’s license. Any outstanding injury to the
public shall be satisfactorily settled prior to issuance of the license.
Added Stats 1989 ch 1174 § 1.

§ 7028.15. License required to submit bid to public agency;

Exceptions
(a) It is a misdemeanor for any person to submit a bid to a public
agency in order to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a
contractor within this state without having a license therefor, except
in any of the following cases:
302 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(1) The person is particularly exempted from this chapter.

(2) The bid is submitted on a state project governed by Section
10164 of the Public Contract Code or on any local agency project gov-
erned by Section 20103.5 of the Public Contract Code.
(b) If a person has been previously convicted of the offense de-
scribed in this section, the court shall impose a fine of 20 percent of
the price of the contract under which the unlicensed person per-
formed contracting work, or four thousand five hundred dollars
($4,500), whichever is greater, or imprisonment in the county jail for
not less than 10 days nor more than six months, or both.
In the event the person performing the contracting work has agreed
to furnish materials and labor on an hourly basis, “the price of the
contract” for the purposes of this subdivision means the aggregate
sum of the cost of materials and labor furnished and the cost of com-
pleting the work to be performed.
(c) This section shall not apply to a joint venture license, as re-
quired by Section 7029.1. However, at the time of making a bid as a
joint venture, each person submitting the bid shall be subject to this
section with respect to his or her individual licensure.
(d) This section shall not affect the right or ability of a licensed ar-
chitect, land surveyor, or registered professional engineer to form
joint ventures with licensed contractors to render services within the
scope of their respective practices.
(e) Unless one of the foregoing exceptions applies, a bid submitted
to a public agency by a contractor who is not licensed in accordance
with this chapter shall be considered nonresponsive and shall be re-
jected by the public agency. Unless one of the foregoing exceptions
applies, a local public agency shall, before awarding a contract or is-
suing a purchase order, verify that the contractor was properly li-
censed when the contractor submitted the bid. Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, unless one of the foregoing exceptions applies,
the registrar may issue a citation to any public officer or employee of
a public entity who knowingly awards a contract or issues a purchase
order to a contractor who is not licensed pursuant to this chapter. The
amount of civil penalties, appeal, and finality of such citations shall
be subject to Sections 7028.7 to 7028.13, inclusive. Any contract
awarded to, or any purchase order issued to, a contractor who is not
licensed pursuant to this chapter is void.
(f) Any compliance or noncompliance with subdivision (e) of this
section, as added by Chapter 863 of the Statutes of 1989, shall not
invalidate any contract or bid awarded by a public agency during
which time that subdivision was in effect.
(g) A public employee or officer shall not be subject to a citation
pursuant to this section if the public employee, officer, or employing
agency made an inquiry to the board for the purposes of verifying the
license status of any person or contractor and the board failed to re-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 303

spond to the inquiry within three business days. For purposes of this
section, a telephone response by the board shall be deemed sufficient.
Added Stats 1989 ch 863 § 1. Amended Stats 1990 ch 321 § 1 (SB 929), effective July
16, 1990; Stats 1991 ch 785 § 2 (AB 800); Stats 1992 ch 294 § 1 (AB 2347).
—See Public Contract Code Section 10164, License Required for Award of Contract on
State Project; 10262 Payment to Subcontractors, and 20103.5, Public Works Contracts:
Bidder or Contract Not Licensed; Penalties, in Appendix.

§ 7028.16. Punishment for engaging in business without

license with respect to structures damaged by natural
disaster for which state of emergency has been declared
A person who engages in the business or acts in the capacity of a
contractor, without having a license therefor, in connection with the
offer or performance of repairs to a residential or nonresidential
structure for damage caused by a natural disaster for which a state of
emergency is proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625 of
the Government Code, or for which an emergency or major disaster is
declared by the President of the United States, shall be punished by a
fine up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment pursu-
ant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 16
months, or for two or three years, or by both that fine and imprison-
ment, or by a fine up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by impris-
onment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both that fine
and imprisonment. In addition, a person who utilized the services of
the unlicensed contractor is a victim of crime regardless of whether
that person had knowledge that the contractor was unlicensed.
Added Stats 1st Ex Sess 1989-1990 ch 36 § 3, effective September 22, 1990. Amended
Stats 2009 ch 319 § 2 (AB 370), effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2011 ch 15 § 18 (AB
109), effective April 4, 2011, operative October 1, 2011.

—See Penal Code Sections 670, State of Emergency; Fraud of Owners or Lessees of Res-
idential Structures; Penalties; 667.16, Enhanced Sentence for Fraud in Repairing Natu-
ral Disaster Damage; 551, Insurance Fraud, in Appendix.

§ 7028.17. Failure of unlicensed person to comply with

citation; Distribution of fines
(a) The failure of an unlicensed individual to comply with a citation
after it is final is a misdemeanor.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 1462.5 or 1463 of the Penal Code or
any other provision of law, any fine collected upon conviction in a
criminal action brought under this section shall be distributed as fol-
lows:
304 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(1) If the action is brought by a district attorney, any fine collected

shall be paid to the treasurer of the county in which the judgment
was entered to be designated for use by the district attorney.
(2) If the action is brought by a city attorney or city prosecutor, any
fine collected shall be paid to the treasurer of the city in which the
judgment was entered, to be designated for use by the city attorney.
Added Stats 1988 ch 725 § 1, as B & P C § 7099.85. Amended Stats 1989 ch 366 § 3.
Amended and renumbered by Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 30 (AB 2190).

§ 7029. Issuance and suspension of joint venture license

A joint venture license is a license issued to any combination of in-
dividuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or
other joint ventures, each of which holds a current, active license in
good standing. A joint venture license may be issued in any classifica-
tion in which at least one of the entities is licensed. An active joint
venture license shall be automatically suspended by operation of law
during any period in which any member of the entity does not hold a
current, active license in good standing.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 3. Amended Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 1; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 4
(SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7029.1. Unlawfully acting in joint venture without license

(a) Except as provided in this section, it is unlawful for any two or
more licensees, each of whom has been issued a license to act sepa-
rately in the capacity of a contractor within this state, to be awarded
a contract jointly or otherwise act as a contractor without first having
secured a joint venture license in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter.
(b) Prior to obtaining a joint venture license, contractors licensed in
accordance with this chapter may jointly bid for the performance of
work covered by this section. If a combination of licensees submit a
bid for the performance of work for which a joint venture license is
required, a failure to obtain that license shall not prevent the imposi-
tion of any penalty specified by law for the failure of a contractor who
submits a bid to enter into a contract pursuant to the bid.
(c) A violation of this section constitutes a cause for disciplinary ac-
tion.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 4. Amended Stats 1987 ch 930 § 3, effective September 22,
1987; Stats 2003 ch 607 § 32 (SB 1077).
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 305

§ 7029.5. Display of name, business address and business

license number on commercial vehicles
Every C-36 plumbing contractor, C-45 sign contractor, and C-57
well-drilling contractor licensed under this chapter shall have dis-
played on each side of each motor vehicle used in his or her business,
for which a commercial vehicle registration fee has been paid pursu-
ant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 9400) of Chapter 6 of Divi-
sion 3 of the Vehicle Code, his or her name, permanent business ad-
dress, and contractor’s license number, all in letters and numerals
not less than 1½ inches high.
The identification requirements of this section shall also apply to
any drill rig used for the drilling of water wells.
Failure to comply with this section constitutes a cause for discipli-
nary action.
Added Stats 1972 ch 681 § 1, operative July 1, 1973, as B & P C § 7029.6. Amended and
renumbered by Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 20 (AB 2190); Stats 2011 ch 432 § 9 (SB 944),
effective January 1, 2012.

§ 7029.6. Display of business name and contractors’ license

number
Except for contractors identified in Section 7029.5, every contractor
licensed under this chapter shall have displayed, in or on each motor
vehicle used in his or her construction business, for which a commer-
cial vehicle registration fee has been paid pursuant to Article 3
(commencing with Section 9400) of Chapter 6 of Division 3 of the Ve-
hicle Code, his or her business name and contractors’ license number
in a clearly visible location in print type of at least 72-point font or
three-quarters of an inch in height and width.
Added Stats 2003 ch 118 § 1 (AB 1538).

§ 7030. Licensee’s statement on contracts; Notice

requirements; Exceptions
(a) Except for contractors writing home improvement contracts pur-
suant to Section 7151.2 and contractors writing service and repair
contracts pursuant to Section 7159.10, every person licensed pursu-
ant to this chapter shall include the following statement in at least
10-point type on all written contracts with respect to which the per-
son is a prime contractor:
“Contractors are required by law to be licensed and regulated by
the Contractors’ State License Board which has jurisdiction to inves-
tigate complaints against contractors if a complaint regarding a pa-
tent act or omission is filed within four years of the date of the alleged
violation. A complaint regarding a latent act or omission pertaining to
306 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

structural defects must be filed within 10 years of the date of the al-
leged violation. Any questions concerning a contractor may be re-
ferred to the Registrar, Contractors’ State License Board, P.O. Box
26000, Sacramento, CA 95826.”
(b) Every person licensed pursuant to this chapter shall include the
following statement in at least 12-point type in all home improvement
contracts written pursuant to Section 7151.2 and service and repair
contracts written pursuant to Section 7159.10:
“Information about the Contractors’ State License Board (CSLB):
CSLB is the state consumer protection agency that licenses and
regulates construction contractors.
Contact CSLB for information about the licensed contractor you are
considering, including information about disclosable complaints, dis-
ciplinary actions and civil judgments that are reported to CSLB.
Use only licensed contractors. If you file a complaint against a li-
censed contractor within the legal deadline (usually four years),
CSLB has authority to investigate the complaint. If you use an unli-
censed contractor, CSLB may not be able to help you resolve your
complaint. Your only remedy may be in civil court, and you may be
liable for damages arising out of any injuries to the unlicensed con-
tractor or the unlicensed contractor’s employees.
For more information:
Visit CSLB’s Internet Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov
Call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752)
Write CSLB at P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826.”
(c) Failure to comply with the notice requirements set forth in sub-
division (a) or (b) of this section is cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 5 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1,
2006. Amended Stats 2011 ch 432 § 10 (SB 944), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 7030.1. Disclosure
(a) A contractor, who has his or her license suspended or revoked
two or more times within an eight-year period, shall disclose either in
capital letters in 10-point roman boldface type or in contrasting red
print in at least 8-point roman boldface type, in a document provided
prior to entering into a contract to perform work on residential prop-
erty with four or fewer units, any disciplinary license suspension, or
license revocation during the last eight years resulting from any vio-
lation of this chapter by the contractor, whether or not the suspension
or revocation was stayed.
(b) The disclosure notice required by this section may be provided in
a bid, estimate, or other document prior to entering into a contract.
(c) A violation of this section is subject to the following penalties:
(1) A penalty of one thousand dollars ($1,000) shall be assessed for
the first violation.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 307

(2) A penalty of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) shall be

assessed for the second violation.
(3) A penalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000) shall be assessed for
a third violation in addition to a one-year suspension of license by
operation of law.
(4) A fourth violation shall result in the revocation of license in ac-
cordance with this chapter.
Added Stats 1996 ch 282 § 3 (AB 2494).

§ 7030.5. Inclusion of license number in contracts, bids, and

advertising
Every person licensed pursuant to this chapter shall include his li-
cense number in: (a) all construction contracts; (b) subcontracts and
calls for bid; and (c) all forms of advertising, as prescribed by the reg-
istrar of contractors, used by such a person.
Added Stats 1972 ch 124 § 1, operative July 1, 1973. Amended Stats 1973 ch 153 § 1,
effective July 6, 1973, operative July 1, 1973.

§ 7031. Allegation and proof of license in action on contract;

Recovery of compensation paid to unlicensed contractor;
Substantial compliance; Exceptions
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (e), no person engaged in the
business or acting in the capacity of a contractor, may bring or main-
tain any action, or recover in law or equity in any action, in any court
of this state for the collection of compensation for the performance of
any act or contract where a license is required by this chapter without
alleging that he or she was a duly licensed contractor at all times dur-
ing the performance of that act or contract regardless of the merits of
the cause of action brought by the person, except that this prohibition
shall not apply to contractors who are each individually licensed un-
der this chapter but who fail to comply with Section 7029.
(b) Except as provided in subdivision (e), a person who utilizes the
services of an unlicensed contractor may bring an action in any court
of competent jurisdiction in this state to recover all compensation
paid to the unlicensed contractor for performance of any act or con-
tract.
(c) A security interest taken to secure any payment for the perfor-
mance of any act or contract for which a license is required by this
chapter is unenforceable if the person performing the act or contract
was not a duly licensed contractor at all times during the perfor-
mance of the act or contract.
(d) If licensure or proper licensure is controverted, then proof of li-
censure pursuant to this section shall be made by production of a ver-
ified certificate of licensure from the Contractors’ State License Board
308 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

which establishes that the individual or entity bringing the action

was duly licensed in the proper classification of contractors at all
times during the performance of any act or contract covered by the
action. Nothing in this subdivision shall require any person or entity
controverting licensure or proper licensure to produce a verified cer-
tificate. When licensure or proper licensure is controverted, the bur-
den of proof to establish licensure or proper licensure shall be on the
licensee.
(e) The judicial doctrine of substantial compliance shall not apply
under this section where the person who engaged in the business or
acted in the capacity of a contractor has never been a duly licensed
contractor in this state. However, notwithstanding subdivision (b) of
Section 143, the court may determine that there has been substantial
compliance with licensure requirements under this section if it is
shown at an evidentiary hearing that the person who engaged in the
business or acted in the capacity of a contractor (1) had been duly li-
censed as a contractor in this state prior to the performance of the act
or contract, (2) acted reasonably and in good faith to maintain proper
licensure, and (3) acted promptly and in good faith to remedy the
failure to comply with the licensure requirements upon learning of
the failure.
(f) The exceptions to the prohibition against the application of the
judicial doctrine of substantial compliance found in subdivision (e)
shall apply to all contracts entered into on or after January 1, 1992,
and to all actions or arbitrations arising therefrom, except that the
amendments to subdivisions (e) and (f) enacted during the 1994 por-
tion of the 1993–94 Regular Session of the Legislature shall not apply
to either of the following:
(1) Any legal action or arbitration commenced prior to January 1,
1995, regardless of the date on which the parties entered into the con-
tract.
(2) Any legal action or arbitration commenced on or after January
1, 1995, if the legal action or arbitration was commenced prior to
January 1, 1995, and was subsequently dismissed.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1957 ch 845 § 1; Stats 1961 ch 1325 § 1;
Stats 1965 ch 681 § 1; Stats 1989 ch 368 § 1; Stats 1991 ch 632 § 1 (AB 1382); Stats
1992 ch 229 § 1 (AB 2413); Stats 1993 ch 797 § 1 (AB 628); Stats 1994 ch 550 § 1 (SB
1844); Stats 2001 ch 226 § 1 (AB 678); Stats 2003 ch 289 § 1 (AB 1386); Stats 2016 ch
244 § 1 (AB 1793), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 7031.5. Applicant’s statement as to license required by city

or county permit regulations; Penalty for violation
Each county or city which requires the issuance of a permit as a
condition precedent to the construction, alteration, improvement,
demolition or repair of any building or structure shall also require
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 309

that each applicant for such a permit file as a condition precedent to

the issuance of a permit a statement which he has prepared and
signed stating that the applicant is licensed under the provisions of
this chapter, giving the number of the license and stating that it is in
full force and effect, or, if the applicant is exempt from the provisions
of this chapter, the basis for the alleged exemption.
Any violation of this section by any applicant for a permit shall be
subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
Added Stats 1963 ch 1140 § 1. Amended Stats 1977 ch 1052 § 1.

§ 7032. Construction of chapter; Complaints to registrar

against licensees
Nothing in this chapter shall limit the power of a city or county to
regulate the quality and character of installations made by contrac-
tors through a system of permits and inspections which are designed
to secure compliance with and aid in the enforcement of applicable
state and local building laws, or to enforce other local laws necessary
for the protection of the public health and safety. Nothing in this
chapter shall limit the power of a city or county to adopt any system
of permits requiring submission to and approval by the city or county
of plans and specifications for an installation prior to the commence-
ment of construction of the installation.
Cities or counties may direct complaints to the registrar against li-
censees based upon determinations by city or county enforcement of-
ficers of violations by such licensees of codes the enforcement of which
is the responsibility of the complaining city or county. Such com-
plaints shall to the extent determined to be necessary by the registrar
be given priority in processing over other complaints.
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as authorizing
a city or county to enact regulations relating to the qualifications nec-
essary to engage in the business of contracting.
Added Stats 1959 ch 1403 § 1, effective July 1, 1959. Amended Stats 1961 ch 198 § 1.

§ 7033. Requirement of filing by licensee or applicant

statement as to license, or exemption and proof thereof
Every city or city and county which requires the issuance of a busi-
ness license as a condition precedent to engaging, within the city or
city and county, in a business which is subject to regulation under
this chapter, shall require that each licensee and each applicant for
issuance or renewal of such license shall file, or have on file, with
such city or city and county, a signed statement that such licensee or
applicant is licensed under the provisions of this chapter and stating
that the license is in full force and effect, or, if such licensee or appli-
cant is exempt from the provisions of this chapter, he shall furnish
proof of the facts which entitle him to such exemption.
310 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1965 ch 1082 § 1.

—See Government Code Section 37101.7, Licensing for Revenue by Cities, in Appendix.

§ 7034. Insertion of void or unenforceable provisions in

contract prohibited
(a) No contractor that is required to be licensed under this chapter
shall insert in any contract, or be a party, with a subcontractor that is
licensed under this chapter to any contract which contains, a provi-
sion, clause, covenant, or agreement which is void or unenforceable
under Section 2782 of the Civil Code.
(b) No contractor that is required to be licensed under this chapter
shall require a waiver of lien rights from any subcontractor, employ-
ee, or supplier in violation of Section 8122 of the Civil Code.
Added Stats 1976 ch 411 § 1. Amended Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 3; Stats 2010 ch 697 § 1
(SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012.
—See Civil Code Sections 2782 Construction Contracts; Invalidity of Provisions to In-
demnify Promissee Against Liability; Exceptions and 2782.6 Exception for Professional
Engineer or Geologist; “Hazardous Materials” Defined, in Appendix.

Article 3
Exemptions
§ 7040. United States, State, and subdivisions
(a) This chapter does not apply to an authorized representative of
the United States government, the State of California, or any incor-
porated town, city, county, irrigation district, reclamation district or
other municipal or political corporation or subdivision of this state
when the entity or its representative is acting within the scope of the
entity’s or representative’s official capacity.
(b) Nothing in this section authorizes the entity or it’s authorized
representative thereof either to enter into or authorize a contract
with an unlicensed contractor for work which is required by this
chapter to be performed by a licensed contractor.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1230 § 1; Stats 1995 ch 467 § 2 (SB
1061).
—See Public Contract Code Section 6100 License Required for Award of Contract, in
Appendix.

§ 7041. Court officers

This chapter does not apply to officers of a court when they are act-
ing within the scope of their office.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 311

§ 7042. Public utilities in their own business operations

This chapter does not apply to public utilities operating under the
regulation of the State Railroad Commission on construction,
maintenance and development work incidental to their own business.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7042.1. Adoption fees; Deferral, waiver, or reduction

(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, gas heat,
or electrical corporations and their subsidiaries that are regulated as
public utilities by the Public Utilities Commission shall not conduct
work for which a contractor’s license is required, except under any
one or more of the following conditions:
(1) The work is performed upon the gas, heat, or electrical corpora-
tion’s properties.
(2) The work is performed through a contract with a contractor or
contractors licensed pursuant to this chapter or the work is per-
formed for low-income citizens pursuant to a program authorized by
order of the Public Utilities Commission.
(3) The work is undertaken by the gas, heat, or electrical corpora-
tion in furtherance of the generation, transmission, or distribution of
electricity, gas, or steam, whether within or without the service area
of the corporation, if any work performed within a structure and be-
yond a customer’s utility meter is necessary to protect the public safe-
ty or to avoid interruption of service.
(4) The work is otherwise exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
(5) The work is performed to comply with programs or procedures
ordered or authorized by the Public Utilities Commission not incon-
sistent with the objectives expressed in Chapter 984 of the Statutes of
1983.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the fol-
lowing meanings:
(1) “Gas, heat, or electrical corporation properties” means properties
which a gas, heat, or electrical corporation owns or leases, or over
which it has been granted an easement for utility purposes, or facili-
ties which a gas, heat, or electrical corporation owns or operates for
utility purposes.
(2) “Subsidiaries” means subsidiaries of a gas, heat, or electrical
corporation regulated as public utilities by the Public Utilities Com-
mission which carry out activities solely for utility purposes.
(c) It is the intention of the Legislature in enacting this section that
public utility regulations be clearly based on the principle that the
energy conservation industry should be allowed to develop in a com-
petitive manner, as declared in Chapter 984 of the Statutes of 1983.
Added Stats 1984 ch 1136 § 1. Amended Stats 1989 ch 29 § 1.
312 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

—See Labor Code Section 3099 Electrician Competency and Training Standards, in
Appendix.

§ 7042.5. Application of chapter; Underground trenching

operations; Cable television corporation defined
This chapter does not apply to public utilities operating under the
regulation of the Public Utilities Commission on construction,
maintenance, and development work incidental to their own business,
or to those activities of a cable television corporation subject to regu-
lation pursuant to Section 768.5 of the Public Utilities Code, except
underground trenching by a cable television corporation within the
public streets, other than that necessary solely for the connection of
its distribution system to, or within the properties of, subscribers or
potential subscribers.
As used in this section, a cable television corporation is a corpora-
tion or person that transmits television programs by cable to sub-
scribers for a fee.
Added Stats 1983 ch 1230 § 1. Amended Stats 1984 ch 945 § 1.

§ 7043. Oil or gas drilling and operation

This chapter does not apply to any construction, repair or operation
incidental to the discovering or producing of petroleum or gas, or the
drilling, testing, abandoning or other operation of any petroleum or
gas well, when performed by an owner or lessee.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7044. Property owner making own improvements

(a) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:
(1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her prop-
erty, provided that both of the following conditions are met:
(A) None of the improvements are intended or offered for sale.
(B) The property owner personally performs all of the work or any
work not performed by the owner is performed by the owner’s em-
ployees with wages as their sole compensation.
(2) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her prop-
erty, provided that both of the following conditions are met:
(A) The owner directly contracts with licensees who are duly li-
censed to contract for the work of the respective trades involved in
completing the project.
(B) For projects involving single-family residential structures, no
more than four of these structures are intended or offered for sale in a
calendar year. This subparagraph shall not apply if the owner con-
tracts with a general contractor for the construction.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 313

(3) A homeowner improving his or her principal place of residence

or appurtenances thereto, provided that all of the following conditions
exist:
(A) The work is performed prior to sale.
(B) The homeowner has actually resided in the residence for the 12
months prior to completion of the work.
(C) The homeowner has not availed himself or herself of the exemp-
tion in this paragraph on more than two structures more than once
during any three-year period.
(4) A nonprofit corporation providing assistance to an owner-
builder, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 50692 of the Health
and Safety Code, who is participating in a mutual self-help housing
program, as defined in Section 50078 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) In all actions brought under this chapter, both of the following
shall apply:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), proof of the sale or offering
for sale of a structure by or for the owner-builder within one year af-
ter completion of the structure constitutes a rebuttable presumption
affecting the burden of proof that the structure was undertaken for
purposes of sale.
(2) Proof of the sale or offering for sale of five or more structures by
the owner-builder within one year after completion constitutes a con-
clusive presumption that the structures were undertaken for purpos-
es of sale.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1124 § 10. Amended Stats 1988 ch 1035 § 1.3; Stats 2009 ch 307
§ 70 (SB 821), effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2016 ch 714 § 1 (SB 944), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2017.

§ 7044.01. Remedies; Violations; Fees and costs

In addition to all other remedies, any licensed contractor or associa-
tion of contractors, labor organization, consumer affected by the viola-
tion, district attorney, or the Attorney General shall be entitled to
seek injunctive relief prohibiting any violation of this chapter by an
owner-builder who is neither licensed nor exempted from licensure
under this chapter. The plaintiff in that action shall not be required
to prove irreparable injury and shall be entitled to attorney’s fees and
all costs incurred in the prosecution of the action, provided the plain-
tiff is the prevailing party. The defendant in that action shall be enti-
tled to attorney’s fees and all costs incurred in the defense against the
action, provided the defendant is the prevailing party.
Enacted by Stats. 2009, Ch. 307.
314 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7044.1. Real estate licensee acting within scope of license

This chapter does not apply to a real estate licensee acting within
the course and scope of his or her license pursuant to the Real Estate
Law (Part 1 (commencing with Section 10000) of Division 4). Howev-
er, nothing in this section shall authorize a real estate licensee or a
property manager to act in the capacity of a contractor unless li-
censed by the board.
Added Stats 1994 ch 361 § 1 (AB 2636).

§ 7044.2. Inapplicability of chapter

This chapter does not apply to an admitted surety insurer whenev-
er that surety insurer engages a contractor to undertake the comple-
tion of a contract on which a performance or completion bond was is-
sued by the surety insurer, provided all actual construction work is
performed by duly licensed contractors.
Added Stats 1996 ch 287 § 1 (SB 2002). Amended Stats 1997 ch 17 § 7 (SB 947).

§ 7045. Sale or installation of products not part of structure

This chapter does not apply to the sale or installation of any fin-
ished products, materials, or articles of merchandise that do not be-
come a fixed part of the structure, nor shall it apply to a material
supplier or manufacturer furnishing finished products, materials, or
articles of merchandise who does not install or contract for the instal-
lation of those items. The term “finished products” shall not include
installed carpets or mobilehomes or mobilehome accessory structures,
as defined in Section 7026.2.
This chapter shall apply to the installation of home improvement
goods, as defined in Section 7151.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1585 § 1; Stats 1967 ch 687 § 1;
Stats 1969 ch 761 § 3; Stats 1970 ch 340 § 3; Stats 1973 ch 892 § 3; Stats 1979 ch 1012
§ 1; Stats 1981 ch 916 § 1; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 23 (AB 2190); Stats 1993 ch 589 § 11
(AB 2211).

§ 7046. Personal property work; Mobilehome accessory

buildings or structures
This chapter does not apply to any construction, alteration, im-
provement, or repair of personal property. The term “personal proper-
ty” shall not include mobilehomes or mobilehome accessory structures
as defined in Section 7026.2.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1969 ch 761 § 4; Stats 1970 ch 340 § 4;
Stats 1973 ch 892 § 4; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 24 (AB 2190).
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 315

§ 7048. Contracts aggregating less than specified amount;

When exemption not applicable
This chapter does not apply to any work or operation on one under-
taking or project by one or more contracts, the aggregate contract
price which for labor, materials, and all other items, is less than five
hundred dollars ($500), that work or operations being considered of
casual, minor, or inconsequential nature.
This exemption does not apply in any case wherein the work of con-
struction is only a part of a larger or major operation, whether under-
taken by the same or a different contractor, or in which a division of
the operation is made in contracts of amounts less than five hundred
dollars ($500) for the purpose of evasion of this chapter or otherwise.
This exemption does not apply to a person who advertises or puts
out any sign or card or other device which might indicate to the public
that he or she is a contractor or that he or she is qualified to engage
in the business of a contractor.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1361 § 1; Stats 1977 ch 416 § 1;
Stats 1986 ch 293 § 1; Stats 1998 ch 633 § 3 (SB 2217); Stats 2004 ch 865 § 8 (SB 1914).

§ 7049. Ditch work and agricultural or fire prevention work

This chapter does not apply to any construction or operation inci-
dental to the construction and repair of irrigation and drainage ditch-
es of regularly constituted irrigation districts, reclamation districts,
or to farming, dairying, agriculture, viticulture, horticulture, or stock
or poultry raising, or clearing or other work upon the land in rural
districts for fire prevention purposes, except when performed by a
licensee under this chapter.
The provisions of this chapter do apply to the business of drilling,
digging, boring, or otherwise constructing, deepening, repairing,
reperforating, or abandoning water wells.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended 1959 ch 1691 § 2.

§ 7051. Application of chapter to certain licensees or

registrants
This chapter does not apply to a licensed architect or a registered
civil or professional engineer acting solely in his or her professional
capacity or to a licensed structural pest control operator acting within
the scope of his or her license or a licensee operating within the scope
of the Geologist and Geophysicist Act.
Added Stats 1949 ch 90 § 4. Amended Stats 1955 ch 1532 § 4; Stats 1994 ch 26 § 206
(AB 1807), effective March 30, 1994.
316 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7052. People furnishing material or supplies

This chapter does not apply to any person who only furnishes mate-
rials or supplies without fabricating them into, or consuming them in
the performance of, the work of the contractor.
Added Stats 1949 ch 90 § 5.

§ 7053. Employees
Except as provided in Article 10 (commencing with Section 7150),
this chapter does not apply to any person who engages in the activi-
ties herein regulated as an employee who receives wages as his or her
sole compensation, does not customarily engage in an independently
established business, and does not have the right to control or discre-
tion as to the manner of performance so as to determine the final re-
sults of the work performed.
Added Stats 1949 ch 90 § 6. Amended Stats 1970 ch 227 § 1; Stats 1974 ch 434 § 1;
Stats 1982 ch 1427 § 2.

§ 7054. Inapplicability of chapter to licensed alarm company

operators
This chapter does not apply to any person who performs work in the
installation, maintenance, monitoring, selling, alteration, or servicing
of alarm systems, as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 7590.1, and
who holds an alarm company operator’s license issued pursuant to
Chapter 11.6 (commencing with Section 7590).
Added Stats 1982 ch 1210 § 1. Amended Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 25 (AB 2190).

§ 7054.5. Application of licensing provisions to installation of

satellite antenna systems on residential structures
The licensing provisions of this chapter do not apply to any person
registered under Chapter 20 (commencing with Section 9800) if that
person’s activities consist only of installing satellite antenna systems
on residential structures or property.
Added Stats 1987 ch 422 § 1.
—See Business & Professions Code Sections 7590.1, Definitions; 5537 Licensed Contrac-
tor Exemptions from the Architect Act 5537.2 Exemptions and 6737.5, Exemptions for
the Provisions of the Engineers Act, in Appendix.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 317

Article 4
Classifications
§ 7055. Branches of contracting business
For the purpose of classification, the contracting business includes
any or all of the following branches:
(a) General engineering contracting.
(b) General building contracting.
(c) Specialty contracting.
Added Stats 1945 ch 1159 § 1.

§ 7056. General engineering contractor

A general engineering contractor is a contractor whose principal
contracting business is in connection with fixed works requiring spe-
cialized engineering knowledge and skill, including the following divi-
sions or subjects: irrigation, drainage, water power, water supply,
flood control, inland waterways, harbors, docks and wharves, ship-
yards and ports, dams and hydroelectric projects, levees, river control
and reclamation works, railroads, highways, streets and roads, tun-
nels, airports and airways, sewers and sewage disposal plants and
systems, waste reduction plants, bridges, overpasses, underpasses
and other similar works, pipelines and other systems for the trans-
mission of petroleum and other liquid or gaseous substances, parks,
playgrounds and other recreational works, refineries, chemical plants
and similar industrial plants requiring specialized engineering
knowledge and skill, powerhouses, powerplants and other utility
plants and installations, mines and metallurgical plants, land level-
ing and earthmoving projects, excavating, grading, trenching, paving
and surfacing work and cement and concrete works in connection
with the above-mentioned fixed works.
Added Stats 1945 ch 1159 § 2. Amended Stats 1951 ch 1606 § 1; Stats 2011 ch 296 § 12
(AB 1023), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 7057. General building contractor

(a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor
is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection
with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support,
shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable prop-
erty of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two
unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole
or any part thereof.
This does not include anyone who merely furnishes materials or
supplies under Section 7045 without fabricating them into, or con-
318 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

suming them in the performance of, the work of the general building
contractor.
(b) A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a
subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general
building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project in-
volving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime con-
tract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other
than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor
holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an
appropriately licensed contractor to perform the work. A general
building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades oth-
er than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least
two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or
unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license
classification. The general building contractor shall not count framing
or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in or-
der for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime con-
tract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
(c) A general building contractor shall not contract for any project
that includes a fire protection system as provided for in Section
7026.12 or 7026.13, or the “C-57” Well Drilling classification as pro-
vided for in Section 13750.5 of the Water Code, unless the general
building contractor holds the appropriate license classification, or
subcontracts with the appropriately licensed contractor.
Added Stats 1945 ch 1159 § 3. Amended Stats 1997 ch 812 § 2 (SB 857); Stats 2002 ch
1013 § 60 (SB 2026); Stats 2013 ch 377 § 3 (AB 433), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 7058. “Specialty contractor”

(a) A specialty contractor is a contractor whose operations involve
the performance of construction work requiring special skill and
whose principal contracting business involves the use of specialized
building trades or crafts.
(b) A specialty contractor includes a contractor whose operations in-
clude the business of servicing or testing fire extinguishing systems.
(c) A specialty contractor includes a contractor whose operations are
concerned with the installation and laying of carpets, linoleum, and
resilient floor covering.
(d) A specialty contractor includes a contractor whose operations
are concerned with preparing or removing roadway construction
zones, lane closures, flagging, or traffic diversions on roadways, in-
cluding, but not limited to, public streets, highways, or any public
conveyance.
Added Stats 1945 ch 1159 § 4. Amended Stats 1959 ch 2175 § 1; Stats 1963 ch 1320 § 1;
Stats 1967 ch 687 § 2; Stats 1985 ch 253 § 1; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 26 (AB 2190); Stats
1999 ch 708 § 2 (AB 1206); Stats 2007 ch 354 § 15 (SB 1047), effective January 1, 2008.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 319

§ 7058.1. [Section repealed 2002.]

Added Stats 1999 ch 708 § 3 (AB 1206). Repealed Stats 2002 ch 1013 § 61 (SB 2026).
The repealed section related to requirements for exemption from testing.

§ 7058.5. Certification of contractors performing asbestos-

related work
(a) No contractor shall engage in asbestos-related work, as defined
in Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, that involves 100 square feet or
more of surface area of asbestos containing materials, unless the
qualifier for the license passes an asbestos certification examination.
Additional updated asbestos certification examinations may be re-
quired based on new health and safety information. The decision on
whether to require an updated certification examination shall be
made by the Contractors State License Board, in consultation with
the Division of Occupational Safety and Health in the Department of
Industrial Relations and the Division of Environmental and Occupa-
tional Disease Control in the State Department of Public Health.
No asbestos certification examination shall be required for contrac-
tors involved with the installation, maintenance, and repair of asbes-
tos cement pipe or sheets, vinyl asbestos floor materials, or asbestos
bituminous or resinous materials.
“Asbestos,” as used in this section, has the same meaning as de-
fined in Section 6501.7 of the Labor Code.
(b) The Contractors State License Board shall make available to all
applicants, either on the board’s Internet Web site or, if requested, in
hard copy, a booklet containing information relative to handling and
disposal of asbestos, together with an open book examination concern-
ing asbestos-related work. All applicants for an initial contractor li-
cense shall complete the open book examination and, prior to the is-
suance of a contractor’s license, submit it to the board electronically
or by mail if the applicant elects to use the hard-copy format.
Added Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 3, effective October 2, 1985. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1451
§ 2, effective September 30, 1986; Stats 1987 ch 930 § 4, effective September 22, 1987;
Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 27 (AB 2190); Stats 2010 ch 415 § 20 (SB 1491), effective January
1, 2011.

§ 7058.6. Registration with Division of Occupational Safety

and Health as condition of asbestos certification; Certification
examination; Proof of current registration
(a) The board shall not issue an asbestos certification, as required
by Section 7058.5, unless the contractor is registered with the Divi-
sion of Occupational Safety and Health of the Department of Indus-
trial Relations pursuant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code. The
board may issue an asbestos certification to a contractor who is not
320 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

registered, provided the contractor in a written statement acknowl-

edges that he or she does not perform asbestos-related work. The
board shall notify both the division and the contractor, in writing, of
the contractor’s passage of the certification examination, for the pur-
pose of allowing the contractor to satisfy the requirement of para-
graph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code. The
contractor shall register with the division within 90 days from the
date the contractor is notified of the passage of the certification exam-
ination. The board may require a reexamination if the contractor fails
to register within 90 days following issuance of the notification. Ap-
plicable test fees shall be paid for any reexamination required under
this section.
(b) Any contractor who is certified to engage in asbestos-related
work shall present proof of current registration with the division pur-
suant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code upon application for re-
newal of his or her license, if the contractor engages in asbestos-
related work, as defined in Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code.
(c) A contractor who is not certified pursuant to this section may bid
on and contract to perform a project involving asbestos-related work
as long as the asbestos-related work is performed by a contractor who
is certified and registered pursuant to this section and Section 6501.5
of the Labor Code.
(d) The board shall obtain and periodically update the list of con-
tractors certified to engage in asbestos-related work who are regis-
tered pursuant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1003 § 1.5, operative July 1, 1989. Amended Stats 1995 ch 467 § 3
(SB 1061); Stats 2011 ch 432 § 11 (SB 944), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 7058.7. Hazardous substance certification examination

(a) No contractor may engage in a removal or remedial action, as
defined in subdivision (d), unless the qualifier for the license has
passed an approved hazardous substance certification examination.
(b)(1) The Contractors’ State License Board, the Division of Occupa-
tional Safety and Health of the Department of Industrial Relations,
and the Department of Toxic Substances Control shall jointly select
an advisory committee, which shall be composed of two representa-
tives of hazardous substance removal workers in California, two gen-
eral engineering contractors in California, and two representatives of
insurance companies in California who shall be selected by the Insur-
ance Commissioner.
(2) The Contractors’ State License Board shall develop a written
test for the certification of contractors engaged in hazardous sub-
stance removal or remedial action, in consultation with the Division
of Occupational Safety and Health, the State Water Resources Con-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 321

trol Board, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the ad-
visory committee.
(c) The Contractors’ State License Board may require additional
updated approved hazardous substance certification examinations of
licensees currently certified based on new public or occupational
health and safety information. The Contractors’ State License Board,
in consultation with the Department of Toxic Substances Control and
the State Water Resources Control Board, shall approve other initial
and updated hazardous substance certification examinations and de-
termine whether to require an updated certification examination of
all current certificate holders.
(d) For purposes of this section “removal or remedial action” has the
same meaning as found in Chapter 6.8 (commencing with Section
25300) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code, if the action re-
quires the contractor to dig into the surface of the earth and remove
the dug material and the action is at a site listed pursuant to Section
25356 of the Health and Safety Code or any other site listed as a haz-
ardous substance release site by the Department of Toxic Substances
Control or a site listed on the National Priorities List compiled pur-
suant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq.). “Removal or
remedial action” does not include asbestos-related work, as defined in
Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, or work related to a hazardous sub-
stance spill on a highway.
(e)(1) A contractor may not install or remove an underground stor-
age tank, unless the contractor has passed the hazardous substance
certification examination developed pursuant to this section.
(2) A contractor who is not certified may bid on or contract for the
installation or removal of an underground tank, if the work is per-
formed by a contractor who is certified pursuant to this section.
(3) For purposes of this subdivision, “underground storage tank”
has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (y) of Section 25281
of the Health and Safety Code.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1443 § 2, effective September 30, 1986. Amended Stats 1990 ch
1366 § 2 (SB 2004), effective September 26, 1990; Stats 1992 ch 1289 § 42.5 (AB 2743),
ch 1290 § 1 (AB 3188), effective September 30, 1992; Stats 1993 ch 168 § 1 (AB 427);
Stats 2002 ch 999 § 1 (AB 2481).
—See Health and Safety Code Section 25281 Definitions in Appendix.
—See Labor Code Sections 6501.5 Asbestos Certification, 6501.7 Asbestos: Definitions
and 6501.8 Asbestos-Related Work Containing Construction Material, in Appendix.
—See also Health and Safety Code Sections 25914 Asbestos and Hazardous Removal
Contracts Intent, 25914.1 Definitions, 25914.2 Need for Separate Contract; Emergency
Conditions and 25914.3 Certification Requirements: Bids, in Appendix
322 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7058.8. Information to public regarding removal or

encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials
The board shall make available to the public upon request infor-
mation about contracting for the removal or encapsulation of asbes-
tos-containing materials in a building including all of the following:
(a) Steps to take when contracting with a company to remove asbes-
tos.
(b) Existing laws and regulations pertaining to asbestos-related
work in California.
(c) Basic health information as contained in the United States En-
vironmental Protection Agency publication, “Guidance for Controlling
Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings.”
(d) A current list of contractors who are certified pursuant to Sec-
tion 7058.5 to engage in asbestos-related work and who are registered
pursuant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1003 § 2, operative July 1, 1989. Amended Stats 2011 ch 432 § 12
(SB 944), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 7059. Rules and regulations affecting classification of

contractors; Contracts involving two or more crafts; Public
works contracts
(a) The board may adopt reasonably necessary rules and regula-
tions to effect the classification of contractors in a manner consistent
with established usage and procedure as found in the construction
business, and may limit the field and scope of the operations of a li-
censed contractor to those in which he or she is classified and quali-
fied to engage, as defined by Sections 7055, 7056, 7057, and 7058. A
licensee may make application for classification and be classified in
more than one classification if the licensee meets the qualifications
prescribed by the board for such additional classification or classifica-
tions. The application shall be in a form as prescribed by the registrar
and shall be accompanied by the application fee fixed by this chapter.
No license fee shall be charged for an additional classification or clas-
sifications.
Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit a specialty contrac-
tor from taking and executing a contract involving the use of two or
more crafts or trades, if the performance of the work in the crafts or
trades, other than in which he or she is licensed, is incidental and
supplemental to the performance of the work in the craft for which
the specialty contractor is licensed.
(b) In public works contracts, as defined in Section 1101 of the Pub-
lic Contract Code, the awarding authority shall determine the license
classification necessary to bid and perform the project. In no case
shall the awarding authority award a prime contract to a specialty
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 323

contractor whose classification constitutes less than a majority of the

project. When a specialty contractor is authorized to bid a project, all
work to be performed outside of his or her license specialty, except
work authorized by subdivision (a), shall be performed by a licensed
subcontractor in compliance with the Subletting and Subcontracting
Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 4100) of Part
1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code).
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1941 ch 971 § 9; Stats 1945 ch 1159 § 5; Stats
1957 ch 2084 § 21; Stats 1966 ch 4 § 1; Stats 1983 ch 891 § 5; Stats 1987 ch 485 § 1.

§ 7059.1. Misleading or incompatible use of name styles

(a) A licensee shall not use any business name that indicates the li-
censee is qualified to perform work in classifications other than those
issued for that license, or any business name that is incompatible
with the type of business entity licensed.
(b) A licensee shall not conduct business under more than one name
for each license. Nothing in this section shall prevent a licensee from
obtaining a business name change as otherwise provided by this
chapter.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 6. Amended Stats 2001 ch 728 § 57 (SB 724).

Article 5
Licensing
§ 7065. Investigation, classification, and examinations
(a) Under rules and regulations adopted by the board and approved
by the director, the registrar shall investigate, classify, and qualify
applicants for contractors’ licenses by written examination. This ex-
amination shall include questions designed to show that the applicant
has the necessary degree of knowledge required by Section 7068 and
shall include pertinent questions relating to the laws of this state and
the contracting business and trade.
(b) Contractors’ licenses are to be issued to individual owners, part-
nerships, corporations, and limited liability companies in accordance
with this chapter.
(1) Every person who is an officer, member, responsible manager, or
director of a corporation or limited liability company seeking licen-
sure under this chapter shall be listed on the application as a member
of the personnel of record.
(2) Every person who is a member of a partnership seeking licen-
sure under this chapter shall be listed on the application as a member
of the personnel record.
(c) An applicant shall qualify for licensure in accordance with this
subdivision as follows:
324 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(1) An individual owner may qualify by examination for a contrac-

tor’s license upon the appearance of the owner or a qualifying indi-
vidual appearing as a responsible managing employee on behalf of
the owner.
(2) A partnership may qualify by examination for a contractor’s li-
cense upon the appearance of a partner or a qualifying individual ap-
pearing as a responsible managing employee on behalf of the partner-
ship.
(3) A corporation may qualify by examination for a contractor’s li-
cense upon the appearance of a qualifying individual appearing either
as a responsible managing officer or a responsible managing employ-
ee on behalf of the corporation.
(4) A limited liability company may qualify by examination for a
contractor’s license upon the appearance of a qualifying individual
appearing as a responsible managing officer, a responsible managing
manager, a responsible managing member, or a responsible manag-
ing employee on behalf of the company.
(d) No examination shall be required of a qualifying individual if,
within the five-year period immediately preceding the application for
licensure, the qualifying individual has either personally passed the
written examination for the same classification being applied for, or
has served as the qualifying individual for a licensee whose license
was in good standing at any time during the five-year period immedi-
ately preceding the application for licensure and in the same classifi-
cation being applied for.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 4; Stats 1980 ch 138 § 1,
effective May 30, 1980; Stats 1981 ch 1122 § 1; Stats 1982 ch 378 § 1, ch 1347 § 2; Stats
1989 ch 350 § 1; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 5 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2011
ch 296 § 13 (AB 1023), effective January 1, 2012.

—See Government Code Section 12944, Discrimination by “Licensing Board,” in Ap-

pendix.

§ 7065.01. Examination not required for limited specialty

license classification
Notwithstanding Section 7065, no trade examination shall be re-
quired of an applicant for the limited specialty license classification.
Added Stats 2002 ch 311 § 2 (AB 264).

§ 7065.05. Review and revision of examination contents

The board shall periodically review and, if needed, revise the con-
tents of qualifying examinations to insure that the examination ques-
tions are timely and relevant to the business of contracting. The
board shall, in addition, construct and conduct examinations in such
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 325

a manner as to preclude the possibility of any applicant having prior

knowledge of any specific examination question.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 5. Amended Stats 2000 ch 1005 § 8 (SB 2029); Stats 2005
ch 280 § 3 (SB 1112), effective January 1, 2006.

§ 7065.1. Waiver of examination

Notwithstanding Section 7065, the registrar may waive the exami-
nation for a contractor’s license under any of the following circum-
stances:
(a) The qualifying individual has, for five of the seven years imme-
diately preceding the application for licensure, been listed on the offi-
cial records of the board as a member of the personnel of any licensee
who held a license, which was active and in good standing, in the
same classification being applied for, and who during the period listed
on the license has been actively engaged in a licensee’s construction
activities in the same classification within which the applicant ap-
plies for a license.
(b) The qualifying individual is an immediate member of the family
of a licensee whose individual license was active and in good standing
for five of the seven years immediately preceding the application for
licensure, and the qualifying individual is able to show all of the fol-
lowing:
(1) The qualifying individual has been actively engaged in the licen-
see’s business for five of the seven years immediately preceding the
application for licensure.
(2) The license is required to continue the existing family business
in the event of the absence or death of the licensee.
(3) An application is made for a new license in the same classifica-
tions in which the licensee is or was licensed.
(c) The qualifying individual is an employee of a corporation or a
limited liability company seeking to replace its former qualifying in-
dividual and has been employed by that corporation or limited liabil-
ity company under the following conditions:
(1) For five of the seven years immediately preceding the applica-
tion for licensure, the qualifying individual has been continually em-
ployed by the corporation or limited liability company in a superviso-
ry capacity in the same classifications being applied for.
(2) For five of the seven years immediately preceding the applica-
tion for licensure, the corporation or limited liability company has
held an active license in good standing in the same classifications be-
ing applied for.
(3) The corporation or limited liability company has not requested a
waiver under this subdivision within the past five years.
For purposes of this section, employees of a corporation or limited
liability company shall include, but not be limited to, the officers of a
326 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

corporation and the officers and managers of a limited liability com-

pany.
Added Stats 1981 ch 1122 § 3. Amended Stats 1982 ch 378 § 2; Stats 1986 ch 27 § 1;
Stats 1990 ch 1456 § 1 (SB 2476); Stats 1992 ch 746 § 1 (AB 2424); Stats 2010 ch 698
§ 6 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7065.2. Waiver of examination

Notwithstanding Section 7065, the registrar may waive the exami-
nation for a contractor’s license if the applicant has previously held a
valid contractor’s license in this state and has been acting in the ca-
pacity of a contractor for the United States government in a position
exempt from licensure under this chapter.
Added Stats 1987 ch 630 § 1.

§ 7065.3. Additional classification without examination under

specified conditions
Notwithstanding Section 7065, upon a conclusive showing by a li-
censee that he or she possesses experience satisfactory to the regis-
trar in the classification applied for, an additional classification may
be added, without further examination, under all of the following
conditions:
(a) For five of the seven years immediately preceding the applica-
tion, the qualifying individual of the licensee has been listed as a
member of the personnel of any licensee whose license was active and
in good standing, and who during the period listed on a license was
actively engaged in the licensee’s construction activities.
(b) The qualifying individual for the applicant has had within the
last 10 years immediately preceding the filing of the application, not
less than four years experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervis-
ing employee, or contractor in the classification within which the li-
censee intends to engage in the additional classification as a contrac-
tor.
(c) The application is, as determined by the registrar, for a classifi-
cation that is closely related to the classification or classifications in
which the licensee is licensed, or the qualifying individual is associat-
ed with a licensed general engineering contractor or licensed general
building contractor and is applying for a classification that is a signif-
icant component of the licensed contractor’s construction business as
determined by the registrar. This section shall not apply to an appli-
cant who is licensed solely within the limited-specialty classifications.
Pursuant to Section 7065, the registrar shall conduct a comprehen-
sive investigation of no less than 3 percent of applications filed under
this section to ensure that the applicants met the experience re-
quirements of this section.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 327

Added Stats 1990 ch 1456 § 3 (SB 2476). Amended Stats 2013 ch 319 § 7 (SB 822), ef-
fective January 1, 2014.

§ 7065.4. Reciprocity
The registrar may accept the qualifications of an applicant who is
licensed as a contractor in a similar classification in another state if
that state accepts the qualifications of a contractor licensed in this
state for purposes of licensure in that other state, and if the board
ascertains, on a case-by-case basis, that the professional qualifica-
tions and conditions of good standing for licensure and continued li-
censure are at least the same or greater in that state as in California.
The registrar may waive the trade examination for that applicant if
the applicant provides written certification from that other state in
which he or she is licensed, that the applicant’s license has been in
good standing for the previous five years.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1326 § 2 (AB 3480), effective September 25, 1990.

§ 7065.5. Minor not to be licensed unless guardian appointed

No license shall be issued to a minor, nor to any partnership a
partner of which is a minor, nor to any corporation any officer, direc-
tor or responsible managing employee of which is a minor, nor to any
limited liability company any officer, manager, or responsible manag-
ing employee of which is a minor, nor to any other kind of business
organization in which a minor holds a responsible official position,
unless the minor shall first have had a guardian appointed by a court
of competent jurisdiction.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 10. Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 7 (SB 392), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2011.

§ 7066. Application; Form and contents; Fee

To obtain an original license, an applicant shall submit to the regis-
trar an application in writing containing the statement that the ap-
plicant desires the issuance of a license under the terms of this chap-
ter.
The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the registrar
in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the board
and shall be accompanied by the fee fixed by this chapter.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7066.5. Blank forms

Any person may obtain blank license application forms from the
board or may cause to be printed forms used by or approved by the
Registrar of Contractors.
328 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1984 ch 1252 § 1. Amended Stats 2011 ch 432 § 13 (SB 944), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2012.

§ 7067.5. [Section repealed 2016.]

Added Stats 1965 ch 636 § 1. Amended Stats 1969 ch 735 § 1; Stats 1974 ch 435 § 1;
Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 6. Repealed Stats 2015 ch 656 § 8 (SB 467), effective January 1,
2016. The repealed section related to financial solvency, requirements to license appli-
cants, and financial statements of licensees.

§ 7067.6. Application form; Signatures required

(a) Every application form for an original license, for renewal there-
of, for reinstatement or for reissuance, including both active and inac-
tive licenses, shall be signed by both the applicant and by the person
qualifying on behalf of an individual or firm as referred to in Section
7068.1.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, the board may implement a
system that provides for the electronic transmission of an application
described in subdivision (a) and the acceptance of a digital or elec-
tronic signature as part of the filing of those applications.
(2) The board by regulation may specify the form and manner of
these transmissions and acceptances, including, but not limited to,
the adoption of any protocols necessary to ensure the validity and se-
curity of any information, signature, data, or document transmitted
electronically or digitally. Upon the effective date of the regulations,
the electronic submission of an initial license application or a renewal
application, including a digital or electronic signature, shall satisfy
the requirements of this article.
Added Stats 1963 ch 1016 § 1. Amended Stats 2015 ch 281 § 1 (SB 561), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2016.

§ 7068. Qualifications
(a) The board shall require an applicant to show the degree of
knowledge and experience in the classification applied for, and the
general knowledge of the building, safety, health, and lien laws of the
state and of the administrative principles of the contracting business
that the board deems necessary for the safety and protection of the
public.
(b) An applicant shall qualify in regard to his or her experience and
knowledge in one of the following ways:
(1) If an individual, he or she shall qualify by personal appearance
or by the appearance of his or her responsible managing employee
who is qualified for the same license classification as the classifica-
tion being applied for.
(2) If a partnership or a limited partnership, it shall qualify by the
appearance of a general partner or by the appearance of a responsible
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 329

managing employee who is qualified for the same license classifica-

tion as the classification being applied for.
(3) If a corporation, or any other combination or organization, it
shall qualify by the appearance of a responsible managing officer or
responsible managing employee who is qualified for the same license
classification as the classification being applied for.
(4) If a limited liability company, it shall qualify by the appearance
of a responsible managing officer, a responsible managing manager,
responsible managing member, or a responsible managing employee
who is qualified for the same license classification as the classifica-
tion being applied for.
(c) A responsible managing employee for the purpose of this chapter
shall mean an individual who is a bona fide employee of the applicant
and is actively engaged in the classification of work for which that
responsible managing employee is the qualifying person on behalf of
the applicant.
(d) The board shall, in addition, require an applicant who qualifies
by means of a responsible managing employee under either para-
graph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) to show his or her general
knowledge of the building, safety, health, and lien laws of the state
and of the administrative principles of the contracting business as the
board deems necessary for the safety and protection of the public.
(e) Except in accordance with Section 7068.1, no person qualifying
on behalf of an individual or firm under paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4)
of subdivision (b) shall hold any other active contractor’s license while
acting in the capacity of a qualifying individual pursuant to this sec-
tion.
(f) At the time of application for renewal of a license, the current
qualifying individual shall file a statement with the registrar, on a
form prescribed by the registrar, verifying his or her capacity as a
qualifying individual to the licensee.
(g) Statements made by or on behalf of an applicant as to the appli-
cant’s experience in the classification applied for shall be verified by a
qualified and responsible person. In addition, the registrar shall, as
specified by board regulation, randomly review a percentage of such
statements for their veracity.
(h) The registrar shall review experience gained by applicants from
other states to determine whether all of that experience was gained
in a lawful manner in that state.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1941 ch 971 § 11; Stats 1957 ch 720 § 1;
Stats 1959 ch 407 § 1; Stats 1963 ch 1017 § 1; Stats 1967 ch 1368 § 1; Stats 1979 ch
1013 § 7; Stats 1980 ch 138 § 2, effective May 30, 1980; Stats 1986 ch 995 § 4; Stats
1989 ch 1174 § 2; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 28 (AB 2190); Stats 2004 ch 865 § 9 (SB 1914);
Stats 2010 ch 698 § 8 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.
—See Unemployment Code Section 1095, Permissible Uses for EDD Data, in Appendix.
330 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7068.1. Duty of individual qualifying on behalf of another;

Acting as qualifying individual for additional person or firm;
Violation as cause for disciplinary action and misdemeanor
(a) The person qualifying on behalf of an individual or firm under
paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 7068 shall be
responsible for exercising that direct supervision and control of his or
her employer’s or principal’s construction operations to secure com-
pliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the board.
This person shall not act in the capacity of the qualifying person for
an additional individual or firm unless one of the following conditions
exists:
(1) There is a common ownership of at least 20 percent of the equity
of each individual or firm for which the person acts in a qualifying
capacity.
(2) The additional firm is a subsidiary of or a joint venture with the
first. “Subsidiary,” as used in this subdivision, means any firm at
least 20 percent of the equity of which is owned by the other firm.
(3) With respect to a firm under paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subdivi-
sion (b) of Section 7068, the majority of the partners, officers, or man-
agers are the same.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision
(a), a qualifying individual may act as the qualifier for no more than
three firms in any one-year period.
(c) The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this section:
(1) “Firm” means a partnership, a limited partnership, a corpora-
tion, a limited liability company, or any other combination or organi-
zation described in Section 7068.
(2) “Person” is limited to natural persons, notwithstanding the defi-
nition of “person” in Section 7025.
(d) The board shall require every applicant or licensee qualifying by
the appearance of a qualifying individual to submit detailed infor-
mation on the qualifying individual’s duties and responsibilities for
supervision and control of the applicant’s construction operations.
(e) Violation of this section shall constitute a cause for disciplinary
action and shall be punishable as a misdemeanor by imprisonment in
a county jail not to exceed six months, by a fine of not less than three
thousand dollars ($3,000), but not to exceed five thousand dollars
($5,000), or by both the fine and imprisonment.
Added Stats 1959 ch 407 § 2. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1777 § 1; Stats 1963 ch 1016 § 2;
Stats 1967 ch 1368 § 2; Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 8; Stats 1991 ch 145 § 1 (AB 425); Stats
2006 ch 106 § 2 (AB 2457), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 9 (SB 392),
effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2011 ch 296 § 14 (AB 1023), effective January 1, 2012;
Stats 2013 ch 180 § 1 (SB 262), effective January 1, 2014.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 331

§ 7068.2. Disassociation of responsible managing officer;

Notice; Replacement; Petition of licensee; Failure to notify
registrar
(a) If the responsible managing officer, responsible managing em-
ployee, responsible managing member, or responsible managing
manager disassociates from the licensed entity, the licensee or the
qualifier shall notify the registrar in writing within 90 days after the
date of disassociation. The licensee shall have 90 days after the date
of disassociation in which to replace the qualifier. Upon failure to re-
place the qualifier within 90 days after the date of disassociation, the
license shall be automatically suspended or the classification removed
at the end of the 90 days.
(b) To replace a responsible managing officer, responsible managing
employee, responsible managing member, or responsible managing
manager, the licensee shall file an application as prescribed by the
registrar, accompanied by the fee fixed by this chapter, designating
an individual to qualify as required by this chapter.
(c) Upon failure of the licensee or the qualifier to notify the regis-
trar of the disassociation of the qualifier within 90 days after the date
of disassociation, the license shall be automatically suspended or the
classification removed and the qualifier removed from the license ef-
fective the date the written notification is received at the board's
headquarters office.
(d) The person qualifying on behalf of a licensee under Section 7068
shall be responsible for the licensee's construction operations until
the date of disassociation or the date the board receives the written
notification of disassociation, whichever is later.
(e) (1) Upon a showing of good cause by the licensee, the registrar
may review and accept a petition for one 90-day extension to replace
the qualifier immediately following the initial 90-day period described
in subdivision (a) only under one or more of the following circum-
stances:
(A) If the licensee is disputing the date of disassociation.
(B) If the responsible managing officer, employee, member, or man-
ager has died.
(C) If there has been a delay in processing the application to replace
the qualifier that is out of the applicant's control and it is the respon-
sibility of the board or another state or federal agency that is relied
upon in the application process.
(2) This petition shall be received within 90 days after the date of
disassociation or death or delay. The petition shall only be considered
if an application to replace the qualifier as prescribed by the registrar
is on file with the board. Under the circumstances described in sub-
paragraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), the licensee shall have no
332 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

more than a total of 180 days after the date of disassociation or death
in which to replace the qualifier.
(f) Failure of the licensee or the qualifier to notify the registrar of
the qualifier's disassociation within 90 days after the date of disasso-
ciation shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 9. Amended Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 3; Stats 1987 ch 930 § 5,
effective September 22, 1987; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 10 (SB 392), effective January 1,
2011; Stats 2011 ch 168 § 1 (AB 1091), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 162 § 2
(SB 1171), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 7068.5. Taking qualifying examination on behalf of

applicant for contractor’s license; Misdemeanor
It is a misdemeanor for any person other than the examinee named
in the application to take the qualifying examination on behalf of an
applicant for a contractor’s license.
Added Stats 1961 ch 491 § 1.

§ 7068.7. Obtaining examination for another; Misdemeanor

Any person who obtains and provides for another the qualifying ex-
amination, or any part thereof, when not authorized to do so, is guilty
of a misdemeanor.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 9.

§ 7069. Grounds for denial of license; Fingerprints of

applicants; Criminal history and subsequent arrest
information
(a) An applicant, and each officer, director, partner, manager, asso-
ciate, and responsible managing employee thereof, shall not have
committed acts or crimes that are grounds for denial of licensure un-
der Section 480.
(b) As part of an application for a contractor’s license, the board
shall require an applicant to furnish a full set of fingerprints for pur-
poses of conducting a criminal history record check. Fingerprints fur-
nished pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in an electron-
ic format if readily available. Requests for alternative methods of fur-
nishing fingerprints are subject to the approval of the registrar. The
board shall use the fingerprints furnished by an applicant to obtain
criminal history information on the applicant from the Department of
Justice and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, and
the board may obtain any subsequent arrest information that is
available.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1941 ch 971 § 12; Stats 1955 ch 1547 § 1;
Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 362; Stats 2002 ch 744 § 6 (SB 1953); Stats 2003 ch 874 § 20 (SB
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 333

363); Stats 2004 ch 909 § 27.3 (SB 136), effective September 30, 2004; Stats 2007 ch
240 § 1 (AB 936), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 11 (SB 392), effective
January 1, 2011.

§ 7069.1. Arrest of licensee or home improvement salesperson

(a) Upon notification of an arrest of a member of the personnel of a
licensee or a home improvement salesperson, the registrar, by first-
class mail to the last official address of record, may require the ar-
restee to provide proof of the disposition of the matter.
(b) The proof required by this section shall be satisfactory for carry-
ing out the purposes of this chapter, and at the registrar’s discretion
may include, but is not limited to, certified court documents, certified
court orders, or sentencing documents. Any proof required by this sec-
tion shall be received by the registrar within 90 days of the date of
the disposition, or within 90 days of the registrar’s demand for infor-
mation if that date is later.
(c) Failure to comply with the provisions of this section constitutes
cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 2004 ch 586 § 1 (AB 2216).

§ 7070. Showing that no license was refused or revoked

An applicant shall show that he or she has never been denied a li-
cense or had a license revoked for reasons that would preclude the
granting of the license applied for. Where the board has denied an
application for license under this chapter or Chapter 2 (commencing
with Section 480) of Division 1.5, it shall, in its decision, or in its no-
tice under subdivision (b) of Section 485, inform the applicant of the
earliest date that the applicant may reapply for a license, which shall
be one year from the effective date of the decision or service of notice
under subdivision (b) of Section 485, unless the board prescribes an
earlier date.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1997 ch 334 § 1 (SB 299).

§ 7071. Refusal to corporation, partnership, or limited

liability company for member’s lack of qualifications
No license shall be issued to a corporation, partnership, limited lia-
bility company, or other combination or organization if a responsible
officer or director of the corporation, or other combination or organi-
zation, or a partner of the partnership, or a manager or officer of the
limited liability company, or any member of an organization seeking
licensure under this chapter does not meet the qualifications required
of an applicant other than those qualifications relating to knowledge
and experience.
334 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1955 ch 1267 § 1; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 12
(SB 392), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2011 ch 296 § 15 (AB 1023), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2012.

§ 7071.3. Entry into armed forces by licensee; Designation of

manager to act for such entrant; Renewal fee and duration of
license
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the holder of a
current valid license under this chapter who has entered or enters the
armed forces of the United States may designate a responsible man-
aging person or persons to act for him while in the armed forces and
until one year after his discharge therefrom, after which time the au-
thority to so act for the licensee shall terminate. The renewal fee shall
be paid for any such licensee so designating others to act for him.
Any license shall remain in full force and effect for 30 days after the
entrance of the licensee into the armed forces, but he shall prior to
the expiration of such 30-day period provide the registrar with the
name or names of the persons so designated to conduct his business.
The registrar may qualify such persons in any manner he may adopt.
Persons so designated shall not have committed acts or crimes consti-
tuting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480.
Persons so designated committing any of the acts or crimes consti-
tuting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480 shall be re-
moved from the business of such licensee after a hearing as provided
in this chapter.
Added Stats 1945 ch 452 § 1, effective May 24, 1945. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 1,
operative October 1, 1962; Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 363.

§ 7071.5. Contractor’s bond

The contractor’s bond required by this article shall be executed by
an admitted surety in favor of the State of California, in a form ac-
ceptable to the registrar and filed with the registrar by the licensee or
applicant. The contractor’s bond shall be for the benefit of the follow-
ing:
(a) A homeowner contracting for home improvement upon the
homeowner’s personal family residence damaged as a result of a vio-
lation of this chapter by the licensee.
(b) A property owner contracting for the construction of a single-
family dwelling who is damaged as a result of a violation of this chap-
ter by the licensee. That property owner shall only recover under this
subdivision if the single-family dwelling is not intended for sale or
offered for sale at the time the damages were incurred.
(c) A person damaged as a result of a willful and deliberate viola-
tion of this chapter by the licensee, or by the fraud of the licensee in
the execution or performance of a construction contract.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 335

(d) An employee of the licensee damaged by the licensee’s failure to

pay wages.
(e) A person or entity, including a laborer described in subdivision
(b) of Section 8024 of the Civil Code, to which a portion of the com-
pensation of an employee of a licensee is paid by agreement with that
employee or the collective bargaining agent of that employee, dam-
aged as the result of the licensee’s failure to pay fringe benefits for its
employees, including, but not limited to, employer payments de-
scribed in Section 1773.1 of the Labor Code and regulations thereun-
der (without regard to whether the work was performed on a private
or public work). Damage to a person or entity under this subdivision
is limited to actual employer payments required to be made on behalf
of employees of the licensee, as part of the overall compensation of
those employees, which the licensee fails to pay.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1604 § 6, operative July 1, 1969. Amended Stats 1979 ch 1013
§ 10, ch 1138 § 1.5; Stats 1980 ch 27 § 1.5, effective March 5, 1980; Stats 1982 ch 517
§ 18; Stats 1999 ch 795 § 1 (SB 914); Stats 2008 ch 157 § 1 (SB 1432), effective January
1, 2009; Stats 2010 ch 697 § 2 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
—See Code of Civil Procedure, Bond and Undertaking Law Sections 995.010 to 996.560
in Appendix.

§ 7071.6. Bond as condition precedent to license

(a) The board shall require as a condition precedent to the issuance,
reinstatement, reactivation, renewal, or continued maintenance of a
license, that the applicant or licensee file or have on file a contractor’s
bond in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
(b) Excluding the claims brought by the beneficiaries specified in
subdivision (a) of Section 7071.5, the aggregate liability of a surety on
claims brought against a bond required by this section shall not ex-
ceed the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500). The
bond proceeds in excess of seven thousand five hundred dollars
($7,500) shall be reserved exclusively for the claims of the beneficiar-
ies specified in subdivision (a) of Section 7071.5. However, nothing in
this section shall be construed so as to prevent any beneficiary speci-
fied in subdivision (a) of Section 7071.5 from claiming or recovering
the full measure of the bond required by this section.
(c) No bond shall be required of a holder of a license that has been
inactivated on the official records of the board during the period the
license is inactive.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, as a condition precedent to li-
censure, the board may require an applicant to post a contractor’s
bond in twice the amount required pursuant to subdivision (a) until
the time that the license is renewed, under the following conditions:
336 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(1) The applicant has either been convicted of a violation of Section

7028 or has been cited pursuant to Section 7028.7.
(2) If the applicant has been cited pursuant to Section 7028.7, the
citation has been reduced to a final order of the registrar.
(3) The violation of Section 7028, or the basis for the citation issued
pursuant to Section 7028.7, constituted a substantial injury to the
public.
Added Stats 2002 ch 1123 § 2 (SB 1919), operative January 1, 2004. Amended Stats
2005 ch 280 § 4 (SB 1112), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2007 ch 354 § 16 (SB 1047),
effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2015 ch 656 § 9 (SB 467), effective January 1, 2016.

§ 7071.6.5. Surety bond as condition precedent to license

(a) The board shall require, as a condition precedent to the issu-
ance, reissuance, reinstatement, reactivation, renewal, or continued
valid use of a limited liability company license, that the applicant or
licensee file or have on file a surety bond in the sum of one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000).
(b) The bond required by this section shall be executed by an admit-
ted surety in favor of the State of California, in a form acceptable to
the registrar and filed with the registrar, electronically or otherwise,
by the applicant or licensee.
(c) The bond required by this section shall be for the benefit of any
employee damaged by his or her employer’s failure to pay wages, in-
terest on wages, or fringe benefits and is intended to serve as an addi-
tional safeguard for workers employed by or contracted to work for a
limited liability company.
(d) If an applicant or licensee subject to subdivision (a) is also a par-
ty to a collective bargaining agreement, the bond required by this sec-
tion shall also cover, in addition to the coverage described in subdivi-
sion (c), welfare fund contributions, pension fund contributions, and
apprentice program contributions.
(e) The bond required by this section shall not be applicable to a li-
censee whose license has been inactivated on the official records of
the board during the period the license is inactive.
Added Stats 2010 ch 698 § 13 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7071.7. Acceptance of bond as of effective date; Retroactive

reinstatement of license
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the registrar shall accept a
bond required by Section 7071.6, 7071.6.5, 7071.8, or 7071.9 as of the
effective date shown on the bond, if the bond is received by the regis-
trar within 90 days after that date, and shall reinstate the license to
which the bond pertains, if otherwise eligible, retroactive to the effec-
tive date of the bond.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 337

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the registrar shall accept a

bond as of the effective date shown on the bond, even if the bond is
not received by the registrar within 90 days after that date, upon a
showing by the licensee, on a form acceptable to the registrar, that
the failure to have a bond on file was due to circumstances beyond the
control of the licensee. The registrar shall reinstate the license to
which the bond pertains, if otherwise eligible, retroactive to the effec-
tive date of the bond.
Added Stats 1986 ch 27 § 2. Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 14 (SB 392), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2011.

§ 7071.8. Bond required for restoration of suspended or

revoked license
(a) This section applies to an application for a license, for renewal
or restoration of a license, an application to change officers or mem-
bers of a corporation or a limited liability company, or for continued
valid use of a license which has been disciplined, whether or not the
disciplinary action has been stayed, made by any of the following per-
sons or firms:
(1) A person whose license has been suspended or revoked as a re-
sult of disciplinary action, or a person who was a qualifying individu-
al for a licensee at any time during which cause for disciplinary ac-
tion occurred resulting in suspension or revocation of the licensee’s
license, whether or not the qualifying individual had knowledge or
participated in the prohibited act or omission.
(2) A person who was an officer, director, manager, partner, or
member of the personnel of record of a licensee at any time during
which cause for disciplinary action occurred resulting in suspension
or revocation of the licensee’s license and who had knowledge of or
participated in the act or omission which was the cause for the disci-
plinary action.
(3) A partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, or
association of which an existing or new officer, director, manager,
partner, qualifying person, or member of the personnel of record has
had a license suspended or revoked as a result of disciplinary action.
(4) A partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, or
association of which a member of the personnel of record, including,
but not limited to, an officer, director, manager, partner, or qualifying
person was, likewise, a manager, officer, director, or partner of a li-
censee at any time during which cause for disciplinary action oc-
curred resulting in suspension or revocation of the license, and who
had knowledge of or participated in the act or omission which was the
cause for the disciplinary action.
(b) The board shall require as a condition precedent to the issuance,
reissuance, renewal, or restoration of a license to the applicant, or to
338 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

the approval of an application to change officers of a corporationor a

limited liability company, or removal of suspension, or to the contin-
ued valid use of a license which has been suspended or revoked, but
which suspension or revocation has been stayed, that the applicant or
licensee file or have on file a contractor’s bond in a sum to be fixed by
the registrar based upon the seriousness of the violation, but which
sum shall not be less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) nor more
than 10 times that amount required by Section 7071.6.
(c) The bond is in addition to, may not be combined with, and does
not replace any other type of bond required by this chapter. The bond
shall remain on file with the registrar for a period of at least two
years and for any additional time that the registrar determines. The
bond period shall run only while the license is current, active, and in
good standing, and shall be extended until the license has been cur-
rent, active, and in good standing for the required period. Each appli-
cant or licensee shall be required to file only one disciplinary contrac-
tor’s bond of the type described in this section for each application or
license subject to this bond requirement.
Added 1941 ch 882 § 1, as B & P C § 7071.5. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1125 § 1; Stats
1963 ch 1972 § 1; Stats 1965 ch 1022 § 1, ch 1025 § 1. Amended and renumbered Stats
1967 ch 1604 § 1, operative July 1, 1969. Amended Stats 1968 ch 482 § 2, operative
July 1, 1969; Stats 1974 ch 434 § 2; Stats 1982 ch 517 § 20; Stats 1986 ch 79 § 1; Stats
1992 ch 294 § 2 (AB 2347); Stats 1994 ch 192 § 1 (AB 3475); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 15 (SB
392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7071.9. Requirement of qualifying individual’s bond as

condition precedent to license
(a) If the qualifying individual, as referred to in Sections 7068 and
7068.1, is neither the proprietor, a general partner, nor a joint licen-
see, he or she shall file or have on file a qualifying individual’s bond
as provided in Section 7071.10 in the sum of twelve thousand five
hundred dollars ($12,500). This bond is in addition to, and may not be
combined with, any contractor’s bond required by Sections 7071.5 to
7071.8, inclusive, and is required for the issuance, reinstatement, re-
activation, or continued valid use of a license.
(b) Excluding the claims brought by the beneficiaries specified in
paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 7071.10, the aggregate lia-
bility of a surety on claims brought against the bond required by this
section shall not exceed the sum of seven thousand five hundred dol-
lars ($7,500). The bond proceeds in excess of seven thousand five
hundred dollars ($7,500) shall be reserved exclusively for the claims
of the beneficiaries specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Sec-
tion 7071.10. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to
prevent any beneficiary specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of
Section 7071.10 from claiming or recovering the full measure of the
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 339

bond required by this section. This bond is in addition to, and may not
be combined with, any contractor’s bond required by Sections 7071.5
to 7071.8, inclusive, and is required for the issuance, reinstatement,
reactivation, or continued valid use of a license.
(c) The responsible managing officer of a corporation shall not be
required to file or have on file a qualifying individual’s bond, if he or
she owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock of the corporation and
certifies to that fact on a form prescribed by the registrar.
(d) The qualifying individual for a limited liability company shall
not be required to file or have on file a qualifying individual’ s bond if
he or she owns at least a 10-percent membership interest in the lim-
ited liability company and certifies to that fact on a form prescribed
by the registrar.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1604 § 7, operative July 1, 1970. Amended Stats 1968 ch 482 § 3,
operative July 1, 1970; Stats 1971 ch 669 § 2; Stats 1972 ch 7 § 2, effective February
29, 1972, operative March 4, 1972; Stats 1973 ch 319 § 36, Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 12;
Stats 1980 ch 27 § 3, effective March 5, 1980; Stats 1982 ch 517 § 21; Stats 1986 ch 27
§ 3; Stats 1993 ch 1264 § 6.4 (SB 574); Stats 2004 ch 865 § 10 (SB 1914); Stats 2007 ch
354 § 17 (SB 1047), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 16 (SB 392), effective
January 1, 2011.

§ 7071.10. Qualifying individual’s bond

The qualifying individual’s bond required by this article shall be
executed by an admitted surety insurer in favor of the State of Cali-
fornia, in a form acceptable to the registrar and filed with the regis-
trar by the qualifying individual. The qualifying individual’s bond
shall not be required in addition to the contractor’s bond when, as set
forth under paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 7068, the indi-
vidual proprietor has qualified for the license by his or her personal
appearance, or the qualifier is a general partner as set forth under
paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 7068. The qualifying indi-
vidual’s bond shall be for the benefit of the following persons:
(a) A homeowner contracting for home improvement upon the
homeowner’s personal family residence damaged as a result of a vio-
lation of this chapter by the licensee.
(b) A property owner contracting for the construction of a single-
family dwelling who is damaged as a result of a violation of this chap-
ter by the licensee. That property owner shall only recover under this
subdivision if the single-family dwelling is not intended for sale or
offered for sale at the time the damages were incurred.
(c) A person damaged as a result of a willful and deliberate viola-
tion of this chapter by the licensee, or by the fraud of the licensee in
the execution or performance of a construction contract.
(d) An employee of the licensee damaged by the licensee’s failure to
pay wages.
340 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(e) A person or entity, including a laborer described in subdivision

(b) of Section 8024 of the Civil Code, to which a portion of the com-
pensation of an employee of a licensee is paid by agreement with that
employee or the collective bargaining agent of that employee, that is
damaged as the result of the licensee’s failure to pay fringe benefits
for its employees including, but not limited to, employer payments
described in Section 1773.1 of the Labor Code and regulations adopt-
ed thereunder (without regard to whether the work was performed on
a public or private work). Damage to a person or entity under this
subdivision is limited to employer payments required to be made on
behalf of employees of the licensee, as part of the overall compensa-
tion of those employees, which the licensee fails to pay.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1604 § 8, operative July 1, 1969. Amended Stats 1968 ch 482 § 4,
operative July 1, 1969; Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 13, ch 1138 § 2.5; Stats 1982 ch 517 § 22;
Stats 1999 ch 795 § 2 (SB 914); Stats 2008 ch 157 § 2 (SB 1432), effective January 1,
2009; Stats 2010 ch 697 § 3 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012.

§ 7071.11. Aggregate liability of surety on claim for wages

and benefits; Renewal of license contingent on satisfaction of
claims and debts; Limitations periods; Notice of payment;
Protest of settlement; Accord; Legal fees not to be charged
(a) The aggregate liability of a surety on a claim for wages and
fringe benefits brought against a bond required by this article, other
than a bond required by Section 7071.8, shall not exceed the sum of
four thousand dollars ($4,000). If a bond required by this article is
insufficient to pay all claims in full, the sum of the bond shall be dis-
tributed to all claimants in proportion to the amount of their respec-
tive claims.
(b) No license may be renewed, reissued, or reinstated while a
judgment or admitted claim in excess of the amount of the bond re-
mains unsatisfied.
(c) Except for claims covered by subdivision (d), any action against a
bond required under this article, excluding the judgment bond speci-
fied under Section 7071.17, shall be brought in accordance with the
following:
(1) Within two years after the expiration of the license period dur-
ing which the act or omission occurred. The provisions of this para-
graph shall be applicable only if the license has not been inactivated,
canceled, or revoked during the license period for which the bond was
posted and accepted by the registrar as specified under Section
7071.7.
(2) If the license has been inactivated, canceled, or revoked, an ac-
tion shall be brought within two years of the date the license of the
active licensee would have expired had the license not been inactivat-
ed, canceled, or revoked. For the provisions of this paragraph to be
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 341

applicable, the act or omission for which the action is filed must have
occurred prior to the date the license was inactivated, canceled, or
revoked.
(3) An action against a disciplinary bond filed by an active licensee
pursuant to Section 7071.8 shall be brought in accordance with the
provisions of paragraph (1) or (2), as applicable, or within two years
after the last date for which a disciplinary bond filed pursuant to Sec-
tion 7071.8 was required, whichever date is first.
(d) A claim to recover wages or fringe benefits shall be brought
within six months from the date that the wage or fringe benefit delin-
quencies were discovered, but in no event shall a civil action thereon
be brought later than two years from the date the wage or fringe ben-
efit contributions were due.
(e) Whenever the surety makes payment on a claim against a bond
required by this article, whether or not payment is made through a
court action or otherwise, the surety shall, within 30 days of the pay-
ment, provide notice to the registrar. The notice required by this sub-
division shall provide the following information by declaration on a
form prescribed by the registrar:
(1) The name and license number of the contractor.
(2) The surety bond number.
(3) The amount of payment.
(4) The statutory basis upon which the claim is made.
(5) The names of the person or persons to whom payments have
been made.
(6) Whether or not the payments were the result of a good faith ac-
tion by the surety.
The notice shall also clearly indicate whether or not the licensee
filed a protest in accordance with this section.
(f) Prior to the settlement of a claim through a good faith payment
by the surety, a licensee shall have not less than 15 days in which to
provide a written protest. This protest shall instruct the surety not to
make payment from the bond on the licensee’s account upon the spe-
cific grounds that the claim is opposed by the licensee, and provide
the surety a specific and reasonable basis for the licensee’s opposition
to payment.
(1) Whenever a licensee files a protest in accordance with this sub-
division, the board shall investigate the matter and file disciplinary
action as set forth under this chapter if there is evidence that the
surety has sustained a loss as the result of a good faith payment
made for the purpose of mitigating any damages incurred by any per-
son or entity covered under Section 7071.5.
(2) A licensee that fails to file a protest as specified in this subdivi-
sion shall have 90 days from the date of notification by the board to
submit proof of payment of the actual amount owed to the surety and,
if applicable, proof of payment of any judgment or admitted claim in
342 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

excess of the amount of the bond or, by operation of law, the license
shall be suspended at the end of the 90 days. A license suspension
pursuant to this subdivision shall be disclosed indefinitely as a failure
to settle outstanding final liabilities in violation of this chapter. The
disclosure specified by this subdivision shall also be applicable to all
licenses covered by the provisions of subdivision (g).
(g) During any period in which a surety remains unreimbursed for a
loss or expense sustained on a bond issued pursuant to this article,
the license for which the bond was issued, and any other license on
which any member of the licensee’s personnel of record has also been
listed, may not be renewed, reissued, or reinstated while the licensee
was subject to suspension or disciplinary action under this section.
(h) The licensee may provide the board with a notarized copy of an
accord, reached with the surety to satisfy the debt in lieu of full pay-
ment. By operation of law, failure to abide by the accord shall result
in the automatic suspension of a license to which this section applies.
A license that is suspended for failure to abide by the accord may only
be renewed or reinstated when proof of satisfaction of all debts is
made.
(i) Legal fees may not be charged against the bond by the board.
Added Stats 1963 ch 1972 § 2, as B & P C § 7071.6. Amended Stats 1965 ch 1022 § 2.
Amended and renumbered by Stats 1967 ch 1604 § 2, operative July 1, 1969. Amended
Stats 1968 ch 482 § 5, operative July 1, 1969; Stats 1972 ch 7 § 3, effective February
29, 1972, operative March 4, 1972; Stats 1974 ch 201 § 1; Stats 1977 ch 280 § 1, effec-
tive July 7, 1977; Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 14, ch 1138 § 3.5; Stats 1980 ch 27 § 3.5, effec-
tive March 5, 1980; Stats 1982 ch 517 § 23; Stats 1986 ch 1353 § 1, operative July 1,
1987; Stats 1990 ch 1326 § 3 (AB 3480), effective September 25, 1990; Stats 1993 ch
1264 § 7 (SB 574); Stats 1999 ch 795 § 3 (SB 914); Stats 2001 ch 728 § 58 (SB 724);
Stats 2002 ch 311 § 3 (AB 264); Stats 2004 ch 865 § 11 (SB 1914); Stats 2005 ch 280 § 5
(SB 1112), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2008 ch 157 § 3 (SB 1432), effective January
1, 2009; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 17 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.
—See Code of Civil Procedure, Bond and Undertaking Law Sections 995.010 to 996.560
in Appendix.

§ 7071.12. Deposit in lieu of bond; When released; Limitations

periods; Filing of claims for nonpayment of wages or benefits
(a) Instead of the bond provided by this article a deposit may be
given pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 995.710) of
Chapter 2 of Title 14 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(b) If the board is notified, in writing, of a civil action against the
deposit authorized under this section, the deposit or any portion
thereof shall not be released for any purpose, except as determined by
the court.
(c) If any deposit authorized under this section is insufficient to pay,
in full, all claims that have been adjudicated under any action filed in
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 343

accordance with this section, the sum of the deposit shall be distributed
to all claimants in proportion to the amount of their respective claims.
(d) The following limitations periods apply to deposits in lieu of the
bond required by this article:
(1) Any action, other than an action to recover wages or fringe bene-
fits, against a deposit given in lieu of a contractor’s bond or bond of a
qualifying individual filed by an active licensee shall be brought with-
in three years after the expiration of the license period during which
the act or omission occurred, or within three years of the date the li-
cense of the active licensee was inactivated, canceled, or revoked by
the board, whichever occurs first.
(2) Any action, other than an action to recover wages or fringe bene-
fits, against a deposit given in lieu of a disciplinary bond filed by an
active licensee pursuant to Section 7071.8 shall be brought within
three years after the expiration of the license period during which the
act or omission occurred, or within three years of the date the license
of the active licensee was inactivated, canceled, or revoked by the
board, or within three years after the last date for which a deposit
given in lieu of a disciplinary bond filed pursuant to Section 7071.8
was required, whichever date is first.
(3) A claim to recover wages or fringe benefits shall be brought
within six months from the date that the wage or fringe benefit delin-
quencies were discovered, but in no event shall a civil action thereon
be brought later than two years from the date the wage or fringe ben-
efit contributions were due.
(e) In any case in which a claim is filed against a deposit given in
lieu of a bond by any employee or by an employee organization on be-
half of an employee, concerning wages or fringe benefits based upon
the employee’s employment, claims for the nonpayment shall be filed
with the Labor Commissioner. The Labor Commissioner shall, pursu-
ant to the authority vested by Section 96.5 of the Labor Code, conduct
hearings to determine whether or not the wages or fringe benefits
should be paid to the complainant. Upon a finding by the commis-
sioner that the wages or fringe benefits should be paid to the com-
plainant, the commissioner shall notify the register of the findings.
The registrar shall not make payment from the deposit on the basis of
findings by the commissioner for a period of 10 days following deter-
mination of the findings. If, within the period, the complainant or the
contractor files written notice with the registrar and the commission-
er of an intention to seek judicial review of the findings pursuant to
Section 11523 of the Government Code, the registrar shall not make
payment if an action is actually filed, except as determined by the
court. If, thereafter, no action is filed within 60 days following deter-
mination of findings by the commissioner, the registrar shall make
payment from the deposit to the complainant.
(f) Legal fees may not be charged by the board against any deposit
posted pursuant to this section.
344 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1982 ch 517 § 24.5. Amended Stats 2005 ch 280 § 6 (SB 1112), effective
January 1, 2006.

§ 7071.13. Reference to bond in advertising, soliciting, or

other presentments as ground for suspension of license
Any reference by a contractor in his advertising, soliciting, or other
presentments to the public to any bond required to be filed pursuant
to this chapter is a ground for the suspension of the license of such
contractor.
Added Stats 1963 ch 1972 § 4, as B & P C § 7071.8. Renumbered Stats 1967 ch 1604
§ 4, operative July 1, 1969.

§ 7071.14. Prohibited discrimination in denying license bond;

Liability for damages
No licensee or applicant for a license under this chapter shall be
denied a contractor’s license bond solely because of his race, religious
creed, color, national origin, ancestry, or sex. Whoever denies a con-
tractor’s license bond solely on the grounds specified herein is liable
for each and every such offense for the actual damages, and two hun-
dred fifty dollars ($250) in addition thereto, suffered by the licensee
or applicant for a license.
Added Stats 1971 ch 669 § 4.

§ 7071.15. Revocation or suspension of license for failure to

maintain bond
If a licensee fails to maintain a sufficient bond required by this arti-
cle, the license is subject to suspension or revocation pursuant to Sec-
tion 996.020 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Added Stats 1983 ch 18 § 1.5, effective April 21, 1983.

§ 7071.17. Bond required where applicant or licensee has

unsatisfied final judgment for failure to pay contractor,
subcontractor, consumer, materials supplier, or employee;
Notice of unsatisfied final judgments; Suspension for
noncompliance; Reinstatement; Disqualification from serving
as personnel of record for other licensee; Disciplinary action
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board shall re-
quire, as a condition precedent to accepting an application for licen-
sure, renewal, reinstatement, or to change officers or other personnel
of record, that an applicant, previously found to have failed or refused
to pay a contractor, subcontractor, consumer, materials supplier, or
employee based on an unsatisfied final judgment, file or have on file
with the board a bond sufficient to guarantee payment of an amount
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 345

equal to the unsatisfied final judgment or judgments. The applicant

shall have 90 days from the date of notification by the board to file
the bond or the application shall become void and the applicant shall
reapply for issuance, reinstatement, or reactivation of a license. The
board may not issue, reinstate, or reactivate a license until the bond
is filed with the board. The bond required by this section is in addi-
tion to the contractor’s bond. The bond shall be on file for a minimum
of one year, after which the bond may be removed by submitting proof
of satisfaction of all debts. The applicant may provide the board with
a notarized copy of any accord, reached with any individual holding
an unsatisfied final judgment, to satisfy a debt in lieu of filing the
bond. The board shall include on the license application for issuance,
reinstatement, or reactivation, a statement, to be made under penalty
of perjury, as to whether there are any unsatisfied judgments against
the applicant on behalf of contractors, subcontractors, consumers,
materials suppliers, or the applicant’s employees. Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, if it is found that the applicant falsified
the statement then the license will be retroactively suspended to the
date of issuance and the license will stay suspended until the bond,
satisfaction of judgment, or notarized copy of any accord applicable
under this section is filed.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all licensees shall
notify the registrar in writing of any unsatisfied final judgment im-
posed on the licensee. If the licensee fails to notify the registrar in
writing within 90 days, the license shall be automatically suspended
on the date that the registrar is informed, or is made aware of the
unsatisfied final judgment. The suspension shall not be removed until
proof of satisfaction of the judgment, or in lieu thereof, a notarized
copy of an accord is submitted to the registrar. If the licensee notifies
the registrar in writing within 90 days of the imposition of any unsat-
isfied final judgment, the licensee shall, as a condition to the continu-
al maintenance of the license, file or have on file with the board a
bond sufficient to guarantee payment of an amount equal to all unsat-
isfied judgments applicable under this section. The licensee has 90
days from date of notification by the board to file the bond or at the
end of the 90 days the license shall be automatically suspended. In
lieu of filing the bond required by this section, the licensee may pro-
vide the board with a notarized copy of any accord reached with any
individual holding an unsatisfied final judgment.
(c) By operation of law, failure to maintain the bond or failure to
abide by the accord shall result in the automatic suspension of any
license to which this section applies.
(d) A license that is suspended for failure to comply with the provi-
sions of this section can only be reinstated when proof of satisfaction
of all debts is made, or when a notarized copy of an accord has been
filed as set forth under this section.
(e) This section applies only with respect to an unsatisfied final
judgment that is substantially related to the construction activities of
346 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

a licensee licensed under this chapter, or to the qualifications, func-

tions, or duties of the license.
(f) Except as otherwise provided, this section shall not apply to an
applicant or licensee when the financial obligation covered by this
section has been discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding.
(g) Except as otherwise provided, the bond shall remain in full force
in the amount posted until the entire debt is satisfied. If, at the time
of renewal, the licensee submits proof of partial satisfaction of the
financial obligations covered by this section, the board may authorize
the bond to be reduced to the amount of the unsatisfied portion of the
outstanding judgment. When the licensee submits proof of satisfac-
tion of all debts, the bond requirement may be removed.
(h) The board shall take the actions required by this section upon
notification by any party having knowledge of the outstanding judg-
ment upon a showing of proof of the judgment.
(i) For the purposes of this section, the term “judgment” also in-
cludes any final arbitration award where the time to file a petition for
a trial de novo or a petition to vacate or correct the arbitration award
has expired, and no petition is pending.
(j) The qualifying person and any partner of the licensee or person-
nel of the licensee named as a judgment debtor in an unsatisfied final
judgment shall be automatically prohibited from serving as an officer,
director, associate, partner, owner, manager, qualifying individual, or
other personnel of record of another licensee. This prohibition shall
cause the license of any other existing renewable licensed entity with
any of the same personnel of record as the judgment debtor licensee
to be suspended until the license of the judgment debtor is reinstated
or until those same personnel of record disassociate themselves from
the renewable licensed entity.
(k) For purposes of this section, a cash deposit may be submitted in
lieu of the bond.
(l ) Notwithstanding subdivision (f), the failure of a licensee to noti-
fy the registrar of an unsatisfied final judgment in accordance with
this section is cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1995 ch 467 § 6 (SB 1061). Amended Stats 1997 ch 469 § 1 (AB 772); Stats
2003 ch 363 § 1 (AB 1382); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 18 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.
—See Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.220 Jurisdiction of Small Claims Court, in
Appendix.
—See Code of Civil Procedure, Bond and Undertaking Law Sections 995.010 to 996.560
in Appendix.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 347

§ 7071.18. Report to registrar of convictions; Study of

judgments, arbitration awards, settlements for construction
defects in rental residential units; Contents of study
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a licensee shall report to the
registrar in writing the occurrence of any of the following within 90
days after the licensee obtains knowledge of the event:
(1) The conviction of the licensee for any felony.
(2) The conviction of the licensee for any other crime that is sub-
stantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a li-
censed contractor.
(b) (1) The board shall consult with licensees, consumers, and other
interested stakeholders in order to prepare a study of judgments, ar-
bitration awards, and settlements that were the result of claims for
construction defects for rental residential units and, by January 1,
2018, shall report to the Legislature the results of this study to de-
termine if the board’s ability to protect the public as described in Sec-
tion 7000.6 would be enhanced by regulations requiring licensees to
report judgments, arbitration awards, or settlement payments of
those claims. Participation by licensees and consumers shall be vol-
untary. The study shall include, but not be limited to, criteria used by
insurers or others to differentiate between settlements that are for
nuisance value and those that are not, whether settlement infor-
mation or other information can help identify licensees who may be
subject to an enforcement action, if there is a way to separate subcon-
tractors from general contractors when identifying licensees who may
be subject to an enforcement action, whether reporting should be lim-
ited to settlements resulting from construction defects that resulted
in death or injury, the practice of other boards within the depart-
ment, and any other criteria considered reasonable by the board. The
board shall submit the report to the Legislature in accordance with
Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(2) Records or documents obtained by the board during the course of
implementing this subdivision that are exempt from public disclosure
under the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing
with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code)
shall remain exempt from disclosure pursuant to that act.
Added Stats 2016 ch 372 § 2 (SB 465), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 7071.19. Insurance as condition precedent to license;

Aggregate limit of liability; Compliance with financial
security requirements; Duties of registrar
(a) As a condition of the issuance, reinstatement, reactivation, or
continued valid use of a license under this chapter, in addition to any
bond required under this article, a limited liability company shall, in
accordance with this section, maintain a policy or policies of insur-
348 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

ance against liability imposed on or against it by law for damages

arising out of claims based upon acts, errors, or omissions arising out
of the contracting services it provides.
(b) The total aggregate limit of liability under the policy or policies
of insurance required under this section shall be as follows:
(1) For a limited liability company licensee with five or fewer per-
sons listed on the members of the personnel of record, the aggregate
limit shall not be less than one million dollars ($1,000,000).
(2) For a limited liability company licensee with more than five per-
sons listed on the members of the personnel of record, an additional
one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of insurance shall be ob-
tained for each person listed on the personnel of record of the licensee
except that the maximum amount of insurance is not required to ex-
ceed five million dollars ($5,000,000) in any one designated period,
less amounts paid in defending, settling, or discharging claims as set
forth under this section.
(c) The policy or policies required by this section may be issued on a
claims-made or occurrence basis, and shall cover: (1) in the case of a
claims-made policy, claims initially asserted in the designated period,
and (2) in the case of an occurrence policy, occurrences during the
designated period. For purposes of this section, “designated period”
means a policy year or any other period designated in the policy that
is not greater than 12 months. Any policy or policies secured to satis-
fy the requirements of this section shall be written by an insurer or
insurers duly licensed by this state or an eligible surplus line insurer,
with the insurance procured pursuant to Section 1765.1 of the Insur-
ance Code, and may be in a form reasonably available in the commer-
cial insurance market and may be subject to those terms, conditions,
exclusions, and endorsements that are typically contained in those
policies. A policy or policies of insurance maintained pursuant to this
section may be subject to a deductible or self-insured retention.
(d) The impairment or exhaustion of the aggregate limit of liability
by amounts paid under any policy in connection with the settlement,
discharge, or defense of claims applicable to a designated period shall
not require the licensee to acquire additional insurance coverage for
that designated period. However, the aggregate limit of liability cov-
erage (coverage limit) required by this section shall be reinstated by
not later than the commencement date of the next designated period,
and the license of any licensee that fails to comply with this provision
shall be suspended by operation of law until the date that the licensee
complies with the coverage limit requirements of this section. In addi-
tion, the amount to which any coverage limit is depleted may be re-
ported on the license record.
(e) Upon the dissolution and winding up of the company, the com-
pany shall, with respect to any insurance policy or policies then main-
tained pursuant to this section, maintain or obtain an extended re-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 349

porting period endorsement or equivalent provision in the maximum

total aggregate limit of liability required to comply with this section
for a minimum of three years if reasonably available from the insur-
er.
(f) Prior to the issuance, reinstatement, or reactivation of a limited
liability company license as provided under this chapter, the appli-
cant or licensee shall, in the manner prescribed by the registrar,
submit the information and documentation required by this section
and requested by the registrar, demonstrating compliance with the
financial security requirements specified by this section.
(g) For any insurance policy secured by a licensee in satisfaction of
this section, a Certificate of Liability Insurance, signed by an author-
ized agent or employee of the insurer, shall be submitted electronical-
ly or otherwise to the registrar. The insurer issuing the certificate, or,
in the case of a surplus line policy, the surplus line broker, shall re-
port to the registrar the following information for any policy required
under this section: name, license number, policy number, dates that
coverage is scheduled to commence and lapse, the date and amount of
any payment of claims, and cancellation date if applicable.
(h) Upon the issuance, reinstatement, or reactivation of a license
under this section, the registrar may post the following information to
the licensee’s license record on the Internet:
(1) The name of the insurer or insurers providing the liability policy
or policies submitted by the licensee for the most recent designated
period.
(2) Any policy numbers and the sum of the aggregate limit of liabil-
ity provided by each.
Added Stats 2010 ch 698 § 19 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011. Amended Stats 2013
ch 114 § 1 (AB 1236), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 7072. Issuance of license

Following receipt of the application fee and an application furnish-
ing complete information in the manner required by the registrar,
and after such examination and investigation as he may require, the
registrar, within 15 days after approval of the application, shall notify
the applicant that a license may be issued to him on payment of the
initial license fee provided in Article 8 (commencing at Section 7135),
and, when the initial license fee is paid, shall issue a license to him
permitting him to engage in business as a contractor under the terms
of this chapter.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 3, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1970 ch 340 § 5.
350 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7072.5. Issuance of pocket card

(a) Upon the issuance of a license, a plasticized pocket card of a
size, design, and content as may be determined by the registrar shall
be issued at no cost to each licensee, or to the partners, managers,
officers, or responsible managing officers of licensees licensed as other
than individuals, which card shall be evidence that the licensee is
duly licensed pursuant to this chapter. All cards issued shall be sur-
rendered upon the suspension, revocation, or denial of renewal of the
license, and shall be mailed or delivered to the board within five days
of the suspension, revocation, or denial.
(b) When a person to whom a card is issued terminates his or her
position, office, or association with a licensee that is licensed as other
than an individual, that person shall surrender his or her card to the
licensee and within five days thereafter the card shall be mailed or
delivered by the licensee to the board for cancellation.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1495 § 1. Amended Stats 2006 ch 106 § 3 (AB 2457), effective
January 1, 2007; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 20 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7073. Grounds and procedures for denial of application;

Rehabilitation and reapplication; Probationary license in lieu
of denial
(a) The registrar may deny any application for a license or supple-
mental classification where the applicant has failed to comply with
any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or where
there are grounds for denial under Section 480. Procedures for denial
of an application shall be conducted in accordance with Section 485.
(b) When the board has denied an application for a license on
grounds that the applicant has committed a crime substantially re-
lated to qualifications, functions, or duties of a contractor, it shall, in
its decision or in its notice under subdivision (b) of Section 485, in-
form the applicant of the earliest date on which the applicant may
reapply for a license. The board shall develop criteria, similar to the
criteria developed to evaluate rehabilitation, to establish the earliest
date on which the applicant may reapply. The date set by the regis-
trar shall not be more than five years from the effective date of the
decision or service of notice under subdivision (b) of Section 485.
(c) The board shall inform an applicant that all competent evidence
of rehabilitation shall be considered upon reapplication.
(d) Along with the decision or notice under subdivision (b) of Section
485, the board shall serve a copy of the criteria for rehabilitation for-
mulated under Section 482.
(e) In lieu of denying licensure as authorized under this section, the
registrar may issue an applicant a probationary license with terms
and conditions. During the probationary period, if information is
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 351

brought to the attention of the registrar regarding any act or omission

of the licensee constituting grounds for discipline or denial of licen-
sure for which the registrar determines that revocation of the proba-
tionary license would be proper, the registrar shall notify the appli-
cant to show cause within 30 days why the probationary license
should not be revoked. The proceedings shall be conducted in accord-
ance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and
the registrar shall have all the powers granted therein. A probation-
ary license shall not be renewed during any period in which any pro-
ceeding brought pursuant to this section is pending.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 11. Amended Stats 2004 ch 586 § 2 (AB 2216); Stats 2005 ch
280 § 7 (SB 1112), effective January 1, 2006.

§ 7074. When application becomes void; Disposition of

application; Fee for reapplication
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, an application for
an original license, for an additional classification, or for a change of
qualifier shall become void when:
(1) The applicant or the examinee for the applicant has failed to
achieve a passing grade in the qualifying examination within 18
months after the application has been deemed acceptable by the
board.
(2) The applicant for an original license, after having been notified
to do so, fails to pay the initial license fee within 90 days from the
date of the notice.
(3) The applicant, after having been notified to do so, fails to file
within 90 days from the date of the notice any bond or cash deposit or
other documents that may be required for issuance or granting pur-
suant to this chapter.
(4) After filing, the applicant withdraws the application.
(5) The applicant fails to return the application rejected by the
board for insufficiency or incompleteness within 90 days from the
date of original notice or rejection.
(6) The application is denied after disciplinary proceedings conduct-
ed in accordance with the provisions of this code.
(b) The void date on an application may be extended up to 90 days
or one examination may be rescheduled without a fee upon docu-
mented evidence by the applicant that the failure to complete the ap-
plication process or to appear for an examination was due to a medi-
cal emergency or other circumstance beyond the control of the appli-
cant.
(c) An application voided pursuant to this section shall remain in
the possession of the registrar for the period as he or she deems nec-
352 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

essary and shall not be returned to the applicant. Any reapplication

for a license shall be accompanied by the fee fixed by this chapter.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 13. Amended Stats 2001 ch 728 § 59 (SB 724); Stats 2016 ch
634 § 4 (SB 1479), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 7075. Display of license

The license shall be displayed in the licensee’s main office or chief
place of business. Satisfactory evidence of the possession of a license
and the current renewal thereof shall be provided by the licensee up-
on demand.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 4, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1963 ch 1016 § 3; Stats 1971 ch 716 § 104; Stats 1990 ch 1326 § 4 (AB
3480), effective September 25, 1990.

§ 7075.1. Nontransferability of license

(a) No license, regardless of type or classification, shall be transfer-
able to any other person or entity under any circumstances.
(b) A license number may be reissued after cancellation, revocation,
suspension, or expiration beyond the renewal period specified in Sec-
tion 7141, only under the following circumstances:
(1) To an individual upon application.
(2) To a partnership upon application if there is no change in the
partners or partnership structure.
(3) To a corporation upon application if there is no change in the
status of the corporation as registered with the Secretary of State.
(4) To a limited liability company upon application if there is no
change in the status of the company as registered with the Secretary
of State.
(c) A license number may be reissued or reassigned to a different
entity only under the following conditions:
(1) To a corporation when the parent corporation has merged or
created a subsidiary, the subsidiary has merged into the parent cor-
poration, or the corporation has changed its filing status with the
Secretary of State from a domestic corporation to a foreign corpora-
tion or from a foreign corporation to a domestic corporation, and the
new entity is being formed to continue the business of the formerly
licensed corporation.
(2) To a limited liability company when the parent limited liability
company has merged or created a subsidiary, the subsidiary has
merged into the parent limited liability company, or the limited liabil-
ity company has changed its filing status with the Secretary of State
from a domestic limited liability company to a foreign limited liability
company or from a foreign limited liability company to a domestic
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 353

limited liability company, and the new entity is being formed to con-
tinue the business of the formerly licensed limited liability company.
(3) To an individual when the individual is an immediate family
member of a licensed individual who is deceased or absent and the
license is required to continue an existing family contracting busi-
ness.
(4) To a corporation or limited liability company when created by
immediate members of an individual licensee’s family to continue an
existing deceased or absent individual licensee’s contracting business.
(5) To a corporation or limited liability company when the corpora-
tion or limited liability company is formed by an individual licensee
and the individual licensee maintains ownership directly or indirectly
of shares or membership interests evidencing more than 50 percent of
the voting power.
(6) To a corporation or limited liability company that acquires a li-
censee pursuant to an asset sale provided that the corporation or lim-
ited liability company has a qualifier as required by Section 7068.
(7) To a limited liability company that is formed by a corporation to
continue the business of the corporation subsequent to the cancella-
tion of the corporate entity’s license, provided the personnel listed for
each entity are the same.
For purposes of this section, an immediate family member of a de-
ceased or absent licensed individual is either a spouse, father, moth-
er, brother, sister, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, grandson,
granddaughter, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1326 § 4.5 (AB 3480), effective September 25, 1990. Amended
Stats 1992 ch 746 § 2 (AB 2424); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 21 (SB 392), effective January 1,
2011.

§ 7076. Events resulting in cancellation of license;

Continuance of license
(a) An individual license shall be canceled upon the death of a per-
son licensed as an individual. An immediate member of the family of
the deceased licensee may request a continuance of the license to
complete projects in progress and undertake new work for a reasona-
ble amount of time to be determined by rules of the board. The re-
quest for a continuance must be made in writing and received at the
board's headquarters office within 90 days after the death. Approval
of the continuance of an individual license may be contingent upon
meeting the bond requirements of Sections 7071.5 and 7071.6 within
90 days of notification by the board of that requirement. The immedi-
ate member of the family must apply for and obtain his or her own
license to continue contracting after the continuance expires.
(b) A partnership license shall be canceled upon the death of a gen-
eral partner. The remaining partner or partners shall notify the reg-
354 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

istrar in writing within 90 days of the death of a general partner.

Failure to notify the registrar within 90 days of the death is grounds
for disciplinary action.
The remaining general partner or partners may request a continu-
ance of the license to complete projects in progress and undertake
new work for a reasonable amount of time to be determined by rules
of the board. The request for a continuance must be made in writing
and received at the board's headquarters office within 90 days after
the death. The remaining general partner or partners must apply for
and obtain a new license to continue contracting after the continu-
ance expires.
(c) A partnership license shall be canceled upon the disassociation
of a general partner or upon the dissolution of the partnership. The
disassociating partner or the remaining partner or partners shall no-
tify the registrar in writing within 90 days of the disassociation of a
general partner or dissolution of the partnership. Failure to notify the
registrar of the disassociation or dissolution within 90 days shall
cause the license to be canceled effective the date the written notifica-
tion is received at the board's headquarters office. Failure to notify
the registrar within 90 days of the disassociation or dissolution is
grounds for disciplinary action. The remaining general partner or
partners may request a continuance of the license to complete pro-
jects contracted for or in progress prior to the date of disassociation or
dissolution for a reasonable length of time to be determined by rules
of the board. The request for a continuance must be made in writing
and received at the board's headquarters office within 90 days after
the disassociation or dissolution. The remaining general partner or
partners must apply for and obtain a new license to undertake new
work and to continue contracting after the continuance expires.
(d) The general partner or partners shall notify the registrar in
writing within 90 days of the death of a limited partner. Failure to
notify the registrar within 90 days of the death is grounds for disci-
plinary action.
The death of a limited partner will not affect the partnership li-
cense unless the partnership license has only one limited partner. In
this case, the license will be canceled upon the death of the limited
partner unless a new limited partner is added to the license within 90
days of the death.
If the license is canceled, the remaining general partner or partners
may request a continuance of the license to complete projects in pro-
gress and to undertake new work for a reasonable amount of time to
be determined by rules of the board. The request for a continuance
must be made in writing and received at the board's headquarters
office within 90 days after the death. The remaining general partner
or partners must apply for and obtain a new license to continue con-
tracting after the continuance expires.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 355

(e) The general partner or partners shall notify the registrar in

writing within 90 days of the disassociation of a limited partner.
Failure to notify the registrar of the disassociation, within 90 days,
shall cause the disassociation to be effective the date the written noti-
fication is received at the board's headquarters office. Failure to noti-
fy the registrar within 90 days of the disassociation is grounds for
disciplinary action.
The disassociation of a limited partner will not affect the partner-
ship license unless the partnership license has only one limited part-
ner. In this case, the license will be canceled upon the disassociation
of the limited partner unless a new limited partner is added to the
license within 90 days of the disassociation. If the license is canceled,
the remaining general partner or partners may request a continuance
of the license to complete projects contracted for or in progress prior
to the date of disassociation for a reasonable amount of time to be de-
termined by rules of the board. The request for a continuance must be
made in writing and received at the board's headquarters office with-
in 90 days after the disassociation. The remaining general partner or
partners must apply for and obtain a new license to undertake new
work and to continue contracting after the continuance expires.
(f) A joint venture license shall be canceled upon the cancellation,
revocation, or disassociation of any of its entity licenses or upon the
dissolution of the joint venture. The registrar shall be notified in writ-
ing within 90 days of the disassociation of a joint venture entity or
dissolution of the joint venture. Failure to notify the registrar of the
disassociation or dissolution within 90 days shall cause the license to
be canceled effective the date the written notification is received at
the board's headquarters office. Failure to notify the registrar within
90 days of the disassociation or dissolution is grounds for disciplinary
action.
Any remaining entity or entities may request a continuance of the
license to complete projects contracted for or in progress prior to the
date of disassociation or dissolution for a reasonable amount of time
to be determined by rules of the board. The request for a continuance
must be made in writing and received at the board's headquarters
office within 90 days of the disassociation or dissolution. The remain-
ing entity or entities must apply for and obtain a new license to un-
dertake new work and to continue contracting after the continuance
expires.
(g) Any individual, partnership, or joint venture license continued
in accordance with this section is subject to all other provisions of this
chapter.
(h) A corporation license shall be canceled upon the corporation's
dissolution, merger, or surrender of its right to do business in this
state. The corporation shall notify the registrar in writing within 90
days of the dissolution, merger, or surrender. Failure to notify the
356 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

registrar of the dissolution, merger, or surrender within 90 days shall

cause the license to be canceled effective the date written notification
is received at the board's headquarters office. If the corporation fails
to notify the board of the dissolution, merger, or surrender, the corpo-
ration license shall be canceled 60 days after the board's discovery
when researching the corporate records of the Secretary of State.
Failure to notify the registrar within 90 days of the dissolution, mer-
ger, or surrender is grounds for disciplinary action.
(i) A limited liability company license shall be canceled upon the
company's dissolution, merger, or surrender of its right to do business
in this state. The limited liability company shall notify the registrar
in writing within 90 days of the dissolution, merger, or surrender.
Failure to notify the registrar of the dissolution, merger, or surrender
within 90 days shall cause the license to be canceled effective the date
written notification is received at the board's headquarters office. If
the limited liability company fails to notify the board of the dissolu-
tion, merger, or surrender, the limited liability company license shall
be canceled 60 days after the board's discovery when researching the
records of the Secretary of State. Failure to notify the registrar within
90 days of the dissolution, merger, or surrender is grounds for disci-
plinary action.
(j) The registrar shall review and accept the petition of a licensee
who disputes the date of cancellation upon a showing of good cause.
This petition shall be received within 90 days of the board's official
notice of cancellation.
Added Stats 1995 ch 467 § 8 (SB 1061). Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 22 (SB 392), ef-
fective January 1, 2011; Stats 2012 ch 661 § 11 (SB 1576), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 7076.1. Voluntary surrender of license

Upon the voluntary surrender of a license by a licensee, the regis-
trar shall order the license canceled. Cancellation will be effected up-
on receipt of the request by the registrar. No refund will be made of
any fee which a licensee may have paid prior to the surrender of the
license.
To reinstate a canceled license the licensee must pay all of the fees
and meet all of the qualifications and requirements set forth in this
chapter for obtaining an original license.
Added Stats 1975 ch 329 § 1.

§ 7076.2. Suspension for failure to be registered and in good

standing after notice; Personal liability
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the failure of a con-
tractor licensed to do business as a corporation or limited liability
company in this state to be registered and in good standing with the
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 357

Secretary of State after notice from the registrar shall result in the
automatic suspension of the license by operation of law. The registrar
shall notify the licensee in writing of its failure to be registered and in
good standing with the Secretary of State and that the licensee shall
be suspended 30 days from the date of the notice if the licensee does
not provide proof satisfactory to the registrar that it is properly regis-
tered and in good standing with the Secretary of State. Reinstate-
ment may be made at any time following the suspension by providing
proof satisfactory to the registrar that the license is properly regis-
tered and in good standing.
(b) Where the license of a limited liability company is suspended
pursuant to subdivision (a), each person within the company identi-
fied in Section 7028.5 shall be personally liable up to one million dol-
lars ($1,000,000) each for damages resulting to third parties in con-
nection with the company’s performance, during the period of suspen-
sion, of any act or contract where a license is required by this chapter.
This personal liability shall not apply where there has been substan-
tial compliance with the licensure requirements, as described in sub-
division (e) of Section 7031.
Added Stats 1995 ch 467 § 9 (SB 1061). Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 23 (SB 392), ef-
fective January 1, 2011.

§ 7076.5. Inactive license certificate; Reinstatement; Holder

not entitled to practice
(a) A contractor may inactivate his or her license by submitting a
form prescribed by the registrar accompanied by the current active
license certificate. When the current license certificate has been lost,
the licensee shall pay the fee prescribed by law to replace the license
certificate. Upon receipt of an acceptable application to inactivate, the
registrar shall issue an inactive license certificate to the contractor.
The holder of an inactive license shall not be entitled to practice as a
contractor until his or her license is reactivated.
(b) Any licensed contractor who is not engaged in work or activities
which require a contractor’s license may apply for an inactive license.
(c) Inactive licenses shall be valid for a period of four years from
their due date.
(d) During the period that an existing license is inactive, no bonding
requirement pursuant to Section 7071.6, 7071.8 or 7071.9 or qualifier
requirement pursuant to Section 7068 shall apply. An applicant for
license having met the qualifications for issuance may request that
the license be issued inactive unless the applicant is subject to the
provisions of Section 7071.8.
(e) The board shall not refund any of the renewal fee which a licen-
see may have paid prior to the inactivation of his or her license.
358 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(f) An inactive license shall be renewed on each established renewal

date by submitting the renewal application and paying the inactive
renewal fee.
(g) An inactive license may be reactivated by submitting an applica-
tion acceptable to the registrar, by paying the full renewal fee for an
active license and by fulfilling all other requirements of this chapter.
No examination shall be required to reactivate an inactive license.
(h) The inactive status of a license shall not bar any disciplinary ac-
tion by the board against a licensee for any of the causes stated in
this chapter.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 18. Amended Stats 1987 ch 875 § 1.

§ 7077. Original license probationary; Revocation

Every original license, except an additional classification issued
pursuant to Section 7059, shall be a probationary license until such
time as the license is renewed. If information is brought to the atten-
tion of the registrar, during such probationary period, regarding any
act or omission of the licensee constituting grounds for denial, revoca-
tion, or suspension of an application or license, such that, in the reg-
istrar’s discretion, it would be proper to revoke the probationary li-
cense, the registrar shall forthwith notify the applicant to show cause
within not more than 30 days, why the probationary license should
not be revoked. The proceedings shall be conducted in accordance
with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of
Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the regis-
trar shall have all the powers granted therein. A probationary license
shall not be renewed during the pendency of any proceedings brought
pursuant to this section.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 15.

Article 6
Records
§ 7080.5. Public posting following acceptance of application
When an application has been accepted by the registrar, the name
and address of the applicant, every classification for which the appli-
cant has applied, and the names and titles of all personnel who have
signed the application shall be publicly posted by the registrar, on the
day following acceptance, in the office of the Contractors’ State Li-
cense Board in Sacramento.
Added Stats 1984 ch 1252 § 2.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 359

§ 7081. List of contractors

Whenever funds are available for the purpose, the registrar shall
publish a list of the names and addresses of contractors, registered
under this chapter and of the licenses issued, suspended or revoked,
and such further information with respect to this chapter and its ad-
ministration as he deems proper.
He may furnish the lists to such public works and building depart-
ments, public officials or public bodies, and other persons interested
in or allied with the building and construction industry in this or any
other State as he deems advisable and, at such intervals as he deems
necessary whenever funds are available.
Copies of the lists may also be furnished by the registrar upon re-
quest to any firm or individual upon payment of a reasonable fee
fixed by the registrar.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7082. Publication and distribution of information of industry

Whenever funds are available for the purpose, the registrar may
publish and disseminate to licentiates of the board, and public offi-
cials or other persons interested in or allied with the building and
construction industry, such information with relation to the admin-
istration and enforcement of this chapter as he deems necessary to
carry out its purposes.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7083. Notification by licensees of changes in recorded

information
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, licensees shall notify the regis-
trar, on a form prescribed by the registrar, in writing within 90 days
of any change to information recorded under this chapter. This notifi-
cation requirement shall include, but not be limited to, changes in
business address, personnel, business name, qualifying individual
bond exemption pursuant to Section 7071.9, or exemption to qualify
multiple licenses pursuant to Section 7068.1.
(b) Failure of the licensee to notify the registrar of any change to in-
formation within 90 days shall cause the change to be effective the
date the written notification is received at the board’s headquarters
office.
(c) Failure to notify the registrar of the changes within the 90 days
is grounds for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 21. Amended Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 5; Stats 1986 ch 27 § 4;
Stats 1990 ch 1326 § 7 (AB 3480), effective September 25, 1990; Stats 2004 ch 865 § 12
(SB 1914); Stats 2015 ch 430 § 5 (AB 181), effective January 1, 2016.
360 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7083.1. Notification of registrar of change of address of

licensee whose license is expired, suspended, or cancelled
A licensee whose license is expired or suspended, and is renewable
under Section 7141, or whose license is canceled, shall notify the reg-
istrar in writing of a change of address of record within 90 days, and
shall maintain a current address of record during the five-year period
immediately following the expiration or cancellation of the license.
Added Stats 1987 ch 930 § 6, effective September 22, 1987. Amended Stats 2007 ch 240
§ 2 (AB 936), effective January 1, 2008.

§ 7084. Rules and regulations to carry out article

The registrar, with the approval of the director may adopt and
promulgate the rules and regulations he deems necessary to carry out
the provisions of this article.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

Article 6.2
Arbitration
§ 7085. Referral to arbitration; Conditions
(a) After investigating any verified complaint alleging a violation of
Section 7107, 7109, 7110, 7113, 7119, or 7120, and any complaint
arising from a contract involving works of improvement and finding a
possible violation, the registrar may, with the concurrence of both the
licensee and the complainant, refer the alleged violation, and any
dispute between the licensee and the complainant arising thereunder,
to arbitration pursuant to this article, provided the registrar finds
that:
(1) There is evidence that the complainant has suffered or is likely
to suffer material damages as a result of a violation of Section 7107,
7109, 7110, 7113, 7119, or 7120, and any complaint arising from a
contract involving works of improvement.
(2) There are reasonable grounds for the registrar to believe that
the public interest would be better served by arbitration than by dis-
ciplinary action.
(3) The licensee does not have a history of repeated or similar viola-
tions.
(4) The licensee was in good standing at the time of the alleged vio-
lation.
(5) The licensee does not have any outstanding disciplinary actions
filed against him or her.
(6) The parties have not previously agreed to private arbitration of
the dispute pursuant to contract or otherwise.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 361

(7) The parties have been advised of the provisions of Section 2855
of the Civil Code.
For the purposes of paragraph (1), “material damages” means dam-
ages greater than the amount of the bond required under subdivision
(a) of Section 7071.6, but less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
(b) In all cases in which a possible violation of the sections set forth
in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) exists and the contract price, or the
demand for damages is equal to or less than the amount of the bond
required under Section 7071.6, but, regardless of the contract price,
the complaint shall be referred to arbitration, utilizing the criteria set
forth in paragraphs (2) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (a).
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 16. Amended Stats 1987 ch 1311 § 1, effective September
28, 1987; Stats 1989 ch 1132 § 2, effective September 29, 1989; Stats 1992 ch 597 § 1
(AB 497); Stats 1998 ch 492 § 1 (SB 1792); Stats 2002 ch 312 § 1 (AB 728); Stats 2004
ch 865 § 13 (SB 1914); Stats 2005 ch 280 § 8 (SB 1112), effective January 1, 2006.

§ 7085.2. Arbitrator’s award deemed award of registrar

An arbitrator may render an award and that award shall be
deemed to be an order of the registrar.
Added Stats 1987 ch 1311 § 2, effective September 28, 1987.

§ 7085.3. Notice; Consequences of election; Right to retain

counsel; Agreement to arbitrate
Once the registrar determines that arbitration pursuant to subdivi-
sion (a) of Section 7085 would be a suitable means of resolving the
dispute, the registrar shall notify the complainant and the licensee of
this decision. The registrar shall also notify the complainant of the
consequences of selecting administrative arbitration over judicial
remedies and advise the parties of their rights to retain counsel at
their own expense. The registrar shall forward an “agreement to arbi-
trate” to the complainant and the licensee. This agreement shall be
returned to the registrar within 30 calendar days of the date that the
agreement is mailed by the registrar. The return of this agreement by
the parties shall authorize the registrar to proceed with administra-
tive arbitration.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 16. Amended Stats 1987 ch 1311 § 3, effective September
28, 1987; Stats 1989 ch 1132 § 3, effective September 29, 1989.

§ 7085.4. Referral of agreement to arbitrate to arbitrator or

arbitration association; Notification of complainant and
licensee
(a) For cases that the registrar determines to refer to arbitration
under subdivision (a) of Section 7085, once the complainant and the
362 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

licensee authorize the registrar to proceed with administrative arbi-

tration, the registrar shall refer the agreement to arbitrate to an arbi-
trator or an arbitration association approved by the board.
(b) Once the registrar determines that a complaint must be referred
to arbitration pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7085, the regis-
trar shall notify the complainant and the licensee of that decision.
The registrar shall inform the parties of the consequences of adminis-
trative arbitration over judicial remedies and shall advise the parties
of their right to retain counsel at their own expense if they so choose.
The registrar shall forward a notice to arbitrate to the complainant
and the licensee. This notice shall be returned to the registrar within
30 calendar days of the date that the notice is mailed by the registrar.
The complainant’s failure to return an executed copy of the notice
shall result in the closure of the complaint.
Notwithstanding Section 7085.5, a licensee’s failure to return an
executed copy of the notice shall not prohibit the registrar from refer-
ring the dispute to arbitration or bar the registrar from issuing an
order enforcing any award resulting therefrom, pursuant to Section
7085.6, whether the award resulted from a contested hearing or a
noncontested hearing.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 16. Amended Stats 1987 ch 1311 § 4, effective September
28, 1987; Stats 1989 ch 1132 § 4, effective September 29, 1989.

§ 7085.5. Rules of conduct for arbitrations; court procedure

and exclusion of liability
Arbitrations of disputes arising out of cases filed with or by the
board shall be conducted in accordance with the following rules:
(a) All “agreements to arbitrate” shall include the names, address-
es, and telephone numbers of the parties to the dispute, the issue in
dispute, and the amount in dollars or any other remedy sought. The
appropriate fee shall be paid by the board from the Contractors’ Li-
cense Fund.
(b)(1) The board or appointed arbitration association shall appoint
an arbitrator in the following manner: immediately after the filing of
the agreement to arbitrate, the board or appointed arbitration associ-
ation shall submit simultaneously to each party to the dispute, an
identical list of names of persons chosen from the panel. Each party
to the dispute shall have seven days from the mailing date in which
to cross off any names to which it objects, number the remaining
names to indicate the order of preference, and return the list to the
board or appointed arbitration association. If a party does not return
the list within the time specified, all persons named in the list are
acceptable. From among the persons who have been approved on both
lists, and in accordance with the designated order of mutual prefer-
ence, the board or appointed arbitration association shall appoint an
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 363

arbitrator to serve. If the parties fail to agree on any of the parties

named, if acceptable arbitrators are unable to act, or if, for any other
reason, the appointment cannot be made from the submitted lists, the
board or appointed arbitration association shall have the power to
make the appointment from among other members of the panel with-
out the submission of any additional lists. Each dispute shall be
heard and determined by one arbitrator unless the board or appoint-
ed arbitration association, in its discretion, directs that a greater
number of arbitrators be appointed.
(2) In all cases in which a complaint has been referred to arbitra-
tion pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7085, the board or the ap-
pointed arbitration association shall have the power to appoint an
arbitrator to hear the matter.
(3) The board shall adopt regulations setting minimum qualification
standards for listed arbitrators based upon relevant training, experi-
ence, and performance.
(c) No person shall serve as an arbitrator in any arbitration in
which that person has any financial or personal interest in the result
of the arbitration. Prior to accepting an appointment, the prospective
arbitrator shall disclose any circumstances likely to prevent a prompt
hearing or to create a presumption of bias. Upon receipt of that in-
formation, the board or appointed arbitration association shall imme-
diately replace the arbitrator or communicate the information to the
parties for their comments. Thereafter, the board or appointed arbi-
tration association shall determine whether the arbitrator should be
disqualified and shall inform the parties of its decision, which shall be
conclusive.
(d) The board or appointed arbitration association may appoint an-
other arbitrator if a vacancy occurs, or if an appointed arbitrator is
unable to serve in a timely manner.
(e)(1) The board or appointed arbitration association shall provide
the parties with a list of the times and dates, and locations of the
hearing to be held. The parties shall notify the arbitrator, within sev-
en calendar days of the mailing of the list, of the times and dates con-
venient to each party. If the parties fail to respond to the arbitrator
within the seven-day period, the arbitrator shall fix the time, place,
and location of the hearing. An arbitrator may, at the arbitrator’s sole
discretion, make an inspection of the construction site which is the
subject of the arbitration. The arbitrator shall notify the parties of the
time and date set for the inspection. Any party who so desires may be
present at the inspection.
(2) The board or appointed arbitration association shall fix the time,
place, and location of the hearing for all cases referred to arbitration
pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7085. An arbitrator may, at the
arbitrator’s sole discretion, make an inspection of the construction
site which is the subject of the arbitration. The arbitrator shall notify
364 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

the parties of the time and date set for the inspection. Any party who
desires may be present at the inspection.
(f) Any person having a direct interest in the arbitration is entitled
to attend the hearing. The arbitrator shall otherwise have the power
to require the exclusion of any witness, other than a party or other
essential person, during the testimony of any other witness. It shall
be discretionary with the arbitrator to determine the propriety of the
attendance of any other person.
(g) Hearings shall be adjourned by the arbitrator only for good
cause.
(h) A record is not required to be taken of the proceedings. However,
any party to the proceeding may have a record made at its own ex-
pense. The parties may make appropriate notes of the proceedings.
(i) The hearing shall be conducted by the arbitrator in any manner
which will permit full and expeditious presentation of the case by
both parties. Consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration, the
arbitrator shall establish the extent of, and schedule for, the produc-
tion of relevant documents and other information, the identification
of any witnesses to be called, and a schedule for any hearings to elicit
facts solely within the knowledge of one party. The complaining party
shall present its claims, proofs, and witnesses, who shall submit to
questions or other examination. The defending party shall then pre-
sent its defenses, proofs, and witnesses, who shall submit to questions
or other examination. The arbitrator has discretion to vary this pro-
cedure but shall afford full and equal opportunity to the parties for
the presentation of any material or relevant proofs.
(j) The arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party who, af-
ter due notice, fails to be present. The arbitrator shall require the at-
tending party to submit supporting evidence in order to make an
award. An award for the attending party shall not be based solely on
the fact that the other party has failed to appear at the arbitration
hearing.
(k) The arbitrator shall be the sole judge of the relevancy and mate-
riality of the evidence offered and conformity to legal rules of evidence
shall not be required.
(l ) The arbitrator may receive and consider documentary evidence.
Documents to be considered by the arbitrator may be submitted prior
to the hearing. However, a copy shall be simultaneously transmitted
to all other parties and to the board or appointed arbitration associa-
tion for transmittal to the arbitrator or board appointed arbitrator.
(m) The arbitrator shall specifically inquire of the parties whether
they have any further proofs to offer or witnesses to be heard. Upon
receiving negative replies, the arbitrator shall declare the hearing
closed and minutes thereof shall be recorded. If briefs are to be filed,
the hearing shall be declared closed as of the final date set by the ar-
bitrator for the receipt of briefs. If documents are to be filed as re-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 365

quested by the arbitrator and the date set for their receipt is later
than that set for the receipt of briefs, the later date shall be the date
of closing the hearings. The time limit within which the arbitrator is
required to make the award shall commence to run, in the absence of
other agreements by the parties, upon the closing of the hearings.
(n) The hearing may be reopened on the arbitrator’s own motion.
(o) Any party who proceeds with the arbitration after knowledge
that any provision or requirement of these rules has not been com-
plied with, and who fails to state his or her objections to the arbitra-
tor in writing, within 10 calendar days of close of hearing, shall be
deemed to have waived his or her right to object.
(p)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any papers or process
necessary or proper for the initiation or continuation of an arbitration
under these rules and for any court action in connection therewith, or
for the entry of judgment on an award made thereunder, may be
served upon any party (A) by regular mail addressed to that party or
his or her attorney at the party’s last known address, or (B) by per-
sonal service.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in all cases referred to arbitration
pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7085 in which the contractor fails
or refuses to return an executed copy of the notice to arbitrate within
the time specified, any papers or process specified in paragraph (1) to
be sent to the contractor, including the notice of hearing, shall be
mailed by certified mail to the contractor’s address of record.
(q) The award shall be made promptly by the arbitrator, and unless
otherwise agreed by the parties, no later than 30 calendar days from
the date of closing the hearing, closing a reopened hearing, or if oral
hearing has been waived, from the date of transmitting the final
statements and proofs to the arbitrator.
The arbitrator may for good cause extend any period of time estab-
lished by these rules, except the time for making the award. The arbi-
trator shall notify the parties of any extension and the reason therefor.
(r)(1) The arbitrator may grant any remedy or relief that the arbi-
trator deems just and equitable and within the scope of the board’s
referral and the requirements of the board. The arbitrator, in his or
her sole discretion, may award costs or expenses.
(2) The amendments made in paragraph (1) during the 2003–04
Regular Session shall not be interpreted to prevent an arbitrator from
awarding a complainant all direct costs and expenses for the comple-
tion or repair of the project.
(s) The award shall become final 30 calendar days from the date the
arbitration award is issued. The arbitrator, upon written application
of a party to the arbitration, may correct the award upon the follow-
ing grounds:
366 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(1) There was an evident miscalculation of figures or an evident

mistake in the description of any person, things, or property referred
to in the award.
(2) There is any other clerical error in the award, not affecting the
merits of the controversy.
An application for correction of the award shall be made within 10
calendar days of the date of service of the award by serving a copy of
the application on the arbitrator, and all other parties to the arbitra-
tion. Any party to the arbitration may make a written objection to the
application for correction by serving a copy of the written objection on
the arbitrator, the board, and all other parties to the arbitration,
within 10 calendar days of the date of service of the application for
correction.
The arbitrator shall either deny the application or correct the
award within 30 calendar days of the date of service of the original
award by mailing a copy of the denial or correction to all parties to
the arbitration. Any appeal from the denial or correction shall be filed
with a court of competent jurisdiction and a true copy thereof shall be
filed with the arbitrator or appointed arbitration association within
30 calendar days after the award has become final. The award shall
be in writing, and shall be signed by the arbitrator or a majority of
them. If no appeal is filed within the 30-calendar day period, it shall
become a final order of the registrar.
(t) Service of the award by certified mail shall be effective if a certi-
fied letter containing the award, or a true copy thereof, is mailed by
the arbitrator or arbitration association to each party or to a party’s
attorney of record at their last known address, address of record, or
by personally serving any party. Service may be proved in the man-
ner authorized in civil actions.
(u) The board shall pay the expenses of one expert witness appoint-
ed by the board when the services of an expert witness are requested
by either party involved in arbitration pursuant to this article and
the case involves workmanship issues that are itemized in the com-
plaint and have not been repaired or replaced. Parties who choose to
present the findings of another expert witness as evidence shall pay
for those services. Payment for expert witnesses appointed by the
board shall be limited to the expert witness costs for inspection of the
problem at the construction site, preparation of the expert witness’
report, and expert witness fees for appearing or testifying at a hear-
ing. All requests for payment to an expert witness shall be submitted
on a form that has been approved by the registrar. All requests for
payment to an expert witness shall be reviewed and approved by the
board prior to payment. The registrar shall advise the parties that
names of industry experts may be obtained by requesting this infor-
mation from the registrar.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 367

(v) The arbitrator shall interpret and apply these rules insofar as
they relate to his or her powers and duties.
(w) The following shall apply as to court procedure and exclusion of
liability:
(1) The board, the appointed arbitration association, or any arbitra-
tor in a proceeding under these rules is not a necessary party in judi-
cial proceedings relating to the arbitration.
(2) Parties to these rules shall be deemed to have consented that
judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered in any federal
or state court having jurisdiction thereof.
(3) The board, the appointed arbitration association, or any arbitra-
tor is not liable to any party for any act or omission in connection
with any arbitration conducted under these rules.
Added Stats 1987 ch 1311 § 5, effective September 28, 1987. Amended Stats 1988 ch
160 § 3; Stats 1989 ch 1132 § 5, effective September 29, 1989; Stats 1998 ch 492 § 2 (SB
1792); Stats 2003 ch 363 § 2 (AB 1382).

§ 7085.6. Failure to comply with award as grounds for

automatic suspension; Appeal; Reinstatement; Delay in
revocation for good cause; Dissociation from other licensee
(a)(1) The failure of a licensee to comply with an arbitration award
rendered under this article shall result in the automatic suspension
of a license by operation of law.
(2) The registrar shall notify the licensee by certified mail of the
failure to comply with the arbitrator’s award, and that the license
shall be automatically suspended 30 calendar days from the date of
that notice.
(3) The licensee may appeal the suspension for noncompliance with-
in 15 calendar days after service of the notice by written notice to the
registrar.
(4) Reinstatement may be made at any time following the suspen-
sion by complying with the arbitrator’s award and the final order of
the registrar. If no reinstatement of the license is made within 90
days of the date of the automatic suspension, the license and any oth-
er contractor’s license issued to the licensee shall be automatically
revoked by operation of law for a period to be determined by the reg-
istrar pursuant to Section 7102.
(5) The registrar may delay, for good cause, the revocation of a con-
tractor’s license for failure to comply with the arbitration award. The
delay in the revocation of the license shall not exceed one year. When
seeking a delay of the revocation of his or her license, a licensee shall
apply to the registrar in writing prior to the date of the revocation of
the licensee’s license by operation of law and state the reasons that
establish good cause for the delay. The registrar’s power to grant a
368 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

delay of the revocation shall expire upon the effective date of the rev-
ocation of the licensee’s license by operation of law.
(b) The licensee shall be automatically prohibited from serving as
an officer, director, associate, partner, manager, or qualifying indi-
vidual of another licensee, for the period determined by the registrar
and the employment, election, or association of that person by anoth-
er licensee shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action. A qualifier
disassociated pursuant to this section shall be replaced within 90
days from the date of disassociation. Upon failure to replace the qual-
ifier within 90 days of the disassociation, the license of the other li-
censee shall be automatically suspended or the qualifier’s classifica-
tion removed at the end of the 90 days.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 16. Amended Stats 1987 ch 1311 § 6, effective September
28, 1987; Stats 1988 ch 1619 § 2, effective September 30, 1988; Stats 2003 ch 363 § 3
(AB 1382); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 24 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7085.7. Enforcement of award

A complainant may enforce an arbitrator’s award in accordance
with Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1285) of Title 9 of Part 3 of
the Code of Civil Procedure.
Added Stats 1987 ch 1311 § 8, effective September 28, 1987.

§ 7085.9. Disclosure to public of complaint referred to

arbitration
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a complaint referred to
arbitration pursuant to Section 7085 is not subject to disclosure to the
public until such time as an investigation into an alleged violation of
Section 7085.6 has been initiated by the registrar.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1035 § 2.

Article 7
Disciplinary Proceedings
§ 7090. Investigation, suspension, revocation; Construction
without permit as violation; Burden of proof
The registrar may upon his or her own motion and shall upon the
verified complaint in writing of any person, investigate the actions of
any applicant, contractor, or home improvement salesperson within
the state and may deny the licensure or the renewal of licensure of, or
cite, temporarily suspend, or permanently revoke any license or regis-
tration if the applicant, licensee, or registrant, is guilty of or commits
any one or more of the acts or omissions constituting causes for disci-
plinary action.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 369

The registrar may proceed to take disciplinary action as in this ar-

ticle provided against an applicant or a person licensed or registered
under the provisions of this chapter even though the grounds or cause
for such disciplinary action arose upon projects or while the appli-
cant, licensee, or registrant was acting in a capacity or under circum-
stances or facts which, under the provisions of Sections 7044, 7045,
7046, and 7048, would otherwise exempt the person or his or her op-
erations from the provisions of this chapter.
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, if the registrar finds
that any contractor licensed or registered under the provisions of this
chapter has willfully and deliberately violated any state or local law
relating to the issuance of building permits, other than failure to ob-
tain a county or city permit for repair, maintenance, and adjustment
of equipment where such repair, maintenance, or adjustment is val-
ued at less than five hundred dollars ($500) for labor or materials, or
where the repair of a part or component part of mechanical equip-
ment consists of replacing such part or component part of mechanical
equipment in need of repair with the identical part or component
part, the registrar shall take disciplinary action against the contrac-
tor’s license in accordance with this chapter.
For the purpose of this section, there shall be a rebuttable pre-
sumption affecting the burden of proof that construction performed
without a permit is a willful and deliberate violation.
For the purposes of this section, with respect to administrative pro-
ceedings or hearings to suspend or revoke a contractor’s license, the
registrar at all times shall have the burden of proof to establish by
clear and convincing evidence that he or she is entitled to the relief
sought in the petition.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1941 ch 971 § 15; Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 3.5;
Stats 1974 ch 717 § 1; Stats 1975 ch 772 § 1; Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 6; Stats 1997 ch 334
§ 2 (SB 299); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 25 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7090.1. Automatic suspension of license for failure to pay

civil penalty or comply with order of correction; Contest of
determination; Reinstatement; Delay in revocation for good
cause; Dissociation from other licensee
(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the failure to
pay a civil penalty, or to comply with an order of correction or an or-
der to pay a specified sum to an injured party in lieu of correction
once the order has become final, shall result in the automatic suspen-
sion of a license by operation of law 30 days after noncompliance with
the terms of the order.
(2) The registrar shall notify the licensee in writing of the failure to
comply with the final order and that the license shall be suspended
30 days from the date of the notice.
370 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(3) The licensee may contest the determination of noncompliance

within 15 days after service of the notice, by written notice to the reg-
istrar. Upon receipt of the written notice, the registrar may reconsid-
er the determination and after reconsideration may affirm or set
aside the suspension.
(4) Reinstatement may be made at any time following the suspen-
sion by complying with the final order of the citation. If no reinstate-
ment of the license is made within 90 days of the date of the automat-
ic suspension, the cited license and any other contractors’ license is-
sued to the licensee shall be automatically revoked by operation of
law for a period to be determined by the registrar pursuant to Section
7102.
(5) The registrar may delay, for good cause, the revocation of a con-
tractor’s license for failure to comply with the final order of the cita-
tion. The delay in the revocation of the license shall not exceed one
year. When seeking a delay of the revocation of his or her license, a
licensee shall apply to the registrar in writing prior to the date of the
revocation of the licensee’s license by operation of law and state the
reasons that establish good cause for the delay. The registrar’s power
to grant a delay of the revocation shall expire upon the effective date
of the revocation of the licensee’s license by operation of law.
(b) The cited licensee shall also be automatically prohibited from
serving as an officer, director, associate, partner, manager, or qualify-
ing individual of another licensee, for the period determined by the
registrar, and the employment, election, or association of that person
by a licensee shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action. A quali-
fier disassociated pursuant to this section shall be replaced within 90
days of the date of disassociation. Upon failure to replace the qualifier
within 90 days of the prohibition, the license of the other licensee
shall be automatically suspended or the qualifier’s classification re-
moved at the end of the 90 days.
Added Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 7. Amended Stats 1986 ch 27 § 5; Stats 1987 ch 831 § 1;
Stats 1988 ch 1619 § 3, effective September 30, 1988; Stats 2003 ch 363 § 4 (AB 1382);
Stats 2004 ch 865 § 14 (SB 1914); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 26 (SB 392), effective January 1,
2011.

§ 7090.5. Effect of correction of condition caused by

fraudulent act
In the event a licensee commits a fraudulent act which is a ground
for disciplinary action under Section 7116 of this article, the correction
of any condition resulting from such act shall not in and of itself pre-
clude the registrar from taking disciplinary action under this article.
If the registrar finds a licensee has engaged in repeated acts which
would be grounds for disciplinary action under this article, and if by
correction of conditions resulting from those acts the licensee avoided
disciplinary action as to each individual act, the correction of those
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 371

conditions shall not in and of itself preclude the registrar from taking
disciplinary action under this article.
Added Stats 1953 ch 576 § 1. Amended Stats 1978 ch 985 § 1.

§ 7091. Filing complaints and disciplinary actions

(a)(1) A complaint against a licensee alleging commission of any pa-
tent acts or omissions that may be grounds for legal action shall be
filed in writing with the registrar within four years after the act or
omission alleged as the ground for the disciplinary action.
(2) A disciplinary action against a licensee relevant to this subdivi-
sion shall be filed or a referral to the arbitration program outlined in
Section 7085 shall be referred within four years after the patent act
or omission alleged as the ground for disciplinary action or arbitra-
tion or within 18 months from the date of the filing of the complaint
with the registrar, whichever is later.
(b)(1) A complaint against a licensee alleging commission of any la-
tent acts or omissions that may be grounds for legal action pursuant
to subdivision (a) of Section 7109 regarding structural defects, as de-
fined by regulation, shall be filed in writing with the registrar within
10 years after the act or omission alleged as the ground for the disci-
plinary action.
(2) A disciplinary action against a licensee relevant to this subdivi-
sion shall be filed within 10 years after the latent act or omission al-
leged as the ground for disciplinary action or within 18 months from
the date of the filing of the complaint with the registrar, whichever is
later. As used in this subdivision “latent act or omission” means an
act or omission that is not apparent by reasonable inspection.
(c) A disciplinary action alleging a violation of Section 7112 shall be
filed within two years after the discovery by the registrar or by the
board of the alleged facts constituting the fraud or misrepresentation
prohibited by the section.
(d) With respect to a licensee who has been convicted of a crime
and, as a result of that conviction is subject to discipline under Sec-
tion 7123, the disciplinary action shall be filed within two years after
the discovery of the conviction by the registrar or by the board.
(e) A disciplinary action regarding an alleged breach of an express,
written warranty issued by the contractor shall be filed not later than
18 months from the expiration of the warranty.
(f) The proceedings under this article shall be conducted in accord-
ance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and
the registrar shall have all the powers granted therein.
(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the liability of
a surety or the period of limitations prescribed by law for the com-
mencement of actions against a surety or cash deposit.
372 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1945 ch 886 § 2; Stats 1955 ch 1532 § 5;
Stats 1963 ch 1258 § 1; Stats 1980 ch 865 § 1, ch 1210 § 2; Stats 1987 ch 1264 § 5, effec-
tive September 28, 1987; Stats 1994 ch 1135 § 2 (AB 3302); Stats 2001 ch 728 § 60 (SB
724); Stats 2002 ch 312 § 3 (AB 728); Stats 2007 ch 85 § 1 (AB 243), effective January
1, 2008.

§ 7095. Decision of registrar

The decision may:
(a) Provide for the immediate complete suspension by the licensee of
all operations as a contractor during the period fixed by the decision.
(b) Permit the licensee to complete any or all contracts shown by
competent evidence taken at the hearing to be then uncompleted.
(c) Impose upon the licensee compliance with such specific condi-
tions as may be just in connection with his operations as a contractor
disclosed at the hearing and may further provide that until such con-
ditions are complied with no application for restoration of the sus-
pended or revoked license shall be accepted by the registrar.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7096. “Licensee”
For the purposes of this chapter, the term “licensee” shall include
an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company,
joint venture, or any combination or organization licensed under this
chapter, and shall also include any named responsible managing of-
ficer, responsible managing manager, responsible managing member,
or personnel of that licentiate whose appearance has qualified the
licentiate under the provisions of Section 7068.
Added Stats 1957 ch 1712 § 1. Amended Stats 1995 ch 467 § 10 (SB 1061); Stats 2010
ch 698 § 27 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7097. Suspension of additional license issued following

suspension of any license
Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 7121 and 7122, when
any license has been suspended by a decision of the registrar pursuant
to an accusation or pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7071.17, Sec-
tion 7085.6 or 7090.1, any additional license issued under this chapter
in the name of the licensee or for which the licensee furnished qualify-
ing experience and appearance under the provisions of Section 7068,
may be suspended by the registrar without further notice.
Added Stats 1957 ch 1712 § 2. Amended Stats 1995 ch 467 § 11 (SB 1061).
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 373

§ 7098. Revocation of additional license issued following

revocation of license
Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 7121 and 7122, when
any license has been revoked under the provisions of this chapter,
any additional license issued under this chapter in the name of the
licensee or for which the licensee furnished qualifying experience and
appearance under the provisions of Section 7068, may be revoked by
the registrar without further notice.
Added Stats 1957 ch 1712 § 3. Amended Stats 1995 ch 467 § 12 (SB 1061).

§ 7099. Citation
If, upon investigation, the registrar has probable cause to believe
that a licensee, or an applicant for a license under this chapter, has
committed any acts or omissions which are grounds for denial, revo-
cation, or suspension of license, he or she may, in lieu of proceeding
pursuant to this article, issue a citation to the licensee or applicant.
Each citation shall be in writing and shall describe with particularity
the nature of the violation, including a reference to the provisions al-
leged to have been violated. In addition, each citation may contain an
order of correction fixing a reasonable time for correction of the viola-
tion or an order, against the licensee only, for payment of a specified
sum to an injured party in lieu of correction, and may contain an as-
sessment of a civil penalty.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 17. Amended Stats 1983 ch 891 § 22; Stats 1984 ch 606 § 1;
Stats 1985 ch 1281 § 3; Stats 1986 ch 27 § 6; Stats 1987 ch 930 § 7, effective September
22, 1987.

§ 7099.1. Regulations for order of correction

The board shall promulgate regulations covering the formulation of
an order of correction which gives due consideration to the time re-
quired to correct and the practical feasibility of correction.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 18.

§ 7099.2. Regulations for assessment of civil penalties;

Factors; Maximum amount
(a) The board shall promulgate regulations covering the assessment
of civil penalties under this article that give due consideration to the
appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the following factors:
(1) The gravity of the violation.
(2) The good faith of the licensee or applicant for licensure being
charged.
(3) The history of previous violations.
374 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, no civil penalty

shall be assessed in an amount greater than five thousand dollars
($5,000). Notwithstanding Section 125.9, a civil penalty not to exceed
fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) may be assessed for a violation of
Section 7114 or 7118.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 19. Amended Stats 1984 ch 606 § 1.5; Stats 1992 ch 606 § 2
(AB 3240); Stats 1996 ch 282 § 4 (AB 2494); Stats 2003 ch 363 § 5 (AB 1382); Stats
2010 ch 415 § 21 (SB 1491), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7099.3. Appeal to registrar

Any licensee or applicant for licensure served with a citation pursu-
ant to Section 7099, may appeal to the registrar within 15 working
days from service of the citation with respect to violations alleged by
the registrar, correction periods, amount of penalties, and the reason-
ableness of the change required by the registrar to correct the condi-
tion.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 20. Amended Stats 1983 ch 891 § 23; Stats 1984 ch 606 § 2.

§ 7099.4. Time to contest citation

If within 15 working days from service of the citation issued by the
registrar, the licensee or applicant for licensure fails to notify the reg-
istrar that he or she intends to contest the citation, the citation shall
be deemed a final order of the registrar and not be subject to review
by any court or agency. The 15-day period may be extended by the
registrar for cause.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 21. Amended Stats 1983 ch 891 § 24; Stats 1984 ch 606 § 3.

§ 7099.5. Hearing
If a licensee or applicant for licensure notifies the registrar that he
or she intends to contest a citation issued under Section 7099, the
registrar shall afford an opportunity for a hearing. The registrar shall
thereafter issue a decision, based on findings of fact, affirming, modi-
fying, or vacating the citation or penalty, or directing other appropri-
ate relief. The proceedings under this section shall be conducted in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Sec-
tion 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code,
and the registrar shall have all the powers granted therein.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 22. Amended Stats 1984 ch 606 § 4.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 375

§ 7099.6. Failure to comply with citation as ground for denial,

suspension, or revocation of license
(a) The failure of a licensee to comply with a citation after it is final
is a ground for suspension or revocation of license.
(b) The failure of an applicant for licensure to comply with a cita-
tion after it is final is a ground for denial of license.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 23. Amended Stats 1984 ch 606 § 5; Stats 1986 ch 1205 § 2.

§ 7099.7. Bond exempt from payment of civil penalty

No order for payment of a civil penalty shall be made against any
bond required pursuant to Sections 7071.5 to 7071.8.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 24.

§ 7099.10. Citation; Hearing; Disconnection of telephone

service
(a) If, upon investigation, the registrar has probable cause to be-
lieve that a licensee, an applicant for a license, or an unlicensed indi-
vidual acting in the capacity of a contractor who is not otherwise ex-
empted from the provisions of this chapter, has violated Section
7027.1 by advertising for construction or work of improvement cov-
ered by this chapter in an alphabetical or classified directory, without
being properly licensed, the registrar may issue a citation under Sec-
tion 7099 containing an order of correction which requires the viola-
tor to cease the unlawful advertising and to notify the telephone com-
pany furnishing services to the violator to disconnect the telephone
service furnished to any telephone number contained in the unlawful
advertising, and that subsequent calls to that number shall not be
referred by the telephone company to any new telephone number ob-
tained by that person.
(b) If the person to whom a citation is issued under subdivision (a)
notifies the registrar that he or she intends to contest the citation, the
registrar shall afford an opportunity for a hearing, as specified in Sec-
tion 7099.5, within 90 days after receiving the notification.
(c) If the person to whom a citation and order of correction is issued
under subdivision (a) fails to comply with the order of correction after
the order is final, the registrar shall inform the Public Utilities Com-
mission of the violation, and the Public Utilities Commission shall
require the telephone corporation furnishing services to that person
to disconnect the telephone service furnished to any telephone num-
ber contained in the unlawful advertising.
(d) The good faith compliance by a telephone corporation with an
order of the Public Utilities Commission to terminate service issued
pursuant to this section shall constitute a complete defense to any
376 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

civil or criminal action brought against the telephone corporation

arising from the termination of service.
Added Stats 1986 ch 518 § 2. Amended Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 32 (AB 2190); Stats 1992
ch 294 § 3 (AB 2347).

§ 7099.11. Advertising to promote services for asbestos

removal; Notice to comply; Citation
(a) No person shall advertise, as that term is defined in Section
7027.1, to promote his or her services for the removal of asbestos un-
less he or she is certified to engage in asbestos-related work pursuant
to Section 7058.5, and registered for that purpose pursuant to Section
6501.5 of the Labor Code. Each advertisement shall include that per-
son’s certification and registration numbers and shall use the same
name under which that person is certified and registered.
(b) The registrar shall issue a notice to comply with the order of cor-
rection provisions of subdivision (a) of Section 7099.10, to any person
who is certified and registered, as described in subdivision (a), and
who fails to include in any advertisement his or her certification and
registration numbers.
(c) The registrar shall issue a citation pursuant to Section 7099 to
any person who fails to comply with the notice required by subdivi-
sion (b), or who advertises to promote his or her services for the re-
moval of asbestos but does not possess valid certification and regis-
tration numbers as required by subdivision (a), or who fails to use in
that advertisement the same name under which he or she is certified
and registered.
Citations shall be issued and conducted pursuant to Sections 7099
to 7099.10, inclusive.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1003 § 1, operative July 1, 1989, as § 7030.6. Amended and re-
numbered by Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 22 (AB 2190). Amended Stats 1992 ch 294 § 4 (AB
2347).

§ 7100. Continuance of business pending review

In any proceeding for review by a court, the court may in its discre-
tion, upon the filing of a proper bond by the licensee in an amount to
be fixed by the court, but not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000)
or an amount the court finds is sufficient to protect the public, which-
ever is greater, guaranteeing the compliance by the licensee with spe-
cific conditions imposed upon him by the registrar’s decision, if any,
permit the licensee to continue to do business as a contractor pending
entry of judgment by the court in the case. There shall be no stay of
the registrar’s decision pending an appeal or review of any such pro-
ceeding unless the appellant or applicant for review shall file a bond
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 377

in all respects conditioned as, and similar to, the bond required to
stay the effect of the registrar’s decision in the first instance.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1945 ch 886 § 3; Stats 1949 ch 753 § 1;
Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 27.

§ 7102. Reinstatement or reissuance of license

After suspension of a license upon any of the grounds set forth in
this chapter, the registrar may reinstate the license upon proof of
compliance by the contractor with all provisions of the decision as to
reinstatement or, in the absence of a decision or any provisions of re-
instatement, in the sound discretion of the registrar.
After revocation of a license upon any of the grounds set forth in
this chapter, the license shall not be reinstated or reissued and a li-
cense shall not be issued to any member of the personnel of the re-
voked licensee found to have had knowledge of or participated in the
acts or omissions constituting grounds for revocation, within a mini-
mum period of one year and a maximum period of five years after the
final decision of revocation and then only on proper showing that all
loss caused by the act or omission for which the license was revoked
has been fully satisfied and that all conditions imposed by the deci-
sion of revocation have been complied with.
The board shall promulgate regulations covering the criteria to be
considered when extending the minimum one-year period. The crite-
ria shall give due consideration to the appropriateness of the exten-
sion of time with respect to the following factors:
(a) The gravity of the violation.
(b) The history of previous violations.
(c) Criminal convictions.
When any loss has been reduced to a monetary obligation or debt,
however, the satisfaction of the monetary obligation or debt as a pre-
requisite for the issuance, reissuance, or reinstatement of a license
shall not be required to the extent the monetary obligation or debt
was discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding. However, any nonmone-
tary condition not discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding shall be
complied with prior to the issuance, the reissuance, or reinstatement
of the license.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1635 § 5, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1975 ch 818 § 1; Stats 1983 ch 891 § 25; Stats 1987 ch 831 § 2; Stats 1995
ch 467 § 13 (SB 1061); Stats 2006 ch 123 § 1 (AB 2658), effective January 1, 2007.

§ 7103. Effect of disciplinary action by another state

The revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action of a license
to act as a contractor by another state shall constitute grounds for
disciplinary action in this state if the individual is a licensee, or ap-
378 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

plies for a license, in this state. A certified copy of the revocation,

suspension, or other disciplinary action by the other state is conclu-
sive evidence of that action.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1135 § 2 (AB 3302).

§ 7104. Notice to complainant of resolution of complaint

When the board resolves a complaint, the board shall notify the
complainant in writing of its action and the reasons for taking that
action. The board shall provide the same notice in writing to the con-
tractor provided that the contractor is licensed and the notification
would not jeopardize an action or investigation that involves the con-
tractor.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1135 § 4 (AB 3302).

§ 7106. Revocation or suspension of license incident to court

action
The suspension or revocation of license as in this chapter provided
may also be embraced in any action otherwise proper in any court
involving the licensee’s performance of his legal obligation as a con-
tractor.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7106.5. Effect of expiration, cancellation, forfeiture,

revocation, or suspension of license on jurisdiction of
registrar
The expiration, cancellation, forfeiture, revocation, or suspension of
a license by operation of law or by order or decision of the registrar or
a court of law, or the voluntary surrender of a license by a licensee,
shall not deprive the registrar of jurisdiction to proceed with any in-
vestigation of or action or disciplinary proceeding against the license,
or to render a decision suspending or revoking the license.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 16. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 6, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 2002 ch 1013 § 61.3 (SB 2026); Stats 2012 ch 85 § 2 (AB 2554), effective
January 1, 2013.

§ 7107. Abandonment of contract

Abandonment without legal excuse of any construction project or
operation engaged in or undertaken by the licensee as a contractor
constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 379

§ 7108. Diversion or misapplication of funds or property

Diversion of funds or property received for prosecution or comple-
tion of a specific construction project or operation, or for a specified
purpose in the prosecution or completion of any construction project
or operation, or failure substantially to account for the application or
use of such funds or property on the construction project or operation
for which such funds or property were received constitutes a cause for
disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1959 ch 97 § 1.
—See Penal Code Section 484b, Wrongful Diversion of Public Funds, a Public Offense,
in Appendix.

§ 7108.5. Failure to pay subcontractors

(a) A prime contractor or subcontractor shall pay to any subcontrac-
tor, not later than seven days after receipt of each progress payment,
unless otherwise agreed to in writing, the respective amounts allowed
the contractor on account of the work performed by the subcontrac-
tors, to the extent of each subcontractor’s interest therein. In the
event that there is a good faith dispute over all or any portion of the
amount due on a progress payment from the prime contractor or sub-
contractor to a subcontractor, the prime contractor or subcontractor
may withhold no more than 150 percent of the disputed amount.
(b) Any violation of this section shall constitute a cause for discipli-
nary action and shall subject the licensee to a penalty, payable to the
subcontractor, of 2 percent of the amount due per month for every
month that payment is not made.
(c) In any action for the collection of funds wrongfully withheld, the
prevailing party shall be entitled to his or her attorney’s fees and
costs.
(d) The sanctions authorized under this section shall be separate
from, and in addition to, all other remedies, either civil, administra-
tive, or criminal.
(e) This section applies to all private works of improvement and to
all public works of improvement, except where Section 10262 of the
Public Contract Code applies.
Added Stats 2009 ch 307 § 73 (SB 821), effective January 1, 2010. Amended Stats 2010
ch 328 § 16 (SB 1330), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2011 ch 700 § 1 (SB 293), effec-
tive January 1, 2012.

—See Public Contract Code Section 10262, in the Appendix.

380 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7108.6. Failure to pay transportation charges submitted by

dump truck carrier
A licensed contractor is required to pay all transportation charges
submitted by a duly authorized motor carrier of property in dump
truck equipment by the 20th day following the last day of the calen-
dar month in which the transportation was performed, if the charges,
including all necessary documentation, are submitted by the fifth day
following the last day of the calendar month in which the transporta-
tion was performed. The payment shall be made unless otherwise
agreed to in writing by the contractor and by the duly authorized mo-
tor carrier of property in dump truck equipment. In the event that
there is a good faith dispute over a portion of the charges claimed, the
contractor may withhold payment of up to 150 percent of the disputed
amount or an amount otherwise agreed to by the parties. A violation
of this section constitutes a cause for disciplinary action under Sec-
tion 7120 and shall also subject the contractor licensee to a penalty,
payable to the carrier, of 2 percent of the amount due per month for
every month that payment is outstanding. In an action for the collec-
tion of moneys not paid in accordance with this section, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to his or her attorney’s fees and costs.
This section applies to all private works of improvement and to all
public works of improvement.
Added Stats 1984 ch 1494 § 1. Amended Stats 1995 ch 37 § 1 (AB 311); Stats 1996 ch
712 § 3 (SB 1557).

§ 7109. Departure from accepted trade standards; Departure

from plans or specifications
(a) A willful departure in any material respect from accepted trade
standards for good and workmanlike construction constitutes a cause
for disciplinary action, unless the departure was in accordance with
plans and specifications prepared by or under the direct supervision
of an architect.
(b) A willful departure from or disregard of plans or specifications
in any material respect, which is prejudicial to another, without the
consent of the owner or his or her duly authorized representative and
without the consent of the person entitled to have the particular con-
struction project or operation completed in accordance with such
plans or specifications, constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1963 ch 1611 § 1; Stats 1988 ch 1619 § 4,
effective September 30, 1988.
—See Business & Professions Code Section 8556 Removal and Replacement of Pest
Damage Areas; Application of Wood Preservatives: Contracting for Performance of Soil
Treatment Pest Control Work, in Appendix.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 381

§ 7109.5. Violation of safety provisions

Violation of any safety provision in, or authorized by, Division 5
(commencing with Section 6300) of the Labor Code resulting in death
or serious injury to an employee constitutes a cause for disciplinary
action.
Added Stats 1963 ch 1083 § 2.

§ 7110. Disregard or violation of statutes

Willful or deliberate disregard and violation of the building laws of
the state, or of any political subdivision thereof, or of Section 8550 or
8556 of this code, or of Sections 1689.5 to 1689.15, inclusive, or Sec-
tions 1689.10 to 1689.13, inclusive, of the Civil Code, or of the safety
laws or labor laws or compensation insurance laws or Unemployment
Insurance Code of the state, or of the Subletting and Subcontracting
Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 4100) of Part
1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code), or violation by any licen-
see of any provision of the Health and Safety Code or Water Code,
relating to the digging, boring, or drilling of water wells, or Article 2
(commencing with Section 4216) of Chapter 3.1 of Division 5 of Title 1
of the Government Code, constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1949 ch 1433 § 1; Stats 1965 ch 583 § 1;
Stats 1968 ch 804 § 1; Stats 1969 ch 820 § 3; Stats 1974 ch 433 § 2; Stats 1979 ch 747
§ 1.5, ch 1012 § 1.7; Stats 1994 ch 362 § 1 (AB 2719); Stats 2002 ch 1013 § 61.5 (SB
2026); Stats 2010 ch 415 § 22 (SB 1491), effective January 1, 2011.
—See Public Contract Code Sections 4107 and 4110.

§ 7110.1. Requiring or causing execution of release

The requiring of an execution of release of any claim or the causing
of the execution of any such release in violation of Section 206.5 of the
Labor Code is a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1959 ch 1066 § 2.
—See Labor Code Section 206.5, Violation: Release of Claim for Wages, in Appendix.

§ 7110.5. Initiation of action against contractor after receipt

of Labor Commissioner’s finding of willful violation of Labor
Code
Upon receipt of a certified copy of the Labor Commissioner’s finding
of a willful or deliberate violation of the Labor Code by a licensee,
pursuant to Section 98.9 of the Labor Code, the registrar shall initi-
ate disciplinary action against the licensee within 180 days of notifi-
cation.
382 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1978 ch 1247 § 1. Amended Stats 2005 ch 280 § 9 (SB 1112), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2006; Stats 2014 ch 392 § 4 (SB 315), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 7111. Failure to make and keep records for inspection;

Disciplinary action
(a) Failure to make and keep records showing all contracts, docu-
ments, records, receipts, and disbursements by a licensee of all of his
or her transactions as a contractor, and failure to have those records
available for inspection by the registrar or his or her duly authorized
representative for a period of not less than five years after completion
of any construction project or operation to which the records refer, or
refusal by a licensee to comply with a written request of the registrar
to make the records available for inspection constitutes a cause for
disciplinary action.
(b) Failure of a licensee, applicant, or registrant subject to the pro-
visions of this chapter, who without lawful excuse, delays, obstructs,
or refuses to comply with a written request of the registrar or design-
ee for information or records, to provide that information or make
available those records, when the information or records are required
in the attempt to discharge any duty of the registrar, constitutes a
cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1959 ch 98 § 1; Stats 1988 ch 1035 § 3;
Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 33 (AB 2190).

§ 7111.1. Failure to respond to request to cooperate in

investigation of complaint
The failure of, or refusal by, a licensee to respond to a written re-
quest of the registrar to cooperate in the investigation of a complaint
against that licensee constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 8.

§ 7112. Omission or misrepresentation of material fact by

applicant
Omission or misrepresentation of a material fact by an applicant or a
licensee in obtaining, or renewing a license, or in adding a classification
to an existing license constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 2001 ch 728 § 61 (SB 724).

§ 7112.1. Expungement of classification due to omission or

misrepresentation
Any classification that has been added to an existing license record
as a result of an applicant or licensee omitting or misrepresenting a
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 383

material fact shall be expunged from the license record pursuant to a

final order of the registrar evidencing a violation of Section 7112.
Added Stats 2001 ch 728 § 62 (SB 724).

§ 7113. Failure to complete project for contract price

Failure in a material respect on the part of a licensee to complete
any construction project or operation for the price stated in the con-
tract for such construction project or operation or in any modification
of such contract constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7113.5. Avoidance or settlement of obligations for less than

full amount
The avoidance or settlement by a licensee for less than the full
amount of the lawful obligations of the licensee incurred as a contrac-
tor, whether by (a) composition, arrangement, or reorganization with
creditors under state law, (b) composition, arrangement, or reorganiza-
tion with creditors under any agreement or understanding, (c) receiv-
ership as provided in Chapter 5 (commencing at Section 564) of Title 7
of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, (d) assignment for the benefit
of creditors, (e) trusteeship, or (f) dissolution, constitutes a cause for
disciplinary action.
This section shall not apply to an individual settlement of the obliga-
tion of a licensee by the licensee with a creditor that is not a part of or
in connection with a settlement with other creditors of the licensee.
No disciplinary action shall be commenced against a licensee for dis-
charge of or settling in bankruptcy under federal law, the licensee’s
lawful obligations incurred as a contractor for less than the full amount
of the obligations, so long as the licensee satisfies all of those lawful
obligations, to the extent the obligations are not discharged under fed-
eral law.
Added Stats 1959 ch 1361 § 1. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 7, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1963 ch 991 § 1; Stats 1975 ch 818 § 2; Stats 1980 ch 135 § 1; Stats 2006 ch
123 § 2 (AB 2658), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2009. Ch. 500 (AB 1059).

§ 7114. Aiding, abetting, or conspiring with unlicensed

person to evade law
(a) Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to evade the provisions
of this chapter or combining or conspiring with an unlicensed person,
or allowing one’s license to be used by an unlicensed person, or acting
as agent or partner or associate, or otherwise, of an unlicensed person
with the intent to evade the provisions of this chapter constitutes a
cause for disciplinary action.
384 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(b) A licensee who is found by the registrar to have violated subdi-

vision (a) shall, in accordance with the provisions of this article, be
subject to the registrar’s authority to order payment of a specified
sum to an injured party, including, but not limited to, payment for
any injury resulting from the acts of the unlicensed person.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1975 ch 329 § 2; Stats 2007 ch 299 § 1 (SB
354), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2013 ch 319 § 8 (SB 822), effective January 1,
2014.

§ 7114.1. False certification of qualifications

Any licensee whose signature appears on a falsified certificate in
support of an examinee’s experience qualifications, or otherwise certi-
fying to false or misleading experience claims by an applicant, which
have been submitted to obtain a contractor’s license shall be subject
to disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 26.

§ 7114.2. Administrative remedies authorized for misuse of

contractor license
Any licensed or unlicensed person who commits any act prohibited
by Section 119 is subject to the administrative remedies authorized
by this chapter. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the remedies
authorized under this section shall be separate from, and in addition
to, all other available remedies, whether civil or criminal.
Added Stats 2013 ch 163 § 1 (SB 261), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 7115. Material failure to comply with chapter, rules, or

regulations
Failure in any material respect to comply with the provisions of this
chapter, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter,
or to comply with the provisions of Section 7106 of the Public Con-
tract Code, constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1983 ch 891 § 27; Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 9;
Stats 1990 ch 485 § 1 (SB 2290); Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 34 (AB 2190).

§ 7116. Wilful or fraudulent act injuring another

The doing of any wilful or fraudulent act by the licensee as a con-
tractor in consequence of which another is substantially injured con-
stitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 385

§ 7116.5. Causes for discipline

It is a cause for discipline for a licensee to do any of the following:
(a) Engage in any conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert an
investigation of the board.
(b) Threaten or harass any person or licensee for providing evidence
in any possible or actual disciplinary action, arbitration, or other le-
gal action.
(c) Discharge an employee primarily because of the employee’s at-
tempt to comply with or aid in compliance with the provisions of this
chapter.
Added Stats 2003 ch 607 § 33 (SB 1077).

§ 7117. Acting as contractor under unlicensed name or

personnel
Acting in the capacity of a contractor under any license issued
hereunder except: (a) in the name of the licensee as set forth upon the
license, or (b) in accordance with the personnel of the licensee as set
forth in the application for such license, or as later changed as pro-
vided in this chapter, constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7117.5. Acting as contractor under inactive or suspended

license
(a) Acting in the capacity of a contractor under any license which
has been made inactive, as provided in Section 7076.5, constitutes a
cause for disciplinary action.
(b) Acting in the capacity of a contractor under any license that has
been suspended for any reason constitutes a cause for disciplinary
action.
(c) Acting in the capacity of a contractor under any license that has
expired constitutes a cause for disciplinary action if the license is sub-
ject to renewal pursuant to Section 7141. The actions authorized un-
der this section shall be separate from, and in addition to, all other
remedies either civil or criminal.
Added Stats 1961 ch 2099 § 2. Amended Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 10; Stats 1995 ch 467
§ 15 (SB 1061).

§ 7117.6. Acting as contractor in unauthorized classification

Acting in the capacity of a contractor in a classification other than
that currently held by the licensee constitutes a cause for disciplinary
action.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 28.
386 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7118. Entering into contract with unlicensed contractor

Entering into a contract with a contractor while such contractor is
not licensed as provided in this chapter constitutes a cause for disci-
plinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1975 ch 329 § 3.

§ 7118.4. Asbestos inspections; Disclosure requirements

(a) If a contractor has made an inspection for the purpose of deter-
mining the presence of asbestos or the need for related remedial action
with knowledge that the report has been required by a person as a con-
dition of making a loan of money secured by the property, or is required
by a public entity as a condition of issuing a permit concerning the
property, the contractor shall disclose orally and in writing if it is
owned or has any common ownership, or any financial relationship
whatsoever, including, but not limited to, commissions or referral fees,
with an entity in the business of performing the corrective work.
(b) This section does not prohibit a contractor that has contracted to
perform corrective work after the report of another company has indi-
cated the presence of asbestos or the need for related remedial action
from making its own inspection prior to performing that corrective
work or from making an inspection to determine whether the correc-
tive measures were successful and, if not, thereafter performing addi-
tional corrective work.
(c) A violation of this section is grounds for disciplinary action.
(d) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
of not less than three thousand dollars ($3,000) and not more than
five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail
for not more than one year, or both.
(e) For the purpose of this section, “asbestos” has the meaning set
forth in Section 6501.7 of the Labor Code.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1491 § 1.

§ 7118.5. Sanctions against contractor hiring uncertified

person to perform asbestos-related work
Any contractor, applicant for licensure, or person required to be li-
censed, who, either knowingly or negligently, or by reason of a failure
to inquire, enters into a contract with another person who is required
to be, and is not, certified pursuant to Section 7058.5 to engage in as-
bestos-related work, as defined in Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, is
subject to the following penalties:
(a) Conviction of a first offense is an infraction punishable by a fine
of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more than three
thousand dollars ($3,000), and by possible revocation or suspension of
any contractor’s license.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 387

(b) Conviction of a subsequent offense is a misdemeanor requiring

revocation or suspension of any contractor’s license, and a fine of not
less than three thousand dollars ($3,000) or more than five thousand
dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than
one year, or both the fine and imprisonment.
Added Stats 1988 ch 1003 § 4, operative July 1, 1989. Amended Stats 1991 ch 1160
§ 35 (AB 2190).

§ 7118.6. Sanctions for contracting with uncertified person to

perform removal or remedial action
Any contractor who, either knowingly or negligently, or by reason of
a failure to inquire, enters into a contract with another person who is
required to be, and is not certified pursuant to Section 7058.7 to en-
gage in a removal or remedial action, as defined in Section 7058.7, is
subject to the following penalties:
(a) Conviction of a first offense is an infraction punishable by a fine
of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more than three
thousand dollars ($3,000), and by possible revocation or suspension of
any contractor’s license.
(b) Conviction of a subsequent offense is a misdemeanor requiring
revocation or suspension of any contractor’s license, and a fine of not
less than three thousand dollars ($3,000) or more than five thousand
dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than
one year, or both the fine and imprisonment.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1443 § 3, effective September 30, 1986. Amended Stats 1991 ch
1160 § 36 (AB 2190).

§ 7119. Failure to prosecute work diligently

Wilful failure or refusal without legal excuse on the part of a licen-
see as a contractor to prosecute a construction project or operation
with reasonable diligence causing material injury to another consti-
tutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7120. Failure to pay for materials or services; False denial

of liability
Wilful or deliberate failure by any licensee or agent or officer there-
of to pay any moneys, when due for any materials or services ren-
dered in connection with his operations as a contractor, when he has
the capacity to pay or when he has received sufficient funds therefor
as payment for the particular construction work, project, or operation
for which the services or materials were rendered or purchased con-
stitutes a cause for disciplinary action, as does the false denial of any
388 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

such amount due or the validity of the claim thereof with intent to
secure for himself, his employer, or other person, any discount upon
such indebtedness or with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud the per-
son to whom such indebtedness is due.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1.

§ 7121. Participation in certain acts as disqualification from

employment, election or association by licensee; Disciplinary
action
A person who has been denied a license for a reason other than
failure to document sufficient satisfactory experience for a supple-
mental classification for an existing license, or who has had his or her
license revoked, or whose license is under suspension, or who has
failed to renew his or her license while it was under suspension, or
who has been a partner, officer, director, manager, or associate of any
partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, or associa-
tion whose application for a license has been denied for a reason other
than failure to document sufficient satisfactory experience for a sup-
plemental classification for an existing license, or whose license has
been revoked, or whose license is under suspension, or who has failed
to renew a license while it was under suspension, and while acting as
a partner, officer, director, manager, or associate had knowledge of or
participated in any of the prohibited acts for which the license was
denied, suspended, or revoked, shall be prohibited from serving as an
officer, director, associate, partner, manager, qualifying individual, or
member of the personnel of record of a licensee, and the employment,
election, or association of this type of person by a licensee in any ca-
pacity other than as a nonsupervising bona fide employee shall con-
stitute grounds for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 18. Amended Stats 1983 ch 891 § 29; Stats 2003 ch 363 § 6
(AB 1382); Stats 2004 ch 865 § 15 (SB 1914); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 28 (SB 392), effective
January 1, 2011.

§ 7121.1. Responsibility of disassociated partner, officer,

director, manager, or associate for compliance with citation
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the disassocia-
tion of a partner, officer, director, manager, or associate from the li-
cense of a partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, or
association whose license has been cited pursuant to Section 7099
shall not relieve the partner, officer, director, manager, or associate
from responsibility for complying with the citation if he or she had
knowledge of, or participated in, any of the prohibited acts for which
the citation was issued. Section 7121 shall apply to a partner, officer,
director, manager, or associate of a licensee that fails to comply with
a citation after it is final.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 389

Added Stats 1994 ch 192 § 2 (AB 3475). Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 29 (SB 392),
effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7121.5. Effect of participation by qualifying individual in

acts for which license suspended, revoked, or not renewed
A person who was the qualifying individual on a revoked license, or
of a license under suspension, or of a license that was not renewed
while it was under suspension, shall be prohibited from serving as an
officer, director, associate, partner, manager, or qualifying individual
of a licensee, whether or not the individual had knowledge of or par-
ticipated in the prohibited acts or omissions for which the license was
revoked, or suspended, and the employment, election, or association
of that person by a licensee shall constitute grounds for disciplinary
action.
Added Stats 1983 ch 891 § 30. Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 30 (SB 392), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2011.

§ 7121.6. Restricted activities for specified individuals

(a) An individual who meets all of the following criteria shall not
perform any act regulated under this chapter for or on behalf of a li-
censee, other than as a bona fide nonsupervising employee:
(1) The individual was listed as an officer, director, owner, manag-
er, partner, or associate of a license that was revoked.
(2) The individual had knowledge of or participated in any act or
omission for which the license was revoked.
(3) The individual is not eligible for reinstatement for licensure un-
der Section 7102.
(b) An individual who meets all of the following criteria shall not
perform any act regulated under this chapter for or on behalf of a li-
censee, other than as a bona fide nonsupervising employee:
(1) The individual furnished the qualifications for licensure, as set
forth under Section 7068, and that license was revoked.
(2) The individual served in the capacity of the qualifying individu-
al during the commission or omission of any of the acts that resulted
in the revocation of the license, whether or not he or she had
knowledge of or participated in those acts.
(3) The individual is not eligible for reinstatement for licensure un-
der Section 7102.
(c) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
of not less than four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500), by im-
prisonment in a county jail for not less than 90 days nor more than
one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment. The penalty provided
by this subdivision is cumulative to the penalties available under
other laws of this state.
390 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, an

indictment for any violation of this section shall be found or an infor-
mation or complaint filed within four years from the performance of
any act that is prohibited under this section.
Added Stats 2006 ch 171 § 1 (AB 2897), effective January 1, 2007. Amended Stats 2010
ch 698 § 31 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7121.65. Notification of license revocation required

Prior to becoming employed in any capacity by an entity that is sub-
ject to licensure under this chapter, an individual who is described in
subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7121.6 shall provide the prospective
employer with written notice of the license revocation.
Added Stats 2006 ch 171 § 2 (AB 2897), effective January 1, 2007.

§ 7121.7. Employment of individuals with revoked licenses

(a) A qualifying individual, officer, partner, or other person named
on a license shall not knowingly employ an individual who is de-
scribed in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7121.6, except as a bona
fide nonsupervising employee.
(b) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
of not less than four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500), by im-
prisonment in a county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than
one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, an
indictment for any violation of this section shall be found or an infor-
mation or complaint filed within four years from the performance of
any act that is prohibited under this section.
Added Stats 2006 ch 171 § 3 (AB 2897), effective January 1, 2007.

§ 7121.8. “Bona fide nonsupervising employee”

For purposes of this article, “bona fide nonsupervising employee”
means a person who is exempt from the provisions of this chapter un-
der Section 7053, and who does not otherwise meet the test of an in-
dependent contractor, as set forth under Section 2750.5 of the Labor
Code.
Added Stats 2006 ch 171 § 4 (AB 2897), effective January 1, 2007.

§ 7122. When act or omission of individual or business entity

constitutes cause for disciplinary action against licensee
The performance by an individual, partnership, corporation, limited
liability company, firm, or association of an act or omission constitut-
ing a cause for disciplinary action, likewise constitutes a cause for
disciplinary action against a licensee other than the individual quali-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 391

fying on behalf of the individual or entity, if the licensee was a part-

ner, officer, director, manager, or associate of that individual, part-
nership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, or association at
the time the act or omission occurred, and had knowledge of or partic-
ipated in the prohibited act or omission.
Added Stats 1947 ch 1285. Amended Stats 1959 ch 407 § 5; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 32 (SB
392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7122.1. Responsibility of disassociated qualifying individual

for compliance with citation; Applicability of § 7122.5
Notwithstanding Section 7068.2 or any other provision of this chap-
ter, the disassociation of a qualifying individual from a license after the
act or omission has occurred that resulted in a citation pursuant to
Section 7099 shall not relieve the qualifying individual from responsi-
bility for complying with the citation. Section 7122.5 shall apply to a
qualifying individual of a licensee that fails to comply with a citation
after it is final.
Added Stats 1994 ch 192 § 3 (AB 3475). Amended Stats 2003 ch 363 § 7 (AB 1382);
Stats 2010 ch 698 § 33 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7122.2. Responsibility for compliance with arbitration

award following disassociation
(a) Notwithstanding Section 7068.2 or any other provisions of this
chapter, the disassociation of a qualifying individual from a license
that has been referred to arbitration pursuant to Section 7085 shall
not relieve the qualifying individual from the responsibility of com-
plying with an arbitration award rendered as a result of acts or omis-
sions committed while acting as the qualifying individual for the li-
cense as provided under Sections 7068 and 7068.1.
(b) Section 7122.5 shall apply to a qualifying individual of a licensee
that fails to comply with an arbitration award once it is rendered.
Added Stats 2002 ch 312 § 4 (AB 728). Amended Stats 2005 ch 385 § 1 (AB 316), effec-
tive January 1, 2006; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 34 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7122.5. Immateriality of licensee’s knowledge or

participation
The performance by an individual, partnership, corporation, limited
liability company, firm, or association of an act or omission constitut-
ing a cause for disciplinary action, likewise constitutes a cause for
disciplinary action against a licensee who at the time that the act or
omission occurred was the qualifying individual of that individual,
partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, or associa-
392 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

tion, whether or not he or she had knowledge of or participated in the

prohibited act or omission.
Added Stats 1959 ch 407 § 6. Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 § 35 (SB 392), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2011.

§ 7123. Criminal conviction as cause for discipline

A conviction of a crime substantially related to the qualifications,
functions and duties of a contractor constitutes a cause for discipli-
nary action. The record of the conviction shall be conclusive evidence
thereof.
Added Stats 1955 ch 1532 § 2. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 365.

§ 7123.5. Disciplinary action for violation of overpricing

following emergency or major disaster
If a contractor is convicted of violating Section 396 of the Penal
Code or any substantially similar local ordinance in connection with
the sale, or offer for sale, of repair or reconstruction services, as de-
fined in Section 396 of the Penal Code, the Contractors’ State License
Board shall take disciplinary action against the contractor, which
shall include a suspension of at least six months or the permanent
revocation of the contractor’s license.
Added Stats 1993–94 1st Ex Sess ch 52 § 1 (AB 36 X), effective November 30, 1994.
—See Penal Code Section 396, Unlawful Price Increase Following a Declared State of
Emergency, in Appendix.

§ 7124. What constitutes conviction; When license may be

ordered suspended or revoked, or issuance refused
A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo con-
tendere is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of this article.
The board may order the license suspended or revoked, or may decline
to issue a license, when the time for appeal has elapsed, or the judg-
ment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal or when an order
granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence,
irrespective of a subsequent order under the provisions of Section
1203.4 of the Penal Code allowing such person to withdraw his plea of
guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict of
guilty, or dismissing the accusation, information or indictment.
Added Stats 1955 ch 1532 § 3.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 393

§ 7124.5. [Section repealed 2004.]

Added Stats 1979 ch 188 § 2, effective June 29, 1979. Repealed Stats 2004 ch 865 § 16
(SB 1914). The repealed section related to public disclosure of complaints against licen-
sees.

§ 7124.6. Public access to complaints against licensees;

Disclaimer; Limitations of disclosure
(a) The registrar shall make available to members of the public the
date, nature, and status of all complaints on file against a licensee
that do either of the following:
(1) Have been referred for accusation.
(2) Have been referred for investigation after a determination by
board enforcement staff that a probable violation has occurred, and
have been reviewed by a supervisor, and regard allegations that if
proven would present a risk of harm to the public and would be ap-
propriate for suspension or revocation of the contractor’s license or
criminal prosecution.
(b) The board shall create a disclaimer that shall accompany the
disclosure of a complaint that shall state that the complaint is an al-
legation. The disclaimer may also contain any other information the
board determines would be relevant to a person evaluating the com-
plaint.
(c) A complaint resolved in favor of the contractor shall not be sub-
ject to disclosure.
(d) Except as described in subdivision (e), the registrar shall make
available to members of the public the date, nature, and disposition of
all legal actions.
(e) Disclosure of legal actions shall be limited as follows:
(1) (A) Citations shall be disclosed from the date of issuance and for
five years after the date of compliance if no additional disciplinary
actions have been filed against the licensee during the five-year peri-
od. If additional disciplinary actions were filed against the licensee
during the five-year period, all disciplinary actions shall be disclosed
for as long as the most recent disciplinary action is subject to disclo-
sure under this section. At the end of the specified time period, those
citations shall no longer be disclosed.
(B) Any disclosure pursuant to this paragraph shall also appear on
the license record of any other license identified as a qualifier as de-
fined in Section 7025 who is listed in the members of the personnel of
record as defined in Section 7025 of the license that was issued the
citation.
(C) The disclosure described in subparagraph (B) shall be for the
period of disclosure of the citation.
(2) Accusations that result in suspension, stayed suspension, or
stayed revocation of the contractor’s license shall be disclosed from
394 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

the date the accusation is filed and for seven years after the accusa-
tion has been settled, including the terms and conditions of probation
if no additional disciplinary actions have been filed against the licen-
see during the seven-year period. If additional disciplinary actions
were filed against the licensee during the seven-year period, all disci-
plinary actions shall be posted for as long as the most recent discipli-
nary action is subject to disclosure under this section. At the end of
the specified time period, those accusations shall no longer be dis-
closed.
(3) All revocations that are not stayed shall be disclosed indefinitely
from the effective date of the revocation.
Added Stats 2001 ch 494 § 2 (SB 135), operative July 1, 2002. Amended Stats 2003 ch
607 § 34 (SB 1077); Stats 2016 ch 152 § 1 (SB 1209), effective January 1, 2017.

Article 7.5
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Reports
§ 7125. Reports to registrar; Exemptions
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the board shall require as
a condition precedent to the issuance, reinstatement, reactivation,
renewal, or continued maintenance of a license, that the applicant or
licensee have on file at all times a current and valid Certificate of
Workers' Compensation Insurance or Certification of Self-Insurance
in the applicant's or licensee's business name. A Certificate of Work-
ers' Compensation Insurance shall be issued and filed, electronically
or otherwise, by an insurer duly licensed to write workers' compensa-
tion insurance in this state. A Certification of Self-Insurance shall be
issued and filed by the Director of Industrial Relations. If reciprocity
conditions exist, as provided in Section 3600.5 of the Labor Code, the
registrar shall require the information deemed necessary to ensure
compliance with this section.
(b) This section does not apply to an applicant or licensee who
meets both of the following conditions:
(1) Has no employees provided that he or she files a statement with
the board on a form prescribed by the registrar prior to the issuance,
reinstatement, reactivation, or continued maintenance of a license,
certifying that he or she does not employ any person in any manner
so as to become subject to the workers' compensation laws of Califor-
nia or is not otherwise required to provide for workers' compensation
insurance coverage under California law.
(2) Does not hold a C-39 license, as defined in Section 832.39 of Ti-
tle 16 of the California Code of Regulations.
(c) No Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance, Certifica-
tion of Self-Insurance, or exemption certificate is required of a holder
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 395

of a license that has been inactivated on the official records of the

board during the period the license is inactive.
(d) (1) The insurer, including the State Compensation Insurance
Fund, shall report to the registrar the following information for any
policy required under this section: name, license number, policy num-
ber, dates that coverage is scheduled to commence and lapse, and
cancellation date if applicable.
(2) A workers' compensation insurer shall also report to the regis-
trar a licensee whose workers' compensation insurance policy is can-
celed by the insurer if all of the following conditions are met:
(A) The insurer has completed a premium audit or investigation.
(B) A material misrepresentation has been made by the insured
that results in financial harm to the insurer.
(C) No reimbursement has been paid by the insured to the insurer.
(3) Willful or deliberate disregard and violation of workers' compen-
sation insurance laws constitutes a cause for disciplinary action by
the registrar against the licensee.
(e) (1) For any license that, on January 1, 2013, is active and in-
cludes a C-39 classification in addition to any other classification, the
registrar shall, in lieu of the automatic license suspension otherwise
required under this article, remove the C-39 classification from the
license unless a valid Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance
or Certification of Self-Insurance is received by the registrar.
(2) For any licensee whose license, after January 1, 2013, is active
and has had the C-39 classification removed as provided in paragraph
(1), and who is found by the registrar to have employees and to lack a
valid Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance or Certification
of Self-Insurance, that license shall be automatically suspended as
required under this article.
(f) The information reported pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivi-
sion (d) shall be confidential, and shall be exempt from disclosure un-
der the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with
Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).
Added Stats 1943 ch 132 § 1. Amended Stats 1990 ch 1386 § 3 (AB 2282); Stats 1991 ch
1160 § 38 (AB 2190); Stats 1995 ch 467 § 16 (SB 1061); Stats 1996 ch 331 § 1 (AB
3355); Stats 2002 ch 311 § 4 (AB 264); Stats 2006 ch 38 § 1 (AB 881), effective January
1, 2007, repealed January 1, 2011; Stats 2010 ch 423 § 1 (AB 2305), effective January
1, 2011, repealed January 1, 2013; Stats 2011 ch 686 § 1 (AB 878), effective January 1,
2012, repealed January 1, 2013; Stats 2012 ch 389 § 1 (AB 2219), effective January 1,
2013.

§ 7125.1. Time limit for acceptance of certificate

(a) The registrar shall accept a certificate required by Section 7125
as of the effective date shown on the certificate, if the certificate is
received by the registrar within 90 days after that date, and shall re-
396 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

instate the license to which the certificate pertains, if otherwise eligi-

ble, retroactive to the effective date of the certificate.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the registrar shall accept the
certificate as of the effective date shown on the certificate, even if the
certificate is not received by the registrar within 90 days after that
date, upon a showing by the licensee, on a form acceptable to the reg-
istrar, that the failure to have a certificate on file was due to circum-
stances beyond the control of the licensee. The registrar shall rein-
state the license to which the certificate pertains, if otherwise eligi-
ble, retroactive to the effective date of the certificate.
Added Stats 1995 ch 467 § 18 (SB 1061).

§ 7125.2. Suspension of license for failure to maintain

workers’ compensation insurance
The failure of a licensee to obtain or maintain workers’ compensa-
tion insurance coverage, if required under this chapter, shall result in
the automatic suspension of the license by operation of law in accord-
ance with the provisions of this section, but this suspension shall not
affect, alter, or limit the status of the licensee as an employer for pur-
poses of Section 3716 of the Labor Code.
(a) The license suspension imposed by this section is effective upon
the earlier of either of the following:
(1) On the date that the relevant workers’ compensation insurance
coverage lapses.
(2) On the date that workers’ compensation coverage is required to
be obtained.
(b) A licensee who is subject to suspension under paragraph (1) of
subdivision (a) shall be provided a notice by the registrar that in-
cludes all of the following:
(1) The reason for the license suspension and the effective date.
(2) A statement informing the licensee that a pending suspension will
be posted to the license record for not more than 45 days prior to the
posting of any license suspension periods required under this article.
(3) The procedures required to reinstate the license.
(c) Reinstatement may be made at any time following the suspen-
sion by showing proof of compliance as specified in Sections 7125 and
7125.1.
(d) In addition, with respect to an unlicensed individual acting in
the capacity of a contractor who is not otherwise exempted from the
provisions of this chapter, a citation may be issued by the registrar
under Section 7028.7 for failure to comply with this article and to
maintain workers’ compensation insurance. An opportunity for a
hearing as specified in Section 7028.10 will be granted if requested
within 15 working days after service of the citation.
Added Stats 1995 ch 467 § 20 (SB 1061). Amended Stats 2002 ch 311 § 5 (AB 264).
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 397

§ 7125.3. Periods of licensure

A contractor shall be considered duly licensed during all periods in
which the registrar is required to accept the certificate prescribed by
Section 7125, provided the licensee has otherwise complied with the
provisions of this chapter.
Added Stats 2002 ch 311 § 6 (AB 264).

§ 7125.4. Causes for disciplinary action; Misdemeanor

(a) The filing of the exemption certificate prescribed by this article
that is false, or the employment of a person subject to coverage under
the workers’ compensation laws after the filing of an exemption certif-
icate without first filing a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation In-
surance or Certification of Self-Insurance in accordance with the pro-
visions of this article, or the employment of a person subject to cover-
age under the workers’ compensation laws without maintaining cov-
erage for that person, constitutes cause for disciplinary action.
(b) Any qualifier for a license who, under Section 7068.1, is respon-
sible for assuring that a licensee complies with the provisions of this
chapter is also guilty of a misdemeanor for committing or failing to
prevent the commission of any of the acts that are cause for discipli-
nary action under this section.
Added Stats 2002 ch 311 § 7 (AB 264). Amended Stats 2005 ch 205 § 2 (SB 488), effec-
tive January 1, 2006; Stats 2015 ch 389 § 3 (SB 560), effective January 1, 2016.

§ 7125.5. Renewal of license; Exemption for workers’

compensation insurance; Recertification; Retroactive renewal
(a) At the time of renewal, all active licensees with an exemption
for workers’ compensation insurance on file with the board, submitted
pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7125, shall either recertify the
licensee’s exemption by completing a recertification statement on the
license renewal form, as provided by the board, or shall provide a cur-
rent and valid Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or
Certificate of Self-Insurance, whichever is applicable.
(b) The license shall not be renewed unless a licensee with an ex-
emption for workers’ compensation insurance on file with the board
recertifies the exemption status or provides a current and valid Cer-
tificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or Certificate of Self-
Insurance in conjunction with the license renewal.
(c) If the documentation required by subdivision (a) is not provided
with the license renewal but is received within 30 days after notifica-
tion by the board of the renewal rejection, the registrar shall grant a
retroactive renewal pursuant to Section 7141.5 back to the date of the
postmark of the otherwise acceptable renewal. A renewal that is still
incomplete for any reason after 30 days after notification of rejection
shall not be eligible for retroactive renewal under this subdivision.
398 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 2011 ch 546 § 1 (AB 397), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 7126. Violation of article; Misdemeanor

Any licensee or agent or officer thereof, who violates, or omits to
comply with, any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misde-
meanor.
Added Stats 1943 ch 132 § 1.
—See Labor Code Section 3899, Building Permits; Requirement for Verification of
Workers Compensation in Appendix.
—See also Health and Safety Code Section 19825, Declaration of Worker’s Compensa-
tion Required on Building Permits, in Appendix

§ 7127. Stop order; Failure to observe; Protest

(a)(1) If an employer subject to licensure under this chapter has
failed to secure the payment of compensation as required by Section
3700 of the Labor Code, and whether that employer is or is not li-
censed under this chapter, the registrar may, in addition to any other
administrative remedy, issue and serve on that employer a stop order
prohibiting the use of employee labor. The stop order shall become
effective immediately upon service. An employee affected by the work
stoppage shall be paid by the employer for his or her time lost, not
exceeding 10 days, pending compliance by the employer.
(2) Failure of any employer, officer, or any person having direction,
management, or control of any place of employment or of employees
to observe a stop order issued and served upon him or her pursuant to
this section is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the
county jail not exceeding 60 days or by a fine not exceeding ten thou-
sand dollars ($10,000), or both.
(b) An employer who is subject to this section may protest the stop
order by making and filing with the registrar a written request for a
hearing within 20 days after service of the stop order. The hearing
shall be held within five days from the date of filing the request. The
registrar shall notify the employer of the time and place of the hear-
ing by mail. At the conclusion of the hearing, the stop order shall be
immediately affirmed or dismissed, and within 24 hours thereafter
the registrar shall issue and serve on all parties to the hearing by
registered or certified mail a written notice of findings and findings. A
writ of mandate may be taken from the findings to the appropriate
superior court. Such writ must be taken within 45 days after the
mailing of the notice of findings and findings.
Added Stats 2010 ch 643 § 1 (SB 1254), effective January 1, 2011.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 399

Article 8
Revenue
§ 7135. Disposition of fees and penalties; Appropriation
(a) The fees and civil penalties received under this chapter shall be
deposited in the Contractors’ License Fund. All moneys in the fund
are hereby appropriated for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the board shall use mon-
eys appropriated from the fund to improve its administrative and in-
vestigative oversight activities and capacity.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 28; Stats 1986 ch 137 § 1.

§ 7135.1. Funds to enforce unlicensed activity provisions

It is the intent of the Legislature that, each fiscal year the board
shall designate, if appropriated in the Budget Act and to the extent
that it does not conflict with the control language of the Budget Act,
no less than 20 percent of the annual amount collected as a result of
the fees increased by statutes enacted during the 1993 portion of the
1993–94 Regular Session to be used to enforce the provision of this
chapter relative to unlicensed activity.
Added Stats 1993 ch 1188 § 1 (SB 148).

§ 7136. Percentage to be transferred to Consumer Affairs

Fund
The director shall designate a sum not to exceed 10 percent of the
total income of the Contractors’ State License Board for each fiscal
year to be transferred to the Consumer Affairs Fund as the board’s
share of the cost of administration of the department.
Added Stats 1939 ch 37 § 1. Amended Stats 1971 ch 716 § 105; Stats 1984 ch 193 § 2.

§ 7137. Fee schedule (First of two; Inoperative July 1, 2017;

Repealed January 1, 2018)
The board shall set fees by regulation. These fees shall not exceed
the following schedule:
(a) The application fee for an original license in a single classifica-
tion shall not be more than three hundred dollars ($300).
The application fee for each additional classification applied for in
connection with an original license shall not be more than seventy-
five dollars ($75).
The application fee for each additional classification pursuant to
Section 7059 shall not be more than seventy-five dollars ($75).
400 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

The application fee to replace a responsible managing officer, re-

sponsible managing manager, responsible managing member, or re-
sponsible managing employee pursuant to Section 7068.2 shall not be
more than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(b) The fee for rescheduling an examination for an applicant who
has applied for an original license, additional classification, a change
of responsible managing officer, responsible managing manager, re-
sponsible managing member, or responsible managing employee, or
for an asbestos certification or hazardous substance removal certifica-
tion, shall not be more than sixty dollars ($60).
(c) The fee for scheduling or rescheduling an examination for a li-
censee who is required to take the examination as a condition of pro-
bation shall not be more than sixty dollars ($60).
(d) The initial license fee for an active or inactive license shall not
be more than one hundred eighty dollars ($180).
(e) The renewal fee for an active license shall not be more than
three hundred sixty dollars ($360).
The renewal fee for an inactive license shall not be more than one
hundred eighty dollars ($180).
(f) The delinquency fee is an amount equal to 50 percent of the re-
newal fee, if the license is renewed after its expiration.
(g) The registration fee for a home improvement salesperson shall
not be more than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(h) The renewal fee for a home improvement salesperson registra-
tion shall not be more than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(i) The application fee for an asbestos certification examination
shall not be more than seventy-five dollars ($75).
(j) The application fee for a hazardous substance removal or reme-
dial action certification examination shall not be more than seventy-
five dollars ($75).
(k) In addition to any other fees charged to C-10 and C-7 contrac-
tors, the board may charge a fee not to exceed twenty dollars ($20),
which shall be used by the board to enforce provisions of the Labor
Code related to electrician certification.
(l ) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and as of
January 1, 2018, is repealed.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 19.5. Amended Stats 1949 ch 750 § 1; Stats 1958 ch 2 § 1;
Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 8, operative October 1, 1962, ch 2099 § 3, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1966 ch 4 § 5; Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 4.5; Stats 1974 ch 423 § 1; Stats 1978 ch
1161 § 366; Stats 1982 ch 1615 § 1, effective September 30, 1982; Stats 1984 ch 329 § 1;
Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 5.5, effective October 2, 1985; Stats 1986 ch 951 § 4, ch 1443 § 4,
effective September 30, 1986; Stats 1987 ch 875 § 2; Stats 1993 ch 1188 § 2 (SB 148);
Stats 1999 ch 982 § 3.7 (AB 1678); Stats 2002 ch 744 § 8 (SB 1953); Stats 2004 ch 865
§ 17 (SB 1914); Stats 2008 ch 716 § 1 (SB 1362), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2010
ch 698 § 36 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2016 ch 799 § 36 (SB 1039), effec-
tive January 1, 2017, inoperative July 1, 2017, repealed January 1, 2018.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 401

§ 7137. Fee schedule (Second of two; Operative July 1, 2017)

The board may set fees by regulation. These fees shall be set ac-
cording to the following schedule:
(a) (1) The application fee for an original license in a single classifi-
cation shall be three hundred thirty dollars ($330) and may be in-
creased to not more than three hundred seventy-five dollars ($375).
(2) The application fee for each additional classification applied for
in connection with an original license shall not be more than eighty-
five dollars ($85).
(3) The application fee for each additional classification pursuant to
Section 7059 shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150) and may be in-
creased to not more than one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175).
(4) The application fee to replace a responsible managing officer, re-
sponsible managing manager, responsible managing member, or re-
sponsible managing employee pursuant to Section 7068.2 shall be one
hundred fifty dollars ($150) and may be increased to not more than
one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175).
(5) The application fee to add personnel, other than a qualifying in-
dividual, to an existing license shall be one hundred dollars ($100)
and may be increased to not more than one hundred fifteen dollars
($115).
(b) The fee for rescheduling an examination for an applicant who
has applied for an original license, additional classification, a change
of responsible managing officer, responsible managing manager, re-
sponsible managing member, or responsible managing employee, or
for an asbestos certification or hazardous substance removal certifica-
tion, shall not be more than seventy dollars ($70).
(c) The fee for scheduling or rescheduling an examination for a li-
censee who is required to take the examination as a condition of pro-
bation shall not be more than seventy dollars ($70).
(d) The initial license fee for an active or inactive license shall be
two hundred dollars ($200) and may be increased to not more than
two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225).
(e) (1) The renewal fee for an active license shall be four hundred
dollars ($400) and may be increased to not more than four hundred
fifty dollars ($450).
(2) The renewal fee for an inactive license shall be two hundred dol-
lars ($200) and may be increased to not more than two hundred twen-
ty-five dollars ($225).
(f) The delinquency fee is an amount equal to 50 percent of the re-
newal fee, if the license is renewed after its expiration.
(g) The registration fee for a home improvement salesperson shall
be eighty-three dollars ($83) and may be increased to not more than
ninety-five dollars ($95).
402 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(h) The renewal fee for a home improvement salesperson registra-

tion shall be eighty-three dollars ($83) and may be increased to not
more than ninety-five dollars ($95).
(i) The application fee for an asbestos certification examination
shall be eighty-three dollars ($83) and may be increased to not more
than ninety-five dollars ($95).
(j) The application fee for a hazardous substance removal or reme-
dial action certification examination shall be eighty-three dollars
($83) and may be increased to not more than ninety-five dollars ($95).
(k) In addition to any other fees charged to C-10 and C-7 contrac-
tors, the board may charge a fee not to exceed twenty dollars ($20),
which shall be used by the board to enforce provisions of the Labor
Code related to electrician certification.
(l ) The board shall, by regulation, establish criteria for the approval
of expedited processing of applications. Approved expedited pro-
cessing of applications for licensure or registration, as required by
other provisions of law, shall not be subject to this subdivision.
(m) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2017.
Added Stats 2016 ch 799 § 37 (SB 1039), effective January 1, 2017, operative July 1,
2017.

§ 7137.5. Transfer of funds for use of Uniform Construction

Cost Accounting Commission; Recommendation;
Reimbursement
The sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall be transferred from
the Contractors’ License Fund to the Controller for the exclusive use
of the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission.
The commission shall prepare a recommendation to the Legislature
for a local public agency source to fund the commission beginning Ju-
ly 1, 1991, which will provide revenue supported by the contract ac-
tivities represented by the commission’s authority.
Upon adoption of this funding program, the commission shall reim-
burse the Contractors’ License Fund in the amount of ten thousand
dollars ($10,000).
Added Stats 1990 ch 1326 § 8 (AB 3480), effective September 25, 1990.

§ 7138. Earned fee; Nonrefundability when application is

filed
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a fee paid in connec-
tion with a service or application covered by Section 7137 shall accrue
to the Contractors’ License Fund as an earned fee and shall not be
refunded.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 403

Added Stats 1963 ch 160 § 3. Amended Stats 1966 ch 4 § 6; Stats 1974 ch 423 § 2; Stats
1982 ch 1615 § 3, effective September 30, 1982; Stats 2003 ch 607 § 35 (SB 1077); Stats
2010 ch 698 § 37 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.
—See Unemployment Insurance Code Section 10501, Job Training Program: Waiver of
Fees, in Appendix.

§ 7138.1. Reserve fund level

Notwithstanding Section 7137, the board shall fix fees to be collect-
ed pursuant to that section in order to generate revenues sufficient to
maintain the board’s reserve fund at a level not to exceed approxi-
mately six months of annual authorized board expenditures.
Added Stats 1996 ch 528 § 1 (SB 1597). Amended Stats 2002 ch 744 § 9 (SB 1953).

Article 8.5
The Construction Management Education Sponsorship Act of 1991
§ 7139. Title of article
This article shall be known as the Construction Management Edu-
cation Sponsorship Act of 1991.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

§ 7139.1. Legislative findings and declarations

The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:
(a) There is a demand and increasing need for construction man-
agement education programs and resources within the postsecondary
education system that prepare graduates for the management of con-
struction operations and companies regulated by the Contractors’
State License Law and enforced by the Contractors’ State License
Board.
(b) Although construction management programs do exist within
the state university system, these programs are woefully underfund-
ed and insufficiently funded to provide training on state-of-the-art
management information systems for either graduates or extension
programs for continuing education of licensed contractors. Construc-
tion industry associations have provided some assistance through di-
rect grants and scholarships, but the industrywide service of these
programs and the need for additional assistance mandates broad
based industrywide support.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that by enabling contractors to
designate a portion of their licensure fee and providing a format for
contractors to contribute funds to construction management educa-
tion, this article will receive broad based industry support. In addi-
tion, this article allows the contractor to demonstrate the importance
of construction management education. This assistance will enable
404 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

greater development of construction management curricula and will

improve the overall quality of construction by providing construction
management training to California licensed contractors and their
current and future management personnel.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

§ 7139.2. Creation of account

(a) There is hereby created the Construction Management Educa-
tion Account (CMEA) as a separate account in the Contractors’ Li-
cense Fund for the purposes of construction management education.
Funds in the account shall be available for the purposes of this article
upon appropriation by the Legislature.
(b) The Contractors’ State License Board shall allow a contractor to
make a contribution to the Construction Management Education Ac-
count at the time of the contractor license fee payment. The license
fee form shall clearly display this alternative on its face and shall
clearly inform the licensee that this provision is a contribution to the
Construction Management Education Account and is in addition to
the fees.
(c) The board may accept grants from federal, state, or local public
agencies, or from private foundations or individuals, in order to assist
it in carrying out its duties, functions, and powers under this article.
Grant moneys shall be deposited into the Construction Management
Education Account.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158). Amended Stats 2003 ch 807 § 15 (SB 1080).

§ 7139.3. Grant awards

(a) The board may award grants to qualified public postsecondary
educational institutions for the support of courses of study in con-
struction management.
(b) Any organization of contractors, or organization of contractor or-
ganizations, incorporated under Division 2 (commencing with Section
5000) of the Corporations Code may request the board to award
grants pursuant to subdivision (a) directly to qualified public postsec-
ondary educational institutions of its choice. However, the total
amount of money that may be awarded to one public postsecondary
educational institution pursuant to subdivision (a) may not exceed an
amount equal to 25 percent of the total funds available under this
article.
(c) The board shall establish an advisory committee to recommend
grant awards. The advisory committee shall be known as the Construc-
tion Management Education Account Advisory Committee and shall
consist of 11 members, with at least one representative from each of
the following: Associated General Contractors of California, Associated
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 405

Builders and Contractors, California Building Industry Association,

National Electrical Contractors Association, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling
Contractor’s Association, Southern California Contractor’s Associa-
tion,Associated General Contractors of San Diego, Engineering and
Utility Contractors Association, Engineering Contractors Association,
California Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor’s Association,
and one member representing the California State University and
University of California construction management programs accredited
by the American Council for Construction Education. Advisory commit-
tee member terms shall be for three years and the representatives
shall be appointed by each identified group. Members of the advisory
committee shall not receive per diem or reimbursement for traveling
and other expenses pursuant to Section 103.
(d) The mission of the Construction Management Education Account
Advisory Committee is to maintain, and increase the quality and avail-
ability of, education programs for the construction industry. The pri-
mary focus is to provide financial resources not now available to ac-
credited construction management programs in California colleges and
universities to maintain and upgrade facilities and provide greater ac-
cess by the industry to modern construction standards and manage-
ment practices. The advisory committee shall do all of the following:
(1) Confirm the qualifications of programs applying for grants.
(2) Award less than full grants when the account has insufficient
funds to award full grants to all qualifying programs.
(3) Receive and review year-end reports of use and impact of funds.
(4) Affirm applications for American Council for Construction Edu-
cation accreditation and, when funds are available, award grants to
complete the accreditation process.
(5) Promote close ties between feeder junior colleges and four-year
construction management programs.
(6) Support development of new educational programs with specific
emphasis on outreach to the construction industry at large.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158). Amended Stats 1994 ch 647 § 1 (AB 2934).

§ 7139.4. Postsecondary programs; Qualifications

Qualified public postsecondary educational institutions shall pro-
vide postsecondary construction management programs at the bacca-
laureate or higher level that either award or provide one of the follow-
ing:
(a) A bachelor of science construction management degree accredit-
ed by the American Council for Construction Education.
(b) A degree with an American Council for Construction Education
accredited option, including, but not limited to, engineering technolo-
gy and industrial technology.
406 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(c) A bachelor of science or higher degree program documenting

placement of more than 50 percent of their graduates with California
licensed contractors. The placement of a person who holds a master or
doctorate degree in the faculty of a construction program shall be
counted as though placed with a California licensed contractor.
(d) The development of a construction management curriculum to
meet the American Council for Construction Education criteria.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

§ 7139.5. Amounts of grants

Grants shall be made pursuant to this article to public postsecond-
ary educational institutions that meet the qualifications specified in
Section 7139.4 in the following amounts:
(a) Three thousand dollars ($3,000) per graduate during the past
academic year for institutions qualifying under subdivision (a) of Sec-
tion 7139.4.
(b) Three thousand dollars ($3,000) per graduate during the past
academic year for institutions qualifying under subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 7139.4.
(c) Three thousand dollars ($3,000) per graduate placed with Cali-
fornia licensed contractors during the past academic year for institu-
tions qualifying under subdivision (c) of Section 7139.4. These funds
shall be used for the purpose of becoming accredited by the American
Council for Construction Education and shall be available for up to
three years. The board may continue to provide this grant to an insti-
tution that in its judgment is meeting the intent of this act and is
continuing its development towards accreditation.
(d) Institutions qualifying under subdivision (d) of Section 7139.4
may receive a grant in an amount up to twenty-five thousand dollars
($25,000) per year for up to two years. Thereafter, these institutions
may receive grants based upon the criteria described in subdivisions
(a) to (c), inclusive. The board may continue to award a grant to an
institution that in its judgment is meeting the intent of this article
and is continuing its development towards accreditation.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

§ 7139.6. Purposes for which grants may be used

(a) The grants issued pursuant to Sections 7139.3 and 7139.5 may
be used for all of the following:
(1) Instructional materials and support, equipment, curriculum de-
velopment, and delivery.
(2) Support and development of outreach, continuing education, and
cooperative education or internship programs.
(3) Administrative and clerical support positions.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 407

(4) Faculty recruitment and development, to include support for

postgraduate work leading to advanced degrees, visiting lecturer
compensation and expenses, teaching assistant positions, and faculty
positions.
(b) Grant moneys may also be used to support general classroom
and laboratory operating expenses and related administrative sup-
plies, including, but not limited to, reference materials, testing
equipment, and equipment maintenance. The list of support items in
this subdivision and subdivision (a) are intended to be descriptive
rather than limiting. “Support” does not include faculty salary sup-
plements.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

§ 7139.7. [Section repealed 2013.]

Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158). Repealed Stats 2012 ch 728 § 14 (SB 71), ef-
fective January 1, 2013. The repealed section related to an annual report on the condi-
tion of the grant program.

§ 7139.8. Report by president of institution receiving grant

The president of each public postsecondary educational institution
receiving a grant under this article shall submit, with its respective
request for a grant each year following the initial year for which
grants are issued, a report to the board delineating the amount of the
past grant awarded from the Construction Management Education
Account to that institution and the utilization of those funds. The re-
port shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) The number of graduates placed with the California licensed
contractors during the previous academic year.
(b) The expected enrollment in construction management courses in
the upcoming academic year.
(c) Continuing education and extension courses offered during the
previous academic year and their enrollments.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

§ 7139.9. Allocation for administration

The board may allocate up to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) per
year from the Construction Management Education Account for the
administration of this article.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

§ 7139.10. Intent of Legislature

It is the intent of the Legislature that state funding for the grants
authorized to be awarded under this section be provided only from
408 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

the Contractors’ License Fund to the extent that funds are available
in that fund and that no other state funding be provided for those
grants.
Added Stats 1991 ch 1158 § 1 (AB 2158).

Article 9
Renewal of Licenses
§ 7140. Expiration of licenses; Renewal of unexpired licenses
All licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire
two years from the last day of the month in which the license is is-
sued, or two years from the date on which the renewed license last
expired.
To renew a license which has not expired, the licensee shall, before
the time at which the license would otherwise expire, apply for re-
newal on a form prescribed by the registrar and pay the renewal fee
prescribed by this chapter. Renewal of an unexpired license shall con-
tinue the license in effect for the two-year period following the expira-
tion date of the license, when it shall expire if it is not again renewed.
Added stats 1941 ch 971 § 20; Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 9, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 367; Stats 1981 ch 583 § 1; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 39 (AB
2190).

§ 7141. Time for renewal; Effect; Failure to renew

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a license that has
expired may be renewed at any time within five years after its expira-
tion by filing an application for renewal on a form prescribed by the
registrar and payment of the appropriate renewal fee. Renewal under
this section shall be effective on the date an acceptable renewal appli-
cation is filed with the board. The licensee shall be considered unli-
censed and there will be a break in the licensing time between the
expiration date and the date the renewal becomes effective. Except as
provided in subdivision (b), if the license is renewed after the expira-
tion date, the licensee shall also pay the delinquency fee prescribed by
this chapter.
(b) An incomplete renewal application that had originally been
submitted on or before the license expiration date shall be returned to
the licensee by the registrar with an explanation of the reasons for its
rejection. If a corrected and acceptable renewal application is not re-
turned within 30 days after the license expiration date, the delin-
quency fee shall apply. The 30 day grace period shall apply only to
the delinquency fee. The license shall reflect an expired status for any
period between the expiration date and the date of submission of a
correct and acceptable renewal application.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 409

(c) If so renewed, the license shall continue in effect through the

date provided in Section 7140 that next occurs after the effective date
of the renewal, when it shall expire if it is not again renewed.
(d) If a license is not renewed within five years, the licensee shall
make an application for a license pursuant to Section 7066.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 20. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 10, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1970 ch 856 § 1; Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 4.7; Stats 1983 ch 891 § 31; Stats
1999 ch 982 § 3.9 (AB 1678); Stats 2002 ch 1013 § 62 (SB 2026); Stats 2003 ch 607 § 36
(SB 1077); Stats 2013 ch 319 § 9 (SB 822), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 7141.5. Retroactive issuance of license after failure to

renew
The registrar may grant the retroactive renewal of a license if the
licensee requests the retroactive renewal in a petition to the regis-
trar, files an application for renewal on a form prescribed by the reg-
istrar, and pays the appropriate renewal fee and delinquency fee pre-
scribed by this chapter. This section shall only apply for a period not
to exceed 90 days from the due date and only upon a showing by the
contractor that the failure to renew was due to circumstances beyond
the control of the licensee.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 5. Amended Stats 1975 ch 329 § 4; Stats 1983 ch 891 § 32;
Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 11.

§ 7143. Renewal of suspended license

A license that is suspended for any reason which constitutes a basis
for suspension under this chapter, is subject to expiration and shall
be renewed as provided in this chapter, but this renewal does not en-
title the licensee, while the license remains suspended, and until it is
reinstated, to engage in any activity to which the license relates, or in
any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by
which the license was suspended.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 20. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 12, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 7; Stats 1987 ch 930 § 8, effective September 22, 1987; Stats
2003 ch 363 § 8 (AB 1382).

§ 7143.5. Application for new license by person prohibited

from renewing
A person who, by reason of the provisions of Section 7141, is not enti-
tled to renew his license, may apply for and obtain a new license only if
he pays all of the fees and meets all of the qualifications and require-
ments set forth in this chapter for obtaining an original license.
Added Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 13, operative October 1, 1962. Amended Stats 1972 ch 1138
§ 8.
410 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7144. Reinstatement of revoked license

A revoked license shall be considered as having expired as of the
date of revocation and shall not be renewed. To reinstate a revoked
license a licensee may apply for reinstatement of the license only if he
pays all of the fees and meets all of the qualifications and require-
ments set forth in this chapter for obtaining an original license.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 20. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1636 § 14, operative October 1,
1962; Stats 1974 ch 433 § 3.

§ 7145. Incompleteness of application as grounds for refusal

to renew license; Abandonment of application; Petition
The registrar may refuse to renew a license for the failure or re-
fusal by the licensee to complete the renewal application prescribed
by the registrar. If a licensee fails to return an application for renew-
al which was rejected for insufficiency or incompleteness within 90
days from the original date of rejection, the application and fee shall
be deemed abandoned. Any application abandoned may not be rein-
stated. However, the applicant may file another application accompa-
nied by the required fee.
The registrar may review and accept the petition of a licensee who
disputes the invalidation of his or her application for renewal upon a
showing of good cause. This petition shall be received within 90 days
from the date the renewal application is deemed abandoned.
Added Stats 1941 ch 971 § 20. Amended Stats 1970 ch 524 § 2; Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 12.

§ 7145.5. Failure to resolve outstanding liabilities as grounds

for refusal to renew license
(a) The registrar may refuse to issue, reinstate, reactivate, or renew
a license or may suspend a license for the failure of a licensee to re-
solve all outstanding final liabilities, which include taxes, additions to
tax, penalties, interest, and any fees that may be assessed by the
board, the Department of Industrial Relations, the Employment De-
velopment Department, the Franchise Tax Board, or the State Board
of Equalization.
(1) Until the debts covered by this section are satisfied, the qualify-
ing person and any other personnel of record named on a license that
has been suspended under this section shall be prohibited from serv-
ing in any capacity that is subject to licensure under this chapter, but
shall be permitted to act in the capacity of a nonsupervising bona fide
employee.
(2) The license of any other renewable licensed entity with any of
the same personnel of record that have been assessed an outstanding
liability covered by this section shall be suspended until the debt has
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 411

been satisfied or until the same personnel of record disassociate

themselves from the renewable licensed entity.
(b) The refusal to issue a license or the suspension of a license as
provided by this section shall be applicable only if the registrar has
mailed a notice preliminary to the refusal or suspension that indi-
cates that the license will be refused or suspended by a date certain.
This preliminary notice shall be mailed to the licensee at least 60
days before the date certain.
(c) In the case of outstanding final liabilities assessed by the Fran-
chise Tax Board, this section shall be operative within 60 days after
the Contractors’ State License Board has provided the Franchise Tax
Board with the information required under Section 30, relating to
licensing information that includes the federal employee identifica-
tion number or social security number.
(d) All versions of the application for contractors’ licenses shall in-
clude, as part of the application, an authorization by the applicant, in
the form and manner mutually agreeable to the Franchise Tax Board
and the board, for the Franchise Tax Board to disclose the tax infor-
mation that is required for the registrar to administer this section.
The Franchise Tax Board may from time to time audit these authori-
zations.
(e) In the case of outstanding final liabilities assessed by the State
Board of Equalization, this section shall not apply to any outstanding
final liability if the licensee has entered into an installment payment
agreement for that liability with the State Board of Equalization and
is in compliance with the terms of that agreement.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1386 § 6 (AB 2282). Amended Stats 2006 ch 122 § 1 (AB 2456),
effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2007 ch 130 § 29 (AB 299), effective January 1, 2008;
Stats 2011 ch 734 § 1 (AB 1307), effective January 1, 2012.

Article 10
Home Improvement Business
§ 7150. “Person”
“Person” as used in this article is limited to natural persons, not-
withstanding the definition of person in Section 7025.
Added Stats 1961 ch 1021 § 1. Amended Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 9.

§ 7150.1. “Home improvement contractor”

A home improvement contractor, including a swimming pool con-
tractor, is a contractor as defined and licensed under this chapter who
is engaged in the business of home improvement either full time or
part time. A home improvement contractor shall satisfy all require-
ments imposed by this article.
412 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 1 as § 7026.2. Amended and renumbered Stats 1972 ch
1138 § 1.1. Amended Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 40 (AB 2190). Amended Stats 1997 ch 888
§ 1 (AB 1213).

§ 7150.2. [Section repealed 2004.]

Added Stats 1997 ch 888 § 2 (AB 1213). Repealed, operative January 1, 2004, by its
own terms. The repealed section related to certification for home improvement contrac-
tors.

§ 7150.3. [Section repealed 2004.]

Added Stats 1997 ch 888 § 3 (AB 1213). Repealed, operative January 1, 2004, by its
own terms. The repealed section related to qualification for home improvement con-
tractor.

§ 7151. “Home improvement”; “Home improvement goods or

services”
“Home improvement” means the repairing, remodeling, altering,
converting, or modernizing of, or adding to, residential property and
shall include, but not be limited to, the construction, erection, re-
placement, or improvement of driveways, swimming pools, including
spas and hot tubs, terraces, patios, awnings, storm windows, land-
scaping, fences, porches, garages, fallout shelters, basements, and
other improvements of the structures or land which is adjacent to a
dwelling house. “Home improvement” shall also mean the installation
of home improvement goods or the furnishing of home improvement
services.
For purposes of this chapter, “home improvement goods or services”
means goods and services, as defined in Section 1689.5 of the Civil
Code, which are bought in connection with the improvement of real
property. Such home improvement goods and services include, but are
not limited to, carpeting, texture coating, fencing, air conditioning or
heating equipment, and termite extermination. Home improvement
goods include goods which are to be so affixed to real property as to
become a part of real property whether or not severable therefrom.
Added Stats 1961 ch 1021 § 1. Amended Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 10; Stats 1979 ch 1012
§ 2; Stats 1980 ch 138 § 3, effective May 30, 1980; Stats 1981 ch 916 § 2; Stats 1982 ch
1210 § 2; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 41 (AB 2190).

§ 7151.2. “Home improvement contract”

“Home improvement contract” means an agreement, whether oral
or written, or contained in one or more documents, between a contrac-
tor and an owner or between a contractor and a tenant, regardless of
the number of residence or dwelling units contained in the building in
which the tenant resides, if the work is to be performed in, to, or upon
the residence or dwelling unit of the tenant, for the performance of a
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 413

home improvement as defined in Section 7151, and includes all labor,

services, and materials to be furnished and performed thereunder.
“Home improvement contract” also means an agreement, whether
oral or written, or contained in one or more documents, between a
salesperson, whether or not he or she is a home improvement sales-
person, and (a) an owner or (b) a tenant, regardless of the number of
residence or dwelling units contained in the building in which the
tenant resides, which provides for the sale, installation, or furnishing
of home improvement goods or services.
Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 11. Amended Stats 1979 ch 1012 § 3; Stats 1991 ch 1160
§ 42 (AB 2190).

—See Civil Code Sections 1689.5, Home Solicitation Contract;1689.6, Cancellation of

Home Solicitation Contract;1689.7, Form of Notice of Cancellation; 1689.8 Contract
which provides for Lien; 1689.9, Exemptions: 1689.10, After Cancellation, Seller to Re-
turn Downpayment; 1689.11, Buyer to Return Goods; 1689.12, Invalidity of Waiver of
Statute; 1689.13, Notice Not Required for Emergency Situations; 1689.14, Void Con-
tracts, in Appendix.

§ 7152. “Home improvement salesperson”

(a) “Home improvement salesperson” is a person who is registered
under this chapter and engaged in the business of soliciting, selling,
negotiating, or executing contracts for home improvements, for the
sale, installation or furnishing of home improvement goods or ser-
vices, or of swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs on behalf of a home im-
provement contractor licensed under this chapter.
(b) A home improvement salesperson shall register with the board
in order to engage in the business of, or act in the capacity of, a home
improvement salesperson.
(c) The following shall not be required to be registered as home im-
provement salespersons:
(1) An officer of record of a corporation licensed pursuant to this
chapter, or a manager , member, or officer of record of a limited liabil-
ity company licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(2) A general partner listed on the license record of a partnership li-
censed pursuant to this chapter.
(3) A qualifying person, as defined in Section 7025.
(4) A salesperson whose sales are all made pursuant to negotiations
between the parties if the negotiations are initiated by the prospec-
tive buyer at or with a general merchandise retail establishment that
operates from a fixed location where goods or services are offered for
sale.
(5) A person who contacts the prospective buyer for the exclusive
purpose of scheduling appointments for a registered home improve-
ment salesperson.
414 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(6) A bona fide service repairperson who is in the employ of a li-

censed contractor and whose repair or service call is limited to the
service, repair, or emergency repair initially requested by the buyer of
the service.
(d) The exemption to registration provided under paragraphs (1),
(2), and (3) of subdivision (c) shall apply only to those individuals
who, at the time of the sales transaction, are listed as personnel of
record for the licensee responsible for soliciting, negotiating, or con-
tracting for a service or improvement that is subject to regulation un-
der this article.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 11. Amended Stats 1973 ch 115 § 1, effective June 26,
1973; Stats 1979 ch 1012 § 4; Stats 1980 ch 138 § 4, effective May 30, 1980; Stats 1982
ch 585 § 1; Stats 1985 ch 1281 § 4; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 43 (AB 2190); Stats 2006 ch
106 § 4 (AB 2457), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2010 ch 698 § 38 (SB 392), effective
January 1, 2011; Stats 2015 ch 281 § 2 (SB 561), effective January 1, 2016.
—See Civil Code Sections 1804.3, Security Interest in Goods Paid For Not Sold; Securi-
ty Interest unreal Property for Sale of Unattached Goods; 1805.6, Undelivered Goods;
1810.10, Finance Charge, in Appendix.

§ 7153. Selling without registration

(a) It is a misdemeanor for any person to engage in the occupation
of salesperson for one or more home improvement contractors within
this state without having, at the time of the sales transaction, a cur-
rent and valid home improvement salesperson registration issued by
the registrar. If, upon investigation, the registrar has probable cause
to believe that a salesperson is in violation of this section, the regis-
trar may issue a citation pursuant to Section 7028.7.
It is a misdemeanor for any person to engage in the occupation of
salesperson of home improvement goods or services within this state
without having, at the time of the sales transaction, a current and
valid home improvement salesperson registration issued by the regis-
trar.
(b) Any security interest taken by a contractor, to secure any pay-
ment for the performance of any act or conduct described in Section
7151 that occurs on or after January 1, 1995, is unenforceable if the
person soliciting the act or contract was not a duly registered sales-
person or was not exempt from registration pursuant to Section 7152
at the time the homeowner signs the home improvement contract so-
licited by the salesperson.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 13. Amended Stats 1979 ch 1012 § 5; Stats 1994 ch 888 § 1
(AB 3269); Stats 2001 ch 728 § 63 (SB 724); Stats 2015 ch 281 § 3 (SB 561), effective
January 1, 2016.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 415

§ 7153.1. Salesperson’s application for registration; Grounds

for denial; Fingerprints of applicants; Criminal history and
subsequent arrest information
(a) The home improvement salesperson shall submit to the regis-
trar an application in writing containing the statement that he or she
desires the issuance of a registration under the terms of this article.
The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the registrar
and shall be accompanied by the fee fixed by this chapter.
(b) The registrar may refuse to register the applicant under the
grounds specified in Section 480.
(c) As part of an application for a home improvement salesperson,
the board shall require an applicant to furnish a full set of finger-
prints for purposes of conducting criminal history record checks. Fin-
gerprints furnished pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in
an electronic format where readily available. Requests for alternative
methods of furnishing fingerprints are subject to the approval of the
registrar. The board shall use the fingerprints furnished by an appli-
cant to obtain criminal history information on the applicant from the
Department of Justice and the United States Federal Bureau of In-
vestigation, including any subsequent arrest information available.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 14. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1161 § 368; Stats 2002 ch 744
§ 10 (SB 1953); Stats 2003 ch 789 § 18 (SB 364); Stats 2004 ch 909 § 27.5 (SB 136),
effective September 30, 2004; Stats 2007 ch 240 § 3 (AB 936), effective January 1, 2008.

§ 7153.2. Expiration of registrations

All home improvement salesperson registrations issued under the
provisions of this article shall expire two years from the last day of
the month in which the registration was issued, or two years from the
date on which the renewed registration last expired.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 15. Amended Stats 1983 ch 891 § 33; Stats 1991 ch 1160
§ 44 (AB 2190); Stats 2015 ch 281 § 4 (SB 561), effective January 1, 2016.

§ 7153.3. Renewal of registration; Delinquent renewal

penalty; Abandonment of application; Petition (First of two;
Inoperative July 1, 2017; Repealed January 1, 2018)
(a) To renew a home improvement salesperson registration, which
has not expired, the registrant shall before the time at which the reg-
istration would otherwise expire, apply for renewal on a form pre-
scribed by the registrar and pay a renewal fee prescribed by this
chapter. Renewal of an unexpired registration shall continue the reg-
istration in effect for the two-year period following the expiration date
of the registration, when it shall expire if it is not again renewed.
(b) An application for renewal of registration is delinquent if the
application is not postmarked or received via electronic transmission
416 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

as authorized by Section 7156.6 by the date on which the registration

would otherwise expire. A registration may, however, still be renewed
at any time within three years after its expiration upon the filing of
an application for renewal on a form prescribed by the registrar and
the payment of the renewal fee prescribed by this chapter and a de-
linquent renewal penalty in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25).
If a registration is not renewed within three years, the person shall
make a new application for registration pursuant to Section 7153.1.
(c) The registrar may refuse to renew a registration for failure by
the registrant to complete the application for renewal of registration.
If a registrant fails to return the application rejected for insufficiency
or incompleteness within 90 days from the original date of rejection,
the application and fee shall be deemed abandoned. Any application
abandoned may not be reinstated. However, the person may file a
new application for registration pursuant to Section 7153.1.
The registrar may review and accept the petition of a person who
disputes the abandonment of his or her renewal application upon a
showing of good cause. This petition shall be received within 90 days
of the date the application for renewal is deemed abandoned.
(d) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and as of
January 1, 2018, is repealed.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 16. Amended Stats 1984 ch 1174 § 13; Stats 2015 ch 281
§ 5 (SB 561), effective January 1, 2016; Stats 2016 ch 799 §§ 38, 39 (SB 1039), effective
January 1, 2017, inoperative July 1, 2017, repealed January 1, 2018.

§ 7153.3. Renewal of registration; Delinquent renewal

penalty; Abandonment of application; Petition (Second of two;
Operative July 1, 2017)
(a) To renew a home improvement salesperson registration, which
has not expired, the registrant shall before the time at which the reg-
istration would otherwise expire, apply for renewal on a form pre-
scribed by the registrar and pay a renewal fee prescribed by this
chapter. Renewal of an unexpired registration shall continue the reg-
istration in effect for the two-year period following the expiration date
of the registration, when it shall expire if it is not again renewed.
(b) An application for renewal of registration is delinquent if the
application is not postmarked or received via electronic transmission
as authorized by Section 7156.6 by the date on which the registration
would otherwise expire. A registration may, however, still be renewed
at any time within three years after its expiration upon the filing of
an application for renewal on a form prescribed by the registrar and
the payment of the renewal fee prescribed by this chapter and a de-
linquent renewal penalty equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee. If a
registration is not renewed within three years, the person shall make
a new application for registration pursuant to Section 7153.1.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 417

(c) (1) The registrar may refuse to renew a registration for failure
by the registrant to complete the application for renewal of registra-
tion. If a registrant fails to return the application rejected for insuffi-
ciency or incompleteness within 90 days from the original date of re-
jection, the application and fee shall be deemed abandoned. Any ap-
plication abandoned may not be reinstated. However, the person may
file a new application for registration pursuant to Section 7153.1.
(2) The registrar may review and accept the petition of a person
who disputes the abandonment of his or her renewal application upon
a showing of good cause. This petition shall be received within 90
days of the date the application for renewal is deemed abandoned.
(d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2017.
Added Stats 2016 ch 799 § 39 (SB 1039), effective January 1, 2017, operative July 1,
2017.

§ 7154. Notification of employment of registered salesperson;

Notification when registered salesperson ceases employment;
Discipline for failure to report regarding employment of
registered salesperson; Discipline for employment of
unregistered salesperson
(a) A home improvement contractor licensed under this chapter
shall notify the registrar in writing, on a form prescribed by the regis-
trar, about the employment of a registered home improvement sales-
person, pursuant to the terms of this article. This notification re-
quirement shall include, but not be limited to, the name and registra-
tion number of the home improvement salesperson who is employed
by the contractor. The form shall be submitted prior to the home im-
provement salesperson beginning work for the contractor.
(b) A home improvement contractor shall notify the registrar in
writing, on a form prescribed by the registrar, when a registered
home improvement salesperson ceases to be employed by the contrac-
tor. This notification requirement shall include, but not be limited to,
the name and registration number of the home improvement sales-
person who had been employed by the contractor. The form shall be
submitted within 90 days after the home improvement salesperson
ceases to be employed by the contractor.
(c) A home improvement contractor who employs a registered home
improvement salesperson to sell home improvement contracts, but
who fails to report to the registrar pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b),
is subject to disciplinary action by the registrar.
(d) A home improvement contractor who employs a person to sell
home improvement contracts while that person is not registered by
the registrar as a home improvement salesperson as provided in this
article, is subject to disciplinary action by the registrar.
418 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 18. Amended Stats 2015 ch 281 § 6 (SB 561), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2016.

§ 7155. Discipline of salesman

Violation of any provision of this chapter by a home improvement
salesperson constitutes cause for disciplinary action. The registrar
may suspend or revoke the registration of the home improvement
salesperson if he or she is found to be in violation. The disciplinary
proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (com-
mencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the
Government Code.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 20. Amended Stats 2011 ch 296 § 16 (AB 1023), effective
January 1, 2012.

§ 7155.5. Discipline of contractor for salesperson’s violations

Violations of any provisions of this chapter by a home improvement
salesperson likewise constitute cause for disciplinary action against
the contractor, by whom he or she was employed at the time the vio-
lation occurred, whether or not the contractor had knowledge of or
participated in the act or omission constituting violations of this
chapter.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 21. Amended Stats 1997 ch 812 § 5 (SB 857), ch 813 § 3
(SB 825); Stats 2015 ch 281 § 7 (SB 561), effective January 1, 2016.

§ 7156. Misdemeanors; Grounds for discipline

It shall be a misdemeanor and a cause for disciplinary action to
commit any of the following acts:
(a) For any home improvement salesperson to fail to account for or
to remit to his or her employing contractor any payment received in
connection with any home improvement transaction or any other
transaction involving a work of improvement.
(b) For any person to use a contract form in connection with any
home improvement transaction or any other transaction involving a
work of improvement if the form fails to disclose the name of the con-
tractor principal by whom he or she is employed.
Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 2 as § 7026.8. Amended and Renumbered Stats 1972 ch
1138 § 1.2; Stats 1997 ch 812 § 6 (SB 857), ch 813 § 4 (SB 825); Stats 2015 ch 281 § 8
(SB 561), effective January 1, 2016.

§ 7156.6. Electronic transmission of applications, renewals,

and notices
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the board may implement a sys-
tem that provides for the electronic transmission of an initial applica-
tion or renewal application for the registration required by this arti-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 419

cle and the electronic transmission of the notices required by Section

7154.
(b) The board by regulation may specify the form and manner of
these transmissions, including the adoption of any protocols neces-
sary to ensure the validity and security of any information, data, or
document transmitted electronically. Upon the effective date of the
regulations, the electronic submission of an initial registration appli-
cation, a renewal application, or the electronic transmission of a no-
tice required by Section 7154 shall satisfy the requirements of this
article.
Added Stats 2015 ch 281 § 9 (SB 561), effective January 1, 2016.

§ 7157. Prohibited inducements

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), as a part of or in
connection with the inducement to enter into any home improvement
contract or other contract, which may be performed by a contractor,
no person may promise or offer to pay, credit, or allow to any owner,
compensation or reward for the procurement or placing of home im-
provement business with others.
(b) A contractor or his or her agent or salesperson may give tangible
items to prospective customers for advertising or sales promotion
purposes where the gift is not conditioned upon obtaining a contract
for home improvement work if the gift does not exceed a value of five
dollars ($5) and only one such gift is given in connection with any one
transaction.
(c) No salesperson or contractor’s agent may accept any compensa-
tion of any kind, for or on account of a home improvement transac-
tion, or any other transaction involving a work of improvement, from
any person other than the contractor whom he or she represents with
respect to the transaction, nor shall the salesperson or agent make
any payment to any person other than his or her employer on account
of the sales transaction.
(d) No contractor shall pay, credit, or allow any consideration or
compensation of any kind to any other contractor or salesperson other
than a licensee for or on account of the performance of any work of
improvement or services, including, but not limited to, home im-
provement work or services, except: (1) where the person to or from
whom the consideration is to be paid is not subject to or is exempted
from the licensing requirements of this chapter, or (2) where the
transaction is not subject to the requirements of this chapter.
As used in this section “owners” shall also mean “tenant.”
Commission of any act prohibited by this section is a misdemeanor
and constitutes a cause for disciplinary action.
Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 3, as B & P C § 7026.9. Renumbered by Stats 1972 ch 1138
§ 1.3. Amended Stats 1997 ch 812 § 7 (SB 857), ch 813 § 5 (SB 825).
420 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7158. False completion certificates

(a) Any person who shall accept or receive a completion certificate
or other evidence that performance of a contract for a work of im-
provement, including but not limited to a home improvement, is com-
plete or satisfactorily concluded, with knowledge thatthe document is
false and that the performance is not substantially completed, and
who shall utter, offer, or use the document in connection with the
making or accepting of any assignment or negotiation of the right to
receive any payment from the owner, under or in connection with a
contract, or for the purpose of obtaining or granting any credit or loan
on the security of the right to receive any payment shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not less than five hundred dol-
lars ($500) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or to impris-
onment in the county jail for a term of not less than one month nor
more than one year, or both.
(b) Any person who violates this section as part of a plan or scheme
to defraud an owner of a residential or nonresidential structure, in-
cluding a mobilehome or manufactured home, in connection with the
offer or performance of repairs to the structure for damage caused by
a natural disaster, shall be ordered by the court to make full restitu-
tion to the victim based on the person’s ability to pay, as defined in
subdivision (e) of Section 1203.1b of the Penal Code. In addition to
full restitution, and imprisonment authorized by subdivision (a), the
court may impose a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500)
nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), based upon the
defendant’s ability to pay. This subdivision applies to natural disas-
ters for which a state of emergency is proclaimed by the Governor
pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code or for which an
emergency or major disaster is declared by the President of the Unit-
ed States.
Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 5 as § 7028.1. Amended and renumbered Stats 1972 ch
1138 § 1.4. Amended Stats 1994 ch 175 § 2 (SB 634), effective July 9, 1994.
—See Penal Code Section 532e, Rebates, in Appendix.

§ 7159. Requirements for home improvement contracts

(a) (1) This section identifies the projects for which a home im-
provement contract is required, outlines the contract requirements,
and lists the items that shall be included in the contract, or may be
provided as an attachment.
(2) This section does not apply to service and repair contracts that
are subject to Section 7159.10, if the contract for the applicable ser-
vices complies with Sections 7159.10 to 7159.14, inclusive.
(3) This section does not apply to the sale, installation, and servic-
ing of a fire alarm sold in conjunction with an alarm system, as de-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 421

fined in subdivision (n) of Section 7590.1, if all costs attributable to

making the fire alarm system operable, including sale and installa-
tion costs, do not exceed five hundred dollars ($500), and the licensee
complies with the requirements set forth in Section 7159.9.
(4) This section does not apply to any costs associated with monitor-
ing a burglar or fire alarm system.
(5) Failure by the licensee, his or her agent or salesperson, or by a
person subject to be licensed under this chapter, to provide the speci-
fied information, notices, and disclosures in the contract, or to other-
wise fail to comply with any provision of this section, is cause for dis-
cipline.
(b) For purposes of this section, “home improvement contract”
means an agreement, whether oral or written, or contained in one or
more documents, between a contractor and an owner or between a
contractor and a tenant, regardless of the number of residence or
dwelling units contained in the building in which the tenant resides,
if the work is to be performed in, to, or upon the residence or dwelling
unit of the tenant, for the performance of a home improvement, as
defined in Section 7151, and includes all labor, services, and materi-
als to be furnished and performed thereunder, if the aggregate con-
tract price specified in one or more improvement contracts, including
all labor, services, and materials to be furnished by the contractor,
exceeds five hundred dollars ($500). “Home improvement contract”
also means an agreement, whether oral or written, or contained in
one or more documents, between a salesperson, whether or not he or
she is a home improvement salesperson, and an owner or a tenant,
regardless of the number of residence or dwelling units contained in
the building in which the tenant resides, which provides for the sale,
installation, or furnishing of home improvement goods or services.
(c) In addition to the specific requirements listed under this section,
every home improvement contract and any person subject to licensure
under this chapter or his or her agent or salesperson shall comply
with all of the following:
(1) The writing shall be legible.
(2) Any printed form shall be readable. Unless a larger typeface is
specified in this article, text in any printed form shall be in at least
10-point typeface and the headings shall be in at least 10-point bold-
face type.
(3) (A) Before any work is started, the contractor shall give the buy-
er a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and
the buyer. The buyer’s receipt of the copy of the contract initiates the
buyer’s rights to cancel the contract pursuant to Sections 1689.5 to
1689.14, inclusive, of the Civil Code.
(B) The contract shall contain on the first page, in a typeface no
smaller than that generally used in the body of the document, both of
the following:
422 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(i) The date the buyer signed the contract.

(ii) The name and address of the contractor to which the applicable
“Notice of Cancellation” is to be mailed, immediately preceded by a
statement advising the buyer that the “Notice of Cancellation” may
be sent to the contractor at the address noted on the contract.
(4) The contract shall include a statement that, upon satisfactory
payment being made for any portion of the work performed, the con-
tractor, prior to any further payment being made, shall furnish to the
person contracting for the home improvement or swimming pool work
a full and unconditional release from any potential lien claimant
claim or mechanics lien authorized pursuant to Sections 8400 and
8404 of the Civil Code for that portion of the work for which payment
has been made.
(5) A change-order form for changes or extra work shall be incorpo-
rated into the contract and shall become part of the contract only if it
is in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of
any work covered by a change order.
(6) The contract shall contain, in close proximity to the signatures
of the owner and contractor, a notice stating that the owner or tenant
has the right to require the contractor to have a performance and
payment bond.
(7) If the contract provides for a contractor to furnish joint control,
the contractor shall not have any financial or other interest in the
joint control.
(8) The provisions of this section are not exclusive and do not re-
lieve the contractor from compliance with any other applicable provi-
sion of law.
(d) A home improvement contract and any changes to the contract
shall be in writing and signed by the parties to the contract prior to
the commencement of work covered by the contract or an applicable
change order and, except as provided in paragraph (8) of subdivision
(a) of Section 7159.5, shall include or comply with all of the following:
(1) The name, business address, and license number of the contrac-
tor.
(2) If applicable, the name and registration number of the home im-
provement salesperson that solicited or negotiated the contract.
(3) The following heading on the contract form that identifies the
type of contract in at least 10-point boldface type: “Home Improve-
ment.”
(4) The following statement in at least 12-point boldface type: “You
are entitled to a completely filled in copy of this agreement, signed by
both you and the contractor, before any work may be started.”
(5) The heading: “Contract Price,” followed by the amount of the
contract in dollars and cents.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 423

(6) If a finance charge will be charged, the heading: “Finance

Charge,” followed by the amount in dollars and cents. The finance
charge is to be set out separately from the contract amount.
(7) The heading: “Description of the Project and Description of the
Significant Materials to be Used and Equipment to be Installed,” fol-
lowed by a description of the project and a description of the signifi-
cant materials to be used and equipment to be installed. For swim-
ming pools, the project description required under this paragraph al-
so shall include a plan and scale drawing showing the shape, size,
dimensions, and the construction and equipment specifications.
(8) If a downpayment will be charged, the details of the downpay-
ment shall be expressed in substantially the following form, and shall
include the text of the notice as specified in subparagraph (C):
(A) The heading: “Downpayment.”
(B) A space where the actual downpayment appears.
(C) The following statement in at least 12-point boldface type:
“THE DOWNPAYMENT MAY NOT EXCEED $1,000 OR 10 PER-
CENT OF THE CONTRACT PRICE, WHICHEVER IS LESS.”
(9) If payments, other than the downpayment, are to be made be-
fore the project is completed, the details of these payments, known as
progress payments, shall be expressed in substantially the following
form, and shall include the text of the statement as specified in sub-
paragraph (C):
(A) A schedule of progress payments shall be preceded by the head-
ing: “Schedule of Progress Payments.”
(B) Each progress payment shall be stated in dollars and cents and
specifically reference the amount of work or services to be performed
and materials and equipment to be supplied.
(C) The section of the contract reserved for the progress payments
shall include the following statement in at least 12-point boldface
type:
“The schedule of progress payments must specifically describe each
phase of work, including the type and amount of work or services
scheduled to be supplied in each phase, along with the amount of
each proposed progress payment. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR A
CONTRACTOR TO COLLECT PAYMENT FOR WORK NOT YET
COMPLETED, OR FOR MATERIALS NOT YET DELIVERED.
HOWEVER, A CONTRACTOR MAY REQUIRE A DOWNPAY-
MENT.”
(10) The contract shall address the commencement of work to be
performed in substantially the following form:
(A) A statement that describes what constitutes substantial com-
mencement of work under the contract.
(B) The heading: “Approximate Start Date.”
(C) The approximate date on which work will be commenced.
424 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(11) The estimated completion date of the work shall be referenced

in the contract in substantially the following form:
(A) The heading: “Approximate Completion Date.”
(B) The approximate date of completion.
(12) If applicable, the heading: “List of Documents to be Incorpo-
rated into the Contract,” followed by the list of documents incorpo-
rated into the contract.
(13) The heading: “Note About Extra Work and Change Orders,” fol-
lowed by the following statement:
“Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once
the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the
commencement of work covered by the new change order. The order
must describe the scope of the extra work or change, the cost to be
added or subtracted from the contract, and the effect the order will
have on the schedule of progress payments.”
(e) Except as provided in paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) of Section
7159.5, all of the following notices shall be provided to the owner as
part of the contract form as specified or, if otherwise authorized un-
der this subdivision, may be provided as an attachment to the con-
tract:
(1) A notice concerning commercial general liability insurance. This
notice may be provided as an attachment to the contract if the con-
tract includes the following statement: “A notice concerning commer-
cial general liability insurance is attached to this contract.” The no-
tice shall include the heading “Commercial General Liability Insur-
ance (CGL),” followed by whichever of the following statements is
both relevant and correct:
(A) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) does not carry
commercial general liability insurance.”
(B) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) carries commer-
cial general liability insurance written by (the insurance company).
You may call (the insurance company) at ______________________
___________________________ to check the contractor’s insurance cov-
erage.”
(C) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) is self-insured.”
(D) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) is a limited liabil-
ity company that carries liability insurance or maintains other securi-
ty as required by law. You may call (the insurance company or trust
company or bank) at _________________________________________
_______________ to check on the contractor’s insurance coverage or
security.”
(2) A notice concerning workers’ compensation insurance. This no-
tice may be provided as an attachment to the contract if the contract
includes the statement: “A notice concerning workers’ compensation
insurance is attached to this contract.” The notice shall include the
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 425

heading “Workers’ Compensation Insurance” followed by whichever of

the following statements is correct:
(A) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) has no employees
and is exempt from workers’ compensation requirements.”
(B) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) carries workers’
compensation insurance for all employees.”
(3) A notice that provides the buyer with the following information
about the performance of extra or change-order work:
(A) A statement that the buyer may not require a contractor to per-
form extra or change-order work without providing written authori-
zation prior to the commencement of work covered by the new change
order.
(B) A statement informing the buyer that extra work or a change
order is not enforceable against a buyer unless the change order also
identifies all of the following in writing prior to the commencement of
work covered by the new change order:
(i) The scope of work encompassed by the order.
(ii) The amount to be added or subtracted from the contract.
(iii) The effect the order will make in the progress payments or the
completion date.
(C) A statement informing the buyer that the contractor’s failure to
comply with the requirements of this paragraph does not preclude the
recovery of compensation for work performed based upon legal or eq-
uitable remedies designed to prevent unjust enrichment.
(4) A notice with the heading “Mechanics Lien Warning” written as
follows:
“MECHANICS LIEN WARNING:
Anyone who helps improve your property, but who is not paid, may
record what is called a mechanics lien on your property. A mechanics
lien is a claim, like a mortgage or home equity loan, made against
your property and recorded with the county recorder.
Even if you pay your contractor in full, unpaid subcontractors, sup-
pliers, and laborers who helped to improve your property may record
mechanics liens and sue you in court to foreclose the lien. If a court
finds the lien is valid, you could be forced to pay twice or have a court
officer sell your home to pay the lien. Liens can also affect your credit.
To preserve their right to record a lien, each subcontractor and ma-
terial supplier must provide you with a document called a ‘Prelimi-
nary Notice.’ This notice is not a lien. The purpose of the notice is to
let you know that the person who sends you the notice has the right
to record a lien on your property if he or she is not paid.
BE CAREFUL. The Preliminary Notice can be sent up to 20 days
after the subcontractor starts work or the supplier provides material.
This can be a big problem if you pay your contractor before you have
received the Preliminary Notices.
426 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

You will not get Preliminary Notices from your prime contractor or
from laborers who work on your project. The law assumes that you
already know they are improving your property.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LIENS. You can protect yourself
from liens by getting a list from your contractor of all the subcontrac-
tors and material suppliers that work on your project. Find out from
your contractor when these subcontractors started work and when
these suppliers delivered goods or materials. Then wait 20 days, pay-
ing attention to the Preliminary Notices you receive.
PAY WITH JOINT CHECKS. One way to protect yourself is to pay
with a joint check. When your contractor tells you it is time to pay for
the work of a subcontractor or supplier who has provided you with a
Preliminary Notice, write a joint check payable to both the contractor
and the subcontractor or material supplier.
For other ways to prevent liens, visit CSLB’s Internet Web site at
www.cslb.ca.gov or call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752).
REMEMBER, IF YOU DO NOTHING, YOU RISK HAVING A
LIEN PLACED ON YOUR HOME. This can mean that you may have
to pay twice, or face the forced sale of your home to pay what you
owe.”
(5) The following notice shall be provided in at least 12-point type-
face:
“Information about the Contractors’ State License Board (CSLB):
CSLB is the state consumer protection agency that licenses and regu-
lates construction contractors.
Contact CSLB for information about the licensed contractor you are
considering, including information about disclosable complaints, dis-
ciplinary actions, and civil judgments that are reported to CSLB.
Use only licensed contractors. If you file a complaint against a li-
censed contractor within the legal deadline (usually four years),
CSLB has authority to investigate the complaint. If you use an unli-
censed contractor, CSLB may not be able to help you resolve your
complaint. Your only remedy may be in civil court, and you may be
liable for damages arising out of any injuries to the unlicensed con-
tractor or the unlicensed contractor’s employees.
For more information:
Visit CSLB’s Internet Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov
Call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752)
Write CSLB at P.O. Box 26000, Sacramento, CA 95826.”
(6) (A) The notice set forth in subparagraph (B) and entitled “Three-
Day Right to Cancel,” shall be provided to the buyer unless the con-
tract is:
(i) Negotiated at the contractor’s place of business.
(ii) Subject to the “Seven-Day Right to Cancel,” as set forth in para-
graph (7).
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 427

(iii) Subject to licensure under the Alarm Company Act (Chapter

11.6 (commencing with Section 7590)), provided the alarm company
licensee complies with Sections 1689.5, 1689.6, and 1689.7 of the Civil
Code, as applicable.
(B) “Three-Day Right to Cancel
You, the buyer, have the right to cancel this contract within three
business days. You may cancel by e-mailing, mailing, faxing, or deliv-
ering a written notice to the contractor at the contractor’s place of
business by midnight of the third business day after you received a
signed and dated copy of the contract that includes this notice. In-
clude your name, your address, and the date you received the signed
copy of the contract and this notice.
If you cancel, the contractor must return to you anything you paid
within 10 days of receiving the notice of cancellation. For your part,
you must make available to the contractor at your residence, in sub-
stantially as good condition as you received them, goods delivered to
you under this contract or sale. Or, you may, if you wish, comply with
the contractor’s instructions on how to return the goods at the con-
tractor’s expense and risk. If you do make the goods available to the
contractor and the contractor does not pick them up within 20 days of
the date of your notice of cancellation, you may keep them without
any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the
contractor, or if you agree to return the goods to the contractor and
fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations
under the contract.”
(C) The “Three-Day Right to Cancel” notice required by this para-
graph shall comply with all of the following:
(i) The text of the notice is at least 12-point boldface type.
(ii) The notice is in immediate proximity to a space reserved for the
owner’s signature.
(iii) The owner acknowledges receipt of the notice by signing and
dating the notice form in the signature space.
(iv) The notice is written in the same language, e.g., Spanish, as
that principally used in any oral sales presentation.
(v) The notice may be attached to the contract if the contract in-
cludes, in at least 12-point boldface type, a checkbox with the follow-
ing statement: “The law requires that the contractor give you a notice
explaining your right to cancel. Initial the checkbox if the contractor
has given you a ‘Notice of the Three-Day Right to Cancel.’”
(vi) The notice shall be accompanied by a completed form in dupli-
cate, captioned “Notice of Cancellation,” which also shall be attached
to the agreement or offer to purchase and be easily detachable, and
which shall contain the following statement written in the same lan-
guage, e.g., Spanish, as used in the contract:
428 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

“Notice of Cancellation”
________________________
/enter date of transaction/
(Date)
“You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obliga-
tion, within three business days from the above date.
If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you
under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed
by you will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller
of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of
the transaction will be canceled.
If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your resi-
dence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods
delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish,
comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return ship-
ment of the goods at the seller’s expense and risk.
If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does
not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancella-
tion, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obli-
gation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you
agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you re-
main liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.”
To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy
of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, or send a tele-
gram to _______________________________________________________,
/name of seller/
at ____________________________________________________________
/address of seller’s place of business/

not later than midnight of ______________________________________.

(Date)
I hereby cancel this transaction. _______________________________
(Date)
_______________________________________
(Buyer’s signature)
(7) (A) The following notice entitled “Seven-Day Right to Cancel”
shall be provided to the buyer for any contract that is written for the
repair or restoration of residential premises damaged by any sudden
or catastrophic event for which a state of emergency has been de-
clared by the President of the United States or the Governor, or for
which a local emergency has been declared by the executive officer or
governing body of any city, county, or city and county:
“Seven-Day Right to Cancel
You, the buyer, have the right to cancel this contract within seven
business days. You may cancel by e-mailing, mailing, faxing, or deliv-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 429

ering a written notice to the contractor at the contractor’s place of

business by midnight of the seventh business day after you received a
signed and dated copy of the contract that includes this notice. In-
clude your name, your address, and the date you received the signed
copy of the contract and this notice.
If you cancel, the contractor must return to you anything you paid
within 10 days of receiving the notice of cancellation. For your part,
you must make available to the contractor at your residence, in sub-
stantially as good condition as you received them, goods delivered to
you under this contract or sale. Or, you may, if you wish, comply with
the contractor’s instructions on how to return the goods at the con-
tractor’s expense and risk. If you do make the goods available to the
contractor and the contractor does not pick them up within 20 days of
the date of your notice of cancellation, you may keep them without
any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the
contractor, or if you agree to return the goods to the contractor and
fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations
under the contract.”
(B) The “Seven-Day Right to Cancel” notice required by this subdi-
vision shall comply with all of the following:
(i) The text of the notice is at least 12-point boldface type.
(ii) The notice is in immediate proximity to a space reserved for the
owner’s signature.
(iii) The owner acknowledges receipt of the notice by signing and
dating the notice form in the signature space.
(iv) The notice is written in the same language, e.g., Spanish, as
that principally used in any oral sales presentation.
(v) The notice may be attached to the contract if the contract in-
cludes, in at least 12-point boldface type, a checkbox with the follow-
ing statement: “The law requires that the contractor give you a notice
explaining your right to cancel. Initial the checkbox if the contractor
has given you a ‘Notice of the Seven-Day Right to Cancel.’”
(vi) The notice shall be accompanied by a completed form in dupli-
cate, captioned “Notice of Cancellation,” which shall also be attached
to the agreement or offer to purchase and be easily detachable, and
which shall contain the following statement written in the same lan-
guage, e.g., Spanish, as used in the contract:
“Notice of Cancellation”
________________________
/enter date of transaction/
(Date)
“You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation,
within seven business days from the above date.
If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you
under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed
430 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

by you will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller

of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of
the transaction will be canceled.
If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your resi-
dence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods
delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish,
comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return ship-
ment of the goods at the seller’s expense and risk.
If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does
not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancella-
tion, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obli-
gation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you
agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you re-
main liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.”
To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy
of this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, or send a tele-
gram to _______________________________________________________,
/name of seller/
at ____________________________________________________________
/address of seller’s place of business/

not later than midnight of ______________________________________.

(Date)
I hereby cancel this transaction. _______________________________
(Date)
_______________________________________
(Buyer’s signature)
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 7 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1, 2006.
Amended Stats 2005 ch 385 § 2 (AB 316), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2006 ch 114 § 1
(AB 2073), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2007 ch 130 § 30 (AB 299), effective January
1, 2008, Stats 2007 ch 230 § 1 (AB 244), effective January 1, 2008, (ch 230 prevails); Stats
2008 ch 179 § 18 (SB 1498), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2009 ch 307 § 74 (SB 821),
effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2010 ch 697 § 4 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, oper-
ative July 1, 2012, ch 698 § 39 (SB 392) (ch 698 prevails), effective January 1, 2011; Stats
2011 ch 44 § 1 (SB 190), effective January 1, 2012, operative July 1, 2012.

§ 7159.1. Notice in sale of home improvement goods or

services
(a) In any contract for the sale of home improvement goods or ser-
vices offered by door-to-door sale that contains or is secured by a lien
on real property, the contract shall be accompanied by the following
notice in 18-point boldfaced type:
“WARNING TO BUYER: IF YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT WHICH
ACCOMPANIES THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL BE PUTTING UP
YOUR HOME AS SECURITY. THIS MEANS THAT YOUR HOME
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 431

COULD BE SOLD WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION AND WITHOUT

ANY COURT ACTION IF YOU MISS ANY PAYMENT REQUIRED
BY THIS CONTRACT.”
This notice shall be written in the same language as the rest of the
contract. It shall be on a separate piece of paper from the rest of the
contract and shall be signed and dated by the buyer. The home im-
provement contractor or home improvement salesperson shall deliver
to the buyer at the time of the buyer’s signing and dating of the notice
a legible copy of the signed and dated notice. A security interest cre-
ated in any contract described in this section that does not provide
the notice as required by this section shall be void and unenforceable.
(b) This section shall not apply to any of the following:
(1) Any contract that is subject to Chapter 1 (commencing with Sec-
tion 1801) of Title 2 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code.
(2) A mechanics lien established pursuant to Chapter 4 (commenc-
ing with Section 8400) of Title 2 of Part 6 of Division 4 of the Civil
Code.
(3) Any contract that is subject to subdivision (a) of Section 7159.2.
Added Stats 1998 ch 571 § 1 (AB 2301). Amended Stats 2010 ch 697 § 5 (SB 189), effec-
tive January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012.

§ 7159.2. Security interest for home improvement goods or

services
(a) No home improvement goods or services contract of a value of
five thousand dollars ($5,000) or less shall provide for a security in-
terest in real property, except for a mechanic’s lien or other interest
in property that arises by operation of law. Any lien in violation of
this subdivision is void and unenforceable.
(b) When the proceeds of a loan secured by a mortgage on real prop-
erty are used to fund goods or services pursuant to a home improve-
ment goods or services contract of more than five thousand dollars
($5,000), the person or entity making the loan shall only pay a con-
tractor under the home improvement goods or services contract from
the proceeds of the loan by either of the following methods:
(1) By an instrument payable to the borrower or jointly to the bor-
rower and the contractor.
(2) At the election of the borrower, through a third-party escrow
agent pursuant to the terms of a written agreement signed by the
borrower, the person or entity making the loan, and the contractor
prior to the disbursement.
(c) Any person or entity who violates any provision of this section
shall be liable for actual damages suffered by the borrower for dam-
ages that proximately result from the violation.
432 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(d) Any person or entity who intentionally or as a pattern or prac-

tice violates any provision of this section shall be additionally liable
for three times the contract price for the home improvement.
(e) Any person who is a senior citizen or disabled person, as defined
in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 1761 of the Civil Code, as part of
any action for a violation of this section, may seek and be awarded, in
addition to the remedies provided in this section, up to five thousand
dollars ($5,000) as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 1780 of the
Civil Code.
(f) The court shall award court costs and attorney’s fees to a prevail-
ing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this section. Reasonable
attorney’s fees may be awarded to a prevailing defendant upon a find-
ing by the court that the plaintiff’s prosecution of the action was not
in good faith.
Added Stats 1998 ch 571 § 2 (AB 2301). Amended Stats 1999 ch 512 § 1 (SB 187).

§ 7159.5. Contract amount; Finance charges; Down payment;

Violations; Restitution and punishment
This section applies to all home improvement contracts, as defined
in Section 7151.2, between an owner or tenant and a contractor,
whether a general contractor or a specialty contractor, that is licensed
or subject to be licensed pursuant to this chapter with regard to the
transaction.
(a) Failure by the licensee or a person subject to be licensed under
this chapter, or by his or her agent or salesperson, to comply with the
following provisions is cause for discipline:
(1) The contract shall be in writing and shall include the agreed
contract amount in dollars and cents. The contract amount shall in-
clude the entire cost of the contract, including profit, labor, and mate-
rials, but excluding finance charges.
(2) If there is a separate finance charge between the contractor and
the person contracting for home improvement, the finance charge
shall be set out separately from the contract amount.
(3) If a downpayment will be charged, the downpayment may not
exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or 10 percent of the contract
amount, whichever is less.
(4) If, in addition to a downpayment, the contract provides for pay-
ments to be made prior to completion of the work, the contract shall
include a schedule of payments in dollars and cents specifically refer-
encing the amount of work or services to be performed and any mate-
rials and equipment to be supplied.
(5) Except for a downpayment, the contractor may neither request
nor accept payment that exceeds the value of the work performed or
material delivered.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 433

(6) Upon any payment by the person contracting for home im-
provement, and prior to any further payment being made, the con-
tractor shall, if requested, obtain and furnish to the person a full and
unconditional release from any potential lien claimant claim or me-
chanics lien authorized pursuant to Sections 8400 and 8404 of the
Civil Code for any portion of the work for which payment has been
made. The person contracting for home improvement may withhold
all further payments until these releases are furnished.
(7) If the contract provides for a payment of a salesperson’s commis-
sion out of the contract price, that payment shall be made on a pro
rata basis in proportion to the schedule of payments made to the con-
tractor by the disbursing party in accordance with paragraph (4).
(8) A contractor furnishing a performance and payment bond, lien
and completion bond, or a bond equivalent or joint control approved
by the registrar covering full performance and payment is exempt
from paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), and need not include, as part of the
contract, the statement regarding the downpayment specified in sub-
paragraph (C) of paragraph (8) of subdivision (d) of Section 7159, the
details and statement regarding progress payments specified in para-
graph (9) of subdivision (d) of Section 7159, or the Mechanics Lien
Warning specified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (e) of Section 7159.
A contractor furnishing these bonds, bond equivalents, or a joint con-
trol approved by the registrar may accept payment prior to comple-
tion. If the contract provides for a contractor to furnish joint control,
the contractor shall not have any financial or other interest in the
joint control. Notwithstanding any other law, a licensee shall be li-
censed in this state in an active status for not less than two years pri-
or to submitting an Application for Approval of Blanket Performance
and Payment Bond as provided in Section 858.2 of Title 16 of the Cal-
ifornia Code of Regulations as it read on January 1, 2016.
(b) A violation of paragraph (1), (3), or (5) of subdivision (a) by a li-
censee or a person subject to be licensed under this chapter, or by his
or her agent or salesperson, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of
not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand
dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding
one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(1) An indictment or information against a person who is not li-
censed but who is required to be licensed under this chapter shall be
brought, or a criminal complaint filed, for a violation of this section,
in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 802 of
the Penal Code, within four years from the date of the contract or, if
the contract is not reduced to writing, from the date the buyer makes
the first payment to the contractor.
(2) An indictment or information against a person who is licensed
under this chapter shall be brought, or a criminal complaint filed, for
a violation of this section, in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdi-
434 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

vision (d) of Section 802 of the Penal Code, within two years from the
date of the contract or, if the contract is not reduced to writing, from
the date the buyer makes the first payment to the contractor.
(3) The limitations on actions in this subdivision shall not apply to
any administrative action filed against a licensed contractor.
(c) Any person who violates this section as part of a plan or scheme
to defraud an owner or tenant of a residential or nonresidential struc-
ture, including a mobilehome or manufactured home, in connection
with the offer or performance of repairs to the structure for damage
caused by a natural disaster, shall be ordered by the court to make
full restitution to the victim based on the person’s ability to pay, as
defined in subdivision (e) of Section 1203.1b of the Penal Code. In ad-
dition to full restitution, and imprisonment authorized by this sec-
tion, the court may impose a fine of not less than five hundred dollars
($500) nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), based
upon the defendant’s ability to pay. This subdivision applies to natu-
ral disasters for which a state of emergency is proclaimed by the Gov-
ernor pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, or for which
an emergency or major disaster is declared by the President of the
United States.
Added Stats 2004 ch 566 § 8 (SB 30), operative July 1, 2005. Amended Stats 2005 ch 48
§ 11 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1, 2006; ch 385 § 5 (AB 316);
Stats 2007 ch 230 § 2 (AB 244), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2009 ch 307 § 75 (SB
821), effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2010 ch 697 § 6 (SB 189), effective January 1,
2011, operative July 1, 2012; Stats 2011 ch 44 § 2 (SB 190), effective January 1, 2012,
operative July 1, 2012; Stats 2016 ch 634 § 5 (SB 1479), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 7159.6. Work or change order

(a) An extra work or change order is not enforceable against a buyer
unless the change order sets forth all of the following:
(1) The scope of work encompassed by the order.
(2) The amount to be added or subtracted from the contract.
(3) The effect the order will make in the progress payments or the
completion date.
(b) The buyer may not require a contractor to perform extra or
change-order work without providing written authorization.
(c) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section does not
preclude the recovery of compensation for work performed based upon
legal or equitable remedies designed to prevent unjust enrichment.
(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2006.
Added Stats 2004 ch 566 § 9 (SB 30), operative July 1, 2005. Amended Stats 2005 ch 48
§ 12 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1, 2006.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 435

§ 7159.9. Requirements for home improvement contracts,

exemption for fire alarm system
(a) Section 7159 does not apply to the sale, installation, and servic-
ing of a fire alarm sold in conjunction with an alarm system, as de-
fined in subdivision (n) of Section 7590.1 of the Alarm Company Act
(Chapter 11.6 (commencing with Section 7590)), provided the licensee
does all of the following:
(1) Complies with the contract requirements set forth in Section
7599.54.
(2) Complies with Sections 1689.5, 1689.6, and 1689.7 of the Civil
Code, as applicable.
(3) Executes the following certification statement in the contract or
in a separate certification document signed by all parties to the con-
tract:
“All costs attributable to making the fire alarm system operable for
the residence identified by this document, including sale and installa-
tion costs, do not exceed five hundred dollars ($500).”
(4) Certifies to the following if the certification statement described
in paragraph (3) is in a separate document:
“I certify that all statements and representations made by me in
this document are true and accurate.”
(b) The contract or separate certification document shall also in-
clude both of the following:
(1) The physical address of the residence for which the certification
is applicable.
(2) The name, business address, and license number of the contrac-
tor as contained in the official records of the board.
(c) The licensee shall give an exact copy of all documents required
pursuant to this section to the party who is contracting to have the
alarm system installed.
(d) All documents required pursuant to this section shall be re-
tained by the licensee for a period of five years in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7111, and shall be made available to the board
within 30 days of a written request.
(e) Failure by the contractor to provide the board with the certifica-
tion or contract within 30 days of a written request is cause for disci-
pline.
(f) Failure by the licensee to provide the board with the certification
or contract within 30 days of a written request creates a presumption
that the licensee has violated the provisions of Section 7159, unless
evidence to the contrary is presented within the timeframe specified
by the board.
Added Stats 2006 ch 114 (AB 2073), effective January 1, 2007. Amended Stats 2007
ch 130 § 31 (AB 299), effective January 1, 2008.
436 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7159.10. Service and repair contract defined

(a)(1) “Service and repair contract” means an agreement between a
contractor or salesperson for a contractor, whether a general contrac-
tor or a specialty contractor, who is licensed or subject to be licensed
pursuant to this chapter with regard to the transaction, and a home-
owner or a tenant, for the performance of a home improvement as
defined in Section 7151, that conforms to the following requirements:
(A) The contract amount is seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) or
less.
(B) The prospective buyer initiated contact with the contractor to
request the work.
(C) The contractor does not sell the buyer goods or services beyond
those reasonably necessary to take care of the particular problem that
caused the buyer to contact the contractor.
(D) No payment is due, or accepted by the contractor, until the work
is completed.
(2) As used in this subdivision, “the work is completed” means that
all of the conditions that caused the buyer to contact the contractor
for service and repairs have been fully corrected and, if applicable,
the building department has accepted and approved the corrective
work.
(b) For any contract written pursuant to subdivision (a) or other-
wise presented to the buyer as a service and repair contract, unless
all of the conforming requirements for service and repair contracts
specified in subdivision (a) are met, the contract requirements for
home improvements set forth in subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) of Sec-
tion 7159 shall be applicable, including any rights to rescind the con-
tract as set forth in Section 1689.6 or 1689.7 of the Civil Code, regard-
less of the aggregate contract price.
(c) If all of the requirements of subdivision (a) are met, only those
notices and other requirements set forth in this section are applicable
to the contract.
(d) Every service and repair contract described in subdivision (a)
shall include, or otherwise comply with, all of the following:
(1) The contract, any changes to the contract, and any attachments
shall be in writing and signed or acknowledged by the parties as set
forth in this section, and shall be written in the same language (for
example Spanish) as principally used in the oral sales presentation.
(2) The writing shall be legible.
(3) Any printed form shall be readable. Unless a larger typeface is
specified in this article, the text shall be in at least 10-point typeface
and the headings shall be in at least 10-point boldface type.
(4) Before any work is started, the contractor shall give the buyer a
copy of the contract signed and dated by the buyer and by the con-
tractor or the contractor’s representative.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 437

(5) The name, business address, and license number of the contrac-
tor.
(6) The date the contract was signed.
(7) A notice concerning commercial general liability insurance. This
notice may be provided as an attachment to the contract if the con-
tract includes the statement, “A notice concerning commercial general
liability insurance is attached to this contract.” The notice shall in-
clude the heading “Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL)”
followed by whichever of the following statements is both relevant
and correct:
(A) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) does not carry
commercial general liability insurance.”
(B) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) carries commer-
cial general liability insurance written by (the insurance company).
You may call the (insurance company) at _________________________
to check the contractor’s insurance coverage.”
(C) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) is self-insured.”
(D) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) is a limited liabil-
ity company that carries liability insurance or maintains other securi-
ty as required by law. You may call (the insurance company or trust
company or bank) at _________________________ to check on the con-
tractor’s insurance coverage or security.”
(8) A notice concerning workers’ compensation insurance. This no-
tice may be provided as an attachment to the contract if the contract
includes the statement “A notice concerning workers’ compensation
insurance is attached to this contract.” The notice shall include the
heading “Workers’ Compensation Insurance” followed by whichever of
the following statements is both relevant and correct:
(A) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) has no employees
and is exempt from workers’ compensation requirements.”
(B) “(The name on the license or ‘This contractor’) carries workers’
compensation insurance for all employees.”
(e) Every service and repair contract described in subdivision (a)
shall provide the following information, notices, and disclosures in
the contract:
(1) Notice of the type of contract in at least 10-point boldface type:
“Service and Repair.”
(2) A notice in at least 12-point boldface type, signed and dated by
the buyer: “Notice to the Buyer: The law requires that service and
repair contracts must meet all of the following requirements:
(A) The price must be no more than seven hundred and fifty dollars
($750).
(B) You, the buyer, must have initiated contact with the contractor
to request the work.
438 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(C) The contractor must not sell you goods or services beyond those
reasonably necessary to take care of the particular problem that
caused you to contact the contractor.
(D) No payment is due and the contractor may not accept any pay-
ment until the work is completed.”
(3) The notice in at least 12-point boldface type: “Notice to the Buy-
er: You are entitled to a completely filled in and signed copy of this
agreement before any work may be started.”
(4) If applicable, the heading “List of Documents to be Incorporated
into the Contract,” followed by the list of documents to be incorpo-
rated into the contract.
(5) Where the contract is a fixed contract amount, the heading:
“Contract Price” followed by the amount of the contract in dollars and
cents.
(6) If a finance charge will be charged, the heading: “Finance
Charge” followed by the amount in dollars and cents. The finance
charge is to be set out separately from the contract amount.
(7) Where the contract is estimated by a time and materials formu-
la, the heading “Estimated Contract Price” followed by the estimated
contract amount in dollars and cents. The contract must disclose the
set rate and the estimated cost of materials. The contract must also
disclose how time will be computed, for example, in increments of
quarter hours, half hours, or hours, and the statement: “The actual
contract amount of a time and materials contract may not exceed the
estimated contract amount without written authorization from the
buyer.”
(8) The heading: “Description of the Project and Materials to be
Used and Equipment to be Installed” followed by a description of the
project and materials to be used and equipment to be installed.
(9) The statement: “The law requires that the contractor offer you
any parts that were replaced during the service call. If you do not
want the parts, initial the checkbox labeled ‘OK for contractor to take
replaced parts.” ‘
(10) A checkbox labeled “OK for contractor to take replaced parts.”
(11) If a service charge is charged, the heading “Amount of Service
Charge” followed by the service charge, and the statement “You may
be charged only one service charge, including any trip charge or in-
spection fee.”
(12)(A) The contract, or an attachment to the contract as specified
under subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, must include, in immedi-
ate proximity to the space reserved for the buyer’s signature, the fol-
lowing statement, in at least 12-point boldface type, which shall be
dated and signed by the buyer:
“YOUR RIGHTS TO CANCEL BEFORE WORK BEGINS
(A) You, the buyer, have the right to cancel this contract until:
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 439

1. You receive a copy of this contract signed and dated by you and
the contractor; and
2. The contractor starts work.
(B) However, even if the work has begun you, the buyer, may still
cancel the contract for any of the reasons specified in items 1 through
4 of this paragraph. If any of these reasons occur, you may cancel the
contract within three business days of signing the contract for normal
service and repairs, or within seven business days of signing a con-
tract to repair or correct conditions resulting from any sudden or cat-
astrophic event for which a state of emergency has been declared by
the President of the United States or the Governor, or for which a
local emergency has been declared by the executive officer or govern-
ing body of any city, county, or city and county:
1. You may cancel the contract if the price, including all labor and
materials, is more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).
2. You may cancel the contract if you did not initiate the contact
with the contractor to request the work.
3. You may cancel the contract if the contractor sold you goods or
services beyond those reasonably necessary to take care of the partic-
ular problem that caused you to contact the contractor.
4. You may cancel the contract if the payment was due or the con-
tractor accepted any money before the work was complete.
(C) If any of these reasons for canceling occurred, you may cancel
the contract as specified under paragraph (B) above by e-mailing,
mailing, faxing, or delivering a written notice to the contractor at the
contractor’s place of business within three business days or, if appli-
cable, seven business days of the date you received a signed and dat-
ed copy of this contract. Include your name, your address, and the
date you received a signed copy of the contract and this notice.
If you cancel, the contractor must return to you anything you paid
within 10 days of receiving the notice of cancellation. For your part,
you must make available to the contractor at your residence, in sub-
stantially as good condition as you received it, any goods delivered to
you under this contract. Or, you may, if you wish, comply with the
contractor’s instructions on how to return the goods at the contrac-
tor’s expense and risk. If you make the goods available to the contrac-
tor and the contractor does not pick them up within 20 days of the
date of your notice of cancellation, you may keep them without any
further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the con-
tractor, or if you agree to return the goods to the contractor and fail to
do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under
the contract.”
(B) This paragraph does not apply to home improvement contracts
entered into by a person who holds an alarm company operator’s li-
cense issued pursuant to Chapter 11.6 (commencing with Section
440 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

7590), provided the person complies with Sections 1689.5, 1689.6, and
1689.7 of the Civil Code, as applicable.
(C) The notice required in this paragraph may be incorporated as
an attachment to the contract if the contract includes a checkbox and
whichever statement is relevant in at least 12-point boldface type:
(i) “The law requires that the contractor give you a notice explain-
ing your right to cancel. Initial the checkbox if the contractor has giv-
en you a ‘Notice of Your Right to Cancel.” ‘
(ii) “The law requires that the contractor give you a notice explain-
ing your right to cancel contracts for the repair or restoration of resi-
dential premises damaged by a disaster. Initial the checkbox if the
contractor has given you a ‘Notice of Your Right to Cancel.” ‘
(f) A bona fide service repairperson employed by a licensed contrac-
tor or subcontractor hired by a licensed contractor may enter into a
service and repair contract on behalf of that contractor.
(g) The provisions of this section are not exclusive and do not re-
lieve the contractor from compliance with any other applicable provi-
sion of law.
Added Stats 2004 ch 566 § 10 (SB 30), operative July 1, 2005. Amended Stats 2005 ch
48 § 13 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1, 2006, ch 385 § 6 (AB
316); Stats 2010 ch 698 § 40 (SB 392), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7159.11. Discipline for violation

A violation of any provision of Section 7159.10 by a licensee, or a
person subject to be licensed under this chapter, or by his or her
agent or salesperson, is cause for discipline.
Added Stats 2004 ch 566 § 11 (SB 30), operative July 1, 2005. Amended Stats 2005 ch
48 § 14 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1, 2006, ch 385 § 7 (AB
316).

§ 7159.14. Further requirements; Statement of agreed

amount; Payment due; Punishment for violations; Restitution
(a) This section applies to a service and repair contract as defined in
Section 7159.10. A violation of this section by a licensee or a person
subject to be licensed under this chapter, or by his or her agent or
salesperson, is cause for discipline.
(1) The contract may not exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).
(2) The contract shall be in writing and shall state the agreed con-
tract amount, which may be stated as either a fixed contract amount
in dollars and cents or, if a time and materials formula is used, as an
estimated contract amount in dollars and cents.
(3) The contract amount shall include the entire cost of the contract
including profit, labor, and materials, but excluding finance charges.
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 441

(4) The actual contract amount of a time and materials contract

may not exceed the estimated contract amount without written au-
thorization from the buyer.
(5) The prospective buyer must have initiated contact with the con-
tractor to request work.
(6) The contractor may not sell the buyer goods or services beyond
those reasonably necessary to take care of the particular problem that
caused the buyer to contact the contractor.
(7) No payment may be due before the project is completed.
(8) A service and repair contractor may charge only one service
charge. For purposes of this chapter, a service charge includes such
charges as a service or trip charge, or an inspection fee.
(9) A service and repair contractor charging a service charge must
disclose in all advertisements that there is a service charge and,
when the customer initiates the call for service, must disclose the
amount of the service charge.
(10) The service and repair contractor must offer to the customer
any parts that were replaced.
(11) Upon any payment by the buyer, the contractor shall, if re-
quested, obtain and furnish to the buyer a full and unconditional re-
lease from any potential lien claimant claim or mechanics lien au-
thorized pursuant to Sections 8400 and 8404 of the Civil Code for any
portion of the work for which payment has been made.
(b) A violation of paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (8) of subdivi-
sion (a) by a licensee or a person subject to be licensed under this
chapter, or by his or her agent or salesperson, is a misdemeanor pun-
ishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more
than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment in a county
jail not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(1) An indictment or information against a person who is not li-
censed but who is required to be licensed under this chapter shall be
brought, or a criminal complaint filed, for a violation of this section,
in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 802 of
the Penal Code, within four years from the date of the contract or, if
the contract is not reduced to writing, from the date the buyer makes
the first payment to the contractor.
(2) An indictment or information against a person who is licensed
under this chapter shall be brought, or a criminal complaint filed, for
a violation of this section, in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdi-
vision (d) of Section 802 of the Penal Code, within two years from the
date of the contract or, if the contract is not reduced to writing, from
the date the buyer makes the first payment to the contractor.
(3) The limitations on actions in this subdivision shall not apply to
any administrative action filed against a licensed contractor.
(c) Any person who violates this section as part of a plan or scheme
to defraud an owner or tenant of a residential or nonresidential struc-
442 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

ture, including a mobilehome or manufactured home, in connection

with the offer or performance of repairs to the structure for damage
caused by a natural disaster, shall be ordered by the court to make
full restitution to the victim based on the person’s ability to pay, as
defined in subdivision (e) of Section 1203.1b of the Penal Code. In ad-
dition to full restitution, and imprisonment authorized by this sec-
tion, the court may impose a fine of not less than five hundred dollars
($500) nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), based
upon the defendant’s ability to pay. This subdivision applies to natu-
ral disasters for which a state of emergency is proclaimed by the Gov-
ernor pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, or for which
an emergency or major disaster is declared by the President of the
United States.
Added Stats 2004 ch 566 § 14 (SB 30), operative July 1, 2005. Amended Stats 2005 ch
48 § 17 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1, 2006; Stats 2007 ch 230
§ 3 (AB 244), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2009 ch 307 § 76 (SB 821), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2010; Stats 2010 ch 697 § 7 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July
1, 2012; Stats 2011 ch 44 § 3 (SB 190), effective January 1, 2012, operative July 1,
2012.

§ 7160. Penalty for fraudulent misrepresentation

Any person who is induced to contract for a work of improvement,
including but not limited to a home improvement, in reliance on false
or fraudulent representations or false statements knowingly made,
may sue and recover from such contractor or solicitor a penalty of five
hundred dollars ($500), plus reasonable attorney’s fees, in addition to
any damages sustained by him by reason of such statements or repre-
sentations made by the contractor or solicitor.
Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 6 as § 7028.2. Renumbered Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 1.5.

§ 7161. Specification of prohibited acts; Misdemeanor

It is a misdemeanor for any person to engage in any of the following
acts, the commission of which shall be cause for disciplinary action
against any licensee or applicant:
(a) Using false, misleading, or deceptive advertising as an induce-
ment to enter into any contract for a work of improvement, including,
but not limited to, any home improvement contract, whereby any
member of the public may be misled or injured.
(b) Making any substantial misrepresentation in the procurement
of a contract for a home improvement or other work of improvement
or making any false promise of a character likely to influence, per-
suade or, induce any person to enter into the contract.
(c) Any fraud in the execution of, or in the material alteration , any
contract, trust deed, mortgage, promissory note, or other document
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 443

incident to a home improvement transaction or other transaction in-

volving a work of improvement.
(d) Preparing or accepting any trust deed, mortgage, promissory
note, or other evidence of indebtedness upon the obligations of a home
improvement transaction or other transaction for a work of improve-
ment with knowledge that it specifies a greater monetary obligation
than the consideration for the improvement work, which considera-
tion may be a time sale price.
(e) Directly or indirectly publishing any advertisement relating to
home improvements or other works of improvement that contains an
assertion, representation, or statement of fact that is false, deceptive,
or misleading, or by any means advertising or purporting to offer to
the general public this improvement work with the intent not to ac-
cept contracts for the particular work or at the price that is adver-
tised or offered to the public, except that any advertisement that is
subject to and complies with the existing rules, regulations, or guides
of the Federal Trade Commission shall not be deemed false, decep-
tive, or misleading.
(f) Any person who violates subdivision (b), (c), (d), or (e) as part of a
plan or scheme to defraud an owner of a residential or nonresidential
structure, including a mobilehome or manufactured home, in connec-
tion with the offer or performance of repairs to the structure for dam-
age caused by a natural disaster, shall be ordered by the court to
make full restitution to the victim based on the person’s ability to
pay, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 1203.1b of the Penal
Code. In addition to full restitution and imprisonment as authorized
by this section, the court may impose a fine of not less than five hun-
dred dollars ($500) nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars
($25,000), based upon the defendant’s ability to pay. This subdivision
applies to natural disasters for which a state of emergency is pro-
claimed by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government
Code or for which an emergency or major disaster is declared by the
President of the United States.
Added Stats 1969 ch 1583 § 9 as § 7116.2. Renumbered Stats 1972 ch 1138 § 4. Amend-
ed Stats 1994 ch 175 § 4 (SB 634), effective July 9, 1994; Stats 2006 ch 538 § 13 (SB
1852), effective January 1, 2007.

§ 7162. Contents of contract; Representations as to goods and

materials
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any representation
by a person licensed pursuant to this chapter with respect to a
trademark or brand name, quality, or size of any goods or materials,
in reference to bathroom fixtures, a sink, stove, refrigerator, lighting,
carpeting and other floor surfaces, burglar and smoke alarms, paints,
textured coatings, siding and other wall surfaces, insulation, roofing,
444 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

air conditioning and heating systems, and appliances, to be provided

by the person pursuant to a home improvement contract, as defined
in Section 7151.2, shall set forth, in writing, in the contract or specifi-
cations and shall include a description of the goods or materials, in-
cluding any brand name, model number, or similar designation.
(b) Failure to install the specific goods or materials as represented
as required by this section constitutes a cause for disciplinary action
under this chapter.
Added Stats 1981 ch 916 § 3.

§ 7163. Enforceability of contract prior to buyer obtaining

loan
(a) No contract for home improvement shall be enforceable against
the buyer if the obtaining of a loan for all or a portion of the contract
price is a condition precedent to the contract or if the contractor pro-
vides financing, or in any manner assists the buyer to obtain a loan or
refers the buyer to any person who may loan or arrange a loan for all
or a portion of the contract price unless all of the following require-
ments are satisfied:
(1) The third party, if any, agrees to make the loan.
(2) The buyer agrees to accept the loan or financing.
(3) The buyer does not rescind the loan or financing transaction,
within the period prescribed for rescission, pursuant to the federal
Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq.) or Regulation Z, if
applicable.
(b) Until the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subdivi-
sion (a) are satisfied, it shall be unlawful for the contractor to do any
of the following:
(1) Deliver any property or perform any services other than obtain-
ing building permits or other similar services preliminary to the
commencement of the home improvement for which no mechanic’s
lien can be claimed.
(2) Represent in any manner that the contract is enforceable or that
the buyer has any obligation thereunder.
Any violation of this subdivision shall render the contract unen-
forceable.
(c) If the contract is unenforceable pursuant to subdivision (a) or
subdivision (b), the contractor shall immediately and without condi-
tion return all money, property, and other consideration given by the
buyer. If the buyer gave any property as consideration and the con-
tractor does not or cannot return it for whatever reason, the contrac-
tor shall immediately return the fair market value of the property or
its value as designated in the contract, whichever is greater. Nothing
herein shall prohibit a contractor from receiving a downpayment oth-
erwise permitted by law provided the contractor returns the down-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 445

payment as herein required if the contract is unenforceable pursuant

to subdivision (a) or (b).
(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the buyer may retain
without obligation in law or equity any services or property provided
pursuant to a contract that is unenforceable pursuant to subdivision
(a) or subdivision (b).
(2) If the contractor has delivered any property to the buyer pursu-
ant to a contract which is unenforceable pursuant to subdivision (a)
or subdivision (b), the buyer shall make the property available to the
contractor for return provided that all of the following requirements
are satisfied:
(A) The property can be practically returned to the contractor with-
out causing any damage to the buyer.
(B) The contractor, at the contractor’s expense, first returns to the
buyer any money, property, and other consideration taken by the con-
tractor provided that the property is returned in the condition that it
was in immediately prior to its taking. If applicable, the contractor
shall also, at its expense, reinstall any property taken in the manner
in which the property had been installed prior to its taking.
(C) The contractor, at the contractor’s expense, picks up the proper-
ty within 60 days of the execution of the contract.
(e) For the purpose of this section, “home improvement” means
“home improvement” as defined in Section 7151. Goods are included
within the definition notwithstanding whether they are to be at-
tached to real property or to be so affixed to real property as to be-
come a part thereof whether or not severable therefrom.
(f) The rights and remedies provided the buyer under this section
are nonexclusive and cumulative to all other rights and remedies un-
der other laws.
(g) Any waiver of this section shall be deemed contrary to public
policy and shall be void and unenforceable. However, the buyer may
waive subdivisions (a) and (b) to the extent that the contract is exe-
cuted in connection with the making of emergency repairs or services
that are necessary for the immediate protection of persons or real or
personal property. The buyer’s waiver for emergency repairs or ser-
vices shall be in a dated written statement that describes the emer-
gency, states that the contractor has informed the buyer of subdivi-
sions (a) and (b) and that the buyer waives those provisions, and is
signed by each owner of the property. Waivers made on printed forms
are void and unenforceable.
Added Stats 1985 ch 989 § 1. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1404 § 1, effective September 30,
1986; Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 46 (AB 2190); Stats 1993 ch 589 § 13 (AB 2211).
446 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

§ 7164. Contract and changes to be in writing; Requirements

(a) Notwithstanding Section 7044, every contract and any changes
in a contract, between an owner and a contractor, for the construction
of a single-family dwelling to be retained by the owner for at least one
year shall be evidenced in writing signed by both parties.
(b) The writing shall contain the following:
(1) The name, address, and license number of the contractor.
(2) The approximate dates when the work will begin and be sub-
stantially completed.
(3) A legal description of the location where the work will be done.
(4) A statement with the heading “Mechanics Lien Warning” as fol-
lows:
“MECHANICS LIEN WARNING:
Anyone who helps improve your property, but who is not paid, may
record what is called a mechanics lien on your property. A mechanics
lien is a claim, like a mortgage or home equity loan, made against
your property and recorded with the county recorder.
Even if you pay your contractor in full, unpaid subcontractors, sup-
pliers, and laborers who helped to improve your property may record
mechanics liens and sue you in court to foreclose the lien. If a court
finds the lien is valid, you could be forced to pay twice or have a court
officer sell your home to pay the lien. Liens can also affect your credit.
To preserve their right to record a lien, each subcontractor and ma-
terial supplier must provide you with a document called a ‘Prelimi-
nary Notice.’ This notice is not a lien. The purpose of the notice is to
let you know that the person who sends you the notice has the right
to record a lien on your property if he or she is not paid.
BE CAREFUL. The Preliminary Notice can be sent up to 20 days
after the subcontractor starts work or the supplier provides material.
This can be a big problem if you pay your contractor before you have
received the Preliminary Notices.
You will not get Preliminary Notices from your prime contractor or
other persons you contract with directly or from laborers who work on
your project. The law assumes that you already know they are im-
proving your property.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LIENS. You can protect yourself
from liens by getting a list from your contractor of all the subcontrac-
tors and material suppliers that work on your project. Find out from
your contractor when these subcontractors started work and when
these suppliers delivered goods or materials. Then wait 20 days, pay-
ing attention to the Preliminary Notices you receive.
PAY WITH JOINT CHECKS. One way to protect yourself is to pay
with a joint check. When your contractor tells you it is time to pay for
the work of a subcontractor or supplier who has provided you with a
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 447

Preliminary Notice, write a joint check payable to both the contractor

and the subcontractor or material supplier.
For other ways to prevent liens, visit CSLB’s Web site at
www.cslb.ca.gov or call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752).
REMEMBER, IF YOU DO NOTHING, YOU RISK HAVING A
LIEN PLACED ON YOUR HOME. This can mean that you may have
to pay twice, or face the forced sale of your home to pay what you
owe.”
(5)(A) A statement prepared by the board through regulation that
emphasizes the value of commercial general liability insurance and
encourages the owner to verify the contractor’s insurance coverage
and status.
(B) A check box indicating whether or not the contractor carries
commercial general liability insurance, and if that is the case, the
name and the telephone number of the insurer.
(c) The writing may also contain other matters agreed to by the par-
ties to the contract. The writing shall be legible and shall clearly de-
scribe any other document which is to be incorporated into the con-
tract. Prior to commencement of any work, the owner shall be fur-
nished a copy of the written agreement, signed by the contractor. The
provisions of this section are not exclusive and do not relieve the con-
tractor from compliance with all other applicable provisions of law.
(d) Every contract subject to the provisions of this section shall con-
tain, in close proximity to the signatures of the owner and contractor,
a notice in at least 10-point boldface type or in all capital letters, stat-
ing that the owner has the right to require the contractor to have a
performance and payment bond and that the expense of the bond may
be borne by the owner.
(e) The requirements in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) shall be-
come operative three months after the board adopts the regulations
referenced in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (b).
(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2006.
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 19 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1,
2006. Amended Stats 2010 ch 697 § 8 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative
July 1, 2012.

§ 7165. Conditions under which swimming pool contract

financed by third-party lender is enforceable
The requirements of this section may be substituted for the re-
quirements of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subdivision (a) of Section
7163 if a swimming pool contract is to be financed by a third-party
lender and if all the following conditions are met:
(a) The lender has agreed, in writing, to provide financing to the
buyer for the maximum estimated construction cost of the swimming
pool.
448 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(b) The lender has provided the buyer a written copy of the terms
and conditions of the loan for the maximum estimated construction
cost of the swimming pool, including the following terms disclosed in
the manner required by the federal Truth in Lending Act and Regula-
tion Z: the annual percentage rate, the finance charge, the amount
financed, the total number of payments, the payment schedule, and a
description of the security interest to be taken by the lender.
(c) The lender has agreed in writing to the following:
(1) To offer to loan the maximum estimated construction cost on the
terms and conditions disclosed pursuant to subdivision (b).
(2) If the construction cost of the swimming pool is determined after
the completion of excavation to be less than the maximum estimated
construction cost, to offer to loan the lesser amount needed to com-
plete the construction of the swimming pool on the same security as,
and at an annual percentage rate and monthly payment amount not
to exceed, that disclosed in subdivision (b).
The lender’s written agreement shall state the duration of the offer,
which shall not be less than 15 days following the completion of the
excavation of the swimming pool.
(d) The buyer acknowledges receipt of the writings required by sub-
divisions (a), (b), and (c) and, no sooner than three business days after
receiving all of these writings, requests on the form prescribed in
subdivision (e) that the contractor begin performance of the swim-
ming pool contract prior to the expiration of any rescission period ap-
plicable to the loan.
(e) The request of a buyer, described in subdivision (d), shall be set
forth on a document separate and apart from the swimming pool con-
tract and shall contain the following notice in at least 10-point type
unless otherwise stated:
“NOTICE
Under the law, this contract is not enforceable until:
(1) A third party agrees to make a loan to finance the construction
cost of the swimming pool;
(2) You agree to accept the loan; and
(3) You do not cancel the loan within the period prescribed for can-
cellation under the federal Truth in Lending Act or Regulation Z
(usually three business days after the loan is consummated).
Until the cancellation period is over, the contractor cannot deliver
any materials or perform any services except preliminary services for
which no mechanic’s lien can be claimed.
However, as an alternative to the above, you can ask the contractor
to start work and deliver materials before the cancellation period on
the loan is over if all of the following have occurred:
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 449

(1) The lender has agreed, in writing, to provide you with financing
for up to the maximum estimated construction cost of the swimming
pool.
(2) The lender has provided you with a written copy of the terms
and conditions of a loan for the maximum estimated cost, including
the annual percentage rate, the finance charge, the amount financed,
the total of payments, the payment schedule, and a description of the
security interest to be taken by the lender.
(3) The lender has agreed in writing to offer these terms and condi-
tions for a period not less than 15 days following completion of the
excavation of the swimming pool.
(4) Three business days have passed since you received the writing
mentioned in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), and you then sign a copy of
this form to request that the contractor begin construction of the
swimming pool before the cancellation period on your loan is over.
The first day you can sign the request for the contractor to begin
construction of the swimming pool is

(contractor to insert third business day after buyer receives

writings described in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c))
If you sign this request, the contractor will be permitted to immedi-
ately begin performance of the contract, and if the contractor is not
paid in accordance with the terms of the contract, he or she may file a
lien against your property for the value of the labor and materials
provided. [This paragraph shall be printed in 12-point type.]
REQUEST
I/we request that the contractor immediately start
construction of the swimming pool.
_________________
Date
Buyer(s)”
(f) The contractor shall provide the buyer a copy of the buyer’s
signed request at the time of signature.
(g) This section applies to each buyer who signs the swimming pool
contract or the promissory note, other evidence of indebtedness, or
security instrument incident to the loan for swimming pool construc-
tion.
(h) For the purpose of this section, “business day” has the meaning
provided in Section 9 of the Civil Code.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1404 § 2, effective September 30, 1986, as § 7167.5. Renumbered
by Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 51 (AB 2190).
450 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

—See Health and Safety Code Section 115920, Citations; 115921, Definitions; 115922,
Safety Features; 115923, Enclosure; 115924, Consumer Notice; 15925, Inapplicability,
in Appendix.

§ 7166. Application of article to contracts for construction of

specified swimming pools
The provisions of Article 10 shall not apply to contracts for the con-
struction of swimming pools to be built for the use and enjoyment of
other than a single-family unit upon or contiguous to premises occu-
pied only by a single-family unit, nor shall they apply to the construc-
tion of swimming pools built as part of an original building plan by
the same contractor who builds a single-family dwelling unit on the
premises.
Added Stats 1979 ch 747 § 2 as § 7170. Amended Stats 1980 ch 138 § 8, effective May
30, 1980. Amended and renumbered Stats 1991 ch 1160 § 54 (AB 2190).

§ 7167. Certain contracts for construction of swimming pool

void; Recovery for work performed
(a) Any contract, the primary purpose of which is the construction
of a swimming pool, that does not substantially comply with para-
graph (4) or (5) of subdivision (c) or paragraph (7), (8), or (9) of subdi-
vision (d) of Section 7159, shall be void and unenforceable by the con-
tractor as contrary to public policy.
(b) Failure by the contractor to comply with paragraph (5) of subdivi-
sion (c) of Section 7159 as set forth in subdivision (a) of this section
does not preclude the recovery of compensation for work performed
based on quasi-contract, quantum meruit, restitution, or other similar
legal or equitable remedies designed to prevent unjust enrichment.
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 21 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1,
2006. Amended Stats 2005 ch 385 § 10 (AB 316), effective January 1, 2006.

§ 7168. Reasonable attorney’s fees

In any action between a person contracting for construction of a
swimming pool and a swimming pool contractor arising out of a con-
tract for swimming pool construction, the court shall award reasona-
ble attorney’s fees to the prevailing party.
Added Stats 1979 ch 747 § 2 as § 7169. Amended and renumbered Stats 1991 ch 1160
§ 53 (AB 2190).
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 451

Article 11
Asbestos Consultants
§ 7180. Requirement of certification
(a) No person shall, on or after July 1, 1992, engage in the practice
of an asbestos consultant as defined in Section 7181, or as a site sur-
veillance technician as defined in Section 7182, unless he or she is
certified by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health pursuant
to regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 9021.5 of the La-
bor Code.
(b) Certification as an asbestos consultant or site surveillance tech-
nician shall not be required when a licensed contractor or registered
asbestos abatement contractor takes no more than 12 bulk samples of
suspected asbestos-containing material that is required to be re-
moved, repaired, or disturbed as part of a construction project in a
residential dwelling solely for any of the following purposes: (1) bid
preparation for asbestos abatement; (2) evaluating exposure to its
own employees during construction or asbestos abatement; or (3) de-
termining for its own purposes or for the purpose of communicating
whether or not a contract for asbestos abatement has been satisfacto-
rily completed. Persons taking samples for the purposes described in
this section shall be certified building inspectors under the Asbestos
Hazard Emergency Response Act, as specified in Section 763 of Title
40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, appendix (c) to subpart (e). No
licensed contractor or asbestos abatement contractor may provide
professional health and safety services or perform any asbestos risk
assessment. A bid for asbestos abatement may communicate the re-
sults and location of sampling for the presence of asbestos and how
the asbestos will be abated. This section does not affect the require-
ment that asbestos abatement contractors be registered under Sec-
tion 6501.5 of the Labor Code, nor does it permit a licensed contractor
or asbestos abatement contractor to perform clearance air monitoring
following asbestos abatement, unless otherwise permitted by law.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732). Amended Stats 1996 ch 526 § 1 (SB 1486).

§ 7180.5. Requirement of certification for building owner or

operator contracts
When a building owner or operator engages the services of a person
to perform asbestos consulting or site surveillance technician activi-
ties as defined in Sections 7181 and 7182 after July 1, 1992, the
building owner or operator shall contract with a person who is certi-
fied by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health pursuant to
the regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 9021.5 of the
Labor Code.
452 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7181. “Asbestos consultant”

An “asbestos consultant,” as used in this chapter, means any person
who contracts to provide professional health and safety services relat-
ing to asbestos-containing material, as defined in subdivision (b) of
Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, including building inspections,
abatement project design, contract administration, supervision of site
surveillance technicians as defined in Section 7182, sample collec-
tions, preparation of asbestos management plans, and clearance air
monitoring.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7182. “Site surveillance technician”

A “site surveillance technician” means any person who acts as an
independent onsite representative of an asbestos consultant who
monitors the asbestos abatement activities of others, provides asbes-
tos air monitoring services for area and personnel samples, and per-
forms building surveys and contract administration at the direction of
an asbestos consultant.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7183. Notice of complete application; Issuance of

certificate; Provisional certification card
(a) Within 15 days of receipt of an application for certification pur-
suant to this article, the division shall inform the applicant in writing
either (1) that the application is complete and accepted, or (2) that it
is deficient and that additional information, documentation, or exam-
ination, specified in the notification, is required to complete the appli-
cation. Within 45 days of the date of filing of a completed application,
the division shall issue to each person who qualifies for certification
pursuant to this article, a certification card which shall identify the
holder thereof and the type of certification for which he or she has
qualified. If the division cannot comply with the notification deadlines
specified in this section, the division shall issue a provisional certifi-
cation card until all procedures specified in this section are complet-
ed.
(b) The certification required by this article shall satisfy all certifi-
cation requirements of the division for asbestos consultants and site
surveillance technicians.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 453

§ 7183.5. Enforcement by division

The division shall enforce this article. In the event the division de-
termines that a certified asbestos consultant or site surveillance
technician obtained certification under false pretenses, or that a certi-
fied asbestos consultant or site surveillance technician acted in a
grossly negligent or fraudulent manner, or engaged in repeated acts
of negligence, the division shall revoke that person’s certification. The
division shall only revoke a certification after complying with all of
the procedural requirements of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
11500) of Division 3 of Part 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7184. Requirements for qualification as certified asbestos

consultant
A person shall qualify as a certified asbestos consultant by meeting
all of the following requirements:
(a) Having any one of the following:
(1) One year of asbestos-related experience, and a bachelor of sci-
ence degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, con-
struction management, or a related biological or physical science.
(2) Two years of asbestos-related experience, and a bachelor’s de-
gree.
(3) Three years of asbestos-related experience, and an associate of
arts degree in engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, construc-
tion management, or a related biological or physical science.
(4) Four years of asbestos-related experience and a high school di-
ploma or its equivalent.
(b) Possession of a valid federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Re-
sponse Act (Subchapter II (commencing with Section 2641) of Chapter
53 of Title 15 of the United States Code) certificate for the type of
work being performed, or its equivalent, as determined by the division.
(c) Demonstration of proficiency by achieving a passing score as de-
termined by the division on an examination approved or administered
by the division including, but not limited to, the following subjects:
(1) Physical characteristics of asbestos.
(2) Health effects of asbestos.
(3) Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Divi-
sion of Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Protection
Agency, air quality management districts, and State Department of
Health Services regulatory requirements, including protective cloth-
ing, respiratory protection, exposure limits, personal hygiene, medical
monitoring, disposal, and general industry safety hazards.
(4) State-of-the-art asbestos abatement and control work proce-
dures. The division shall define and incorporate into the certification
454 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

standards the term “state-of-the-art” for purposes of this article, in

the regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 9021.5 of the
Labor Code.
(5) Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act training in-
formation and procedures for inspectors, management planners, and
supervisors, as provided for under Subchapter II (commencing with
Section 2641) of Chapter 53 of Title 15 of the United States Code, or
the equivalent, as determined by the division.
(6) Information concerning industrial hygiene sampling methodolo-
gy, including asbestos sampling and analysis techniques and record-
keeping.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7185. Requirements for qualification as certified site

surveillance technician
A person shall qualify as a certified site surveillance technician by
meeting all of the following requirements:
(a) Having six months of asbestos-related experience under the su-
pervision of an asbestos consultant.
(b) Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
(c) Possession of a valid federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Re-
sponse Act (Subchapter II (commencing with Section 2641) of Chapter
53 of Title 15 of the United States Code) certificate for the type of
work being performed, or its equivalent, as determined by the division.
(d) Demonstration of proficiency by achieving a passing score, as
determined by the division, on an examination approved or adminis-
tered by the division covering the following subjects:
(1) Physical characteristics of asbestos.
(2) Health effects of asbestos.
(3) Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Divi-
sion of Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Protection
Agency, air quality management districts, and State Department of
Health Services regulatory requirements, including protective cloth-
ing, respiratory protection, exposure limits, personal hygiene, medical
monitoring, and general industry safety hazards.
(4) State-of-the-art asbestos abatement and control work proce-
dures.
(5) Industrial hygiene sampling methodology, including sampling
techniques and recordkeeping.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7187. Financial conflict of interest; Legislative intent

When a building owner or operator contracts with an asbestos con-
sultant or site surveillance technician for performance of the activi-
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 455

ties described in Sections 7181 and 7182, that asbestos consultant or

site surveillance technician shall not have any financial or proprie-
tary interest in an asbestos abatement contractor hired for the same
project. However, this section shall not preclude the hiring of a con-
sultant by a contractor for the purpose of providing health and safety
services for the personnel of the contractor. This section shall not ap-
ply when a licensed contractor or registered asbestos abatement con-
tractor takes no more than 12 bulk samples of suspected asbestos-
containing material that is required to be removed, repaired, or dis-
turbed as part of a construction project in a residential dwelling sole-
ly for any of the following purposes: (1) bid preparation for asbestos
abatement; (2) evaluating exposure to its own employees during con-
struction or asbestos abatement; or (3) determining for its own pur-
poses or for the purpose of communicating whether or not a contract
for asbestos abatement has been satisfactorily completed. Persons
taking samples for the purposes described in this section shall be cer-
tified building inspectors under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Re-
sponse Act, as specified in Section 763 of Title 40 of the Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, appendix (c) to subpart (e). No licensed contractor or
asbestos abatement contractor may provide professional health and
safety services or perform any asbestos risk assessment. A licensed
contractor or asbestos abatement contractor may seek compensation
for bid preparation, including the cost of laboratory analysis of asbes-
tos-containing material.
It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to make
certain that the asbestos-related work performed by a consultant, in-
cluding, but not limited to, clearance air monitoring, project design,
and contract administration, is performed in a manner which pro-
vides for independent professional judgment undertaken without con-
sideration of the financial or beneficial interest of the contractor.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732). Amended Stats 1996 ch 526 § 2 (SB 1486).

§ 7189. Penalties for violation

Any person who engages in the practices of an asbestos consultant
or a site surveillance technician, who is not certified pursuant to this
article, or who violates Section 7187, is subject to one of the following
penalties:
(a) Conviction of a first offense is an infraction punishable by a fine
of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more than three
thousand dollars ($3,000).
(b) Conviction of a subsequent offense is a misdemeanor requiring
revocation or suspension of any asbestos consultant’s or site surveil-
lance technician’s certification, and a fine not not less than three
thousand dollars ($3,000) or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000),
or imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year, or both the
fine and imprisonment.
456 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

The division shall only impose these penalties after complying with
all of the procedural requirements of Chapter 5 (commencing with Sec-
tion 11500) of Division 3 of Part 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7189.5. Application of article

This article shall apply to asbestos abatement projects within the
meaning of asbestos-related work as defined in Section 6501.8 of the
Labor Code, and which involves 100 square feet or more of surface
area of asbestos containing material.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

§ 7189.7. Construction of article

(a) Nothing in this article shall be construed to require agencies of
the state to contract with asbestos consultants or site surveillance
technicians who are not employees of the state as long as employees
of the state who are assigned to perform the activities described in
Sections 7181 and 7182 have been certified by the division pursuant
to the regulations required by subdivision (b) of Section 9021.5 of the
Labor Code. Where feasible, the state shall assign a state civil service
classification of associate industrial hygienist or senior industrial hy-
gienist to carry out asbestos consultation activities as described in
Section 7181 for state-owned and leased buildings. The individuals in
the classification assigned shall be certified as required in this article
before performing these activities.
(b) Nothing in this article shall be construed to require attorneys who
provide legal advice on asbestos-related matters to building owners or
operators to be certified by the division pursuant to the regulations re-
quired by subdivision (b) of Section 9021.5 of the Labor Code.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1255 § 1 (SB 732).

Article 12
Prohibitions
§ 7190. Use of name or position of public official in
advertisement or promotional material; Disclaimer
(a) The name or position of a public official may not be used in an
advertisement or any promotional material by a person licensed un-
der this chapter, without the written authorization of the public offi-
cial. A printed advertisement or promotional material that uses the
name or position of a public official with that public official’s written
authorization, shall also include a disclaimer in at least 10-point ro-
man boldface type, that shall be in a color or print which contrasts
with the background so as to be easily legible, and set apart from any
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 457

other printed matter. The disclaimer shall consist of a statement that

reads “The name of (specify name of public official) does not imply
that (specify name of public official) endorses this product or service
in (his or her) official capacity and does not imply an endorsement by
any governmental entity.” If the advertisement is broadcast, this
statement shall be read in a clearly audible tone of voice.
(b) For purposes of this section, “public official” means a member,
officer, employee, or consultant of a local government agency, as de-
fined in Section 82041 of the Government Code, or state agency, as
defined in Section 82049 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1135 § 5 (AB 3302).
—See Civil Code Section 1770, Unfair Practices, in Appendix.

§ 7191. Title of provision for arbitration of disputes in

contract for work on specified residential property
(a) If a contract for work on residential property with four or fewer
units contains a provision for arbitration of a dispute between the
principals in the transaction, the provision shall be clearly titled
“ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES.”
If a provision for arbitration is included in a printed contract, it shall
be set out in at least 10-point roman boldface type or in contrasting red
print in at least 8-point roman boldface type, and if the provision is in-
cluded in a typed contract, it shall be set out in capital letters.
(b) Immediately before the line or space provided for the parties to
indicate their assent or nonassent to the arbitration provision de-
scribed in subdivision (a), and immediately following that arbitration
provision, the following shall appear:
“NOTICE: BY INITIALING IN THE SPACE BELOW YOU ARE
AGREEING TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THE
MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE ‘ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES’
PROVISION DECIDED BY NEUTRAL ARBITRATION AS PRO-
VIDED BY CALIFORNIA LAW AND YOU ARE GIVING UP ANY
RIGHTS YOU MIGHT POSSESS TO HAVE THE DISPUTE LITI-
GATED IN A COURT OR JURY TRIAL. BY INITIALING IN THE
SPACE BELOW YOU ARE GIVING UP YOUR JUDICIAL RIGHTS
TO DISCOVERY AND APPEAL, UNLESS THOSE RIGHTS ARE
SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED IN THE ‘ARBITRATION OF DIS-
PUTES’ PROVISION. IF YOU REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO ARBITRA-
TION AFTER AGREEING TO THIS PROVISION, YOU MAY BE
COMPELLED TO ARBITRATE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE OR OTHER APPLICABLE
LAWS. YOUR AGREEMENT TO THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION
IS VOLUNTARY.” “WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE
FOREGOING AND AGREE TO SUBMIT DISPUTES ARISING OUT
458 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

OF THE MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE ‘ARBITRATION OF DIS-

PUTES’ PROVISION TO NEUTRAL ARBITRATION.”
If the above provision is included in a printed contract, it shall be set
out either in at least 10-point roman boldface type or in contrasting
red print in at least 8-point roman boldface type, and if the provision
is included in a typed contract, it shall be set out in capital letters.
(c) A provision for arbitration of a dispute between a principal in a
contract for work on a residential property with four or fewer units
that does not comply with this section may not be enforceable against
any person other than the licensee.
(d) This section does not limit the board’s authority to investigate
complaints or to discipline a licensee for violations of this code.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1135 § 5 (AB 3302).

Chapter 9.3
Home Inspectors
§ 7195. Definitions
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)(1) “Home inspection” is a noninvasive, physical examination,
performed for a fee in connection with a transfer, as defined in subdi-
vision (e), of real property, of the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing
systems or the structural and essential components of a residential
dwelling of one to four units designed to identify material defects in
those systems, structures and components. “Home inspection” in-
cludes any consultation regarding the property that is represented to
be a home inspection or any confusingly similar term.
(2) “Home inspection,” if requested by the client, may include an in-
spection of energy efficiency. Energy efficiency items to be inspected
may include the following:
(A) A noninvasive inspection of insulation R-values in attics, roofs,
walls, floors, and ducts.
(B) The number of window glass panes and frame types.
(C) The heating and cooling equipment and water heating systems.
(D) The age and fuel type of major appliances.
(E) The exhaust and cooling fans.
(F) The type of thermostat and other systems.
(G) The general integrity and potential leakage areas of walls, win-
dow areas, doors, and duct systems.
(H) The solar control efficiency of existing windows.
(b) A “material defect” is a condition that significantly affects the
value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the dwelling. Style or aes-
thetics shall not be considered in determining whether a system,
structure, or component is defective.
(c) A “home inspection report” is a written report prepared for a fee
and issued after a home inspection. The report clearly describes and
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 459

identifies the inspected systems, structures, or components of the

dwelling, any material defects identified, and any recommendations
regarding the conditions observed or recommendations for evaluation
by appropriate persons.
(d) A “home inspector” is any individual who performs a home in-
spection.
(e) “Transfer” is a transfer by sale, exchange, installment land sales
contract, as defined in Section 2985 of the Civil Code, lease with an
option to purchase, any other option to purchase, or ground lease
coupled with improvements, of real property or residential stock co-
operative, improved with or consisting of not less than one nor more
than four dwelling units.
Added Stats 1996 ch 338 § 2 (SB 258). Amended Stats 2001 ch 773 § 2 (AB 1574).

§ 7196. Duties
It is the duty of a home inspector who is not licensed as a general
contractor, structural pest control operator, or architect, or registered
as a professional engineer to conduct a home inspection with the de-
gree of care that a reasonably prudent home inspector would exercise.
Added Stats 1996 ch 338 § 2 (SB 258).

§ 7196.1. Application
(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow home inspec-
tors who are not registered engineers to perform any analysis of the
systems, components, or structural integrity of a dwelling that would
constitute the practice of civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering,
or to exempt a home inspector from Chapter 3 (commencing with Sec-
tion 5500), Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700), Chapter 9
(commencing with Section 7000), or Chapter 14 (commencing with
Section 8500) of Division 3.
(b) This chapter does not apply to a registered engineer, licensed
land surveyor, or licensed architect acting pursuant to his or her pro-
fessional registration or license, nor does it affect the obligations of a
real estate licensee or transferor under Article 1.5 (commencing with
Section 1102) of Chapter 2 of Title 4 of Part 3 of Division 2 of, or Arti-
cle 2 (commencing with Section 2079) of Chapter 3 of Title 6 of Part 4
of Division 3 of, the Civil Code.
Added Stats 1996 ch 338 § 2 (SB 258).

§ 7197. Unfair practices

(a) It is an unfair business practice for a home inspector, a company
that employs the inspector, or a company that is controlled by a com-
pany that also has a financial interest in a company employing a
home inspector, to do any of the following:
460 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RELATED LAWS

(1) To perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs

to a structure on which the inspector, or the inspector’s company, has
prepared a home inspection report in the past 12 months.
(2) Inspect for a fee any property in which the inspector, or the in-
spector’s company, has any financial interest or any interest in the
transfer of the property.
(3) To offer or deliver any compensation, inducement, or reward to
the owner of the inspected property, the broker, or agent, for the re-
ferral of any business to the inspector or the inspection company.
(4) Accept an engagement to make an inspection or to prepare a re-
port in which the employment itself or the fee payable for the inspec-
tion is contingent upon the conclusions in the report, preestablished
findings, or the close of escrow.
(5) A home protection company that is affiliated with or that retains
the home inspector does not violate this section if it performs repairs
pursuant to claims made under the home protection contract.
(b) This section shall not affect the ability of a structural pest con-
trol operator to perform repairs pursuant to Section 8505 as a result
of a structural pest control inspection.
Added Stats 1996 ch 338 § 2 (SB 258). Amended Stats 2004 ch 443 § 1 (AB 1725).

§ 7198. Public policy

Contractual provisions that purport to waive the duty owed pursuant
to Section 7196, or limit the liability of the home inspector to the cost of
the home inspection report, are contrary to public policy and invalid.
Added Stats 1996 ch 338 § 2 (SB 258).

§ 7199. Statute of limitation

The time for commencement of a legal action for breach of duty
arising from a home inspection report shall not exceed four years
from the date of the inspection.
Added Stats 1996 ch 338 § 2 (SB 258).

Chapter 9.4
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Home
Inspections
§ 7199.5. HERS California home energy audit
(a) All home inspections, including those defined in paragraph (1) of
subdivision (a) of Section 7195, may, if requested by the client, be ac-
companied by a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) California
home energy audit pursuant to regulations adopted by the Energy
CHAPTER 12. CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW 461

Commission in compliance with Section 25942 of the Public Resources

Code.
(b) If the client requests a HERS California home energy audit, the
HERS California home inspection report accompanying any home
inspection report defined in subdivision (c) of Section 7195 shall com-
ply with the standards and requirements established by the Energy
Commission for HERS California home energy audits as specified in
Article 8 (commencing with Section 1670) of Chapter 4 of Division 2 of
Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations, implementing the Cali-
fornia Home Energy Rating System Program.
Added Stats 2010 ch 453 § 1 (AB 1809), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 7199.7. Legislative intent

It is the intent of the Legislature that a Home Energy Rating Sys-
tem (HERS) California home energy audit may, at the request of the
client, be performed by a home inspector who meets the requirements
of Article 8 (commencing with Section 1670) of Chapter 4 of Division 2
of Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations.
Added Stats 2010 ch 453 § 1 (AB 1809), effective January 1, 2011.
 Chapter 13.

Contractors State License Board

Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations serve to interpret or make laws specific. The

laws provide the authority for rules and regulations. Laws take
precedence and are in effect, even if the affected rules and regulations
have not been corrected to reflect any changes in the law.
If you have questions concerning a particular regulation, refer to the
sections of the Business and Professions Code cited in the note after
the particular regulation.
What follows is the statute text, history notes for current rules and
regulations, and history notes for repealed rules and regulations. You
can follow the progress of proposed regulatory actions on CSLB’s
website at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Laws/.

LIST OF CURRENT BOARD RULES AND REGULATIONS

Article 1. Definitions
810. Definitions
Article 1.5. Revenue
811. Fees
812. Dishonored Check Service Charge
813. Abandonment of Application
Article 2. Application for License
816. Application Form for Original License
817. Operating Capital Defined
819. Requirement of Corporations
823. Definitions: Bona Fide Employee; Direct Supervision and Control
824. Application Investigation Required
825. Experience Requirement of Applicant
826. Registrar to Pass on Experience
827. Review of Application for Original License, Additional Classification, or
Replacement of Qualifying Person
828. Review of Application for Home Improvement Salesman Registration
Article 3. Classification
830. Classification Policy
831. Incidental and Supplemental Defined
832. Specialty Contractors Classified
832.02. Class C-2—–Insulation and Acoustical Contractor
832.04. Class C-4—–Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor
832.05 Class C-5—–Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor
832.06 Class C-6—–Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor

463
464 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

832.07. Class C-7–—Low Voltage Systems Contractor

832.08. Class C-8—–Concrete Contractor
832.09. Class C-9—–Drywall Contractor
832.10. Class C-10—Electrical Contractor
832.11. Class C-11—Elevator Contractor
832.12. Class C-12—Earthwork and Paving Contractors
832.13. Class C-13—Fencing Contractor
832.15. Class C-15—Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors
832.16. Class C-16—Fire Protection Contractor
832.17. Class C-17—Glazing Contractor
832.20. Class C-20—Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
832.21. Class C-21—Building Moving/Demolition Contractor
832.22. Class C–22—Asbestos Abatement Contractor
832.23. Class C-23—Ornamental Metal Contractor
832.27. Class C-27—Landscaping Contractor
832.28 Class C-28—Lock and Security Equipment Contractor
832.29. Class C-29—Masonry Contractor
832.31 Class C-31—Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor
832.32. Class C-32—Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor
832.33. Class C-33—Painting and Decorating Contractors
832.34. Class C-34—Pipeline Contractor
832.35. Class C-35—Lathing and Plastering Contractor
832.36. Class C-36—Plumbing Contractor
832.38. Class C-38—Refrigeration Contractor
832.39. Class C-39—Roofing Contractor
832.42. Class C-42—Sanitation System Contractor
832.43. Class C-43—Sheet Metal Contractor
832.45. Class C-45—Sign Contractor
832.46. Class C-46—Solar Contractor
832.47. Class C-47—General Manufactured Housing Contractor
832.50. Class C-50—Reinforcing Steel Contractor
832.51. Class C-51—Structural Steel Contractor
832.53. Class C-53—Swimming Pool Contractor
832.54. Class C-54—Tile Contractors (Ceramic and Mosaic)
832.55. Class C-55—Water Conditioning Contractor
832.57. Class C-57—Well Drilling Contractor
832.60. Class C-60—Welding Contractor
832.61. Class C-61—Limited Specialty
832.62. Solar System Work Within Scope of Class A, Class B, and Class C-61
(Swimming Pool Maintenance)
833. Asbestos Classification and Certification Limitations and Examination
Requirement
834. Limitation of Classification
Article 4. Examinations
840. Written Examinations Required of All Applicants
841. Elimination and Revision of Examination Questions
Article 5. Renewal of License
853. Renewal Application Form
Article 6. Bonds
856. Security in Lieu of Bond
858. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Defined
858.1. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Requirements
858.2. Application for Approval of Blanket Performance and Payment Bond
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 465

858.3. Minimum Standards for Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Approval—
Cause for Denial
858.4. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Biennial Certification and
Financial Reporting Requirements
858.5. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Audit Authorization and
Procedures
858.6. Authorization and Procedures for Ordering the Amount of Blanket
Performance and Payment Bond to Be Increased
858.7. Maintenance of the Blanket Performance and Payment Bond
858.8. Rescission of Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Approval
858.9. Posting of Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Information to License
Records
Article 7. Special Provisions
860. Penalty for Failure to Comply with Rules
861. “Advertising” Defined
861.5 Definition of Structural Defect
863. Public Access to Information
864. Continuance of License under Section 7068.2
865. Continuance of License under Section 7076
867. Procedure to Reactivate an Inactive License
868. Criteria to Aid in Determining if Acts or Crimes Are Substantially Related to
Contracting Business
869. Criteria for Rehabilitation
869.1. Applicant Defined
869.2. Exemptions
869.3. Methods for Submitting Fingerprints
869.4. Subsequent Arrest History
869.5. Inquiry into Criminal Convictions
869.9. Criteria to Aid in Determining Earliest Date a Denied Applicant May
Reapply for Licensure
870. Factors to Apply in Determining Earliest Date a Revoked Licensee May
Apply for Licensure
871. Disciplinary Guidelines
872. Disclosure of General Liability Insurance
872.1 Checklist for Homeowners
Article 8. Citation
880. Order of Correction—Practical Feasibility
881. Order of Correction—Alternative Compliance
882. Order of Correction—Time Required to Correct
883. Order of Correction—Extension of Time to Correct
884. Recommended Assessments of Civil Penalties
885. Appeal of Citation
886. Service of Citation
887. Criteria to Evaluate the Gravity of a Violation of Business and Professions
Code Section 7028.7
Article 9. Arbitration
890. Minimum Qualification Standards for Arbitrators
466 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS

TITLE 16. DIVISION 8. CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE

BOARD
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
810. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, “Board” means the Contractors
State License Board and “Code,” unless otherwise defined, means the
Business and Professions Code.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7008, Business
and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 1.5. REVENUE

811. Fees.
The fee for:
(1) An application for an original license in a single classification is
$300.
(2) An application for each additional classification is $75.
(3) An application to replace a responsible managing officer or
employee is $75.
(4) Rescheduling an examination is $60.
(5) Scheduling or rescheduling an examination pursuant to Business
and Professions Code Section 7137(c) is $60.
(6) Initial license of an active or inactive license is $180.
(7) Renewal of an active license is $360.
(8) Renewal of an inactive license is $180.
(9) Reactivation of an inactive license is the full amount of the
renewal fee for an active license.
(10) An application for a home improvement salesperson registration
is $75.
(11) Renewal of a home improvement salesperson registration is $75.
(12) An application for an asbestos certification examination is $75.
(13) An application for a hazardous substance removal or remedial
action certification examination is $75.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 467

(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7076.5 and
7137, Business and Professions Code.)

812. Dishonored Check Service Charge

The dishonored check service charge authorized by Section 6157 of
the Government Code is $10.00 for each check.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7008, Business
and Professions Code; and Section 6157, Government Code.)

813. Abandonment of Application

(a) An application, other than a renewal application, shall be deemed
abandoned whenever an applicant fails to return an application
rejected for insufficiency or incompleteness within 90 days from date
of original notice of rejection. This 90-day period may be extended by
the Registrar for good cause.
(b) Any application so abandoned may not be reinstated; however, the
applicant may file a new application accompanied by the required fee.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7067, Business
and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 2. APPLICATION FOR LICENSE

816. Application Form for Original License
(a) The license application form prescribed by the Registrar shall seek
from each member of the personnel of the applicant the following
information:
(1) All information required by Section 7067.5 of the Code.
(2) A record of the previous experience in the field of construction of
the member of applicant’s personnel who will qualify for the
classification requested.
(3) Whether the applicant or a member of applicant’s personnel or
whether to his or her knowledge anyone with whom he/she has been
associated in the contracting field has ever been licensed or had a
professional or vocational license refused or revoked.
(b) The application shall be signed, under penalty of perjury, by each
member of the personnel of the applicant.
(c) Nothing in this Rule shall be interpreted to limit the Registrar’s
authority to require an applicant to provide any other information
necessary to determine the applicant’s qualifications, or to exempt
the applicant therefrom, or to enforce the provisions of the
Contractors License Law, except as otherwise required by law.
468 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Registrar may exempt applicants who are eligible for waiver of
examination, pursuant to Section 7065.1 of the Code, or who are not
required to take the examination, pursuant to Section 7065 of the
Code, from the requirement to submit information described in
subsection (a)(2).
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7066, 7067.5,
7067.6 and 7070, Business and Professions Code.)

817. Operating Capital Defined

(a) For purposes of Section 7067.5 of the Code, the term “operating
capital” means the difference between current assets and current
liabilities as defined in subsections (b) and (c), respectively.
(b) For accounting purposes, “current assets” means cash and other
assets or resources commonly identified as those which are
reasonably expected to be realized in cash or sold or consumed during
the normal operating cycle of the business. Thus, the term
comprehends in general such resources as
(1) cash available for current operations and items which are the
equivalent of cash;
(2) inventories of merchandise, raw materials, goods in process,
finished goods, operating supplies, and ordinary maintenance
material and parts;
(3) trade accounts, notes, and acceptances receivable;
(4) receivables from officers, employees, affiliates, and others, if
collectible in the ordinary course of business within a year;
(5) installment or deferred accounts and notes receivable if they
conform generally to normal trade practices and terms within the
business;
(6) marketable securities representing the investment of cash
available for current operations; and
(7) prepaid expenses such as insurance, interest, rents, taxes, unused
royalties, current paid advertising service not yet received, and
operating supplies. Prepaid expenses are not current assets in the
sense that they will be converted into cash but in the sense that, if
not paid in advance, they would require the use of current assets
during the operating cycle.
(c) For accounting purposes, current liabilities include those
obligations whose liquidation is reasonably expected to require the
use of existing resources properly classifiable as current assets, or the
creation of other current liabilities. As a balance-sheet category, the
classification is intended to include obligations for items which have
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 469

entered into the operating cycle, such as payables incurred in the

acquisition of materials and supplies to be used in the production of
goods or in providing services to be offered for sale; collections
received in advance of the delivery of goods or performance of
services; and debts which arise from operations directly related to the
operating cycle, such as accruals for wages, salaries, commissions,
rentals, royalties, and income and other taxes. Other liabilities whose
regular and ordinary liquidation is expected to occur within a
relatively short period of time, usually twelve months, are also
intended for inclusion, such as short-term debts arising from the
acquisition of capital assets, serial maturities of long-term
obligations, amounts required to be expended within one year under
sinking fund provisions, and agency obligations arising from the
collection or acceptance of cash or other assets for the account of third
persons.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7067.5, Business
and Professions Code.)

819. Requirement of Corporations

A foreign or domestic corporation, applying for a license, shall
complete a certification as prescribed by the Registrar, showing that
it has fulfilled the filing requirements of the California Secretary of
State as set out in Sections 200 and 2105 of the Corporations Code.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7067, Business
and Professions Code.)

823. Definitions: Bona Fide Employee; Direct Supervision and

Control
(a) For purposes of Section 7068 of the Code, “bona fide employee” of
the applicant means an employee who is permanently employed by
the applicant and is actively engaged in the operation of the
applicant’s contracting business for at least 32 hours or 80% of the
total hours per week such business is in operation, whichever is less.
(b) For purposes of Section 7068.1 of the Code, “direct supervision and
control” includes any one or any combination of the following
activities: supervising construction, managing construction activities
by making technical and administrative decisions, checking jobs for
proper workmanship, or direct supervision on construction job sites.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7068 and
7068.1, Business and Professions Code.)

824. Application Investigation Required

In addition to a review and verification of all applications for
licensure, the Registrar shall conduct a comprehensive field
investigation of a minimum of 3% of all such applications. Such
470 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

investigation shall include those areas of experience claimed and such

other areas as the Registrar deems appropriate for the protection of
the public.
All claimed experience shall be supportable by documentation
satisfactory to the Board. The Registrar shall provide to the Board,
for its approval, acceptable forms of such documentation and shall
inform the applicant in the application form that such documentation
may be requested by the Board.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7068, Business
and Professions Code.)

825. Experience Requirement of Applicant

(a) Every applicant for a contractor’s license must have had, within
the last 10 years immediately preceding the filing of the application,
not less than four years experience as a journeyman, foreman,
supervising employee or contractor in the particular class within
which the applicant intends to engage as a contractor. For purposes of
this section, “journeyman” means an experienced worker in the trade
who is fully qualified, as opposed to a trainee, and is able to perform
the trade without supervision; or one who has completed an
apprenticeship program.
(b) An applicant who was formerly a qualifier on a license in the same
classification applied for may compute experience without regard to
the ten-year limitation.
(c) An applicant shall not be jeopardized in computing time for service
in the armed forces of the United States during a National
Emergency and the length of service may be added to the 10 years
mentioned above.
(d) Acceptable training in an accredited school or completion of an
approved apprenticeship program in accordance with the California
Labor Code (commencing with Section 3070 of the Labor Code,
Chapter 4, of Division 3) or its equivalent, as approved by the
Registrar, in the construction trade for which application is made will
be counted as experience. In no case, however, will such training or
completion of an approved apprenticeship program count for more
than 3 years of the experience.
(e) The required experience shall be possessed by one member of the
applicant entity or by a responsible managing employee therefore,
and the member or responsible managing employee shall be required
to take the examination.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7068, Business
and Professions Code.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 471

826. Registrar to Pass on Experience

The Registrar may determine that an applicant who does not have
the specific experience required in Section 825 has some comparable
knowledge, training, and/or experience which is equivalent to the
required experience.
827. Review of Application for Original License, Additional
Classification, or Replacement of Qualifying Person
(a) Application Requiring Examination:
(1) The Board shall inform an applicant in writing within 60 days of
receipt whether the application is complete and has been referred for
examination or is deficient and what specific information is required.
An application is “complete” when an acceptable application and fee
have been filed by the applicant.
(2) When an application is returned which was previously rejected for
deficiencies, the Board shall decide within 5 days of receipt whether
the application is complete and accepted for filing.
(3) The Board shall decide within 115 days after a complete
application has been referred for examination whether an applicant
meets the requirements for licensure, provided that the examination
has been successfully completed and the applicant has filed the
bond(s), fee and other documents required by Division 3 of the
Business and Professions Code.
(4) If an applicant has not successfully completed the examination as
scheduled in subsection (3), or met the other requirements of that
subsection (subject to the limitations of Business and Professions
Code Section 7074), the Board shall decide within 45 days of the
successful completion of a subsequently scheduled examination and
the filing of acceptable bond(s), fee and other documents required by
Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, whether the
applicant meets the requirements for licensure.
(5) The periods specified in subsection (3) and (4) shall be extended by
a period of 60 days, if the application must be investigated.
(6) The minimum, median and maximum times for an application
requiring examination for licensure as a contractor, for an additional
classification, or for replacement of the qualifying person from the time
of receipt of the application until the Board decided to issue the license,
grant the additional classification or the replacement of the qualifying
person, based on the Board’s past two years performance, were:
(A) Application for Original License, with Examination:
Minimum ......... 11 days
472 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Median ........... 253 days

Maximum ...... 726 days
(B) Application for Additional Classification, with Examination:
Minimum ......... 20 days
Median ............. 96 days
Maximum ...... 617 days
(C) Application for Replacement of the Qualifying Person, with
Examination:
Minimum ......... 20 days
Median ............. 78 days
Maximum ...... 428 days
These periods include not only the Board’s processing time, but also
the time for which the applicant is responsible: e.g., the return of a
rejected application, failure of and/or failure to appear at
examinations, filing of the required bond(s) and fee.
(b) Applications Not Requiring Examination:
(1) The Board shall inform an applicant for licensure, without
examination, as a contractor, for an additional classification, or for
replacement of the qualifying person pursuant to Sections 7065 or
7065.1 of the Business and Professions Code within 50 days of receipt
whether the application is complete and what the issuance or
granting requirements are or that the application is deficient and
what specific information is required.
(2) When an application is returned which was previously rejected for
deficiencies, the Board shall decide within 5 days of receipt if the
application is now complete and accepted for filing.
(3) Once the applicant has filed acceptable bond(s) and other
documents required by Division 3 of the Business and Professions
Code, the Board shall decide within 15 days whether the applicant
meets the requirements for licensure.
(4) The period outlined in subsection (1) may be extended by 60 days
if the application must be investigated.
(5) The minimum, median and maximum times for an application for
licensure, without examination, as a contractor, for an additional
classification, or for replacement of the qualifying person from the time
of receipt of the application until the Board decided to issue the license,
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 473

grant the additional classification or the replacement of the qualifying

person, based on the Board’s past two years performance were:
(A) Application for Original License, without Examination:
Minimum ............. 1 day
Median ............. 48 days
Maximum ...... 349 days
(B) Application for Additional Classification, without Examination:
Minimum ......... 24 days
Median .......... 58.5 days
Maximum ...... 358 days
(C) Application for Replacement of the Qualifying Person, without
Examination:
Minimum ............. 1 day
Median ............. 29 days
Maximum ...... 253 days
These periods include not only the Board’s processing time, but also
the time for which the applicant is responsible: e.g., return of a
rejected application and filing of the required bond(s) and fee.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code; and Section 15376, Government
Code. Reference: Section 15376, Government Code; and Sections 7065, 7065.1 and 7074, Business
and Professions Code.)

828. Review of Application for Home Improvement Salesman

Registration
(a) The Board shall inform, in writing, an applicant for registration as
home improvement salesman within 30 days of receipt whether the
application is deficient and what specific information is required or
whether the registration has been issued.
(b) When an application is returned which was previously rejected for
deficiencies, the Board shall decide whether the applicant meets the
requirements for registration within 5 days after return of the
completed application. A “completed application” means that an
acceptable application form together with all required information,
documentation and fee has been filed by the applicant.
(c) The time periods outlined in (a) and (b) may be extended by 5
weeks if the fee is in the form of a personal or company check, or by
60 days if an application requires investigation to determine if a
statement of issues must be filed.
474 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

(d) The minimum, median and maximum processing times for an

application for registration as a home improvement salesman from
the time of receipt of the initial application until the Board makes a
final decision on the application, based on the Board’s past two years
performance, are:
Minimum: ............ 1 day
Median: .............. 8 days
Maximum: ....... 53 days
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 15376,
Government Code; and Section 7153.1, Business and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 3. CLASSIFICATION
830. Classification Policy
(a) All contractors to whom licenses are issued shall be classified by
the Registrar as a specialty contractor, as defined in this article; a
general engineering contractor (Class A), as defined in Section 7056
of the Code; or a general building contractor (Class B), as defined in
Section 7057 of the Code.
(b) Contractors licensed in one classification shall be prohibited from
contracting in the field of any other classification unless they are also
licensed in that classification or are permitted to do so by Section 831.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7059, Business
and Professions Code.)

831. Incidental and Supplemental Defined

For purposes of Section 7059, work in other classifications is
“incidental and supplemental” to the work for which a specialty
contractor is licensed if that work is essential to accomplish the work
in which the contractor is classified. A specialty contractor may use
subcontractors to complete the incidental and supplemental work, or
he may use his own employees to do so.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7059,
Business and Professions Code.)

832. Specialty Contractors Classified

Specialty contractors shall perform their trade using the art,
experience, science and skill necessary to satisfactorily organize,
administer, construct and complete projects under their classification,
in accordance with the standards of their trade.
They are classified into the following sub-classifications:
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 475

Classification Code Section

Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting ................. C-4 832.04
Building Moving and Demolition ................................... C-21 832.21
Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry ......................... C-6 832.06
Concrete .......................................................................... C-8 832.08
Construction Zone Traffic Control .................................. C-31 832.31
Drywall ........................................................................... C-9 832.09
Earthwork and Paving ..................................................... C-12 832.12
Electrical (General) ......................................................... C-10 832.10
Electrical Sign ................................................................. C-45 832.45
Elevator ........................................................................... C-11 832.11
Fencing............................................................................ C-13 832.13
Fire Protection ................................................................. C-16 832.16
Flooring and Floor Covering ........................................... C-15 832.15
Framing and Rough Carpentry ........................................ C-5 832.05
General Manufactured Housing ...................................... C-47 832.47
Glazing ............................................................................ C-17 832.17
Insulation and Acoustical ................................................ C-2 832.02
Landscaping .................................................................... C-27 832.27
Lathing and Plastering..................................................... C-35 832.35
Limited Specialty ............................................................ C-61 832.61
Lock and Security Equipment ......................................... C-28 832.28
Low Voltage Systems...................................................... C-7 832.07
Masonry .......................................................................... C-29 832.29
Ornamental Metal............................................................ C-23 832.23
Painting and Decorating .................................................. C-33 832.33
Parking and Highway Improvement................................ C-32 832.32
Pipeline ........................................................................... C-34 832.34
Plumbing ......................................................................... C-36 832.36
Refrigeration ................................................................... C-38 832.38
476 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Classification Code Section

Roofing ........................................................................... C-39 832.39
Sanitation System ............................................................ C-42 832.42
Sheet Metal ..................................................................... C-43 832.43
Solar ................................................................................ C-46 832.46
Steel, Reinforcing............................................................ C-50 832.50
Steel, Structural ............................................................... C-51 832.51
Swimming Pool ............................................................... C-53 832.53
Tile (Ceramic and Mosaic) .............................................. C-54 832.54
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning .... C-20 832.20
Water Conditioning ......................................................... C-55 832.55
Welding ........................................................................... C-60 832.60
Well Drilling ................................................................... C-57 832.57
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.02. Class C-2—Insulation and Acoustical Contractor

An insulation and acoustical contractor installs any insulating media
and preformed architectural acoustical materials for the purpose of
temperature and/or sound control.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.04. Class C-4—Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam

Fitting Contractor
A boiler, hot-water heating and steam fitting contractor installs,
services and repairs power boiler installations, hot-water heating
systems and steam fitting, including fire-tube and water-tube steel
power boilers and hot-water heating low pressure boilers, steam
fitting and piping, fittings, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators,
convectors, fuel oil tanks, fuel oil lines, chimneys, flues, heat
insulation and all other equipment, including solar heating
equipment, associated with these systems.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.05. Class C-5—Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor

A framing and rough carpentry contractor performs any form work,
framing or rough carpentry necessary to construct framed structures;
installs or repairs individual components of framing systems and
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 477

performs any rough carpentry or associated work, including but not

limited to the construction or installation of: sub-flooring, siding,
exterior staircases and railings, overhead doors, roof decking, truss
members, and sheathing.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.06. Class C-6—Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry

Contractor
A cabinet, millwork and finish carpentry contractor makes cabinets,
cases, sashes, doors, trims, nonbearing partitions and other items of
“finish carpentry’’ by cutting, surfacing, joining, gluing and
fabricating wood or other products to provide a functional surface.
This contractor also places, erects, and finishes such cabinets and
millwork in structures.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.07. Class C-7—Low Voltage Systems Contractor

A communication and low voltage contractor installs, services and
maintains all types of communication and low voltage systems which
are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts. These systems include,
but are not limited to telephone systems, sound systems, cable
television systems, closed-circuit video systems, satellite dish
antennas, instrumentation and temperature controls, and low voltage
landscape lighting. Low voltage fire alarm systems are specifically
not included in this section.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.08. Class C-8—Concrete Contractor

A concrete contractor forms, pours, places, finishes and installs
specified mass, pavement, flat and other concrete work; and places
and sets screeds for pavements or flatwork. This class shall not
include contractors whose sole contracting business is the application
of plaster coatings or the placing and erecting of steel or bars for the
reinforcing of mass, pavement, flat and other concrete work.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.09. Class C-9—Drywall Contractor

A drywall contractor lays out and installs gypsum wall board and
gypsum wallboard assemblies, including nonstructural metal framing
members, and performs the taping and texturing operations including
478 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

the applications of compounds that adhere to wall board to produce a

continuous smooth or textured surface.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.10. Class C-10—Electrical Contractor

An electrical contractor places, installs, erects or connects any
electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits,
solar photovoltaic cells or any part thereof, which generate, transmit,
transform or utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.11. Class C-11—Elevator Contractor

An elevator contractor fabricates, erects, installs and repairs elevators,
including sheave beams, motors, sheaves, cable and wire rope, guides,
cab, counterweights, doors (including sidewalk elevator doors),
automatic and manual controls, signal systems, and all other devices
and equipment associated with the safe and efficient installation and
operation of electrical, hydraulic and manually operated elevators.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.12. Class C-12—Earthwork and Paving Contractors

An earthwork and paving contractor digs, moves, and places material
forming the surface of the earth, other than water, in such a manner
that a cut, fill, excavation, grade, trench, backfill, or tunnel (if
incidental thereto) can be executed, including the use of explosives for
these purposes. This classification includes the mixing, fabricating
and placing of paving and any other surfacing materials.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.13. Class C-13—Fencing Contractor

A fencing contractor constructs, erects, alters, or repairs all types of
fences, corrals, runs, railings, cribs, game court enclosures, guard
rails and barriers, playground game equipment, backstops, posts,
flagpoles, and gates, excluding masonry walls.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.15. Class C-15—Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors

A flooring and floor covering contractor prepares any surface for the
installation of flooring and floor coverings, and installs carpet, resilient
sheet goods, resilient tile, wood floors and flooring (including the
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 479

finishing and repairing thereof), and any other materials established as

flooring and floor covering material, except ceramic tile.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.16. Class C-16—Fire Protection Contractor

A Fire protection contractor lays out, fabricates and installs all types
of fire protection systems; including all the equipment associated with
these systems, excluding electrical alarm systems.
(Authority cited: Section 7008 and 7059 of the Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.17. Class C-17—Glazing Contractor

A glazing contractor selects, cuts, assembles and/or installs all makes
and kinds of glass, glass work, mirrored glass, and glass substitute
materials for glazing; executes the fabrication and glazing of frames,
panels, sashes and doors; and/or installs these items in any structure.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.20. Class C-20—Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-

Conditioning Contractor
A warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning contractor
fabricates, installs, maintains, services and repairs warm-air heating
systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air
appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum
chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with air-conditioning
unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic
controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems. This
classification shall include warm-air heating, ventilating and air-
conditioning systems which utilize solar energy.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7026.1, 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.21. Class C-21—Building Moving/Demolition Contractor

A building moving/demolition contractor raises, lowers, cribs,
underpins, demolishes and moves or removes structures, including
their foundations. This classification does not include the alterations,
additions, repairs or rehabilitation of the permanently retained
portions of such structures.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)
480 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

832.22. Class C–22—Asbestos Abatement Contractor

(a) An asbestos abatement contractor performs abatement, including
containment, encapsulation, or removal, and disposal of asbestos
containing construction materials, as defined in Section 6501.8 of the
Labor Code, in and on buildings and structures. All work performed
and all documentation prepared by an asbestos abatement contractor
shall be done in accordance with regulations and requirements of the
Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) of the
Department of Industrial Relations.
(b) The Board shall not issue an asbestos abatement contractor
license unless the applicant or contractor is duly registered with
DOSH pursuant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code or has an active
application for registration in process with DOSH. All holders of the
C-22—asbestos abatement contractor classification shall have
completed DOSH registration training requirements, as contained in
Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 1529.
(c) Within 90 days after the asbestos abatement contractor license is
issued, the contractor shall submit to the Board proof that he or she
is duly registered with DOSH pursuant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor
Code.
No asbestos abatement work shall be performed nor documentation
prepared until the contractor has submitted proof of his or her DOSH
registration to the Board.
Failure of a licensee to provide proof of current registration with
DOSH within 90 days after issuance shall result in the automatic
suspension of the license or removal of the C-22—asbestos abatement
contractor classification at the end of the 90 days.
(d) Every applicant for the C-22—asbestos abatement contractor
classification must have had, within the last 10 years immediately
preceding the filing of the application, not less than four years of
experience performing asbestos abatement duties as a journeyman,
foreman, supervising employee, or contractor working for or as any of
the following:
(1) A licensed contractor who holds the C-22—asbestos abatement
contractor classification or the asbestos certification, as defined in
Section 7058.5 of the Code, and DOSH registration;
(2) A contractor who provides asbestos abatement services and is
licensed in another state or federal jurisdiction;
(3) A utility company operating under the laws of a state or federal
regulatory agency;
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 481

(4) A division of a state or the federal government; or

(5) The armed forces of the United States.
(e) The Board shall require as a condition precedent to the renewal of
an asbestos abatement contractor license that the licensee have on
file proof of current registration with DOSH pursuant to Section
6501.5 of the Labor Code.
(f) This classification does not include any addition to or alteration,
repair, or rehabilitation of the permanently retained portions of such
buildings and structures. Hazardous substance removal and
remediation, as defined in Section 7058.7 of the Code, are specifically
not included in this classification.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058,
7058.5, 7058.7 and 7059, Business and Professions Code; and Sections 6501.5 and 6501.8, Labor
Code.)

832.23. Class C-23—Ornamental Metal Contractor

An ornamental metals contractor assembles, casts, cuts, shapes,
stamps, forges, welds, fabricates and installs, sheet, rolled and cast,
brass, bronze, copper, cast iron, wrought iron, monel metal, stainless
steel, steel, and/or any other metal for the architectural treatment
and ornamental decoration of structures. This classification does not
include the work of a sheet metal contractor.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.27. Class C-27—Landscaping Contractor

A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or
subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for
public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to
aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve
the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of
land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and
grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any
architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.28. Class C-28—Lock and Security Equipment Contractor

A lock and security equipment contractor evaluates, sets up, installs,
maintains and repairs all doors and door assemblies, gates, locks and
locking devices, panic and fire rated exit devices, manual and
automatic operated gate and door closures and releases, jail and
prison locking devices and permanently installed or built in safes and
vaults. This classification includes but is not limited to master key
482 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

systems, metal window guards, security doors, card activated and

electronic access control systems for control equipment, motion and
other types of detectors and computer systems for control and audit of
control systems and other associated equipment. Fire alarm systems
are specifically not included in this section.
(Authority Cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.29. Class C-29—Masonry Contractor

A masonry contractor installs concrete units and baked clay products;
concrete, glass and clay block; natural and manufactured stone; terra
cotta; and fire brick or other material for refractory work. This
classification includes the fabrication and installation of masonry
component units for structural load bearing and non-load bearing
walls for structures and fences installed with or without mortar;
ceramic veneer (not tile) and thin brick that resembles full brick for
facing; paving; and clear waterproofing, cleaning and caulking
incidental to masonry construction.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.31. Class C-31—Construction Zone Traffic Control

Contractor
A construction zone traffic control contractor prepares or removes
lane closures, flagging or traffic diversions, utilizing portable devices,
such as cones, delineators, barricades, sign stands, flashing beacons,
flashing arrow trailers, and changeable message signs, on roadways,
including, but not limited to, public streets, highways, or any public
conveyance.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.32. Class C-32—Parking and Highway Improvement

Contractor
A parking and highway improvement contractor applies and installs
protective coatings, vehicle stops, guard rails and mechanical devices,
directional lines, buttons, markers, signs and arrows on the
horizontal surface of any game court, parking facility, airport,
highway or roadway constructed of concrete, asphalt or similar
material. This classification includes the surface preparatory work
necessary for the application of protective coatings but does not
include the re-paving of these surfaces.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 483

832.33. Class C-33—Painting and Decorating Contractors

A painting and decorating contractor prepares by scraping,
sandblasting or other means and applies any of the following: paints,
papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, turpentines, japans, driers,
thinners, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives, water
and any other vehicles, mediums and materials which adhere by
evaporation and may be mixed, used and applied to the surfaces of
structures and the appurtenances thereto for purposes of decorating,
protecting, fireproofing and waterproofing.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.34. Class C-34—Pipeline Contractor

A pipeline contractor fabricates and installs pipelines for the
conveyance of fluids, such as water, gas, or petroleum, or for the
containment or protection of any other material, including the
application of protective coatings or systems and the trenching,
boring, shoring, backfilling, compacting, paving and surfacing
necessary to complete the installation of such pipelines.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.35. Class C-35—Lathing and Plastering Contractor

(a) A lathing and plastering contractor coats surfaces with a mixture
of sand, gypsum plaster, quick-lime or hydrated lime and water, or
sand and cement and water, or a combination of such other materials
that create a permanent surface coating, including coatings for the
purpose of soundproofing and fireproofing. These coatings are applied
with a plasterer’s trowel or sprayed over any surface which offers a
mechanical means for the support of such coating, and will adhere by
suction. This contractor also installs lath (including metal studs) or any
other material prepared or manufactured to provide a base or bond for
such coating.
(b) A lathing and plastering contractor also applies and affixes wood
and metal lath, or any other material prepared or manufactured to
provide key or suction bases for the support of plaster coatings. This
classification includes the channel work and metal studs for the
support of metal or any other lathing material and for solid plaster
partitions.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.36. Class C-36—Plumbing Contractor

A plumbing contractor provides a means for a supply of safe water,
ample in volume and of suitable temperature for the purpose
484 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

intended and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in
all structures and fixed works. This classification includes but is not
limited to:
(a) Complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction
and connection of on-site waste disposal systems;
(b) Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply
of gases and liquids for any purpose, including vacuum, compressed
air and gases for medical, dental, commercial and industrial uses;
(c) All gas appliances, flues and gas connections for all systems
including suspended space heating units. This does not include forced
warm air units;
(d) Water and gas piping from the property owner’s side of the utility
meter to the structure or fixed works;
(e) Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids, to a
temperature suitable for the purposes listed in this section, including
the installation of solar equipment for this purpose; and
(f) The maintenance and replacement of all items described above and
all health and safety devices such as, but not limited to, gas
earthquake valves, gas control valves, back flow preventors, water
conditioning equipment and regulating valves.
(Authority Cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.38. Class C-38—Refrigeration Contractor

A refrigeration contractor constructs, fabricates, erects, installs,
maintains, services and repairs refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, and
insulated refrigerated spaces, temperature insulation, air-conditioning
units, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity and thermostatic controls for
the control of air, liquid, and/or gas temperatures below fifty degrees
Fahrenheit (50°), or ten degrees Celsius (10°).
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7026.1, 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.39. Class C-39—Roofing Contractor

A roofing contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal,
waterproof and weatherproof structures. This work is performed to
prevent water or its derivatives, compounds or solids from
penetrating such protection and gaining access to material or space
beyond. In the course of this work, the contractor examines and/or
prepares surfaces and uses the following material: asphaltum, pitch,
tar, felt, glass fabric, urethane foam, metal roofing systems, flax,
shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate or any other roofing, waterproofing,
weatherproofing or membrane material(s) or a combination thereof.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 485

(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.42. Class C-42—Sanitation System Contractor

A sanitation system contractor fabricates and installs cesspools,
septic tanks, storm drains, and other sewage disposal and drain
structures. This classification includes the laying of cast-iron, steel,
concrete, vitreous and non-vitreous pipe and any other hardware
associated with these systems.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.43. Class C-43—Sheet Metal Contractor

A sheet metal contractor selects, cuts, shapes, fabricates and installs
sheet metal such as cornices, flashings, gutters, leaders, pans,
kitchen equipment, duct work (including insulation, patented
chimneys, metal flues, metal roofing systems and any other
installations requiring sheet metal).
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.45. Class C-45—Sign Contractor

A sign contractor fabricates, installs, and erects electrical signs,
including the wiring of such electrical signs, and non-electrical signs,
including but not limited to: post or pole supported signs, signs
attached to structures, painted wall signs, and modifications to
existing signs.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.46. Class C-46—Solar Contractor

A solar contractor installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs thermal
and photovoltaic solar energy systems.
A licensee classified in this section shall not undertake or perform
building or construction trades, crafts, or skills, except when required
to install a thermal or photovoltaic solar energy system.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

Note: Development of the examination is complete and in

effect.
832.47. Class C-47—General Manufactured Housing
Contractor
(a) A general manufactured housing contractor installs, alters,
repairs, or prepares for moving any type of manufactured home as
defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code, any; type of
486 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

mobilehome as defined in Section 18008 of the Health and Safety

Code, and any type of multifamily manufactured home as defined in
Section 18008.7 of the Health and Safety Code, including the
accessory buildings or structures, and the foundations. A
manufactured home does not include any recreational vehicle,
commercial coach, or factory-built housing as defined in Section
19971 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) A general manufactured housing contractor may provide utility
services on a single-family individual site placement. Utility services
mean the connection of gas, water, sewer, and electrical utilities to
the home.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7026.11, 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.50. Class C-50—Reinforcing Steel Contractor

A reinforcing steel contractor fabricates, places and ties steel mesh or
steel reinforcing bars (rods), of any profile, perimeter, or cross-section,
that are or may be used to reinforce concrete structures.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.51. Class C-51—Structural Steel Contractor

A structural steel contractor fabricates and erects structural steel
shapes and plates, of any profile, perimeter or cross-section, that are
or may be used as structural members for buildings and structures,
including the riveting, welding, rigging, and metal roofing systems
necessary to perform this work.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.53. Class C-53—Swimming Pool Contractor

A swimming pool contractor constructs swimming pools, spas or hot
tubs, including installation of solar heating equipment using those
trades or skills necessary for such construction.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.54. Class C-54—Tile Contractors (Ceramic and Mosaic)

A ceramic and mosaic tile contractor prepares surfaces as necessary
and installs glazed wall, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, paver, faience, glass
mosaic and stone tiles; thin tile that resembles full brick, natural or
simulated stone slabs for bathtubs, showers and horizontal surfaces
inside of buildings, or any tile units set in the traditional or
innovative tile methods, excluding hollow or structural partition tile.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 487

(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.55. Class C-55—Water Conditioning Contractor

A water conditioning contractor installs water conditioning equipment
with the use of only such pipe and fittings as are necessary to connect
the water conditioning equipment to the water supply system and to
by-pass all those parts of the water supply system within the premises
from which conditioned water is to be excluded.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.57. Class C-57—Well Drilling Contractor

A well drilling contractor installs and repairs water wells and pumps
by boring, drilling, excavating, casing, cementing and cleaning to
provide a supply of uncontaminated water.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7026.3, 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.60. Class C-60—Welding Contractor

A welding contractor causes metals to become permanently attached,
joined and fabricated by the use of gases and electrical energy, which
creates temperatures of sufficient heat to perform this work.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.61. Classification C-61—Limited Specialty

(a) Limited specialty is a specialty contractor classification limited to
a field and scope of operations of specialty contracting for which an
applicant is qualified other than any of the specialty contractor
classifications listed and defined in this article.
(b) An applicant classified and licensed in the classification Limited
Specialty shall confine activities as a contractor to that field or fields
and scope of operations set forth in the application and accepted by
the Registrar or to that permitted by Section 831.
(c) Upon issuance of a C-61 license, the Registrar shall endorse upon
the face of the original license certificate the field and scope of
operations in which the licensee has demonstrated qualifications.
(d) A specialty contractor, other than a C-61 contractor, may perform
work within the field and scope of the operations of Classification C-
61, provided the work is consistent with established usage and
procedure in the construction industry and is related to the specialty
contractor’s classification.
488 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

832.62. Solar System Work Within Scope of Class A, Class B,

and Class C-61 (Swimming Pool Maintenance)
(a) The phrase “in connection with fixed works requiring specialized
engineering knowledge and skill” in Section 7056 of the Business and
Professions Code shall include but not be limited to an active solar
energy system.
(b) An active solar energy system constitutes use of more than two
unrelated building trades or crafts within the meaning of Section
7057 of the Business and Professions Code.
(c) C-61 (Swimming Pool Maintenance Contractors) currently holding
the SC-44 supplemental solar classification may continue to perform
solar work authorized by Class SC-44 until one year after the
implementation of the C-46 Solar Classification. Thereafter,
classification C-61 (Swimming Pool Maintenance) is authorized to
repair active solar heating systems for swimming pools.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7056,
7057 and 7058, Business and Professions Code.)

833. Asbestos Classification and Certification Limitations and

Examination Requirement
(a) The C-22—asbestos abatement contractor classification shall
operate as a stand-alone specialty contractor classification for
asbestos abatement work, notwithstanding any other classification
held by the licensed contractor.
(b) No general building contractor, as defined in Section 7057 of the
Code, shall contract for any project that includes asbestos abatement
work unless the general building contractor holds the C-22—asbestos
abatement contractor classification or the asbestos certification, as
defined in Section 7058.5 of the Code, and DOSH registration or
unless the general building contractor subcontracts with an
appropriately licensed contractor.
(c) The asbestos certification, as defined in Section 7058.5 of the Code,
shall operate in conjunction with other classification(s) held by the
licensed contractor. No licensed contractor who holds the asbestos
certification shall contract for any project that includes asbestos
abatement work in a trade for which the contractor is not licensed,
unless the licensee also holds the C-22—asbestos abatement
contractor classification.
(d) The Registrar may waive the trade examination, pursuant to
Section 7065.3 of the Code, for the C-22—asbestos abatement
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 489

contractor classification for a licensed contractor who holds the

asbestos certification, as defined in Section 7058.5 of the Code, upon
application and conclusive showing by the licensee that he or she
possesses not less than four years journey-level experience in the
C-22—asbestos abatement contractor classification within the last 10
years immediately preceding the filing of the application. The licensee
shall have obtained the asbestos certification after having passed the
written asbestos certification examination and shall have held the
asbestos certification in active and good standing throughout the
four-year experience period at a minimum.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7057,
7058, 7058.5, 7059 and 7065.3, Business and Professions Code.)

834. Limitation of Classification

(a) A licensee classified as a general engineering contractor shall
operate only within those areas defined in Section 7056 of the Code.
(b) A licensee classified as a general building contractor, as defined in
Section 7057 of the Code, shall take a prime contract or subcontract
only as authorized by Section 7057.
(c) A licensee classified as a specialty contractor, as defined in Section
7058 of the Code, shall not act in the capacity of a contractor in any
classification other than one in which he/she is classified except on
work incidental or supplemental to the performance of a contract in a
classification in which any contractor is licensed by the Board.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7056,
7057, 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 4. EXAMINATIONS
840. Written Examinations Required of All Applicants
Except as provided in Section 7065.1 of the Code, an applicant,
including an applicant for an additional classification or
classifications, must pass the written examination prescribed by the
Registrar. No oral examination shall be given to any applicant. The
reading of the examination instructions or questions or the
explanation of the wording or intent of any of the questions to an
examinee by any Board personnel authorized to conduct
examinations, or by any duly sworn translators, shall not be
considered an oral examination.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7065 and 7068,
Business and Professions Code.)
490 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

841. Elimination and Revision of Examination Questions

The Registrar shall, under the Board’s direction, prepare and revise
the written examinations for contractors’ licenses.
The Registrar shall replace, eliminate or change any examination
question or answer thereto brought to his/her attention if, in the
Registrar’s opinion, the question is misleading or unfair, or the
approved answer is incorrect.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7011, 7065,
7065.05 and 7068, Business and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 5. RENEWAL OF LICENSE

853. Renewal Application Form
(a) The Registrar shall mail to each licensee, prior to the expiration of
the license, a renewal form with complete instructions for renewal of
the license.

(b) A renewal application is delinquent if not postmarked by the

expiration date.

(c) An incomplete renewal application shall be returned to the

licensee by the Registrar with an explanation of the reasons for its
rejection. If the renewal application is not returned before the
expiration date of the license, the license shall expire as provided in
Section 7140 of the Code.
(d) An expired license shall not be renewed until any accrued
delinquency fee has been paid.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7140, Business
and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 6. BONDS
856. Security in Lieu of Bond
(a) A certificate of deposit, submitted pursuant to Section 7071.12(a)
of the code, shall:
(1) When filed in lieu of a contractor’s bond
(A) by an applicant, show the name style as set out on page one of the
application.
(B) by a licensee, show the name style as currently recorded in the
official files of the Board.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 491

(2) When filed in lieu of a bond of qualifying individual, show the

name style as in (1) above and the name of the responsible managing
individual.
(3) Be made payable to the Contractors State License Board. The
word “trustee” shall not be included.
(4) Be issued for a period of not less than one year.
(5) Be automatically renewable at each maturity date.
(6) Provide that any interest earned shall be paid to the depositor.
(b) Assignment of a savings and loan association investment certificate
or share account, or of a credit union certificate for funds or share
account shall be upon a form prescribed and approved by the Registrar.
(1) The form shall show:
(A) The assignment of the account to the board.
(B) The name style as prescribed in subsection (a) above.
(C) The current address of the applicant or licensee.
(D) The name and address of the savings and loan association or
credit union having custody of such funds.
(E) A declaration signed by an officer of the savings and loan
association or the credit union that it received written notice of the
assignment. This declaration shall include the title of the officer
signing it.
(F) A receipt for the assignment from the Board with direction to the
savings and loan association or the credit union that the earnings on
the assigned account or certificate shall be paid to the assignor.
(2) The assignment form shall be accompanied by the savings and
loan association pass book or investment certificate, the credit union
certificate for funds or share account pass book of the assignor which
shall show the name of the depositor-investor, that of the licensee or
applicant, and the responsible managing individual, if applicable, and
the amount of the assignment required by law.
(c) Eligible bearer bonds submitted pursuant to Section 7071.12(c) of
the code shall be delivered to a bank in Sacramento, California, which
shall act as agent for the applicant, licensee or responsible managing
employee. The bank shall deliver the bonds to the Treasurer of the
State of California only on order of the Registrar or an employee
designated by the Registrar.
(1) The Registrar shall prescribe and approve the forms for the
deposit or withdrawal of bearer bonds.
492 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

(2) Interest coupons shall remain attached to bearer bonds deposited

with the Treasurer until such bonds are permanently withdrawn
from the depository, not be resubmitted for deposit.
(3) In order to insure that sufficient security is on deposit, the bid
price of bearer bonds, as recorded in the bond securities listed on the
Pacific Coast Stock Exchange or some other authoritative source on
the first day of the month in which such bonds are submitted for
deposit, shall be at least 25% in excess of the amount of the surety
bond or cash deposit required to be submitted.
The Registrar shall prescribe such procedures and forms, and issue
such orders as necessary to accept and process any cash deposit
submitted pursuant to Section 7071.12(d) of the code. Personal checks
shall not be accepted as cash.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7071.5, 7071.6,
7071.8, 7071.9, 7071.10 and 7071.12, Business and Professions Code.)

858. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Defined

(a) The purpose of these sections is to establish requirements for
contractors seeking to obtain approval from the Registrar for a
blanket performance and payment bond (hereafter referred to as
“blanket bond”) as specified under the provisions of paragraph (a)(8)
of Section 7159.5 of the Code.
(b) For the purposes of this Article, the term “blanket bond” means a
single surety instrument, executed by an admitted surety that is
conditioned for the payment in full of all claims that arise from the
obligations created by a licensee under any contract that is subject to
the provisions of Section 7159 of the Code (hereafter referred to as
“home improvement contract”) and as set forth in Section 858.1 of
this Article.
(c) For the purposes of this Article, the term “obligation” has the same
meaning as set forth under Section 1427 of the Civil Code: “An
obligation is a legal duty, by which a person is bound to do or not to
do a certain thing.”
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7151, 7159 and
7159.5, Business and Professions Code.)

858.1. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Requirements

(a) A blanket bond that is filed on behalf of a licensee to satisfy the
provisions of Section 858 shall be underwritten for a dollar amount
that is sufficient to cover one-hundred percent (100%) of the home
improvement contracts for which the licensee has an obligation.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 493

(b) Upon written request by a licensee, the Registrar is authorized to

approve a blanket bond that is capped according to the schedule listed
under subsection (c) provided the following conditions are met:
(1) The licensee, or the parent company of the licensee, is required to
submit annual reports (Form 10-K) to the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission (U.S. SEC).
(2) Upon the filing of a request that the blanket bond be capped, a
copy of the most recently filed Form 10-K shall be submitted to the
Registrar. Thereafter, a copy of any Form 10-K report shall be
submitted to the Registrar within 10 days of filing with the U.S. SEC.
(3) The net worth of the applicable firm shall, initially and annually
thereafter, be not less than 10 times the sum of the blanket bond as
determined by the Registrar. Each net worth calculation shall be
applicable to the period for which the most recent Form 10-K report
was submitted to the U.S. SEC.
(c) The blanket bonds for which a request has been submitted under
subsection (b) shall comply with the following schedule:
(1) If a licensee, or the parent company of a licensee, is classified as a
“large accelerated filer” by the U.S. SEC, the amount of the blanket
bond shall be $10 million.
(2) If a licensee, or the parent company of a licensee, is classified as
an “accelerated filer” by the U.S. SEC, the amount of the blanket
bond shall be $5 million.
(3) If a licensee, or the parent company of a licensee, is classified as a
“non-accelerated filer” by the U.S. SEC, the amount of the blanket
bond shall be $1 million.
(d) A licensee who is granted approval of a blanket bond pursuant to
subsections (b) and (c) is not subject to the biennial financial
reporting requirement specified under Section 858.4(a)(2). However,
the qualifier’s certification statement must be submitted biennially as
specified under that section.
(e) For the purpose of executing the qualifier’s certification statement
required under Section 858.2(a)(4), the provisions of subsections (a),
(b), and (c) of Section 858.1 shall be referenced collectively as “the
100% rule.”
On the date that this section becomes effective, any licensee that has
a blanket bond on file with the Board that fails to comply with the
100% rule shall achieve compliance not later than 90 days after the
effective date of the section. The Registrar is authorized to rescind
the approval of the blanket bond in accordance with the provisions of
494 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Section 858.8 of this Article if the licensee fails to comply with any
provision of this section.
(f) The form of the blanket bond specified under this section is subject
to the approval of the Registrar and shall conform to the following
with regard to content:
This bond shall be filed with the Registrar of Contractors
State of California
Contractors State License Board
Surety Code: __________
Bond No.: _____________
License No.: ___________

BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND

13B-39 (Rev. 08/11)
(Business and Professions Code Section 7159.5)

The term of this bond is ____________ to __________________________.

KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS: That ________________________
(Business Name as Shown on the License)

whose address for service is

________________________________________________________________
(Street Address) (City) (State) (Zip Code)

as Principal, and ________________________________________________

(Name of Surety)

a corporation organized under the laws of the State of __________ and

authorized to transact a general surety business in the State of
California, as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto each owner or
tenant of a residence or dwelling unit as the beneficiaries with whom
the Principal, as of the date of this bond and thereafter, enters into a
home improvement contract as defined in Section 7151.2 of the
Business & Professions Code for repairing, remodeling, altering,
converting, or modernizing such building or structure; and the
aggregate contract price specified in one or more improvement
contracts including all labor services and materials to be furnished by
the Principal as the contractor exceeds __________ Dollars ( ) in the
just and full sum of the amount of each individual contract for which
sum, well and truly to be paid, we bind ourselves, our heirs,
executors, successors, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by
these presents.
THE CONDITION OF THE OBLIGATION IS SUCH, That,
WHEREAS, Sections 7159 and 7159.5 of the Business & Professions
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 495

Code provide for bonding requirements for contractors entering into

contracts covered by these provisions of law, AND, WHEREAS, the
Principal desires to file a blanket guarantee to operate as security in
accordance with Section 995.020 of the Code of Civil Procedure, to
cover the performance and payment of all obligations resultant from
such contracts in order to conduct business under the exemptions
specified under paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) of Section 7159.5 of
the Business & Professions Code.
NOW THEREFORE, if the Principal shall well and truly perform and
fulfill all the understandings, covenants, terms, conditions, and
agreements of said contracts, and shall also well and truly perform
and fulfill all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and
agreements of any and all duly authorized modifications of said
contracts; and if the Principal shall promptly make payments to all
persons, whether or not in direct contractual relationship with
Principal, supplying labor or material or both for the prosecution of
the work provided in said contracts, then this obligation is to be void;
otherwise, it is to remain in full force and effect as though separate
bonds in the full amount of the contract price had been written on the
individual contracts.
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, this bond is issued subject to the following
express conditions:
1. This bond may be cancelled by the surety in accordance with the
provisions of Sections 996.310 et seq. of the Code of Civil Procedure.
2. This bond shall be deemed continuous in form and shall remain in
full force and effect and shall run concurrently with the license period
for which the license is granted and shall continue beyond that period
and every succeeding license period or periods for which said
Principal may hold this license or until the effective date of rescission
of the Registrar’s approval of the bond, after which liability
hereunder shall cease in accordance with provisions of Section
996.360 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
3. This bond to become effective __________________________________
(Date)

4. Even though this bond may be in effect for more than one year, the
surety’s aggregate liability for all contracts covered hereunder shall
in no event exceed the amount set forth above.
5. The surety signing this bond is jointly and severally liable on the
obligations of the bond, the obligations of the statutes providing for
this bond, and the applicable provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure
regarding bonds.
496 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

________________________________________________________________
(Name of Surety) (Address for Service)

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of

California that I have executed the foregoing bond under an
unrevoked power of attorney. I further declare that I have relied upon
the “Qualifier’s Certification Statement” to determine that, as of the
date of execution, the penal sum of this bond is a good faith valuation
of the funds required to safeguard the financial interests of the
beneficiaries relative to the obligations for which this bond is posted.
Executed in ______________________, ______________ on ____________,
(City and State) (Date)

under the laws of the State of California.

Certificate of Authority # ________________________________________
Signature of Attorney-in-Fact ____________________________________
Printed or Typed Name of Attorney-in-Fact _______________________
Address of Attorney-in-Fact _____________________________________
Telephone Number of Attorney-in-Fact ( ) _______________________
Signature of Principal (Qualifier for the License) __________________
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7151.2, 7159
and 7159.5, Business and Professions Code.)

858.2. Application for Approval of Blanket Performance and

Payment Bond
(a) A licensee seeking approval of a blanket bond shall meet the
applicable conditions specified under this Article and submit to the
Board an Application for Approval of Blanket Performance and
Payment Bond, form 13B-35 (11/2011), that includes the following
information:
(1) The name and address of the licensee as listed on the license
record and the license number.
(2) The name of every person listed on the license record of the
applicant who, as specified under Section 7068 of the Code, is acting
as a qualifier for the license.
(3) The reviewed year-end financial statements and a report prepared
by a certified public accountant (CPA) duly licensed by the California
Board of Accountancy or licensed by another state board of
accountancy. The reviewed financial statements shall include
supplemental information related to the liquidity ratios of the
licensee’s business and shall particularly include the current ratio
and the quick ratio, the calculations for which are specified under
subparagraphs (A) and (B) below. The review report, or a separate
supplementary report, shall include an explanation that the
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 497

information has been subject to the review of the CPA. The review
report shall cover the two fiscal years immediately preceding
application for approval of the blanket bond, and should be prepared
in accordance with the current Statements of Standards for
Accounting and Review Services issued by the American Institute of
Certified Public Accounts.
(A) Current ratio calculation: current assets; divided by current
liabilities.
(B) Quick ratio calculation: current assets minus inventory; divided
by current liabilities.
(4) A certification statement, signed under penalty of perjury by the
qualifier for the license, which shall conform to the following
language:
QUALIFIER’S CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
(Unless otherwise noted, all section references are to the California Business & Professions Code.)

The undersigned declares that, in accordance with Sections 7068 and

7068.1 of the Code, he or she is a qualifier for the licensee identified
below (hereafter referred to as “licensee”) and is responsible for
exercising the direct supervision and control of the licensee’s
operations as is necessary to secure full compliance with the laws and
regulations that are under the jurisdiction of the Contractors State
License Board. As a qualifier of the licensee, the undersigned has
reviewed sufficient financial information to execute this certification
as it pertains to the licensee’s home improvement sales and services
that are subject to the home improvement contract requirements
specified under Section 7159 of the Code. As of close of business on
___________________ the blanket performance and payment bond
(Date)

(bond) number __________ issued by ________________________

(Bond Number) (Name of Surety Company)

as surety is, according to my comprehension of the data derived from

the licensee, in an aggregate amount that is sufficient to comply with
the “100% rule” as specified in the provisions of Section 858.1 of Title
16, Division 8 of the California Code of Regulations. The undersigned
also certifies that he or she will monitor the relevant business activity
of the licensee; exercise due diligence to secure ongoing compliance
with the 100% rule; and notify the Registrar within 30 days of the
licensee’s refusal, failure, or inability to comply with the 100% rule.
The undersigned also certifies that, upon approval of the blanket
bond by the Registrar, the contract forms that will be used by the
licensee for all transactions which are subject to Section 7159 of the
498 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Code will contain a notice which informs the property owner that a
blanket performance and payment bond is on file with the Registrar
of Contractors, or in lieu thereof, a notice that clearly identifies the
name and address of the surety that has issued the blanket
performance and payment bond.
As a qualifying individual for the licensee, I declare under penalty
of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing is true and correct and that this declaration was executed
on __________ at _______________________
(Date) (City and State)

________________________________________________________________
(Name of Licensee as it Appears on the License) (License Number)

________________________________________________________________
(Printed Name of Qualifier) (Signature of Qualifier)

(b) A licensee shall be licensed in this state in an active status for not
less than five years prior to submitting the application provided for
by this section.
(c) Except as otherwise provided under this subsection, an application
for approval of a blanket bond shall not be accepted for consideration
if any member of the personnel of record of the licensee, or any home
improvement salespersons registered to the licensee, was found to
have been responsible for, participated in, or otherwise culpable
relative to any legal action that is subject to disclosure under Section
7124.6(e)(2) or 7124.6 (e)(3) of the Code, or is named on a license that
is suspended pursuant to Section 7071.17 of the Code.
(1) Any person who, after the effective date of the most recent
disciplinary order applicable to that individual, is listed on an active
license for three consecutive years with no violations resulting in
disciplinary action may make application as provided under this
Article.
(d) The application shall be signed by the person qualifying on behalf
of the licensee who has executed the qualifier’s certification
statement required under this section. In the case of a responsible
managing employee qualifier, the application shall also be signed by
the owner, partner, or current corporate officer.
(e) The application shall be accompanied by a blanket bond that
complies with the provisions of Section 858.1 of this Article and is
underwritten by a surety that has been admitted in the State of
California.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7068, 7068.1,
7124.6, 7159 and 7159.5, Business and Professions Code.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 499

858.3. Minimum Standards for Blanket Performance and

Payment Bond Approval—Cause for Denial
(a) For each of the year-end financial statements for which a report is
required under Section 858.2, the following standards must be met in
order to qualify for blanket bond approval:
(1) The quick ratio shall not be less than 1:1, or, in lieu thereof, the
current ratio shall not be less than 2:1.
(b) In addition to any other cause for denial, the Registrar may deny
or rescind approval of the blanket bond based on information in the
reviewed report or the information contained in the supplemental
information required under subparagraph (a)(3) of Section 858.2 if
the information demonstrates the licensee will be unable to meet
current liabilities.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7159.5, Business
and Professions Code.)

858.4. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Biennial

Certification and Financial Reporting Requirements
(a) Except as otherwise provided under this Article, a licensee that
maintains a blanket bond under this Article shall comply with the
following:
(1) A certification statement as specified in Section 858.2 of this
Article, signed under penalty of perjury by the member of the
personnel of record who is listed as the qualifier for the license in
accordance with Section 7068 of the Code, shall be submitted
biennially to the Registrar as specified under subsection (b).
(2) With each application to renew the license for which the blanket
bond has been posted, reviewed year-end financial statements and a
report prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section
858.2(a)(3) shall be submitted to the Registrar as follows:
(A) If it has been one calendar year or more since the Registrar’s
approval of the blanket bond, the licensee shall submit a copy of a
review report and the accompanying financial statements covering
the entire period that is subsequent to the approval, but not more
than the two fiscal years immediately preceding the license renewal
date.
(B) If it has been less than one calendar year since the Registrar’s
initial approval of the blanket bond, the reviewed report required by
this subsection shall be submitted at next renewal period that is more
than one calendar year subsequent to the initial approval of the
blanket bond.
500 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

(b) The due date for the qualifier’s certification statement and any
reports required under this section shall coincide with the license
renewal period of the license for which blanket bond approval has
been granted. For each subsequent renewal cycle, the certification
statement and reports of financial statements shall be submitted to
the Registrar no later than the date the license is due to expire.
(c) The Registrar may rescind approval of the blanket bond based on
information in the reviewed report or in the supplemental
information that demonstrates the licensee’s business may not be
able to meet its current liabilities.
(d) If a licensee fails to submit the certification statement or comply
with the financial reporting requirements as specified by this section,
the Registrar may rescind approval of the blanket bond in accordance
with the provisions of Section 858.8 of this Article.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7068, 7068.1
and 7159.5, Business and Professions Code.)

858.5. Blanket Performance and Payment Bond Audit

Authorization and Procedures
(a) The Registrar may order an audit of a licensee that has an
approved blanket bond on file if he or she deems an audit is necessary
to ensure that the sum for which the blanket bond has been filed is
sufficient to protect the public.
(1) The Registrar shall provide a licensee with not less than 30 days
written notification that an audit is to be conducted pursuant to this
section. The notice shall specify the period to be covered by the audit
and set a date for the audit to begin. The audit period shall not
exceed the period that is specified for the retention of licensee records
under Section 7111 of the Code. Delivery of the notice shall be by
certified mail to the current business address of record listed on the
license record. Upon written request, the Registrar may grant the
licensee an additional 30 days to prepare for the audit.
(2) For any audit conducted pursuant to this section, the licensee
shall, pursuant to the receipt of the audit notice, provide access to the
licensee’s books, business records, and documents in accordance with
the provisions of Section 7111 of the Code.
(b) Upon completion and review of the audit and all relevant
information, the Registrar shall determine if the licensee is in
compliance with the 100% rule specified under Section 858.1.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7111 and
7159.5, Business and Professions Code.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 501

858.6. Authorization and Procedures for Ordering the Amount

of Blanket Performance and Payment Bond to Be Increased
(a) Pursuant to an audit conducted in accordance with Section 858.5
of this Article, the Registrar is authorized to order an increase in the
dollar amount of the blanket bond to an amount that meets the
requirements specified in Section 858.1 of this Article. The
adjustment determination shall be based on the information
contained in records of the licensee that are required to be made
available for an audit as specified under this Article.
(b) An order to increase the sum of the blanket bond pursuant to this
section shall be sent by certified and regular mail to the licensee’s
address of record. The order shall include a notice that failure to
increase the dollar amount of the blanket bond within 30 days of the
date of the order is cause for rescission of approval of the blanket
bond.
(c) If a licensee fails to comply within 30 days of the date of an order
that is issued pursuant to this section, the Registrar shall rescind
approval of the blanket bond in accordance with the provisions of
Section 858.8 of this Article.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7159.5, Business
and Professions Code.)

858.7. Maintenance of the Blanket Performance and Payment

Bond
(a) In order for any licensee to maintain the Registrar’s approval of a
blanket bond in accordance with this Article, all provisions of this
section are applicable:
(1) No member of the personnel of record of the licensee, nor home
improvement salesperson registered to the licensee, shall have been
found to have been responsible for, participated in, or otherwise
culpable relative to any acts or omissions that resulted in any
discipline that is subject to disclosure under Section 7124.6(e)(2) or
7124.6(e)(3) of the Code. The approval of the blanket bond posted by a
licensee found to be in violation of this section is subject to rescission
in accordance with the provisions of Section 858.8 of this Article. In
determining whether or not to rescind approval of the blanket bond
for violations of this section, the Registrar shall give due
consideration to protection of the public as set forth in Section 7000.6
of the Code.
(2) No member of the personnel of record of the licensee, nor home
improvement salespersons registered to the licensee, shall be named
on a license that is suspended pursuant to Section 7071.17 of the
Code. The approval of the blanket bond posted by a licensee found to
502 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

be in violation of this section is subject to rescission in accordance

with the provisions of Section 858.8 of this Article. In determining
whether or not to rescind approval of the blanket bond for violations
of this section, the Registrar shall give due consideration to protection
of the public as set forth in Section 7000.6 of the Code.
(3) Whenever any qualifier who has executed and filed the qualifier’s
certification statement required under this Article disassociates from
the licensee, a subsequent qualifier for the licensee shall complete,
execute, and file the qualifier’s certification statement contained in
the application form specified under Section 858.2 of this Article. The
qualifier’s certification statement required by this paragraph must be
filed within 90 days of the date that the former qualifier who
executed the qualifier’s certification statement disassociated from the
license, as noted on the official license record of the Board.
(4) The failure to file an acceptable qualifier’s certification statement
within 90 days as specified under subdivision (3) of this subsection is
cause for rescission of approval of the bond in accordance with the
provisions of Section 858.8 of this Article. If a licensee files a written
request prior to the date the qualifier’s certification statement is due,
the Registrar may grant an additional 30 days within which to file
the certification statement. The licensee’s request shall clearly state
the reason(s) why additional time is needed to file the qualifier’s
certification statement.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7000.6,
7071.17, 7124.6 and 7159.5, Business and Professions Code.)

858.8. Rescission of Blanket Performance and Payment Bond

Approval
(a) The Registrar may rescind the approval of any blanket bond (also
referenced as “approval rescission” under this section) if any
provision or condition specified under this Article is not satisfied.
(b) To rescind the approval of a blanket bond, the Registrar shall send
written notice by certified and regular mail to the licensee’s address
of record that specifies the date of and the reasons for the Registrar’s
decision to rescind approval of the blanket bond. When appropriate,
the notice shall also contain the conditions that must be met to
prevent the rescission.
(c) The rescission shall, as of the date specified, extinguish the
licensee’s authorization to use the blanket bond in satisfaction of the
provisions under subsection (a)(8) of Section 7159.5 of the Code.
(d) The licensee shall be given not less than 30 days notice prior to
the effective date of the rescission of the blanket bond. Prior to the
effective date of the rescission, the licensee may file a written appeal
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 503

of the rescission of the blanket bond with the Registrar. A written

appeal is considered timely if it is postmarked prior to the date the
rescission would otherwise become effective. Where a rescission is not
appealed timely, the blanket bond shall be rescinded on the effective
date specified by the Registrar. If the rescission is appealed timely,
the effective date of the rescission shall be delayed until a decision on
the appeal is issued, and a notice regarding the appeal and the
pending decision of the Registrar shall be posted as specified under
subsection (b) of Section 858.9.
(e) Upon cancellation of the blanket bond, the Registrar’s approval
shall be automatically rescinded effective on the date of the
cancellation.
(f) Upon the effective date of the Registrar’s approval rescission, the
licensee shall be subject to and comply with the provisions of
subsections (a)(3), (4), and (5) of Section 7159.5 of the Code and shall,
in addition to complying with all other requirements specified under
Section 7159 of the Code, include the Mechanics’ Lien Warning
disclosure as part of all home improvement contracts that are subject
to that section.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7159 and
7159.5, Business and Professions Code.)

858.9. Posting of Blanket Performance and Payment Bond

Information to License Records
(a) Upon approval of a blanket bond by the Registrar, regardless of
the effective date of the blanket bond, the following information shall
be posted to the public license record of the licensee named as
principal on the blanket bond:
(1) A statement indicating that the licensee has an approved blanket
performance and payment bond on file with the Board.
(2) The date that the blanket bond was approved.
(3) The number of the blanket bond.
(4) The dollar amount for which the blanket bond has been filed.
(5) The name and address of the surety company on the blanket bond.
(b) Whenever a licensee is notified of a decision to rescind the
approval of the licensee’s blanket bond, the Registrar shall post a
notice on the public license record indicating that the rescission is
pending. The notice shall be posted to the license record no earlier
than 5 calendar days and no later than 10 calendar days after the
date that written notification of the rescission is sent to the licensee.
If the rescission is appealed timely by the licensee, the Registrar shall
504 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

also post a notice that an appeal has been filed and indicate that the
decision to rescind the approval of the blanket bond is delayed
pending the outcome of the licensee’s appeal.
(c) Upon rescission of approval of a blanket bond or its cancellation,
the statement specified in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall be
changed to indicate the disposition of the blanket bond and the
effective date thereof. The information in paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and
(5) of subsection (a) shall remain on the license record for not less
than five years after the date the blanket bond was rescinded or
cancelled.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7159.5, Business
and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 7. SPECIAL PROVISIONS

860. Penalty for Failure to Comply with Rules
Licensees and applicants for licenses shall comply with all rules and
regulations of the Board and regulations issued by the Registrar.
Violation of such rules and regulations shall constitute grounds for
disciplinary action, or for the denial of a license.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7008, Business
and Professions Code.)

861. “Advertising” Defined

As used in Section 7030.5 of the Code, the term “advertising” includes
but is not limited to the following: any card, contract proposal, sign,
billboard, lettering on vehicles registered in this or any other state,
brochure, pamphlet, circular, newspaper, magazine, airwave or any
electronic transmission, and any form of directory under any listing
denoting “Contractor” or any word or words of a similar import or
meaning requesting any work for which a license is required by the
Contractors License Law.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7030.5, Business
and Professions Code.)

861.5. Definition of “Structural Defect”

For the purpose of subdivision (b) of Section 7091 of the Code,
“structural defect” is defined as meaning:
(1) A failure or condition that would probably result in a failure in the
load bearing portions of a structure,
(2) which portions of the structure are not constructed in compliance
with the codes in effect at the time for the location of the structure,
provided that,
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 505

(3) such failure or condition results in the inability to reasonably use

the affected portion of the structure for the purpose for which it was
intended.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008, 7091, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7091,
Business and Professions Code.)

863. Public Access to Information

The Registrar shall establish a system whereby members of the
public may obtain from board records information regarding
complaints made against licensed contractors, their history of legal
actions taken by the board, and license status, as hereafter specified.
For purposes of this section, “complaint” means a written allegation
which has been investigated and has been referred for legal action
against the licensee. For purposes of this section, “legal action” means
referral of the complaint for the issuance of a citation, accusation,
statement of issues, or for the initiation of criminal action or
injunctive proceedings.
(a) The Registrar shall maintain records showing the complaints
received against licensees and, with respect to such complaints, shall
make available to members of the public, upon request, the following
information:
(1) The nature of all complaints on file against a licensee which have
been investigated by a Deputy Registrar and referred for legal action
against the licensee by the District Office. Information regarding
complaints which are in the process of being screened, mediated,
arbitrated or investigated shall not be disclosed.
(2) Such general cautionary statements as may be considered
appropriate regarding the usefulness of complaint information to
individual consumers in their selection of a contractor.
(3) Whenever complaint information is requested, the information
disclosable under subsections (c) and (d) below shall also be released.
(b) If a complaint results in a legal action and is subsequently
determined by the registrar, the Office of the Attorney General or a
court of competent jurisdiction not to have merit, it shall be deleted
from the complaint disclosure system.
(c) The Registrar shall maintain records showing a history of any
legal actions taken by the board against all current license holders
and shall make available to members of the public, upon request, all
the following information:
(1) Whether any current license holder has ever been disciplined by
the registrar and, if so, when and for what offense; and
506 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

(2) Whether any current licensee has ever been cited, and, if so, when
and for what offense, and, whether such citation is on appeal or has
been complied with;
(3) Whether any current license holder is named as a respondent in
any currently pending disciplinary or legal action.
(d) The Registrar shall maintain records showing certain licensing
and bonding information for all current license holders and shall
make available to members of the public, upon request, all the
following information regarding current license holders:
(1) The name of the licensee as it appears in the board’s records; and
(2) The license number; and
(3) The classification(s) held; and
(4) The address of record; and
(5) The personnel of the licensee; and
(6) The date of original licensure; and
(7) Whether a bond or cash deposit is maintained and, if so, its
amount; and
(8) If the licensee maintains a bond, the name and address of the
bonding company and the bond’s identification number, if any.
(e) Limitation of access to information. Further, the Registrar may set
reasonable limits upon the number of requests for information
responded per month from any one requestor.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7124.5 and
7124.6, Business and Professions Code.)

864. Continuance of License under Section 7068.2

When a notice of disassociation of the responsible managing officer or
responsible managing employee is given within the time and in the
manner prescribed by Section 7068.2 of the code, the license shall
remain in force for a period of 90 days from the date of such
disassociation.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7068.2, Business
and Professions Code.)

865. Continuance of License under Section 7076

(a) An application for the continuation of a business under an existing
license may be submitted to the Registrar within 90 days of:
(1) the death of a person licensed as an individual,
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 507

(2) the death or the disassociation of a partner of a licensed

partnership, or
(3) the death of an individual member or the disassociation of any
entity of a licensed joint venture. If the application is approved by the
Registrar, the license shall remain in force for a period of up to one
year from the date of death or disassociation.
(b) The Registrar may approve an extension to the one-year provision
outlined in subsection (a) if additional time is necessary to complete
projects contracted for or commenced before the disassociation or
death.
(c) A license so extended is subject to all the provisions of the
Contractors License Law including those relating to renewal and
bond requirements.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7076, Business
and Professions Code.)

867. Procedure to Reactivate an Inactive License

(a) A reactivation of an inactive license shall be effective on the date
on which an acceptable form is received by the Registrar, on the date
on which the full renewal fee provided for in Section 7137(d) of the
code is paid, or on the date, if any, requested by the licensee,
whichever last occurs.
(b) When an inactive license is reactivated, the Registrar shall issue
to the licensee an active pocket license.
(c) The name, address, license number and classification of the
reactivated licensee shall be posted publicly as prescribed by the
Registrar.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 7076.5, Business
and Professions Code.)

868. Criteria to Aid in Determining if Crimes or Acts Are

Substantially Related to Contracting Business
For the purposes of denial, suspension, or revocation of a license
pursuant to Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475) of the code, a
crime or act, as defined in Section 480 of the code, shall be considered
to be substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of
a licensee (under Division 3, Chapter 9 of the code) if it evidences
present or potential unfitness of an applicant or licensee to perform
the functions authorized by the license in a manner consistent with
the public health, safety, and welfare. The crimes or acts shall
include, but not be limited to, the following:
508 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

(a) Any violation of the provisions of Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the

code.
(b) Failure to comply with the provisions of the California
Administrative Code, Chapter 8, Title 16.
(c) Crimes or acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or theft with the
intent to substantially benefit oneself or another or to substantially
harm another.
(d) Crimes or acts involving physical violence against persons.
(e) Crimes or acts that indicate a substantial or repeated disregard
for the health, safety, or welfare of the public.
(Authority cited: Sections 481 and 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 480,
481, 490, 7066,, 7069, 7073, 7090, 7123, and 7124, Business and Professions Code.)

869. Criteria for Rehabilitation

(a) When considering the denial, suspension, or revocation of a license
pursuant to Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475) of the code,
the Board in evaluating the applicant's or licensee's rehabilitation
and present eligibility for a license will consider the following criteria:
(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (a)(2), an applicant or
licensee may be determined to be rehabilitated if he or she meets the
following criteria:
(A) For felony convictions that are substantially related to the
qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee as defined in Section
868, seven (7) years have passed from the time of release from
incarceration or completion of probation if no incarceration was
imposed, without the occurrence of additional criminal activity or
substantially-related acts.
(B) For misdemeanor convictions that are substantially related to the
qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee as defined in Section
868, three (3) years have passed from the time of release from
incarceration or completion of probation if no incarceration was
imposed, without the occurrence of additional criminal activity or
substantially-related acts.
(C) For acts that are substantially related to the qualifications,
functions, or duties of a licensee as defined in Section 868, three (3)
years have passed from the time of commission of the act(s), without the
occurrence of criminal activity or additional substantially-related acts.
(2) The amount of time needed to demonstrate rehabilitation under
subsection (a)(1) may be increased or decreased by taking into
account the following:
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 509

(A) The nature and severity of the crime(s) or act(s) that are under
consideration as, or that were, the grounds for denial, suspension, or
revocation.
(B) Evidence of any crime(s) or act(s) committed subsequent to the
crime(s) or act(s) that are under consideration as, or that were, the
grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation, which also could be
considered as grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation.
(C) The time that has elapsed since commission of the crime(s) or
act(s) that are under consideration as, or that were, the grounds for
denial, suspension, or revocation.
(D) The extent to which the applicant or licensee has complied with
any terms of parole, probation, restitution, or any other sanctions
lawfully imposed against the applicant or licensee.
(E) Consistent work history subsequent to the release from
incarceration, or the completion of probation if no incarceration was
imposed, or subsequent to the time of commission of the act(s).
(F) Documents or testimony from credible individuals who have
personal knowledge of the applicant's or licensee's life and activities
subsequent to the time of commission of the crime(s) or act(s) who can
attest to the applicant's or licensee's present fitness for licensure.
(G) If applicable, evidence of expungement proceedings pursuant to
Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code.
(H) Other relevant evidence, if any, of rehabilitation submitted by the
applicant or licensee. For example, relevant evidence may include
evidence of recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction or abuse or
completion of a drug and/or alcohol aversion program if the crime(s)
or act(s) related to or involved drug and/or alcohol use; or evidence of
completion of an anger management program if the crime(s) or act(s)
demonstrated the applicant's or licensee's inability to control one's
temper.
(b) When considering a petition for reinstatement of the license of a
contractor, the Board shall evaluate evidence of rehabilitation
submitted by the petitioner, considering those criteria specified in
subsection (a).
(Authority cited: Sections 482 and 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 480,
482, 490, 496, 7066, 7069, 7073, 7123, and 7124, Business and Professions Code.)

869.1. Applicant Defined

(a) All applicants for licensure shall furnish a full set of fingerprints
for purposes of the board conducting a criminal history record check.
The fingerprints will be used to allow the California Department of
510 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide criminal

history to the Board.
(b) For purposes of fingerprinting, “applicant” means any individual
applying to be a member of the personnel of record.
(c) For purposes of fingerprinting, “applicant” means an individual
applying for a home improvement registration.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7069 and
7153.1, Business and Professions Code.)

869.2. Exemptions
(a) Applicants for a joint venture license who hold a current active
license in good standing are not subject to fingerprinting.
(b) Individuals already fingerprinted as required by Section 869.1 and
for whom subsequent arrest information remains available at the
Board need not submit fingerprints when submitting a subsequent
application.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7069 and
7153.1, Business and Professions Code.)

869.3. Methods for Submitting Fingerprints

(a) Applicants residing inside the State of California shall submit
their fingerprints through the electronic format certified by the
California Department of Justice but, with approval of the Registrar,
may submit their fingerprints on hard copy forms provided by the
Registrar.
(b) Applicants residing outside the State of California may submit
their fingerprints using the electronic format certified by the
California Department of Justice but also may submit their
fingerprints on hard copy forms provided by the Registrar.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7069 and
7153.1, Business and Professions Code.)

869.4. Subsequent Arrest History

(a) Once an applicant has been fingerprinted, the Board will maintain
access to the applicant’s subsequent arrest history until such time as
the individual’s license is cancelled, revoked or no longer renewable.
(b) Once the Board no longer receives subsequent arrest information,
an individual seeking to apply for a license must be fingerprinted as
required in Section 869.1.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7069 and
7153.1, Business and Professions Code.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 511

869.5. Inquiry into Criminal Convictions

The Board may conduct an inquiry into the circumstances
surrounding the commission of a crime in order to fix the degree of
discipline or to determine if the crime is substantially related to the
qualifications, functions, and duties of an applicant or licensee by
requiring the applicant or licensee to provide documents including,
but not limited to, certified court documents, certified court orders or
sentencing documents.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7069 and
7153.1, Business and Professions Code.)

869.9. Criteria to Aid in Determining Earliest Date a Denied

Applicant May Reapply for Licensure
(a) For an applicant who is denied licensure pursuant to subdivision
(a) of Section 480 of the Business and Professions Code, the date of
reapplication shall be set by the registrar at not less than one year
nor more than five years after the denial. When computing the date
for reapplication, the time shall commence from the effective date of
the decision if an appeal is made or from the service of the notice
under Section 485(b) if a request for hearing is not made. The
registrar will consider the following criteria when setting the
reapplication date of an individual who was denied a license:
(1) For felony convictions that are substantially related to the
qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee as defined in Section
868, seven (7) years have passed from the time of release from
incarceration or completion of probation if no incarceration was
imposed, without the occurrence of additional criminal activity or
substantially-related acts.
(2) For misdemeanor convictions that are substantially related to the
qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee as defined in Section
868, three (3) years have passed from the time of release from
incarceration or completion of probation if no incarceration was
imposed, without the occurrence of additional criminal activity or
substantially-related acts.
(3) For acts that are substantially related to the qualifications,
functions, or duties of a licensee as defined in Section 868, three (3)
years have passed from the time of commission of the act(s), without
the occurrence of criminal activity or additional substantially-related
acts.
(4) The nature and severity of the crime(s) or act(s) that were the
grounds for denial.
512 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

(5) Evidence of any crime(s) or act(s) committed subsequent to the

crime(s) or act(s) that were the grounds for denial, which also could
be considered as grounds for denial.
(6) The time that has elapsed since commission of the crime(s) or
act(s) that were the grounds for denial.
(7) The extent to which the applicant or licensee has complied with
any terms of parole, probation, restitution, or any other sanctions
lawfully imposed against the applicant.
(8) Consistent work history subsequent to the release from
incarceration, or the completion of probation if no incarceration was
imposed, or subsequent to the time of commission of the act(s).
(9) Documents or testimony from credible individuals who have
personal knowledge of the applicant’s life and activities subsequent to
the time of commission of the crime(s) or act(s) who can attest to the
applicant’s present fitness for licensure.
(10) If applicable, evidence of expungement proceedings pursuant to
Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code.
(11) Other relevant evidence, if any, of eligibility for reapplication
submitted by the applicant. For example, relevant evidence may
include evidence of recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction or
abuse or completion of a drug and/or alcohol aversion program if the
crime(s) or act(s) related to or involved drug and/or alcohol use; or
evidence of completion of an anger management program if the
crime(s) or act(s) demonstrated the applicant’s or licensee’s inability
to control one’s temper.
(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude the registrar from denying
the license of an applicant who was previously denied a license and
who is eligible for reapplication in accordance with this section.
(Authority cited: Sections 482, 7008 and 7073, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
480, 482, 486, 496, 7066, 7069, 7073 and 7124, Business and Professions Code.)

870. Factors to Apply in Determining Earliest Date a Revoked

Licensee May Apply for Licensure
(a) The Registrar shall have exclusive authority in setting the earliest
date a revoked licensee may reapply for reissuance or reinstatement
of a license.
(b) when extending the minimum one year period, the Registrar shall
give due consideration to the gravity of the violation, the history of
previous violations and criminal convictions and evaluate the
application based on the following criteria:
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 513

Reapplication Dates:
5 years— License has been revoked:
(1) One or more times; or
(2) For committing fraudulent acts; or
(3) Committing acts which have seriously endangered
the public welfare and safety; or
(4) For being convicted of a construction-related
crime. (For the purposes of determining if a crime is
construction-related, CCR Title 16, Chapter 8, Section
868 shall apply.)
4 years— License has been revoked:
(1) For committing violations on multiple construction
projects; or
(2) For committing multiple violations of law for
reasons other than fraud, danger to the public welfare
and safety and for conviction of a construction-related
crime.
3 years— License has been revoked and revoked licensee:
(1) Has been issued more than one citation which has
become final within one year immediately preceding
the date of revocation or
(2) Has been previously suspended by the Registrar as
the result of a disciplinary action.
2 years— License has been revoked and revoked licensee has
been issued a citation, which has become final within
one year immediately preceding the date of
revocation.
1 year— Licensee has been revoked for the first time and
revoked licensee has no previous legal action history
with the Board.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7058
and 7059, Business and Professions Code.)

871. Disciplinary Guidelines

In reaching a decision on a disciplinary action under the Administrative
Procedure Act (Government Code Section 11400 et seq.), the board shall
consider the disciplinary guidelines entitled “Disciplinary Guidelines”
(rev. 12/11/96) which are hereby incorporated by reference. Deviation
from these guidelines and orders, including the standard terms of
514 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

probation, is appropriate where the board in its sole discretion

determines that the facts of the particular case warrant such a
deviation—for example, the presence of mitigating factors such as the
age of the case; evidentiary problems.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code; and Sections 11400.20 and
11400.21, Government Code. Reference: Sections 7090 and 7095, Business and Professions Code;
and Section 11425.50(e), Government Code.)

DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES
(Rev. 12/11/96)
In assessing a disciplinary penalty against a person who has not had
a previous citation, revocation, suspension nor denial of application,
as the result of the filing of an accusation or a statement of issues, the
Registrar shall give due consideration to the following guidelines. In
addition to any penalties imposed, all persons that have had a license
disciplined, whether or not the disciplinary action has been stayed,
will be required to post a disciplinary bond pursuant to Section
7071.8. Unless otherwise specified, all references are to the Business
and Professions Code.

Factors To Be Considered
In determining whether revocation, suspension or probation is to be
imposed in a given case, factors such as the following should be
considered:
1. Nature and severity of the act(s), offenses, or crime(s) under
consideration.
2. Actual or potential harm to the public.
3. Performed work that was potentially hazardous to the health,
safety, or general welfare of the public.
4. Prior disciplinary record.
5. Number and/or variety of current violations.
6. Mitigation evidence.
7. Rehabilitation evidence.
8. In case of a criminal conviction, compliance with terms of
sentence and/or court-ordered probation.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 515

Sections and Disciplinary Guidelines

125. Conspiracy with an Unlicensed Person

Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
4. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
5. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Community Service time as determined by the Registrar; 5-21 days.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
141. Disciplinary Action by Foreign Jurisdiction
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
4. Community Service as determined by the Registrar; 5-21 days.
490. Conviction of a Crime—Substantial Relationship
Required
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
516 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, conviction of a crime

related to the functions of a contractor is a serious offense that
warrants an outright revocation.
2. Actual suspension of at least 30 days.
3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
4. Make restitution.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
6. Prohibit receipt of down payments.
7. Community Service as determined by the Registrar; 5-21 days.
8. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
496. Violation of Section 123—Subversion of Licensee
Examinations
Minimum Penalty: Revocation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
498. Securing a License through Fraud, Deceit or Knowing
Misrepresentation
Minimum Penalty: Revocation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
499. False Statement in Support of Application
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, making a false
statement in support of an application of another person, is a
serious offense that warrants an outright revocation.
2. Actual suspension of at least 30 days.
3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 517

4. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
5. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
860. (CCR) Penalty for Failure to Comply with Rules
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7018.5. Notice to Owner; Mechanics’ Lien Law
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: 60 day suspension, 1 year probation
If warranted:
1. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
2. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
518 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

7027.3. Fraudulent Use of a License Number

Minimum Penalty: Revocation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7029.1. Contracting Jointly Without a Joint Venture License
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: 60 day suspension, 1 year probation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7029.5. Identification on Vehicle, Plumbing, Electrical Sign,
and Well-drilling
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: 60 suspension, 1 year probation
If warranted:
1. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
2. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7068.2. Failure to Notify; Disassociation of RMO/RME
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 519

2. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
3. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
4. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7071.11. Judgment, Admitted Claim or Good Faith Payment on
Bond
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7071.13. Reference in Advertising; Contractors Bond
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: 60 day suspension, 1 year probation
If warranted:
1. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
2. Submit copies of advertisements relating to contracting business
to the Registrar prior to their being displayed or published during
the probation period.
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7071.15. Failure to Maintain a Sufficient Bond
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
520 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7076. Failure to Notify; Death or Disassociation of Licensee
Personnel
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
2. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
3. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
4. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7083. Failure to Notify, Changes of Personnel, Business Name,
Address, Bond Exemption, and Multiple License Exemption
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
2. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
3. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 521

4. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.

7090. Failure to Obtain Building Permits
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Submit copies of building permits to the Registrar upon demand
for projects undertaken during the probation period.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB
trade examination.
6. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7090.5. Fraud and Repeated Acts, Despite Corrections of
Conditions
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Take and pass a course in accounting, bookkeeping and/or
business management at an accredited community college. All
courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
4. Submit copies of building permits to the Registrar upon demand
for projects undertaken during the probation period.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Prohibit receipt of down payments.
522 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

7. Submit to the Registrar a detailed plan setting forth the

procedure to be used to provide for direct supervising and control
by the qualifying individual.
8. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
9. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to business law at an accredited community college. All
courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
10. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB
trade examination.
11. Take and pass a vocational course(s) related to the trade(s)
employed on the project. All courses must be approved in advance
by the Registrar.
12. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7099.6. Failure to Comply with a Citation
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7103. Disciplinary Action by Another State
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation.
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 523

7107. Abandonment
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, abandonment of a
project is a serious offense that warrants an actual period of
suspension of at least 30 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Submit copies of building permits to the Registrar upon demand
for projects undertaken during the probation period.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Submit to the Registrar a detailed plan setting forth the
procedure to be used to provide for direct supervision and control
by the qualifying individual.
7. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
8. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
9. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB
trade examination.
10. Take and pass a vocational course(s) related to the trade(s)
employed on the project. All courses must be approved in advance
by the Registrar.
11. During the period of probation, provide lien releases to project
owners as soon as payment is received.
12. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7108. Misuse of Funds
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
524 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, misuse of funds is a
serious offense that warrants an actual period of suspension of at
least 30 days.
2. If diversion or misuse of funds is for personal use not related to
construction work, outright revocation is appropriate.
3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
4. Make restitution.
5. Take and pass a course in accounting, bookkeeping and/or
business management at an accredited community college. All
courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
7. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
8. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
9. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
10. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7108.5. Prime Contractors and Subcontractors; Payment
Required
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Take and pass a course in accounting, bookkeeping and/or
business management at an accredited community college. All
courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 525

6. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course

related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7109(a). Departure from Accepted Trade Standards for
Workmanship
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more. If the departure from trade
standards is substantial, actual suspension of at least 30 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Submit copies of building permits to the Registrar upon demand
for projects undertaken during the probationary period.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Submit to the Registrar a detailed plan setting forth the
procedure to be used to provide for direct supervising and control
by the qualifying individual.
7. If not taken within the last 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
8. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
9. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB
trade examination.
10. Take and pass a vocational course(s) related to the trade(s)
employed on the project. All courses must be approved in advance
by the Registrar.
11. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7109(b). Departure from Plans and/or Specifications
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
526 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more. If the departure from plans
and/or specifications is substantial, actual suspension of at least
30 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Submit copies of building permits to the Registrar upon demand
for all projects undertaken during the probationary period.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Submit to the Registrar a detailed plan setting forth the
procedure to be used to provide for direct supervising and control
by the qualifying individual.
7. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
8. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
9. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB
trade examination.
10. Take and pass a vocational course(s) related to the trade(s)
employed on the project. All courses must be approved in advance
by the Registrar.
11. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7109.5. Violation of Safety Orders
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 527

4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course

related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Establish a safety program.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7110. Violations of Other Laws; Disciplinary Action
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Comply with orders or assessments of relevant agency.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
6. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
7. Submit copies of building permits to the Registrar upon demand
for projects undertaken during the probation period.
8. Establish a safety program.
9. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7110.1. Violation of Labor Code Section 206.5; Requiring
Release of Claim for Wages
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
528 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course

related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7110.5. Violation Pursuant to Section 98.9 of the Labor Code
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7111. Preservation of Records
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Take and pass a course in accounting, bookkeeping and/or
business management at an accredited community college. All
courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
4. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
5. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 529

7111.1. Failure of Licensee To Cooperate in an Investigation of

a Complaint
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass CSLB law and
business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7112. Misrepresentation on an Application
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, misrepresentation is
a serious offense that warrants an outright revocation.
2. Actual suspension of at least 30 days.
3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
4. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7113. Failure to Complete Project for Contract Price
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more. If injury is substantial,
actual suspension of at least 30 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
530 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

3. Make restitution.
4. Complete an education course in estimating construction costs or
a related course in the field of construction science. All courses
must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Prohibit receipt of down payments.
6. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
7. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
8. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7113.5. Settlement of Lawful Obligations
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Take and pass a course in accounting, bookkeeping and/or
business management at an accredited community college. All
courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit a list of all subcontractors used on construction projects to
the Registrar upon demand during the probation period.
6. Submit a list of all material suppliers used on construction
projects to the Registrar upon demand during the probation
period.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7114. Aiding and Abetting an Unlicensed Person
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 531

2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page

543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit a list of all subcontractors used on construction projects to
the Registrar upon demand during the probation period.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7114.1. Certifying to False Experience
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, certifying false
experience is a serious offense that warrants an outright
revocation.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
4. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7115. Violation of the Contractors License Law
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in case of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7116. Any Willful or Fraudulent Act
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: revocation
If warranted:
532 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Absent compelling circumstances, fraud is a serious offense that

warrants an actual suspension of at least 60 days.
2. If the injury is substantial, outright revocation is appropriate.
3. Standard terms and conditions in case of probation. (See page
543.)
4. Make restitution.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
6. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
7. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
8. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7117. Variance from License as to Name or Personnel
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: 364 day suspension, 2 years probation
If warranted:
1. Standard terms and conditions in case of probation. (See page
543.)
2. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
3. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
4. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7117.5. Contracting with an Inactive, Suspended or Expired
License
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in case of probation. (See page
543.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 533

3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7117.6. Contracting Out of Classification
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in case of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
4. Submit copies of all advertisements relating to contracting
business to the Registrar prior to their being displayed or
published during the probation period.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7118. Contracting with an Unlicensed Person
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit a list of all subcontractors used on construction projects to
the Registrar upon demand during the probation period.
6. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
534 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

7118.4. Asbestos Related Inspection with Knowledge of Report

being Required for Loan; Disclosure Required
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, conducting an
asbestos related inspection while maintaining a financial
relationship with an entity which performs corrective work
without disclosing this fact is a serious offense that warrants an
actual suspension of 60 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7118.5. Asbestos-related Work; Contracting with Uncertified
Contractor
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, contracting with an
uncertified asbestos contractor to perform asbestos related work
is a serious offense that warrants an actual suspension of 60
days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Submit a list of all subcontractors used on construction projects to
the Registrar upon demand during the probation period.
4. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 535

7118.6. Asbestos-contracting with an Uncertified Person for

Removal or Remedial Action
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, contracting with an
uncertified person for removal or remedial asbestos work is a
serious offense that warrants an actual suspension of 60 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Submit a list of all subcontractors used on construction projects to
the Registrar upon demand during the probation period.
4. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7119. Lack of Reasonable Diligence
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. Prohibit receipt of down payments.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7120. Failure to Pay Money
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Take and pass a course in accounting, bookkeeping and/or
business management at an accredited community college. All
courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
536 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

4. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
5. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Submit a list of all subcontractors used on construction projects to
the Registrar upon demand during the probation period.
7. Submit a list of all material suppliers used on construction
projects to the Registrar upon demand during the probation
period.
8. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
9. Provide lien releases to project owners on all future construction
projects upon receipt of payments.
10. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7121. Prohibition against Association
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Make restitution.
4. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
5. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7123. Conviction of a Crime
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty; Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, conviction of a crime
related to the functions of a contractor is a serious offense and
warrants an outright revocation.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 537

2. Actual suspension of at least 30 days.

3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
4. Make restitution.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
6. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
7. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
8. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
9. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7123.5. Violation of Prohibition against Overpricing Following
an Emergency or Disaster (Penal Code Section 396)
Minimum Penalty: 6 month suspension, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, overpricing
following an emergency or disaster is a serious offense and
warrants an outright revocation.
2. Actual suspension of 6 months.
3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
4. Make restitution.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
6. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
7. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
8. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
9. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
538 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

7125(b). Filing False Workers’ Compensation Exemption

Reports
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit a list of persons employed on construction related projects
to the Registrar upon demand during the probation period.
6. Make restitution.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7154. Employment of a Nonregistered Home Improvement
Salesperson
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 539

7155. Violation of Contractors License Law by Home

Improvement Salesperson
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
4. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
5. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7155.5. Liability of a Contractor for a Home Improvement
Salesperson
Minimum Penalty: Suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs
540 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

7156. Registered Salespersons Violations

Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
4. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7157. Home Improvement Inducements
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of at least 5 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit copies of advertisements relating to contracting business
to the Registrar prior to their being displayed or published during
the probation period.
6. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
7. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7158. False Completion Certificate
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling circumstances, knowingly using a false
certificate is a serious offense that warrants an actual suspension
of at least 30 days.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 541

2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page

543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Make restitution.
6. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
7. Prohibit receipt of down payments.
8. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
9. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7159. Home Improvement Contract Requirements
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. If any injuries are involved, actual suspension of at least 30 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Prohibit receipt of down payments.
7. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
8. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7161. Misrepresentation; False Advertisement
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
542 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, misrepresentation
and false or deceptive advertising are serious offenses that
warrant an actual period of suspension of at least 30 days.
2. If injury is substantial, outright revocation is appropriate.
3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
4. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
5. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
6. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
7. Submit copies of advertisements relating to contracting business
to the Registrar prior to their being displayed or published during
the probation period.
8. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
9. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
10. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7162. Representation with Respect to Trademark or Brand
Name; Quantity or Size
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 2 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Make restitution.
6. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 543

7. Submit copies of advertisements relating to contracting business

to the Registrar prior to their being displayed or published during
the probation period.
8. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
9. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7164. Contract Form for Single Family Dwelling
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7165. Swimming Pool Construction Contract
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
544 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

7183.5. Asbestos; Certification Obtained under False

Pretenses
Minimum Penalty: Revocation, stayed, 3 years probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling mitigating circumstances, obtaining an
asbestos certification under false pretenses is a serious offense
and warrants an outright revocation.
2. Actual suspension of at least 30 days.
3. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page
543.)
4. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
5. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
7189. Asbestos Certification; Conflicts of Interest
Minimum Penalty: 60 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Absent compelling circumstances, a person defined as an
“asbestos consultant” or a “site surveillance technician,” having
financial or proprietary interest in an asbestos contractor’s
company is a serious offense that warrants an actual suspension
period of at least 30 days.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page 543.)
3. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
4. Prohibit the receipt of down payments.
5. Community Service as determined by CSLB; 5-21 days.
6. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
All Other Violations
Minimum Penalty: 5 day suspension, stayed, 1 year probation
Maximum Penalty: Revocation
If warranted:
1. Actual suspension of 5 days or more.
2. Standard terms and conditions in cases of probation. (See page 543.)
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 545

3. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB law
and business examination.
4. Take and pass a course in Contractors License Law or a course
related to construction law at an accredited community college.
All courses must be approved in advance by the Registrar.
5. If not taken within the past 5 years, take and pass the CSLB
trade examination.
6. Take and pass a vocational course(s) related to the trade(s)
employed on the project. All courses must be approved in advance
by the Registrar.
7. Submit copies of construction contracts to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
8. Make restitution
9. Pay CSLB investigation and enforcement costs.
Standard Terms and Conditions to Be Included in all Cases of
Probation
1. Obey All Laws:
Respondent shall comply with all federal, state and local laws
governing the activities of a licensed contractor in California.
2. Interviews With Regional Deputy:
Respondent and any of respondent’s personnel of record shall
appear in person for interviews with the Regional Deputy or
designee upon request and reasonable notice.
3. Completion Of Probation:
Upon successful completion of probation, the contractor’s license
will be fully restored.
4. Violation Of Probation:
If respondent violates probation in any respect, the Registrar,
after giving notice and opportunity to be heard, may revoke
probation and impose the disciplinary order that was stayed. If
the decision contains an order to make restitution, the Registrar
may impose the disciplinary order without giving the respondent
an opportunity to be heard should the respondent fail to comply
with the restitution order.
5. Respondent shall submit copies of documents directly related to
the person’s construction operations to the Registrar upon
demand during the probation period.
546 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

872. Disclosure of General Liability Insurance

(a) As used in this regulation, “home improvement contract” is defined
in Code Section 7151.2 The following statement, must accompany
every estimate (bid) intended to result in a home improvement
contract and every home improvement contract. The heading shall be
printed in at least 14-point type, the questions in at least 12-point
type, and the comments in italics of at least 11-point type. The text
should be bold where indicated. This is 14-point type.
This is 12-point type. This is 11-point type in italics.

Information About Commercial General

Liability Insurance Home Improvement
Pursuant to California Business & Professions Code § 7159.3
(SB 2029), home improvement contractors must provide this
notice and disclose whether or not they carry commercial
general liability insurance.
Did your contractor tell you whether he or she
carries Commercial General Liability Insurance?
Home improvement contractors are required by law to tell you
whether or not they carry Commercial General Liability
Insurance. This written statement must accompany the bid, if
there is one, and the contract.
What does this insurance cover?
Commercial General Liability Insurance can protect against
third-party bodily injury and accidental property damage. It is
not intended to cover the work the contractor performs.
Is this insurance required?
No. But the Contractors State License Board strongly
recommends that all contractors carry it. The Board cautions
you to evaluate the risk to your family and property when you
hire a contractor who is not insured. Ask yourself, if something
went wrong, would this contractor be able to cover losses
ordinarily covered by insurance?
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 547

How can you make sure the contractor is insured?

If he or she is insured, your contractor is required to provide you
with the name and telephone number of the insurance company.
Check with the insurance company to verify that the contractor’s
insurance coverage will cover your project.
What about a contractor who is self-insured?
A self-insured contractor has made a business decision to be
personally responsible for losses that would ordinarily be covered
by insurance. Before contracting with a self-insured contractor,
ask yourself, if something went wrong, would this contractor be
able to cover losses ordinarily covered by insurance?
■ _______________ does not carry Commercial General Liability
(CONTRACTOR’S NAME)

Insurance.
■ _______________ carries Commercial General Liability
(CONTRACTOR’S NAME)

Insurance.
The insurance company is ____________________________
(COMPANY NAME)

You may call the insurance company at ___________________

(TELEPHONE NUMBER)

to verify coverage.
For more information about Commercial General Liability
Insurance, contact the Contractors State License Board at
www.cslb.ca.gov or call 800-321-CSLB (2752).
(This form meets the requirements of Rule 872 and Sections 7159.3 and 7164, Business and
Professions Code.)

(b) The following statement must accompany every contract described

in Code Section 7164. The heading shall be printed in at least 14-
point type, the questions in at least 12-point type, and the comments
in italics of at least 11-point type. The text should be bold where
indicated. This is 14-point type. This is 12-point
type. This is 11-point type in italics.
548 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Information About Commercial General

Liability Insurance Single Family Home
Pursuant to California Business & Professions Code §7164 (SB
2029), contractors building single-family residences for owners
who intend to occupy the home for at least a year must provide
this notice and disclose whether or not they carry commercial
general liability insurance.
Did your contractor tell you whether he or she
carries Commercial General Liability Insurance?
Contractors building single-family residences for owners who
intend to occupy the home for at least a year are required by law
to tell you whether or not they carry Commercial General
Liability Insurance. This written statement must accompany
the contract.
What does this insurance cover?
Commercial General Liability Insurance can protect against
third-party bodily injury and accidental property damage. It is
not intended to cover the work the contractor performs.
Is this insurance required?
No. But the Contractors State License Board strongly
recommends that all contractors carry it. The Board cautions
you to evaluate the risk to your family and property when you
hire a contractor who is not insured. Ask yourself, if something
went wrong, would this contractor be able to cover losses
ordinarily covered by insurance?
How can you make sure the contractor is insured?
If he or she is insured, your contractor is required to provide you
with the name and telephone number of the insurance company.
Check with the insurance company to verify that the contractor’s
insurance coverage will cover your project.
What about a contractor who is self-insured?
A self-insured contractor has made a business decision to be
personally responsible for losses that would ordinarily be
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 549

covered by insurance. Before contracting with a self-insured

contractor, ask yourself, if something went wrong, would this
contractor be able to cover losses ordinarily covered by
insurance?
■ _______________ does not carry Commercial General Liability
(CONTRACTOR’S NAME)

Insurance.
■ _______________ carries Commercial General Liability
(CONTRACTOR’S NAME)

Insurance.
The insurance company is ____________________________
(COMPANY NAME)

You may call the insurance company at ___________________

(TELEPHONE NUMBER)

to verify coverage.
For more information about Commercial General Liability
Insurance, contact the Contractors State License Board at
www.cslb.ca.gov or call 800-321-CSLB (2752).
(This form meets the requirements of Rule 872 and Sections 7159.3 and 7164, Business
and Professions Code.)

872.1. Checklist for Homeowners

(a) As used in this regulation, home improvement is defined in Code
Section 7151.2.
(b) The following statement, must accompany every estimate (bid)
intended to result in a home improvement contract and every home
improvement contract that does not include a swimming pool. The
heading shall be printed in at least 14-point type, the questions in a
least 12-point type, and the comments in italics of at least 11-point
type. The text should be bold where indicated. This is 14-point
type. This is 12-point type. This is 11-point type in italics.

Checklist for Homeowners

Home Improvement
Pursuant to California Business & Professions Code § 7159.3 (SB 2029), home improvement
contractors must provide this notice.
550 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Check Out Your Contractor

• Did you contact the Contractors State License
Board (CSLB) to check the status of the contractor’s
license?
Contact the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or visit
our web site: www.cslb.ca.gov.
• Did you get at least 3 local references from the
contractors you are considering?
Did you call them?
• Building Permits—will the contractor get a permit
before the work starts?

Check Out the Contract
• Did you read and do you understand your contract?
• Does the 3-day right to cancel a contract apply to
you?
Contact the CSLB if you don’t know.
• Does the contract tell you when work will start and
end?
• Does the contract include a detailed description of
the work to be done, the material to be used, and
equipment to be installed?
This description should include brand names, model
numbers, quantities and colors. Specific descriptions
now will prevent disputes later.
• Are you required to pay a down payment?
If you are, the down payment should never be more than
10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.
• Is there a schedule of payments?
If there is a schedule of payments, you should pay only
as work is completed and not before. There are some
exceptions—contact the CSLB to find out what they are.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 551

• Did your contractor give you a “Notice to Owner,” a

warning notice describing liens and ways to
prevent them?
Even if you pay your contractor, a lien can be placed on
your home by unpaid laborers, subcontractors, or
material suppliers. A lien can result in you paying twice
or, in some cases, losing your home in a foreclosure.
Check the “Notice to Owner” for ways to protect yourself.
• Did you know changes or additions to your contract
must all be in writing?
Putting changes in writing reduces the possibility of a
later dispute.
(This form meets the requirements of Rule 872.1 and Sections 7159.3 and 7164, Business and
Professions Code.)

(c) The following statement, must accompany every estimate (bid)

intended to result in a home improvement contract and every home
improvement contract that includes a swimming pool. The heading
shall be printed in at least 14-point type, the questions in at least 12-
point type, and the comments in italics of at least 11-point type. The
text should be bold where indicated. This is 14-point type.
This is 12-point type. This is 11-point type in italics.

Checklist for Homeowners

Swimming Pool
Pursuant to California Business & Professions Code § 7159.3 (SB
2029), home improvement contractors building swimming pools must
provide this notice.

Check Out Your Contractor
• Did you contact the Contractors State License
Board (CSLB) to check the status of the contractor’s
license?
Contact the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or visit
our web site: www.cslb.ca.gov.
552 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Did you get at least 3 local references from the

contractors you are considering?
• Did you call them?
• Building Permits—will the contractor get a permit
before the work starts?
• Check Out the Contract
• Did you read and do you understand your contract?
• Does the 3-day right to cancel a contract apply to
you?
• Contact the CSLB if you don’t know.
• Does the contract tell you when work will start and
end?
• Does the contract include a detailed description of
the work to be done, the material that will be used
and equipment to be installed?
This description should include a plan and scale
drawing showing the shape, size, dimensions and
specifications. It should include brand names, model
numbers, quantities and colors. Specific descriptions
now will prevent disputes later.
• Are you required to pay a down payment?
The down payment for swimming pools should never be
more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever
is less.
• Is there a schedule of payments?
If there is a schedule of payments, you should pay only
as work is completed and not before. There are some
exceptions—contact the CSLB to find out what they are.
• Did your contractor give you a “Notice to Owner,” a
warning notice describing liens and ways to
prevent them?
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 553

Even if you pay your contractor, a lien can be placed on

your home by unpaid laborers, subcontractors, or
material suppliers. A lien can result in you paying twice
or, in some cases, losing your home in a foreclosure.
Check the “Notice to Owner” for ways to protect
yourself.
• Did you know changes or additions to your contract
must all be in writing?
Putting changes in writing reduces the possibility of a
later dispute.
(This form meets the requirements of Rule 872.1 and Sections 7159.3 and 7164, Business and
Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 8. CITATION
880. Order of Correction—Practical Feasibility
Before including an order of correction in a citation, due consideration
shall be given to the practical feasibility of correction in accordance
with, but not limited to, the following criteria:
(a) An order of correction is appropriate where it would not result in
excessive destruction of or substantial waste of existing acceptable
construction.
(b) An order of correction is appropriate where the owner of the
construction project is willing to allow the cited licensee to correct.
(c) An order of correction is appropriate where it appears to the
Registrar that the cited licensee has competence or ability to correct.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7099 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code.)

881. Order of Correction—Alternative Compliance

A cited licensee may comply with an order of correction by having and
paying for another licensee to do the corrective work. The cited
licensee remains responsible, however, for any failure to fully comply
with the order of correction.
An order of correction may, but need not, contain the alternative that
the cited person may pay a specified sum to the owner of the
construction project in lieu of correcting.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7099 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code.)
554 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

882. Order of Correction—Time Required to Correct

Where an order of correction is included in a citation, due
consideration shall be given to the time required to correct in
accordance with, but not limited to, the following criteria:
(a) Accepted industry practice in that area relating to performance of
such work under certain climate or weather conditions.
(b) A reasonable time in which to obtain necessary materials.
(c) The number of working days the construction project will be made
accessible by the owner for corrections.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7099 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code.)

883. Order of Correction—Extension of Time to Correct

If the cited person, after exercising substantial efforts ad reasonable
diligence, is unable to complete the correction within the time allowed
because of conditions beyond his control, he may request an extension
of time in which to correct. Such request must be made in writing,
and must be made prior to the expiration of the time allowed in the
order of correction. An extension may be granted upon showing of
good cause which determination is within the discretion of the
Registrar. If a request for extension of time is not made prior to the
expiration of time allowed in the order of correction, failure to correct
within the time allowed shall constitute a violation of the order of
correction whether or not good cause for an extension of time existed.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections
7099 and 7099.1, Business and Professions Code.)

884. Assessments of Civil Penalties

(a) Civil penalties against persons who have been cited for violation of
the Contractors License Law shall be assessed in accordance with the
following ranges of penalties.
Section Minimum Maximum
Violated Civil Penalty Civil Penalty
7027.1 100 1,000
7028 200 5,000
7028.1 1,000 5,000
7028.5 200 5,000
7028.7 200 15,000
7029.1 200 2,500
7029.5 100 500
7029.6 100 500
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 555

Section Minimum Maximum

Violated Civil Penalty Civil Penalty
7030 500 1,500
7030.1 1,000 5,000
7030.5 100 1,000
7031.5 100 500
7034 100 1,000
7058.7 500 5,000
7068.1 100 5,000
7068.2 100 1,000
7071.11 100 1,000
7071.13 100 500
7075 100 500
7076 100 1,000
7083 100 1,000
7083.1 100 1,000
7099.10 100 1,500
7099.11 100 1,500
7107 200 5,000
7108 200 5,000
7108.5 200 2,000
7108.6 200 2,000
7109 200 5,000
7109.5 500 5,000
7110 200 5,000
7110.1 100 1,000
7111 100 1,000
7111.1 100 1,500
7113 200 5,000
7114 500 15,000
7114.1 200 2,000
7115 100 5,000
7116 100 5,000
7117 100 1,000
7117.5 200 5,000
7117.6 200 5,000
7118 500 15,000
7118.4 3,000 5,000
7118.5 1,000 5,000
556 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Section Minimum Maximum

Violated Civil Penalty Civil Penalty
7118.6 1,000 5,000
7119 200 2,000
7120 200 2,000
7123 500 5,000
7125 100 500
7125.4 200 5,000
7154 100 1,000
7157 100 1,000
7158 500 5,000
7159 100 1,000
7159.5(a)(1), (a)(3),
100 5,000
and (a)(5),
7159.5(a)(2), (a)(4),
(a)(6), (a)(7), and 100 1,000
(a)(8)
7159.10 100 500
7159.14 100 5,000
7161 100 5,000
7162 100 1,500
7164 100 1,000
(b) When determining the amount of assessed civil penalty, the
Registrar shall take into consideration whether one or more of the
following or similar circumstances apply:
1. the citation includes multiple violations;
2. the cited person has a history of violations of the same or similar
sections of the Contractors License Law;
3. in the judgment of the Registrar, a person has exhibited bad faith;
4. in the judgment of the Registrar, the violation is serious or harmful;
5. the citation involves a violation or violations perpetrated against
a senior citizen or disabled person; and/or
6. the citation involves a violation or violations involving a
construction project in connection with repairs for damages caused
by a natural disaster as described in Section 7158 of the code.
(c) Where a citation lists more than one violation and each of the
violations relates to the same construction project, the total penalty
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 557

assessment in each citation shall not exceed $5,000, except as

provided for violations of Sections 7028.7, 7114, or 7118.
(d) Where a citation lists more than one violation, the amount of
assessed civil penalty shall be stated separately for each section
violated.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008, 7099.2 and 7115, Business and Professions Code. Reference:
Sections 7099, 7099.1 and 7115, Business and Professions Code.)

885. Appeal of Citation

Any person served with a citation pursuant to Section 7099 of the
Business and Professions Code may contest the citation by appealing
to the Registrar within 15 working days from the receipt of such
citation. The 15 day period may be extended upon showing of good
cause which determination is within the discretion of the Registrar.
The cited person may contest any or all of the following aspects of the
citation:
1. The occurrence of a violation of the Contractors License Law;
2. The reasonableness of the order of correction, if an order of
correction is included in the citation;
3. The period of time allowed for correction, if an order of correction
is included in the citation;
4. The amount of the civil penalty, if a civil penalty is assessed in
the citation.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7099.3, 7099.4
and 7099.5, Business and Professions Code.)

886. Service of Citation

Service of a citation shall be made in accordance with the provisions
of Section 11505(c) of the Government Code, and, further, that a copy
of the citation be sent by regular mail.
(Authority cited: Section 7008, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7099.3, 7099.4
and 7099.5, Business and Professions Code.)

887. Criteria to Evaluate the Gravity of a Violation of Business

and Professions Code Section 7028.7
Before assessing a civil penalty under Section 7028.7 of the Business
and Professions Code, the Registrar shall give due consideration to
the gravity of the violation, including, but not limited to, a
consideration of whether the cited person did one or more of the
following:
1. Falsely represented that he/she was licensed.
558 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

2. Failed to perform work for which money was received.

3. Executed or used any false or misleading documents in order to
induce a person to enter into a contract or to pay money.
4. Made false or misleading statements in order to induce a person
to enter into a contract or pay money.
5. Failed to apply funds which were received for the purpose of
obtaining or paying for services, labor, materials, or equipment.
6. Performed work that was potentially hazardous to the health,
safety, or general welfare of the public.
7. Performed work in violation of the building laws, safety laws,
labor laws, compensation insurance laws, or unemployment
insurance laws.
8. Performed work that did not meet acceptable trade standards for
good and workmanlike construction.
9. Was convicted of a crime in connection with the violation.
10. Committed any act which would be cause for disciplinary action
against a licensee.
11. Committed numerous or repeated violations.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7028.7, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section
7028.7, Business and Professions Code.)

ARTICLE 9. ARBITRATION
890. Minimum Qualification Standards for Arbitrators
For the purposes of Section 7085.5 of the Code, regardless of the
method of appointment or selection, arbitrators shall possess the
following minimum qualifications:
(a) (1) Five (5) years of experience in the construction industry as a
licensed contractor or a professional in a construction related field,
such as an architect or engineer, or
(2) Five (5) years of experience as an attorney, judge, administrative
law judge, arbitrator, or a combination thereof, handling a minimum
of 8 construction related matters.
(b) Completion of an arbitrator’s course on construction arbitration
within the last 5 years including, but not limited to, training on the
process, the ethics and the laws relating to arbitration. The training
on the process of arbitration may include such topics as the role of the
arbitrator, the use of effective questioning techniques, and the role of
an expert in an arbitration proceeding.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 559

(c) Completion of 8 hours of continuing education on construction

arbitration every 5 years, including, but not limited to, the topics set
forth in subsection (b).
(d) Completion of a training program related specifically to the
Board’s arbitration procedures, laws and policies.
(Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7085.5(b)(3), Business and Professions Code. Reference:
Section 7085 et seq., Business and Professions Code.)

HISTORY NOTES FOR

CURRENT BOARD RULES AND REGULATIONS
(History notes for repealed rules and regulations appear at the end of
this section.)
810. DEFINITIONS
1. Repealer of Article 1 (Sections 700 and 701) and new Article 1 (Section 700) filed 5-25-83;
effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
2. Section renumbered from 700 to 810, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
811. FEES
1. New section filed 12-31-2002 as an emergency; operative 1-1-2003 (Register 2003. No.1).
2. Certificate of Compliance as to 12-31-2002 order, including new subsection (e), subsection
relettering and amendment of Note, transmitted to OAL 4-25-2003 and filed 6-5-2003 Register
2003, 23).
3. Amendment of section and Note filed 11-18-2010; operative 12-18-2010 (Register 2010, No. 47).
4. Change without regulatory effect repealing subsections (a)-(a)(12) and subsection (b) designator
and amending former subsection (b) and subsections (7)-(8) filed 8-7-2013 pursuant to section
100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2013, No. 32).
812. DISHONORED CHECK SERVICE CHARGE
1. New section filed 9-30-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 40).
2. Section renumbered from 703 to 812, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
813. ABANDONMENT OF APPLICATION
1. New section filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section
11346.2(d) (Register 83, No. 35).
2. Section renumbered from 705 to 813, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
816. APPLICATION FORM FOR ORIGINAL LICENSE
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Editorial correction of subsection (c) (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
4. Section renumbered from 706 to 816, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment of subsection (a)(1) and (c) filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register
86, No. 23).
560 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

817. OPERATING CAPITAL DEFINED

1. New section filed 1-24-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 4).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 707.1 to 817, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
819. REQUIREMENT OF CORPORATIONS
1. Amendment filed 7-19-74; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 74, No. 29).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 714 to 819, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
823. DEFINITIONS: BONA FIDE EMPLOYEE; DIRECT SUPERVISION AND
CONTROL
1. New section filed 1-24-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 4). For prior
history, see Registers 53, No. 13; 57, No. 6; and 57, No. 18.
2. Amendment filed 1-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 84, No. 4).
3. Section renumbered from 795 to 823, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Editorial correction filed 7-19-84 (Register 84, No. 29).
824. APPLICATION INVESTIGATION REQUIRED
1. New section filed 1-24-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 4).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 723.1 to 824, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
825. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT OF APPLICANT
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37). For prior
history, see Register 74, No. 29.
2. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
4. Section renumbered from 724 to 825, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing, pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 4-12-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code
Section 11346.2(d) Register 84, No. 15).
826. REGISTRAR TO PASS ON EXPERIENCE
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 725 to 826, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
827. REVIEW OF APPLICATION FOR ORIGINAL LICENSE, ADDITIONAL
CLASSIFICATION, OR REPLACEMENT OF QUALIFYING PERSON
1. New section filed 12-3-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 49).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 561

828. REVIEW OF APPLICATION FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT SALESMAN

REGISTRATION
1. New section filed 10-26-84; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 84, No. 43).
830. CLASSIFICATION POLICY
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 730 to 830, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
831. INCIDENTAL AND SUPPLEMENTAL DEFINED
1. New section filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 35).
2. Section renumbered from 730.1 to 831, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832. SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS CLASSIFIED
1. Amendment filed 4-29-64; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 64, No. 9). For prior history
see Register 55, No. 11 and Register 61, No. 19.
2. Amendment filed 7-18-68; designated effective 10-15-68 (Register 68, No. 27).
3. Amendment filed 5-8-73; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 73, No. 19).
4. Amendment filed 4-16-74 as procedural and organizational; designated effective 5-16-74
(Register 74, No. 16).
5. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 35).
6. Section renumbered from 732 to 832, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
7. Amendment filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 23).
8. Amendment filed 10-22-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 43).
9. Amendment filed 9-15-88; operative 10-15-88 Register 88, No. 39).
10. Amendment filed 11-9-95; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 95, No. 45).
832.02. CLASS C-2—INSULATION AND ACOUSTICAL CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 4-12-61; effective 30th day thereafter (Register 61, No. 8).
3. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 35).
4. Section renumbered from 754.8 to 832.02, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.04. CLASS C-4—BOILER, HOT-WATER HEATING AND STEAM FITTING
CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 5-4-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 19).
3. Amendment filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
4. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
5. Section renumbered from 754.1 to 832.04, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.05. CLASS C-5—FRAMING AND ROUGH CARPENTRY CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 10-26-93; operative 11-25-93 (Register 93, No. 44).
2. Amendment filed 12-18-97; effective 01-01-98 (Register 97, No. 172)
562 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

3. Amendment of section heading, section and Note filed 5-24-2002; operative 1-1-2003 Register
2002, No.21).
4. Change without regulatory effect repealing second paragraph filed 8-7-2013 pursuant to section
100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2013, No. 32).
832.06. CLASS C-6—CABINET, MILLWORK AND FINISH CARPENTRY
CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 5-24-2002; operative 1-1-2003 (Register 2002, No. 21). For prior history, see
Register 97, No. 51.
2. Change without regulatory effect repealing second paragraph filed 8-7-2013 pursuant to section
100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2013, No. 32).
832.07. CLASS C-7—LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-15-88; operative 10-15-88 (Register 88, No. 39).
2. Amendment filed 5-17-95; operative 6-16-95 (Register 95, No. 20).
832.08. CLASS C-8—CONCRETE CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 10-12-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 42).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 739 to 832.08, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.09. CLASS C-9—DRYWALL CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 4-29-64; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 64, No. 9).
2. Amendment filed 10-14-65; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 65, No. 19).
3. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
4. Section renumbered from 754.13 to 832.09, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 5-8-2002; operative 6-7-2002 (Register 2002, No.19).
832.10. CLASS C-10—ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 733 to 832.10, filed 2-27-84, effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.11. CLASS C-11—ELEVATOR CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 754.3 to 832.11, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.12. CLASS C-12—EARTHWORK AND PAVING CONTRACTORS
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
3. Amendment filed 8-3-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 32).
4. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
5. Section renumbered from 745 to 832.12, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 563

832.13. CLASS C-13—FENCING CONTRACTOR

1. New section filed 4-16-74; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 74, No. 16).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 754.15 to 832.13, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.14. CLASS C-14—METAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 10-22-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 43).
2. Repealer and new section filed 6-22-98; operative 7-1-98 pursuant to Government Code section
11343.4(d) (Register 98, No. 26).
832.15. CLASS C-15—FLOORING AND FLOOR COVERING CONTRACTORS
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
3. Amendment filed 8-3-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 32).
4. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
5. Section renumbered from 741 to 832.15, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.16. CLASS C-16—FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 4-27-49 (Register 16, No. 2).
2. Amendment filed 8-12-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 33).
3. Section renumbered from 754.9 to 832.16, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment filed 8-21-90; operative 9-20-90 (Register 90, No. 41).
832.17. CLASS C-17—GLAZING CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 10-29-69; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 69, No. 44).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 750 to 832.17, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.20. CLASS C-20—WARM-AIR HEATING, VENTILATING AND
AIR-CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
3. Amendment filed 5-4-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 19).
4. Amendment filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
5. Amendment filed 11-1-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 45).
6. Section renumbered from 746 to 832.20, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
7. Editorial correction filed 7-19-84 (Register 84, No. 29).
832.21. CLASS C-21--BUILDING MOVING/DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 1-31-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 6). For prior history
see Register 55, No. 11.
2. Amendment filed 8-3-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 32).
564 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

3. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
4. Section renumbered from 752 to 832.21, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.22. CLASS C–22—ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 12-30-2014; operative 1-1-2015 pursuant to Government Code section
11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2015, No. 1).
832.23. CLASS C-23—ORNAMENTAL METAL CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
2. Section renumbered from 749 to 832.23, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.27. CLASS C-27—LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 10-14-68; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 68, No. 39).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 747 to 832.27, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment filed 6-1-88; operative 7-1-88 (Register 88, No. 23).
832.28. CLASS C-28—LOCK AND SECURITY EQUIPMENT CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 1-31-95; operative 3-1-95 (Register 95, No.6Z).
832.29. CLASS C-29—MASONRY CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
2. Section renumbered from 740 to 832.29, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.31. CLASS C-31—CONSTRUCTION ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL
CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-2000; operative 9-18-2000 pursuant to Government Code Section
11343.4 (d) (Register 2000, No.38).
832.32. CLASS C-32—PARKING AND HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT
CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 7-18-68; designated effective 10-15-68 (Register 68, No. 27).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 754.14 to 832.32, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.33. CLASS C-33—PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTORS
1. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
2. Section renumbered from 735 to 832.33, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.34. CLASS C-34—PIPELINE CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 7-24-56; designated effective sixtieth day thereafter (Register 56, No. 14).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 754.11 to 832.34, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 565

832.35. CLASS C-35—LATHING AND PLASTERING CONTRACTOR

1. Amendment of section heading, new subsection (a) designator and new subsections (b) and (c)
filed 12-18-97; operative 1-1-98 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 97,
No. 51).
2. Change without regulatory effect repealing subsection (c) filed 8-7-2013 pursuant to section
100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2013, No. 32).
832.36. CLASS C-36—PLUMBING CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 4-29-64; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 64, No. 9).
2. Amendment filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
3. Amendment filed 8-12-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 33).
4. Section renumbered from 734 to 832.36, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 5-25-89; operative 6-24-89 (Register 89, No. 22). 2. Editorial correction of
printing error and restoration of History 1. (Register 92, No. 29).
6. Amendment filed 12-1-94; operative 12-31-94 (Register 94, No. 50Z).
832.38. CLASS C-38—REFRIGERATION CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 5-4-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 19).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 748 to 832.38, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.39. CLASS C-39—ROOFING CONTRACTOR
1. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
2. Section renumbered from 737 to 832.39, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
3. Amendment filed 6-22-98; operative 7-1-98 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (d)
(Register 98, No. 26).
832.42. CLASS C-42—SANITATION SYSTEM CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 8-3-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 72, No. 32).
3. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
4. Section renumbered from 754.4 to 832.42, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.43. CLASS C-43—SHEET METAL CONTRACTOR
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
3. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
4. Section renumbered from 742 to 832.43, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 6-22-98; operative 7-1-98 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (d)
(Register 98, No. 26).
832.45. CLASS C-45—ELECTRICAL SIGN CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
566 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

3. Section renumbered from 754.2 to 832.45, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment of section heading and section filed 11-30-2009; operative 12-30-2009 (Register
2009, No. 49).
832.46. CLASS C-46—SOLAR CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 10-20-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 42).
2. Amendment filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
3. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
4. Section renumbered from 754.16 to 832.46, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 11-30-2009; operative 12-30-2009 (Register 2009, No. 49).
832.47. CLASS C-47—GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 3-15-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 12).
2. Section renumbered from 754.18 to 832.47, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
3. Amendment of section and Note filed 10-7-2008; operative 11-6-2008 (Register 2008, No. 41).
832.50. CLASS C-50—REINFORCING STEEL CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 754.5 to 832.50, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment filed 6-1-88; operative 7-1-88 (Register 88, No. 23).
832.51. CLASS C-51—STRUCTURAL STEEL CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 754.6 to 832.51, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment filed 11-30-98; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 98, No. 49).
832.53. CLASS C-53—SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 5-3-55; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 55, No. 7).
2. Amendment filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
3. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
4. Section renumbered from 754.10 to 832.53, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.54. CLASS C-54—TILE CONTRACTORS (CERAMIC AND MOSAIC)
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
3. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
4. Section renumbered from 738 to 832.54, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 5-16-2002; operative 5-16-2002 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4
(Register 2002, No. 20).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 567

832.55. CLASS C-55—WATER CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR

1. New section filed 5-24-61; designated effective 8-22-61 (Register 61, No. 10).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 754.12 to 832.55, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.57. CLASS C-57—WELL DRILLING CONTRACTOR
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 10-19-48 as an emergency (Register 14, No. 3).
3. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
4. Section renumbered from 751 to 832.57, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.60. CLASS C-60—WELDING CONTRACTOR
1. New section filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
3. Section renumbered from 754.7 to 832.60, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.61. CLASSIFICATION C-61, LIMITED SPECIALTY
1. New section filed 9-5-61; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 61, No. 19).
2. Amendment filed 4-29-64; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 64, No. 9).
3. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
4. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
5. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 34).
6. Section renumbered from 732.1 to 832.61, filed 2-27-84, effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
832.62. SOLAR SYSTEM WORK WITHIN SCOPE OF CLASS A, CLASS B, AND
CLASS C-61 (SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE)
1. New section filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
2. Section renumbered from 754.17 to 832.62, filed 2-27-84, effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
833. ASBESTOS CLASSIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION LIMITATIONS
AND EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
1. New section filed 12-30-2014; operative 1-1-2015 pursuant to Government Code section
11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2015, No. 1). For prior history, see Register 86, No. 23.
834. LIMITATION OF CLASSIFICATION
1. New section filed 7-17-47 as an emergency (Register 9).
2. Amendment filed 4-29-64; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 64, No. 9).
3. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
4. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
5. Amendment filed 11-1-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 45).
6. Section renumbered from 760 to 834, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
7. Editorial correction filed 7-19-84 (Register 84, No. 29).
8. Amendment of subsection (b) filed 8-10-99; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 99, No. 33).
568 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

840. WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED OF ALL APPLICANTS

1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Amendment filed 5-6-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 19).
4. Section renumbered from 765 to 840, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 89, No. 23).
841. ELIMINATION AND REVISION OF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Amendment filed 5-6-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 19).
4. Section renumbered from 768 to 841, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
853. RENEWAL APPLICATION FORM
1. Amendment filed 10-8-64; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 64, No. 20).
2. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
3. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
4. Section renumbered from 781 to 853, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
854. RENEWAL FEE AND REACTIVATION CREDIT
1. New section filed 6-3-97; operative 6-3-97 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d)
(Register 97, No. 23).
856. SECURITY IN LIEU OF BOND
1. Amendment filed 11-23-71; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 71, No. 48). For prior
history see Register 67, No. 17.
2. Amendment filed 1-28-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 5).
3. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
4. Section renumbered from 791 to 856, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 11-9-95; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 95, No. 45).
858. BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND DEFINED
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.1. BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND REQUIREMENTS
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.2. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND
PAYMENT BOND
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.3. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND
PAYMENT BOND APPROVAL—CAUSE FOR DENIAL
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.4. BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND BIENNIAL
CERTIFICATION AND FINANCIAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 569

858.5. BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND AUDIT

AUTHORIZATION AND PROCEDURES
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.6. AUTHORIZATION AND PROCEDURES FOR ORDERING THE
AMOUNT OF BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND TO BE
INCREASED
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.7. MAINTENANCE OF THE BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT
BOND
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.8. RESCISSION OF BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND
APPROVAL
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
858.9. POSTING OF BLANKET PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND
INFORMATION TO LICENSE RECORDS
1. New section filed 11-22-2011; operative 12-22-2011 (Register 2011, No. 47).
860. PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH RULES
1. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
2. Section renumbered from 794 to 860, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
861. LICENSE NUMBER REQUIRED IN ADVERTISING
1. New section filed 10-20-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 42).
2. Amendment filed 10-21-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 43).
3. Section renumbered from 794.1 to 861, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Editorial correction filed 7-19-84 (Register 84, No. 29).
5. Amendment of section heading and section filed 11-30-2009; operative 12-30-2009 (Register
2009, No. 49).
861.5 DEFINITION OF “STRUCTURAL DEFECT”
1. New section filed 08-28-96; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 96, No. 35).
863. PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION
1. Repealer filed 8-1-62; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 62, No. 16).
2. New section filed 5-15-80; designated effective July 1, 1980 (Register 80, No. 20).
3. Amendment filed 10-24-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 43).
4. Section renumbered from 722 to 863, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Editorial correction filed 7-19-84 (Register 84, No. 29).
6. Amendment filed 4-10-92; operative 5-11-92 (Register 92, No. 18).
864. CONTINUANCE OF LICENSE UNDER SECTION 7068.2
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 5-5-48 as an emergency (Register 12, No. 6).
3. Amendment filed 10-14-65; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 65, No. 19).
4. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
570 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

5. Section renumbered from 796 to 864, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
865. CONTINUANCE OF LICENSE UNDER SECTION 7076
1. Amendment filed 10-14-68; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 68, No. 39). For prior
history, see Section 65, No. 19.
2. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
3. Section renumbered from 796.5 to 865, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment of subsections (a) and (b) filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86,
No. 23).
867. PROCEDURE TO REINSTATE INACTIVE LICENSE
1. New section filed 8-1-62; designated effective 10-1-62 (Register 62, No. 16).
2. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
3. Section renumbered from 799 to 867, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 23).
868. CRITERIA TO AID IN DETERMINING IF CRIMES OR ACTS ARE
SUBSTANTIALLY RELATED TO CONTRACTING BUSINESS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37). For prior
history, see Register 75, No. 6.
2. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
3. Section renumbered from 800 to 868, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment of section heading, section and Note filed 5-31-2006; operative 6-30-2006 (Register
2006, No. 22).
869. CRITERIA FOR REHABILITATION
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37). For prior
history, see Register 75, No. 6.
2. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
3. Section renumbered from 801 to 869, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment of section and Note filed 5-31-2006; operative 6-30-2006 (Register 2006, No. 22).
869.1. APPLICANT DEFINED
1. New section filed 3-17-2005; operative 4-16-2005 (Register 2005, No. 11).
869.2. EXEMPTIONS
1. New section filed 3-17-2005; operative 4-16-2005 (Register 2005, No. 11).
869.3. METHODS FOR SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS
1. New section filed 3-17-2005; operative 4-16-2005 (Register 2005, No. 11).
869.4. SUBSEQUENT ARREST HISTORY
1. New section filed 3-17-2005; operative 4-16-2005 (Register 2005, No. 11).
869.5. INQUIRY INTO CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS
1. New section filed 3-17-2005; operative 4-16-2005 (Register 2005, No. 11).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 571

869.9. CRITERIA TO AID IN DETERMINING EARLIEST DATE A DENIED

APPLICANT MAY REAPPLY FOR LICENSURE
1. New section filed 5-31-2006; operative 6-30-2006 (Register 2006, No. 22).
870. FACTORS TO APPLY IN DETERMINING EARLIEST DATE A REVOKED
LICENSEE MAY APPLY FOR LICENSURE
1. New section filed 5-11-89; operative 6-10-89 (Register 89, No. 19).
871. DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES
1. New section filed 5-29-97; operative 5-29-97 pursuant to Government Code 11343.4(d)
(Register 97, No. 22).
872. DISCLOSURE OF GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
1. New section filed 11-28-2001; operative 2-26-2002 (Register 2001, No. 48).
872.1. CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS
1. New section filed 11-28-2001; operative 2-26-2002 (Register 2001, No. 48).
880. ORDER OF CORRECTION—PRACTICAL FEASIBILITY
1. New Article 8 (Sections 803-806.1) filed 4-7-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81,
No. 15).
2. Section renumbered from 803 to 880, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
881. ORDER OF CORRECTION—ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE
1. New section filed 4-7-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 15).
2. Section renumbered from 803.1 to 881, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
882. ORDER OF CORRECTION—TIME REQUIRED TO CORRECT
1. New section filed 4-7-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 15).
2. Section renumbered from 804 to 882, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
883. ORDER OF CORRECTION—EXTENSION OF TIME TO CORRECT
1. New section filed 4-7-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 15).
2. Section renumbered from 804.1 to 883, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
884. RECOMMENDED ASSESSMENTS OF CIVIL PENALTIES
1. New section filed 4-7-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 15).
2. Section renumbered from 805 to 884, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
3. Amendment filed 5-23-94; operative 6-22-94 (Register 94, No. 21).
4. Amendment of section and Note filed 1-31-2007; operative 3-2-2007 (Register 2007, No. 5).
885. APPEAL OF CITATION
1. New Section filed 4-7-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 15).
2. Section renumbered from 806 to 885, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
886. SERVICE OF CITATION
1. New Section filed 4-7-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 15).
572 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

2. Section renumbered from 806.1 to 886, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
887. CRITERIA TO EVALUATE THE GRAVITY OF A VIOLATION OF
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE SECTION 7028.7
1. New section filed 5-13-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 20).
2. Section renumbered from 807 to 887, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
890. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR ARBITRATORS
1. New article 9 (section 890) and section filed 10-31-2001; operative 11-30-2001 (Register 2001,
No. 44).

HISTORY NOTES FOR

REPEALED BOARD RULES AND REGULATIONS

701. PURPOSE OF LAW—PROTECTION, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUBLIC

1. Repealer filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
702. FEES
1. New Article 1.5 (Section 702) filed 12-21-81; designated effective 2-1-82 (Register 81, No. 52).
2. Repealer filed 3-15-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 12).
707. ALL MEMBERS OF APPLICANT TO FURNISH INFORMATION
1. Repealer filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
708. SIGNING AND VERIFICATION OF APPLICATION
1. Amendment filed 7-19-74; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 74, No. 29).
2. Repealer filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
709. FURNISHING REFERENCES
1. Repealer filed 3-3-53; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 53, No. 4).
710. POWER OF REGISTRAR TO DENY INSUFFICIENT APPLICATIONS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Repealer filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
711.1. ABANDONMENT OF APPLICATION
1. New section filed 1-22-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 4).
2. Repealer filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
712. POWER OF REGISTRAR TO WAIVE FORMAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Repealer filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
713. TENDER OF FEE
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 9-18-47 as an emergency (Register 9).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 573

3. Repealer filed 1-23-50 (Register 19, No. 2).

716. POWER IN REGISTRAR TO WAIVE POSTING
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 9-18-47 as an emergency (Register 9).
3. Repealer filed 1-27-71; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 71, No. 5).
719. BOND REQUIREMENT OF APPLICANTS
1. Repealer filed 8-1-62; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 62, No. 16).
720. POSTING OF BOND AS CONDITION OF REINSTATEMENT
1. Repealer filed 8-1-62; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 62, No. 16).
721. REGISTRAR MAY WAIVE BOND
1. Repealer filed 8-1-62; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 62, No. 16).
723. POLICY OF THE BOARD REGARDING EXPERIENCE
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Repealer filed 12-22-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 52).
726. CREDIT FOR ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
1. Originally published 12-5-48 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 3-12-47 (Register 8).
3. Repealer filed 2-28-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 9).
731. ALL CONTRACTORS TO BE CLASSIFIED
1. Repealer filed 12-22-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 52).
753. CLASS C-22—STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL CONTRACTOR
1. Repealer filed 10-18-55; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 55, No. 16).
754. CLASS C-56—WATERPROOFING, WEATHERPROOFING AND DAMP-
PROOFING CONTRACTORS
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Repealer filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
755. PRIMARY AND SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Repealer filed 12-22-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 52).
756. ASSIGNMENT OF PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
1. Amendment filed 2-7-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 6).
2. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
3. Repealer filed 12-22-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 52).
756.1. ASSIGNMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL SOLAR CLASSIFICATION
1. New section filed 10-20-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 42).
2. Repealer filed 3-15-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 12).
756.2. QUALIFICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SOLAR CLASSIFICATION
1. New section filed 10-20-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 42).
574 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

2. Repealer filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
756.3. SOLAR PROJECT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. New section filed 10-20-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 42).
2. Repealer filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
756.4. EFFECTIVE DATE OF REGULATION
1. New section filed 10-20-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 42).
2. Repealer filed 4-28-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 18).
757. NO “SUPPLEMENTAL” CLASSIFICATION WHERE NO SPECIAL
EXAMINATION
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Repealer filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
759. WAIVER OF RECLASSIFICATION EXAMINATIONS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Repealer filed 2-28-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 9).
764. POLICY OF THE BOARD REGARDING EXAMINATIONS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Repealer filed 12-22-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 52).
766. TYPES OF EXAMINATIONS
1. Repealer filed 5-6-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 19).
767. “SPECIFIC” AND “BLANKET” EXAMINATIONS APPROVED
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Repealer filed 9-18-47 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 9).
769. REGISTRAR TO REQUIRE EXAMINATION OF APPLICANTS
1. Repealer filed 12-22-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 52).
770. REGISTRAR MAY CHANGE WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Repealer filed 5-6-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 19).
772. GRADING OF EXAMINATIONS
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 3-17-47 (Register 8).
3. Amendment filed 2-28-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 9).
4. Repealer filed 4-15-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 16).
773. REGISTRAR MAY MAKE RULES ON EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
2. Editorial correction (Register 77, No. 52).
3. Repealer filed 5-6-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 19).
774. NO EXAMINATION REQUIRED
1. Sections 774 and 775 originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendments to same filed 10-19-48 as emergencies (Register 14, No. 3).
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 575

3. Amendment filed 8-6-64; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 64, No. 17).
4. Repealer filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
818. INSUFFICIENT OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS—REJECTION
1. Amendment filed 2-7-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 6).
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 711 to 818, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Repealer filed 11-9-95; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 95, No. 45).
820. POSTING OF NAMES OF APPLICANTS
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 7-31-50 as a procedural rule; effective upon filing (Register 21, No. 4).
3. Amendment filed 1-27-71; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 71, No. 5).
4. Amendment filed 2-7-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 6).
5. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
6. Section renumbered from 715 to 820, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
7. Repealer filed 11-9-95; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 95, No.45).
821. JOINT VENTURE LICENSE DEFINED
1. Originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 10-18-49 as an emergency (Register 18, No. 3).
3. Amendment filed 12-16-63; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 63, No. 25).
4. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
5. Section renumbered from 717 to 821, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
6. Repealer filed 11-9-95; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 95, No.45).
822. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINT VENTURE LICENSE
1. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37). For prior
history, see Register 71, No. 5.
2. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
3. Section renumbered from 718 to 822, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Repealer filed 11-9-95; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 95, No.45).
829. CREDIT FOR EXPERIENCE
1. New section filed 5-30-90; operative 6-29-90 (Register 90, No. 29).
2. Repealer filed 8-10-2006; operative 9-9-2006 (Register 2006, No. 32).
832.06. CLASS C-6—CABINET AND MILLWORK CONTRACTORS
1. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
2. Section renumbered from 744 to 832.06, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
3. Repealer filed 12-18-97; effective 01-01-98 (Register 97, No.172).
576 SECTION VI. LICENSE LAW AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

832.14. CLASS C-14—METAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR

1. New section filed 10-22-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 43).
2. Repealer and new section filed 6-22-98; operative 7-1-98 pursuant to Government Code section
11343.4(d) (Register 98, No. 26).
3. Change without regulatory effect repealing section filed 8-7-2013 pursuant to section 100, title
1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2013, No. 32).
832.26. CLASS C-26—LATHING CONTRACTORS
1. Amendment filed 9-23-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 39).
2. Section renumbered from 743 to 832.26, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
3. Repealer filed 12-18-97; effective 01-01-98 (Register 97, No.172).
833. ADDITIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Sections 758 and 759 originally published 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendments to same filed 10-19-48 as emergencies (Register 14, No. 3).
3. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
4. Amendment filed 8-19-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 35).
5. Section renumbered from 758 to 833, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
6. Repealer filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 23).
842. APPLICANTS MAY BE RE-EXAMINED
1. Amendment filed 7-19-66; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 66, No. 23).
2. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
3. Amendment filed 5-6-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 19).
4. Section renumbered from 771 to 842, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
5. Amendment filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 23).
6. Repealer filed 11-30-2009; operative 12-30-2009 (Register 2009, No. 49).
843. WAIVER OF EXAMINATION
1. New section filed 7-2-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 27). For history of
former section, see Registers 80, No. 9; 77, No. 52; 77, No. 37; 62, No. 1 and 57, No. 6.
2. Section renumbered from 775 to 843, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
3. Repealer filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 23).
844. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR EXAMINATION
1. Originally filed 12-5-46 (Title 16).
2. Amendment filed 4-30-47 (Register 8).
3. Amendment filed 9-8-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 37).
4. Amendment filed 8-25-83; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 83, No. 35).
5. Section renumbered from 776 to 844, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
6. Repealer filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 23).
852. RENEWAL OF LICENSES
1. New section filed 6-22-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 25). For history of
prior section 780, see Register 66, No. 23.
CHAPTER 13. CSLB RULES & REGULATIONS 577

2. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
3. Section renumbered from 780 to 852, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Change without regulatory effect repealing section filed 11-9-95 pursuant to section 100, title 1,
California Code of Regulations (Register 95, No. 45).
854. RENEWAL FEE AND REACTIVATION CREDIT
1. New section filed 6-3-97; operative 6-3-97 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d)
(Register 97, No. 23).
2. Change without regulatory effect repealing section filed 8-7-2013 pursuant to section 100, title
1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2013, No. 32).
862. NOTICE TO OWNER
1. New section filed 6-5-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 23).
2. Amendment filed 3-26-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 13).
3. Section renumbered from 794.2 to 862, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to
Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Amendment filed 3-6-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d)
(Register 84, No. 9).
5. Change without regulatory effect repealing section filed 11-9-95 pursuant to section 100, title 1,
California Code of Regulations (Register 95, No. 45).
866. PROCEDURE TO INACTIVATE LICENSE
1. New section filed 8-1-62; designated effective 10-1-62 (Register 62, No. 16).
2. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22).
3. Section renumbered from 798 to 866, filed 2-27-84; effective upon filing pursuant to Government
Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 84, No. 9).
4. Repealer filed 6-6-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 23).
 APPENDIX
Extracts from Laws Related to
CSLB Laws & Regulations

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION

Article XIV
LABOR RELATIONS
§ 3. Mechanics liens
Mechanics, persons furnishing materials, artisans, and laborers of
every class, shall have a lien upon the property upon which they have
bestowed labor or furnished material for the value of such labor done
and material furnished; and the Legislature shall provide, by law, for
the speedy and efficient enforcement of such liens.
Adopted June 8, 1976.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE

DIVISION 3
PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY

Chapter 3
Architecture
Article 3
Application of Chapter
§ 5537. When plans and drawings by uncertificated persons
permitted
(a) This chapter does not prohibit any person from preparing plans,
drawings, or specifications for any of the following:
(1) Single–family dwellings of woodframe construction not more
than two stories and basement in height.

579
580 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) Multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling units

of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in
height. However, this paragraph shall not be construed as allowing
an unlicensed person to design multiple clusters of up to four dwell-
ing units each to form apartment or condominium complexes where
the total exceeds four units on any lawfully divided lot.
(3) Garages or other structures appurtenant to buildings described
under subdivision (a), of woodframe construction not more than two
stories and basement in height.
(4) Agricultural and ranch buildings of woodframe construction, un-
less the building official having jurisdiction deems that an undue risk
to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved.
(b) If any portion of any structure exempted by this section deviates
from substantial compliance with conventional framing requirements
for woodframe construction found in the most recent edition of Title 24
of the California Code of Regulations or tables of limitation for wood-
frame construction, as defined by the applicable building code duly
adopted by the local jurisdiction or the state, the building official hav-
ing jurisdiction shall require the preparation of plans, drawings, speci-
fications, or calculations for that portion by, or under the responsible
control of, a licensed architect or registered engineer. The documents
for that portion shall bear the stamp and signature of the licensee who
is responsible for their preparation. Substantial compliance for pur-
poses of this section is not intended to restrict the ability of the build-
ing officials to approve plans pursuant to existing law and is only in-
tended to clarify the intent of Chapter 405 of the Statutes of 1985.
Added Stats 1939 ch 33 § 1. Amended Stats 1963 ch 2133 § 17; Stats 1984 ch 1405 § 6;
Stats 1985 ch 1327 § 4.5; Stats 1986 ch 204 § 1; Stats 1987 ch 589 § 2; Stats 1990 ch 94
§ 5 (AB 1005); Stats 1996 ch 184 § 8 (SB 1607).

§ 5537.2. Application of chapter to contractors

This chapter shall not be construed as authorizing a licensed con-
tractor to perform design services beyond those described in Section
5537 or in Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000), unless those
services are performed by or under the direct supervision of a person
licensed to practice architecture under this chapter, or a professional
or civil engineer licensed pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with
Section 6700) of Division 3, insofar as the professional or civil engi-
neer practices the profession for which he or she is registered under
that chapter.
However, this section does not prohibit a licensed contractor from
performing any of the services permitted by Chapter 9 (commencing
with Section 7000) of Division 3 within the classification for which the
license is issued. Those services may include the preparation of shop
and field drawings for work which he or she has contracted or offered
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 581

to perform, and designing systems and facilities which are necessary

to the completion of contracting services which he or she has con-
tracted or offered to perform.
However, a licensed contractor may not use the title “architect,” un-
less he or she holds a license as required in this chapter.
Added Stats 1963 ch 2133 § 19. Amended Stats 1984 ch 1405 § 7; Stats 1985 ch 1327
§ 6.

Chapter 7
Professional Engineers
Article 3
Application of Chapter
§ 6737.3. Exemption of contractors
A contractor licensed under Chapter 9 (commencing with Section
7000) of Division 3 is exempt from the provisions of this chapter relat-
ing to the practice of electrical or mechanical engineering so long as
the services he or she holds himself or herself out as able to perform
or does perform, which services are subject to the provisions of this
chapter, are performed by, or under the responsible charge of a regis-
tered electrical or mechanical engineer insofar as the electrical or me-
chanical engineer practices the branch of engineering for which he or
she is registered.
This section shall not prohibit a licensed contractor, while engaged
in the business of contracting for the installation of electrical or me-
chanical systems or facilities, from designing those systems or facili-
ties in accordance with applicable construction codes and standards
for work to be performed and supervised by that contractor within the
classification for which his or her license is issued, or from preparing
electrical or mechanical shop or field drawings for work which he or
she has contracted to perform. Nothing in this section is intended to
imply that a licensed contractor may design work which is to be in-
stalled by another person.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1463 § 10. Amended Stats 1994 ch 26 § 201 (AB 1807), effective
March 30, 1994; Stats 2003 ch 607 § 28 (SB 1077).
582 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Chapter 11.6
Alarm Companies
Article 1
General Provisions
§ 7590.1. Definitions (First of two; Repealed January 1, 2019)
The following terms as used in this chapter have the meaning ex-
pressed in this article:
(a) “Person” means any individual, firm, company, association, or-
ganization, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.
(b) “Department” means the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(c) “Director” means the Director of Consumer Affairs.
(d) “Bureau” means the Bureau of Security and Investigative Ser-
vices.
(e) “Chief” means the Chief of the Bureau of Security and Investiga-
tive Services.
(f) “Employer” means a person who employs an individual for wages
or salary, lists the individual on the employer’s payroll records, and
withholds all legally required deductions and contributions.
(g) “Employee” means an individual who works for an employer, is
listed on the employer’s payroll records, and is under the employer’s
direction and control.
(h) “Employer-employee relationship” means an individual who
works for another and where the individual’s name appears on the
payroll records of the employer.
(i) “Licensee” means a business entity, whether an individual, part-
nership, limited liability company, or corporation licensed under this
chapter.
(j) “Qualified manager” means an individual who is in active con-
trol, management, and direction of the licensee’s business, and who is
in possession of a current and valid qualified manager’s certificate
pursuant to this chapter.
(k) “Registrant” means any person registered or who has applied for
registration under this chapter.
(l ) “Branch office” means any location, other than the principal
place of business of the licensee, which is licensed as set forth in Arti-
cle 11 (commencing with Section 7599.20).
(m) “Branch office manager” means an individual designated by the
qualified manager to manage the licensee’s branch office and who has
met the requirements as set forth in Article 11 (commencing with
Section 7599.20).
(n) “Alarm system” means an assembly of equipment and devices
arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent atten-
tion and to which police are expected to respond.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 583

(o) “Alarm agent” means a person employed by an alarm company

operator whose duties include selling on premises, altering, in-
stalling, maintaining, moving, repairing, replacing, servicing, re-
sponding, or monitoring an alarm system, or a person who manages
or supervises a person employed by an alarm company to perform any
of the duties described in this subdivision or any person in training
for any of the duties described in this subdivision.
(p) “Deadly weapon” means and includes any instrument or weapon
of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slungshot, billy,
sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles; any dirk, dagger, pistol, revolver,
or any other firearm; any knife having a blade longer than five inch-
es; any razor with an unguarded blade; or any metal pipe or bar used
or intended to be used as a club.
(q) “Firearms permit” means a permit issued by the bureau, pursu-
ant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 7596), to a licensee, a qual-
ified manager, or an alarm agent, to carry an exposed firearm while
on duty.
(r) (1) “Advertisement” means:
(A) Any written or printed communication for the purpose of solicit-
ing, describing, or promoting the licensed business of the licensee,
including a brochure, letter, pamphlet, newspaper, periodical, publi-
cation, or other writing.
(B) A directory listing caused or permitted by the licensee which in-
dicates his or her licensed activity.
(C) A radio, television, or similar airwave transmission which solic-
its or promotes the licensed business of the licensee.
(2) “Advertisement” does not include any of the following:
(A) Any printing or writing used on buildings, vehicles, uniforms,
badges, or other property where the purpose of the printing or writing
is identification.
(B) Any printing or writing on communications, memoranda, or any
other writings used in the ordinary course of business where the sole
purpose of the writing is other than the solicitation or promotion of
business.
(C) Any printing or writing on novelty objects used in the promotion
of the licensee’s business where the printing of the information re-
quired by this chapter would be impractical due to the available area
or surface.
(s) “Residential sales agreement” means and includes an agreement
between an alarm company operator and an owner or tenant for the
purchase of an alarm system to be utilized in the personal residence
of the owner or tenant.
(t) “Firearm permit” means and includes “firearms permit,” “fire-
arms qualification card,” “firearms qualification,” and “firearms quali-
fication permit.”
584 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(u) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2019,
and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is
enacted before January 1, 2019, deletes or extends that date.
Added Stats 1982 ch 1210 § 12. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1168 § 1; Stats 1989 ch 1104
§ 32; Stats 1993 ch 1263 § 12 (AB 936); Stats 1994 ch 1010 § 13 (SB 2053); Stats 2012
ch 291 § 2 (SB 1077), effective January 1, 2013, repealed January 1, 2016; Stats 2015
ch 140 § 1 (SB 177), effective January 1, 2016, repealed January 1, 2019.

§ 7590.1. Definitions (Second of two; Operative January 1,

2019)
The following terms as used in this chapter have the meaning ex-
pressed in this article:
(a) “Person” means any individual, firm, company, association, or-
ganization, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.
(b) “Department” means the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(c) “Director” means the Director of Consumer Affairs.
(d) “Bureau” means the Bureau of Security and Investigative Ser-
vices.
(e) “Chief” means the Chief of the Bureau of Security and Investiga-
tive Services.
(f) “Employer” means a person who employs an individual for wages
or salary, lists the individual on the employer’s payroll records, and
withholds all legally required deductions and contributions.
(g) “Employee” means an individual who works for an employer, is
listed on the employer’s payroll records, and is under the employer’s
direction and control.
(h) “Employer-employee relationship” means an individual who
works for another and where the individual’s name appears on the
payroll records of the employer.
(i) “Licensee” means a business entity, whether an individual, part-
nership, or corporation licensed under this chapter.
(j) “Qualified manager” means an individual who is in active con-
trol, management, and direction of the licensee’s business, and who is
in possession of a current and valid qualified manager’s certificate
pursuant to this chapter.
(k) “Registrant” means any person registered or who has applied for
registration under this chapter.
(l ) “Branch office” means any location, other than the principal
place of business of the licensee, which is licensed as set forth in Arti-
cle 11 (commencing with Section 7599.20).
(m) “Branch office manager” means an individual designated by the
qualified manager to manage the licensee’s branch office and who has
met the requirements as set forth in Article 11 (commencing with
Section 7599.20).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 585

(n) “Alarm system” means an assembly of equipment and devices

arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent atten-
tion and to which police are expected to respond.
(o) “Alarm agent” means a person employed by an alarm company
operator whose duties include selling on premises, altering, in-
stalling, maintaining, moving, repairing, replacing, servicing, re-
sponding, or monitoring an alarm system, or a person who manages
or supervises a person employed by an alarm company to perform any
of the duties described in this subdivision or any person in training
for any of the duties described in this subdivision.
(p) “Deadly weapon” means and includes any instrument or weapon
of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slungshot, billy,
sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles; any dirk, dagger, pistol, revolver,
or any other firearm; any knife having a blade longer than five inch-
es; any razor with an unguarded blade; or any metal pipe or bar used
or intended to be used as a club.
(q) “Firearms permit” means a permit issued by the bureau, pursu-
ant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 7596), to a licensee, a qual-
ified manager, or an alarm agent, to carry an exposed firearm while
on duty.
(r) (1) “Advertisement” means:
(A) Any written or printed communication for the purpose of solicit-
ing, describing, or promoting the licensed business of the licensee,
including a brochure, letter, pamphlet, newspaper, periodical, publi-
cation, or other writing.
(B) A directory listing caused or permitted by the licensee which in-
dicates his or her licensed activity.
(C) A radio, television, or similar airwave transmission which solic-
its or promotes the licensed business of the licensee.
(2) “Advertisement” does not include any of the following:
(A) Any printing or writing used on buildings, vehicles, uniforms,
badges, or other property where the purpose of the printing or writing
is identification.
(B) Any printing or writing on communications, memoranda, or any
other writings used in the ordinary course of business where the sole
purpose of the writing is other than the solicitation or promotion of
business.
(C) Any printing or writing on novelty objects used in the promotion
of the licensee’s business where the printing of the information re-
quired by this chapter would be impractical due to the available area
or surface.
(s) “Residential sales agreement” means and includes an agreement
between an alarm company operator and an owner or tenant for the
purchase of an alarm system to be utilized in the personal residence
of the owner or tenant.
586 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(t) “Firearm permit” means and includes “firearms permit,” “fire-

arms qualification card,” “firearms qualification,” and “firearms quali-
fication permit.”
(u) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2019.
Added 2012 ch 291 § 3 (SB 1077), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2015 ch
140 § 2 (SB 177), effective January 1, 2016, operative January 1, 2019.

Chapter 14
Structural Pest Control Operators
Article 1
General Provisions
§ 8513. Mechanics lien; Notice to owner; Release
(a) The board shall prescribe a form entitled “Notice to Owner” that
shall describe, in nontechnical language and in a clear and coherent
manner using words with common and everyday meaning, the perti-
nent provisions of this state’s mechanics lien laws and the rights and
responsibilities of an owner of property and a registered pest control
company thereunder. Each company registered under this chapter,
prior to entering into a contract with an owner for work for which a
company registration is required, shall give a copy of this “Notice to
Owner” to the owner, his or her agent, or the payer.
(b) No company that is required to be registered under this chapter
shall require or request a waiver of lien rights from any subcontrac-
tor, employee, or supplier.
(c) Each company registered under this chapter that acts as a sub-
contractor for another company registered under this chapter shall,
within 20 days of commencement of any work for which a company
registration is required, give the preliminary notice in accordance
with Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 8200) of Title 2 of Part 6 of
Division 4 of the Civil Code, to the owner, his or her agent, or the
payer.
(d) Each company registered under this chapter that acts as a
prime contractor for work for which a company registration is re-
quired shall, prior to accepting payment for the work, furnish to the
owner, his or her agent, or the payer a full and unconditional release
from any claim of mechanics lien by any subcontractor entitled to en-
force a mechanics lien pursuant to Section 8410 of the Civil Code.
(e) Each company registered under this chapter that subcontracts
to another company registered under this chapter work for which a
company registration is required shall furnish to the subcontractor
the name of the owner, his or her agent, or the payer.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 587

(f) A violation of the provisions of this section is a ground for disci-

plinary action.
Added Stats 1982 ch 770 § 1. Amended Stats 1985 ch 1348 § 18, operative January 1,
1987; Stats 1994 ch 844 § 8 (SB 2070); Stats 2001 ch 306 § 12 (AB 446); Stats 2010 ch
697 § 9 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012; Stats 2011 ch 44 § 4
(SB 190), effective January 1, 2012, operative July 1, 2012; Stats 2015 ch 430 § 34 (AB
181), effective January 1, 2016.

Article 3
Application of the Chapter
§ 8556. Removal and replacement of damaged areas;
Application of wood preservative; Contracting for
performance of soil treatment pest control work
(a) Licensed contractors acting in their capacity as such, may re-
move and replace any structure or portions of a structure damaged by
wood destroying pests or organisms if that work is incidental to other
work being performed on the structure involved or if that work has
been identified by a structural pest control inspection report. Li-
censed contractors acting in their capacity as such may apply wood
preservatives directly to end cuts and drill holes of pressure treated
wood, and to foundation wood as required by building codes, as well
as to fencing and decking, by brush, dip, or spray method and need
not obtain a license under this chapter for performance of that work,
provided a disclosure in the following form is submitted to the cus-
tomer in writing: “The application of a wood preservative is intended
to prevent the establishment and flourishing of organisms which can
deteriorate wood. If you suspect pest infestation or infection, contact a
registered structural pest control company prior to the application of
a wood preservative.”
These exemptions do not authorize the performance of any other
acts defined in Section 8505.
(b) A licensed contractor may contract for the performance of any
soil treatment pest control work to eliminate, exterminate, control, or
prevent infestations or infections of pests or organisms in the ground
beneath or adjacent to any existing building or structure or in or upon
any site upon which any building or structure is to be constructed,
but the actual performance of any such work must be done by a regis-
tered structural pest control company.
Added Stats 1941 ch 1163 § 1. Amended Stats 1953 ch 1163 § 1; Stats 1957 ch 1686 § 2;
Stats 1968 ch 804 § 1; Stats 1979 ch 687 § 2; Stats 1985 ch 1348 § 33, operative Janu-
ary 1, 1987; Stats 1989 ch 1401 § 3; Stats 1998 ch 970 § 94 (AB 2802); Stats 1999 ch
983 § 10.4 (SB 1307).
588 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

CIVIL CODE

DIVISION 1
PERSONS

PART 2
PERSONAL RIGHTS

§ 43.99. Liability of person or entity under contract with

residential building permit applicant for quality review of
compliance with State Housing Law
(a) There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause
of action for damages shall arise against, any person or other legal
entity that is under contract with an applicant for a residential build-
ing permit to provide independent quality review of the plans and
specifications provided with the application in order to determine
compliance with all applicable requirements imposed pursuant to the
State Housing Law (Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 17910) of Di-
vision 13 of the Health and Safety Code), or any rules or regulations
adopted pursuant to that law, or under contract with that applicant
to provide independent quality review of the work of improvement to
determine compliance with these plans and specifications, if the per-
son or other legal entity meets the requirements of this section and
one of the following applies:
(1) The person, or a person employed by any other legal entity, per-
forming the work as described in this subdivision, has completed not
less than five years of verifiable experience in the appropriate field
and has obtained certification as a building inspector, combination
inspector, or combination dwelling inspector from the International
Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and has successfully passed
the technical written examination promulgated by ICBO for those
certification categories.
(2) The person, or a person employed by any other legal entity, per-
forming the work as described in this subdivision, has completed not
less than five years of verifiable experience in the appropriate field
and is a registered professional engineer, licensed general contractor,
or a licensed architect rendering independent quality review of the
work of improvement or plan examination services within the scope of
his or her registration or licensure.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 589

(3) The immunity provided under this section does not apply to any
action initiated by the applicant who retained the qualified person.
(4) A “qualified person” for purposes of this section means a person
holding a valid certification as one of those inspectors.
(b) Except for qualified persons, this section shall not relieve from,
excuse, or lessen in any manner, the responsibility or liability of any
person, company, contractor, builder, developer, architect, engineer,
designer, or other individual or entity who develops, improves, owns,
operates, or manages any residential building for any damages to
persons or property caused by construction or design defects. The fact
that an inspection by a qualified person has taken place may not be
introduced as evidence in a construction defect action, including any
reports or other items generated by the qualified person. This subdi-
vision shall not apply in any action initiated by the applicant who
retained the qualified person.
(c) Nothing in this section, as it relates to construction inspectors or
plans examiners, shall be construed to alter the requirements for li-
censure, or the jurisdiction, authority, or scope of practice, of archi-
tects pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5500) of Divi-
sion 3 of the Business and Professions Code, professional engineers
pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3
of the Business and Professions Code, or general contractors pursu-
ant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the
Business and Professions Code.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the immunity
of employees of the Department of Housing and Community Devel-
opment under the Government Claims Act (Division 3.6 (commencing
with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code) when acting
pursuant to Section 17965 of the Health and Safety Code.
(e) The qualifying person shall engage in no other construction, de-
sign, planning, supervision, or activities of any kind on the work of
improvement, nor provide quality review services for any other party
on the work of improvement.
(f) The qualifying person, or other legal entity, shall maintain pro-
fessional errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount not
less than two million dollars ($2,000,000).
(g) The immunity provided by subdivision (a) does not inure to the
benefit of the qualified person for damages caused to the applicant
solely by the negligence or willful misconduct of the qualified person
resulting from the provision of services under the contract with the
applicant.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 2 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2012 ch 759 § 1 (AB 2690), effec-
tive January 1, 2013.
590 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

DIVISION 2
PROPERTY

PART 2
REAL OR IMMOVABLE PROPERTY

TITLE 7
Requirements for Actions for Construction
Defects
Chapter 1
Definitions
§ 895. Definitions
(a) “Structure” means any residential dwelling, other building, or
improvement located upon a lot or within a common area.
(b) “Designed moisture barrier” means an installed moisture barrier
specified in the plans and specifications, contract documents, or man-
ufacturer’s recommendations.
(c) “Actual moisture barrier” means any component or material, ac-
tually installed, that serves to any degree as a barrier against mois-
ture, whether or not intended as a barrier against moisture.
(d) “Unintended water” means water that passes beyond, around, or
through a component or the material that is designed to prevent that
passage.
(e) “Close of escrow” means the date of the close of escrow between
the builder and the original homeowner. With respect to claims by an
association, as defined in Section 4080, “close of escrow” means the
date of substantial completion, as defined in Section 337.15 of the
Code of Civil Procedure, or the date the builder relinquishes control
over the association’s ability to decide whether to initiate a claim un-
der this title, whichever is later.
(f) “Claimant” or “homeowner” includes the individual owners of
single-family homes, individual unit owners of attached dwellings
and, in the case of a common interest development, any association as
defined in Section 4080.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2012 ch 181 § 29 (AB 806), effec-
tive January 1, 2013, operative January 1, 2014.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 591

Chapter 2
Actionable Defects
§ 896. Standards for residential construction
In any action seeking recovery of damages arising out of, or related
to deficiencies in, the residential construction, design, specifications,
surveying, planning, supervision, testing, or observation of construc-
tion, a builder, and to the extent set forth in Chapter 4 (commencing
with Section 910), a general contractor, subcontractor, material sup-
plier, individual product manufacturer, or design professional, shall,
except as specifically set forth in this title, be liable for, and the
claimant’s claims or causes of action shall be limited to violation of,
the following standards, except as specifically set forth in this title.
This title applies to original construction intended to be sold as an
individual dwelling unit. As to condominium conversions, this title
does not apply to or does not supersede any other statutory or com-
mon law.
(a) With respect to water issues:
(1) A door shall not allow unintended water to pass beyond, around,
or through the door or its designed or actual moisture barriers, if any.
(2) Windows, patio doors, deck doors, and their systems shall not al-
low water to pass beyond, around, or through the window, patio door,
or deck door or its designed or actual moisture barriers, including,
without limitation, internal barriers within the systems themselves.
For purposes of this paragraph, “systems” include, without limitation,
windows, window assemblies, framing, substrate, flashings, and trim,
if any.
(3) Windows, patio doors, deck doors, and their systems shall not al-
low excessive condensation to enter the structure and cause damage
to another component. For purposes of this paragraph, “systems” in-
clude, without limitation, windows, window assemblies, framing, sub-
strate, flashings, and trim, if any.
(4) Roofs, roofing systems, chimney caps, and ventilation compo-
nents shall not allow water to enter the structure or to pass beyond,
around, or through the designed or actual moisture barriers, includ-
ing, without limitation, internal barriers located within the systems
themselves. For purposes of this paragraph, “systems” include, with-
out limitation, framing, substrate, and sheathing, if any.
(5) Decks, deck systems, balconies, balcony systems, exterior stairs,
and stair systems shall not allow water to pass into the adjacent
structure. For purposes of this paragraph, “systems” include, without
limitation, framing, substrate, flashing, and sheathing, if any.
(6) Decks, deck systems, balconies, balcony systems, exterior stairs,
and stair systems shall not allow unintended water to pass within the
systems themselves and cause damage to the systems. For purposes
592 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

of this paragraph, “systems” include, without limitation, framing,

substrate, flashing, and sheathing, if any.
(7) Foundation systems and slabs shall not allow water or vapor to
enter into the structure so as to cause damage to another building
component.
(8) Foundation systems and slabs shall not allow water or vapor to
enter into the structure so as to limit the installation of the type of
flooring materials typically used for the particular application.
(9) Hardscape, including paths and patios, irrigation systems, land-
scaping systems, and drainage systems, that are installed as part of
the original construction, shall not be installed in such a way as to
cause water or soil erosion to enter into or come in contact with the
structure so as to cause damage to another building component.
(10) Stucco, exterior siding, exterior walls, including, without limi-
tation, exterior framing, and other exterior wall finishes and fixtures
and the systems of those components and fixtures, including, but not
limited to, pot shelves, horizontal surfaces, columns, and plant-ons,
shall be installed in such a way so as not to allow unintended water
to pass into the structure or to pass beyond, around, or through the
designed or actual moisture barriers of the system, including any in-
ternal barriers located within the system itself. For purposes of this
paragraph, “systems” include, without limitation, framing, substrate,
flashings, trim, wall assemblies, and internal wall cavities, if any.
(11) Stucco, exterior siding, and exterior walls shall not allow ex-
cessive condensation to enter the structure and cause damage to an-
other component. For purposes of this paragraph, “systems” include,
without limitation, framing, substrate, flashings, trim, wall assem-
blies, and internal wall cavities, if any.
(12) Retaining and site walls and their associated drainage systems
shall not allow unintended water to pass beyond, around, or through
its designed or actual moisture barriers including, without limitation,
any internal barriers, so as to cause damage. This standard does not
apply to those portions of any wall or drainage system that are de-
signed to have water flow beyond, around, or through them.
(13) Retaining walls and site walls, and their associated drainage
systems, shall only allow water to flow beyond, around, or through
the areas designated by design.
(14) The lines and components of the plumbing system, sewer sys-
tem, and utility systems shall not leak.
(15) Plumbing lines, sewer lines, and utility lines shall not corrode
so as to impede the useful life of the systems.
(16) Sewer systems shall be installed in such a way as to allow the
designated amount of sewage to flow through the system.
(17) Showers, baths, and related waterproofing systems shall not
leak water into the interior of walls, flooring systems, or the interior
of other components.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 593

(18) The waterproofing system behind or under ceramic tile and tile
countertops shall not allow water into the interior of walls, flooring
systems, or other components so as to cause damage. Ceramic tile
systems shall be designed and installed so as to deflect intended wa-
ter to the waterproofing system.
(b) With respect to structural issues:
(1) Foundations, load bearing components, and slabs, shall not con-
tain significant cracks or significant vertical displacement.
(2) Foundations, load bearing components, and slabs shall not cause
the structure, in whole or in part, to be structurally unsafe.
(3) Foundations, load bearing components, and slabs, and underly-
ing soils shall be constructed so as to materially comply with the de-
sign criteria set by applicable government building codes, regulations,
and ordinances for chemical deterioration or corrosion resistance in
effect at the time of original construction.
(4) A structure shall be constructed so as to materially comply with
the design criteria for earthquake and wind load resistance, as set
forth in the applicable government building codes, regulations, and
ordinances in effect at the time of original construction.
(c) With respect to soil issues:
(1) Soils and engineered retaining walls shall not cause, in whole or
in part, damage to the structure built upon the soil or engineered re-
taining wall.
(2) Soils and engineered retaining walls shall not cause, in whole or
in part, the structure to be structurally unsafe.
(3) Soils shall not cause, in whole or in part, the land upon which no
structure is built to become unusable for the purpose represented at
the time of original sale by the builder or for the purpose for which
that land is commonly used.
(d) With respect to fire protection issues:
(1) A structure shall be constructed so as to materially comply with
the design criteria of the applicable government building codes, regu-
lations, and ordinances for fire protection of the occupants in effect at
the time of the original construction.
(2) Fireplaces, chimneys, chimney structures, and chimney termi-
nation caps shall be constructed and installed in such a way so as not
to cause an unreasonable risk of fire outside the fireplace enclosure or
chimney.
(3) Electrical and mechanical systems shall be constructed and in-
stalled in such a way so as not to cause an unreasonable risk of fire.
(e) With respect to plumbing and sewer issues:
Plumbing and sewer systems shall be installed to operate properly
and shall not materially impair the use of the structure by its inhab-
itants. However, no action may be brought for a violation of this sub-
division more than four years after close of escrow.
(f) With respect to electrical system issues:
594 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Electrical systems shall operate properly and shall not materially

impair the use of the structure by its inhabitants. However, no action
shall be brought pursuant to this subdivision more than four years
from close of escrow.
(g) With respect to issues regarding other areas of construction:
(1) Exterior pathways, driveways, hardscape, sidewalls, sidewalks,
and patios installed by the original builder shall not contain cracks
that display significant vertical displacement or that are excessive.
However, no action shall be brought upon a violation of this para-
graph more than four years from close of escrow.
(2) Stucco, exterior siding, and other exterior wall finishes and fix-
tures, including, but not limited to, pot shelves, horizontal surfaces,
columns, and plant-ons, shall not contain significant cracks or sepa-
rations.
(3) (A) To the extent not otherwise covered by these standards,
manufactured products, including, but not limited to, windows, doors,
roofs, plumbing products and fixtures, fireplaces, electrical fixtures,
HVAC units, countertops, cabinets, paint, and appliances shall be
installed so as not to interfere with the products’ useful life, if any.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, “useful life” means a represen-
tation of how long a product is warranted or represented, through its
limited warranty or any written representations, to last by its manu-
facturer, including recommended or required maintenance. If there is
no representation by a manufacturer, a builder shall install manufac-
tured products so as not to interfere with the product’s utility.
(C) For purposes of this paragraph, “manufactured product” means
a product that is completely manufactured offsite.
(D) If no useful life representation is made, or if the representation
is less than one year, the period shall be no less than one year. If a
manufactured product is damaged as a result of a violation of these
standards, damage to the product is a recoverable element of damag-
es. This subparagraph does not limit recovery if there has been dam-
age to another building component caused by a manufactured product
during the manufactured product’s useful life.
(E) This title does not apply in any action seeking recovery solely
for a defect in a manufactured product located within or adjacent to a
structure.
(4) Heating shall be installed so as to be capable of maintaining a
room temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit at a point three feet
above the floor in any living space if the heating was installed pursu-
ant to a building permit application submitted prior to January 1,
2008, or capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees
Fahrenheit at a point three feet above the floor and two feet from ex-
terior walls in all habitable rooms at the design temperature if the
heating was installed pursuant to a building permit application sub-
mitted on or before January 1, 2008.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 595

(5) Living space air-conditioning, if any, shall be provided in a

manner consistent with the size and efficiency design criteria speci-
fied in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations or its successor.
(6) Attached structures shall be constructed to comply with interu-
nit noise transmission standards set by the applicable government
building codes, ordinances, or regulations in effect at the time of the
original construction. If there is no applicable code, ordinance, or reg-
ulation, this paragraph does not apply. However, no action shall be
brought pursuant to this paragraph more than one year from the
original occupancy of the adjacent unit.
(7) Irrigation systems and drainage shall operate properly so as not
to damage landscaping or other external improvements. However, no
action shall be brought pursuant to this paragraph more than one
year from close of escrow.
(8) Untreated wood posts shall not be installed in contact with soil
so as to cause unreasonable decay to the wood based upon the finish
grade at the time of original construction. However, no action shall be
brought pursuant to this paragraph more than two years from close of
escrow.
(9) Untreated steel fences and adjacent components shall be in-
stalled so as to prevent unreasonable corrosion. However, no action
shall be brought pursuant to this paragraph more than four years
from close of escrow.
(10) Paint and stains shall be applied in such a manner so as not to
cause deterioration of the building surfaces for the length of time
specified by the paint or stain manufacturers’ representations, if any.
However, no action shall be brought pursuant to this paragraph more
than five years from close of escrow.
(11) Roofing materials shall be installed so as to avoid materials
falling from the roof.
(12) The landscaping systems shall be installed in such a manner so
as to survive for not less than one year. However, no action shall be
brought pursuant to this paragraph more than two years from close of
escrow.
(13) Ceramic tile and tile backing shall be installed in such a man-
ner that the tile does not detach.
(14) Dryer ducts shall be installed and terminated pursuant to
manufacturer installation requirements. However, no action shall be
brought pursuant to this paragraph more than two years from close of
escrow.
(15) Structures shall be constructed in such a manner so as not to
impair the occupants’ safety because they contain public health haz-
ards as determined by a duly authorized public health official, health
agency, or governmental entity having jurisdiction. This paragraph
does not limit recovery for any damages caused by a violation of any
596 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

other paragraph of this section on the grounds that the damages do

not constitute a health hazard.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 762 § 1 (AB 903); Stats
2006 ch 567 § 2 (AB 2303), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2012 ch 770 § 2 (AB 2697),
effective January 1, 2013.

§ 897. Intent of standards

The standards set forth in this chapter are intended to address eve-
ry function or component of a structure. To the extent that a function
or component of a structure is not addressed by these standards, it
shall be actionable if it causes damage.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

Chapter 3
Obligations
§ 900. Warranty covering fit and finish items
As to fit and finish items, a builder shall provide a homebuyer with
a minimum one–year express written limited warranty covering the
fit and finish of the following building components. Except as other-
wise provided by the standards specified in Chapter 2 (commencing
with Section 896), this warranty shall cover the fit and finish of cabi-
nets, mirrors, flooring, interior and exterior walls, countertops, paint
finishes, and trim, but shall not apply to damage to those components
caused by defects in other components governed by the other provi-
sions of this title. Any fit and finish matters covered by this warranty
are not subject to the provisions of this title. If a builder fails to pro-
vide the express warranty required by this section, the warranty for
these items shall be for a period of one year.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 901. Enhanced protection agreement

A builder may, but is not required to, offer greater protection or
protection for longer time periods in its express contract with the
homeowner than that set forth in Chapter 2 (commencing with Sec-
tion 896). A builder may not limit the application of Chapter 2 (com-
mencing with Section 896) or lower its protection through the express
contract with the homeowner. This type of express contract consti-
tutes an “enhanced protection agreement.”
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 597

§ 902. Effect of enhanced protection agreement

If a builder offers an enhanced protection agreement, the builder
may choose to be subject to its own express contractual provisions in
place of the provisions set forth in Chapter 2 (commencing with Sec-
tion 896). If an enhanced protection agreement is in place, Chapter 2
(commencing with Section 896) no longer applies other than to set
forth minimum provisions by which to judge the enforceability of the
particular provisions of the enhanced protection agreement.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 903. Written copy of enhanced protection agreement

If a builder offers an enhanced protection agreement in place of the
provisions set forth in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 896), the
election to do so shall be made in writing with the homeowner no lat-
er than the close of escrow. The builder shall provide the homeowner
with a complete copy of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 896) and
advise the homeowner that the builder has elected not to be subject to
its provisions. If any provision of an enhanced protection agreement
is later found to be unenforceable as not meeting the minimum
standards of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 896), a builder may
use this chapter in lieu of those provisions found to be unenforceable.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 904. Enforcement of construction standards in lieu of

particular enhanced protection agreement provision
If a builder has elected to use an enhanced protection agreement,
and a homeowner disputes that the particular provision or time peri-
ods of the enhanced protection agreement are not greater than, or
equal to, the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 896)
as they apply to the particular deficiency alleged by the homeowner,
the homeowner may seek to enforce the application of the standards
set forth in this chapter as to those claimed deficiencies. If a home-
owner seeks to enforce a particular standard in lieu of a provision of
the enhanced protection agreement, the homeowner shall give the
builder written notice of that intent at the time the homeowner files a
notice of claim pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910).
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).
598 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 905. Responsive pleading in action to enforce construction

standards of this chapter in lieu of enhanced protection
agreement
If a homeowner seeks to enforce Chapter 2 (commencing with Sec-
tion 896), in lieu of the enhanced protection agreement in a subse-
quent litigation or other legal action, the builder shall have the right
to have the matter bifurcated, and to have an immediately binding
determination of his or her responsive pleading within 60 days after
the filing of that pleading, but in no event after the commencement of
discovery, as to the application of either Chapter 2 (commencing with
Section 896) or the enhanced protection agreement as to the deficien-
cies claimed by the homeowner. If the builder fails to seek that de-
termination in the timeframe specified, the builder waives the right
to do so and the standards set forth in this title shall apply. As to any
nonoriginal homeowner, that homeowner shall be deemed in privity
for purposes of an enhanced protection agreement only to the extent
that the builder has recorded the enhanced protection agreement on
title or provided actual notice to the nonoriginal homeowner of the
enhanced protection agreement. If the enhanced protection agree-
ment is not recorded on title or no actual notice has been provided,
the standards set forth in this title apply to any nonoriginal home-
owners’ claims.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 906. Effect of election of enhanced protection agreement on

provisions of prelitigation procedures
A builder’s election to use an enhanced protection agreement ad-
dresses only the issues set forth in Chapter 2 (commencing with Sec-
tion 896) and does not constitute an election to use or not use the pro-
visions of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910). The decision to
use or not use Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910) is governed
by the provisions of that chapter.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 907. Obligation of homeowner to follow reasonable

maintenance obligations
A homeowner is obligated to follow all reasonable maintenance ob-
ligations and schedules communicated in writing to the homeowner
by the builder and product manufacturers, as well as commonly ac-
cepted maintenance practices. A failure by a homeowner to follow
these obligations, schedules, and practices may subject the homeown-
er to the affirmative defenses contained in Section 944.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 599

Chapter 4
Prelitigation Procedure
§ 910. Procedures required prior to filing action for violation
of construction standards
Prior to filing an action against any party alleged to have contrib-
uted to a violation of the standards set forth in Chapter 2 (commenc-
ing with Section 896), the claimant shall initiate the following preliti-
gation procedures:
(a) The claimant or his or her legal representative shall provide
written notice via certified mail, overnight mail, or personal delivery
to the builder, in the manner prescribed in this section, of the claim-
ant’s claim that the construction of his or her residence violates any
of the standards set forth in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section
896). That notice shall provide the claimant’s name, address, and pre-
ferred method of contact, and shall state that the claimant alleges a
violation pursuant to this part against the builder, and shall describe
the claim in reasonable detail sufficient to determine the nature and
location, to the extent known, of the claimed violation. In the case of a
group of homeowners or an association, the notice may identify the
claimants solely by address or other description sufficient to apprise
the builder of the locations of the subject residences. That document
shall have the same force and effect as a notice of commencement of a
legal proceeding.
(b) The notice requirements of this section do not preclude a home-
owner from seeking redress through any applicable normal customer
service procedure as set forth in any contractual, warranty, or other
builder–generated document; and, if a homeowner seeks to do so, that
request shall not satisfy the notice requirements of this section.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 911. “Builder” defined

(a) For purposes of this title, except as provided in subdivision (b),
“builder” means any entity or individual, including, but not limited to
a builder, developer, general contractor, contractor, or original seller,
who, at the time of sale, was also in the business of selling residential
units to the public for the property that is the subject of the home-
owner’s claim or was in the business of building, developing, or con-
structing residential units for public purchase for the property that is
the subject of the homeowner’s claim.
(b) For the purposes of this title, “builder” does not include any en-
tity or individual whose involvement with a residential unit that is
the subject of the homeowner’s claim is limited to his or her capacity
as general contractor or contractor and who is not a partner, member
600 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

of, subsidiary of, or otherwise similarly affiliated with the builder.

For purposes of this title, these nonaffiliated general contractors and
nonaffiliated contractors shall be treated the same as subcontractors,
material suppliers, individual product manufacturers, and design
professionals.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 762 § 2 (AB 903).

§ 912. Builder’s duties

A builder shall do all of the following:
(a) Within 30 days of a written request by a homeowner or his or her
legal representative, the builder shall provide copies of all relevant
plans, specifications, mass or rough grading plans, final soils reports,
Bureau of Real Estate public reports, and available engineering calcu-
lations, that pertain to a homeowner’s residence specifically or as part
of a larger development tract. The request shall be honored if it states
that it is made relative to structural, fire safety, or soils provisions of
this title. However, a builder is not obligated to provide a copying ser-
vice, and reasonable copying costs shall be borne by the requesting par-
ty. A builder may require that the documents be copied onsite by the
requesting party, except that the homeowner may, at his or her option,
use his or her own copying service, which may include an offsite copy
facility that is bonded and insured. If a builder can show that the
builder maintained the documents, but that they later became una-
vailable due to loss or destruction that was not the fault of the builder,
the builder may be excused from the requirements of this subdivision,
in which case the builder shall act with reasonable diligence to assist
the homeowner in obtaining those documents from any applicable gov-
ernment authority or from the source that generated the document.
However, in that case, the time limits specified by this section do not
apply.
(b) At the expense of the homeowner, who may opt to use an offsite
copy facility that is bonded and insured, the builder shall provide to the
homeowner or his or her legal representative copies of all maintenance
and preventative maintenance recommendations that pertain to his or
her residence within 30 days of service of a written request for those
documents. Those documents shall also be provided to the homeowner
in conjunction with the initial sale of the residence.
(c) At the expense of the homeowner, who may opt to use an offsite
copy facility that is bonded and insured, a builder shall provide to the
homeowner or his or her legal representative copies of all manufac-
tured products maintenance, preventive maintenance, and limited
warranty information within 30 days of a written request for those
documents. These documents shall also be provided to the homeowner
in conjunction with the initial sale of the residence.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 601

(d) At the expense of the homeowner, who may opt to use an offsite
copy facility that is bonded and insured, a builder shall provide to the
homeowner or his or her legal representative copies of all of the build-
er’s limited contractual warranties in accordance with this part in ef-
fect at the time of the original sale of the residence within 30 days of a
written request for those documents. Those documents shall also be
provided to the homeowner in conjunction with the initial sale of the
residence.
(e) A builder shall maintain the name and address of an agent for no-
tice pursuant to this chapter with the Secretary of State or, alterna-
tively, elect to use a third party for that notice if the builder has noti-
fied the homeowner in writing of the third party’s name and address, to
whom claims and requests for information under this section may be
mailed. The name and address of the agent for notice or third party
shall be included with the original sales documentation and shall be
initialed and acknowledged by the purchaser and the builder’s sales
representative.
This subdivision applies to instances in which a builder contracts
with a third party to accept claims and act on the builder’s behalf. A
builder shall give actual notice to the homeowner that the builder has
made such an election, and shall include the name and address of the
third party.
(f) A builder shall record on title a notice of the existence of these
procedures and a notice that these procedures impact the legal rights of
the homeowner. This information shall also be included with the origi-
nal sales documentation and shall be initialed and acknowledged by
the purchaser and the builder’s sales representative.
(g) A builder shall provide, with the original sales documentation, a
written copy of this title, which shall be initialed and acknowledged by
the purchaser and the builder’s sales representative.
(h) As to any documents provided in conjunction with the original
sale, the builder shall instruct the original purchaser to provide those
documents to any subsequent purchaser.
(i) Any builder who fails to comply with any of these requirements
within the time specified is not entitled to the protection of this chap-
ter, and the homeowner is released from the requirements of this chap-
ter and may proceed with the filing of an action, in which case the re-
maining chapters of this part shall continue to apply to the action.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 762 § 3 (AB 903); Stats
2013 ch 352 § 50 (AB 1317), effective September 26, 2013, operative July 1, 2013.

§ 913. Acknowledgement of receipt of notice

A builder or his or her representative shall acknowledge, in writing,
receipt of the notice of the claim within 14 days after receipt of the
notice of the claim. If the notice of the claim is served by the claim-
602 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ant’s legal representative, or if the builder receives a written repre-

sentation letter from a homeowner’s attorney, the builder shall in-
clude the attorney in all subsequent substantive communications,
including, without limitation, all written communications occurring
pursuant to this chapter, and all substantive and procedural commu-
nications, including all written communications, following the com-
mencement of any subsequent complaint or other legal action, except
that if the builder has retained or involved legal counsel to assist the
builder in this process, all communications by the builder’s counsel
shall only be with the claimant’s legal representative, if any.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 914. Nonadversarial procedure established

(a) This chapter establishes a nonadversarial procedure, including
the remedies available under this chapter which, if the procedure does
not resolve the dispute between the parties, may result in a subse-
quent action to enforce the other chapters of this title. A builder may
attempt to commence nonadversarial contractual provisions other
than the nonadversarial procedures and remedies set forth in this
chapter, but may not, in addition to its own nonadversarial contractu-
al provisions, require adherence to the nonadversarial procedures and
remedies set forth in this chapter, regardless of whether the builder’s
own alternative nonadversarial contractual provisions are successful
in resolving the dispute or ultimately deemed enforceable.
At the time the sales agreement is executed, the builder shall notify
the homeowner whether the builder intends to engage in the nonad-
versarial procedure of this section or attempt to enforce alternative
nonadversarial contractual provisions. If the builder elects to use al-
ternative nonadversarial contractual provisions in lieu of this chap-
ter, the election is binding, regardless of whether the builder’s alter-
native nonadversarial contractual provisions are successful in resolv-
ing the ultimate dispute or are ultimately deemed enforceable.
(b) Nothing in this title is intended to affect existing statutory or
decisional law pertaining to the applicability, viability, or enforceabil-
ity of alternative dispute resolution methods, alternative remedies, or
contractual arbitration, judicial reference, or similar procedures re-
quiring a binding resolution to enforce the other chapters of this title
or any other disputes between homeowners and builders. Nothing in
this title is intended to affect the applicability, viability, or enforcea-
bility, if any, of contractual arbitration or judicial reference after a
nonadversarial procedure or provision has been completed.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 603

§ 915. Actions resulting in nonapplication of chapter

If a builder fails to acknowledge receipt of the notice of a claim
within the time specified, elects not to go through the process set
forth in this chapter, or fails to request an inspection within the time
specified, or at the conclusion or cessation of an alternative nonadver-
sarial proceeding, this chapter does not apply and the homeowner is
released from the requirements of this chapter and may proceed with
the filing of an action. However, the standards set forth in the other
chapters of this title shall continue to apply to the action.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 916. Inspection of claimed unmet standards by builder

(a) If a builder elects to inspect the claimed unmet standards, the
builder shall complete the initial inspection and testing within 14
days after acknowledgment of receipt of the notice of the claim, at a
mutually convenient date and time. If the homeowner has retained
legal representation, the inspection shall be scheduled with the legal
representative’s office at a mutually convenient date and time, unless
the legal representative is unavailable during the relevant time peri-
ods. All costs of builder inspection and testing, including any damage
caused by the builder inspection, shall be borne by the builder. The
builder shall also provide written proof that the builder has liability
insurance to cover any damages or injuries occurring during inspec-
tion and testing. The builder shall restore the property to its pretest-
ing condition within 48 hours of the testing. The builder shall, upon
request, allow the inspections to be observed and electronically rec-
orded, video recorded, or photographed by the claimant or his or her
legal representative.
(b) Nothing that occurs during a builder’s or claimant’s inspection
or testing may be used or introduced as evidence to support a spolia-
tion defense by any potential party in any subsequent litigation.
(c) If a builder deems a second inspection or testing reasonably nec-
essary, and specifies the reasons therefor in writing within three days
following the initial inspection, the builder may conduct a second in-
spection or testing. A second inspection or testing shall be completed
within 40 days of the initial inspection or testing. All requirements
concerning the initial inspection or testing shall also apply to the sec-
ond inspection or testing.
(d) If the builder fails to inspect or test the property within the time
specified, the claimant is released from the requirements of this sec-
tion and may proceed with the filing of an action. However, the
standards set forth in the other chapters of this title shall continue to
apply to the action.
604 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(e) If a builder intends to hold a subcontractor, design professional,

individual product manufacturer, or material supplier, including an
insurance carrier, warranty company, or service company, responsi-
ble for its contribution to the unmet standard, the builder shall pro-
vide notice to that person or entity sufficiently in advance to allow
them to attend the initial, or if requested, second inspection of any
alleged unmet standard and to participate in the repair process. The
claimant and his or her legal representative, if any, shall be advised
in a reasonable time prior to the inspection as to the identity of all
persons or entities invited to attend. This subdivision does not apply
to the builder’s insurance company. Except with respect to any claims
involving a repair actually conducted under this chapter, nothing in
this subdivision shall be construed to relieve a subcontractor, design
professional, individual product manufacturer, or material supplier of
any liability under an action brought by a claimant.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 762 § 4 (AB 903); Stats.
2009, Ch. 140 (AB 176).

§ 917. Offer to repair

Within 30 days of the initial or, if requested, second inspection or
testing, the builder may offer in writing to repair the violation. The
offer to repair shall also compensate the homeowner for all applicable
damages recoverable under Section 944, within the timeframe for the
repair set forth in this chapter. Any such offer shall be accompanied
by a detailed, specific, step–by–step statement identifying the partic-
ular violation that is being repaired, explaining the nature, scope,
and location of the repair, and setting a reasonable completion date
for the repair. The offer shall also include the names, addresses, tele-
phone numbers, and license numbers of the contractors whom the
builder intends to have perform the repair. Those contractors shall be
fully insured for, and shall be responsible for, all damages or injuries
that they may cause to occur during the repair, and evidence of that
insurance shall be provided to the homeowner upon request. Upon
written request by the homeowner or his or her legal representative,
and within the timeframes set forth in this chapter, the builder shall
also provide any available technical documentation, including, with-
out limitation, plans and specifications, pertaining to the claimed vio-
lation within the particular home or development tract. The offer
shall also advise the homeowner in writing of his or her right to re-
quest up to three additional contractors from which to select to do the
repair pursuant to this chapter.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 605

§ 918. Authorization to proceed with repair

Upon receipt of the offer to repair, the homeowner shall have 30 days
to authorize the builder to proceed with the repair. The homeowner
may alternatively request, at the homeowner’s sole option and discre-
tion, that the builder provide the names, addresses, telephone num-
bers, and license numbers for up to three alternative contractors who
are not owned or financially controlled by the builder and who regular-
ly conduct business in the county where the structure is located. If the
homeowner so elects, the builder is entitled to an additional noninva-
sive inspection, to occur at a mutually convenient date and time within
20 days of the election, so as to permit the other proposed contractors
to review the proposed site of the repair. Within 35 days after the re-
quest of the homeowner for alternative contractors, the builder shall
present the homeowner with a choice of contractors. Within 20 days
after that presentation, the homeowner shall authorize the builder or
one of the alternative contractors to perform the repair.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 919. Offer to mediate dispute

The offer to repair shall also be accompanied by an offer to mediate
the dispute if the homeowner so chooses. The mediation shall be lim-
ited to a four–hour mediation, except as otherwise mutually agreed
before a nonaffiliated mediator selected and paid for by the builder.
At the homeowner’s sole option, the homeowner may agree to split
the cost of the mediator, and if he or she does so, the mediator shall
be selected jointly. The mediator shall have sufficient availability
such that the mediation occurs within 15 days after the request to
mediate is received and occurs at a mutually convenient location
within the county where the action is pending. If a builder has made
an offer to repair a violation, and the mediation has failed to resolve
the dispute, the homeowner shall allow the repair to be performed
either by the builder, its contractor, or the selected contractor.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 920. Actions resulting in filing of an action by homeowner;

Applicable standards
If the builder fails to make an offer to repair or otherwise strictly
comply with this chapter within the times specified, the claimant is
released from the requirements of this chapter and may proceed with
the filing of an action. If the contractor performing the repair does not
complete the repair in the time or manner specified, the claimant
may file an action. If this occurs, the standards set forth in the other
chapters of this part shall continue to apply to the action.
606 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 921. Procedure when resolution involves repair by builder

(a) In the event that a resolution under this chapter involves a re-
pair by the builder, the builder shall make an appointment with the
claimant, make all appropriate arrangements to effectuate a repair of
the claimed unmet standards, and compensate the homeowner for all
damages resulting therefrom free of charge to the claimant. The re-
pair shall be scheduled through the claimant’s legal representative, if
any, unless he or she is unavailable during the relevant time periods.
The repair shall be commenced on a mutually convenient date within
14 days of acceptance or, if an alternative contractor is selected by the
homeowner, within 14 days of the selection, or, if a mediation occurs,
within seven days of the mediation, or within five days after a permit
is obtained if one is required. The builder shall act with reasonable
diligence in obtaining any such permit.
(b) The builder shall ensure that work done on the repairs is done
with the utmost diligence, and that the repairs are completed as soon
as reasonably possible, subject to the nature of the repair or some un-
foreseen event not caused by the builder or the contractor performing
the repair. Every effort shall be made to complete the repair within
120 days.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 922. Observation and electronic recording, videotaping, or

photographing of repair allowed
The builder shall, upon request, allow the repair to be observed and
electronically recorded, video recorded, or photographed by the claim-
ant or his or her legal representative. Nothing that occurs during the
repair process may be used or introduced as evidence to support a
spoliation defense by any potential party in any subsequent litigation.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats. 2009, Ch. 88 (AB 176).

§ 923. Availability to homeowner of correspondence,

photographs and other material pertaining to repairs
The builder shall provide the homeowner or his or her legal repre-
sentative, upon request, with copies of all correspondence, photo-
graphs, and other materials pertaining or relating in any manner to
the repairs.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 607

§ 924. Offer to repair some, but not all, of claimed unmet

standards
If the builder elects to repair some, but not all of, the claimed un-
met standards, the builder shall, at the same time it makes its offer,
set forth with particularity in writing the reasons, and the support for
those reasons, for not repairing all claimed unmet standards.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 925. Failure to timely complete repairs

If the builder fails to complete the repair within the time specified
in the repair plan, the claimant is released from the requirements of
this chapter and may proceed with the filing of an action. If this oc-
curs, the standards set forth in the other chapters of this title shall
continue to apply to the action.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 926. Release or waiver in exchange for repair work

prohibited
The builder may not obtain a release or waiver of any kind in ex-
change for the repair work mandated by this chapter. At the conclu-
sion of the repair, the claimant may proceed with filing an action for
violation of the applicable standard or for a claim of inadequate re-
pair, or both, including all applicable damages available under Sec-
tion 944.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 927. Statute of limitations

If the applicable statute of limitations has otherwise run during
this process, the time period for filing a complaint or other legal rem-
edies for violation of any provision of this title, or for a claim of inade-
quate repair, is extended from the time of the original claim by the
claimant to 100 days after the repair is completed, whether or not the
particular violation is the one being repaired. If the builder fails to
acknowledge the claim within the time specified, elects not to go
through this statutory process, or fails to request an inspection within
the time specified, the time period for filing a complaint or other legal
remedies for violation of any provision of this title is extended from
the time of the original claim by the claimant to 45 days after the
time for responding to the notice of claim has expired. If the builder
elects to attempt to enforce its own nonadversarial procedure in lieu
of the procedure set forth in this chapter, the time period for filing a
complaint or other legal remedies for violation of any provision of this
608 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

part is extended from the time of the original claim by the claimant to
100 days after either the completion of the builder’s alternative non-
adversarial procedure, or 100 days after the builder’s alternative
nonadversarial procedure is deemed unenforceable, whichever is lat-
er.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 928. Mediation procedure

If the builder has invoked this chapter and completed a repair, pri-
or to filing an action, if there has been no previous mediation between
the parties, the homeowner or his or her legal representative shall
request mediation in writing. The mediation shall be limited to four
hours, except as otherwise mutually agreed before a nonaffiliated
mediator selected and paid for by the builder. At the homeowner’s
sole option, the homeowner may agree to split the cost of the mediator
and if he or she does so, the mediator shall be selected jointly. The
mediator shall have sufficient availability such that the mediation
will occur within 15 days after the request for mediation is received
and shall occur at a mutually convenient location within the county
where the action is pending. In the event that a mediation is used at
this point, any applicable statutes of limitations shall be tolled from
the date of the request to mediate until the next court day after the
mediation is completed, or the 100–day period, whichever is later.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 929. Cash offer in lieu of repair

(a) Nothing in this chapter prohibits the builder from making only a
cash offer and no repair. In this situation, the homeowner is free to
accept the offer, or he or she may reject the offer and proceed with the
filing of an action. If the latter occurs, the standards of the other
chapters of this title shall continue to apply to the action.
(b) The builder may obtain a reasonable release in exchange for the
cash payment. The builder may negotiate the terms and conditions of
any reasonable release in terms of scope and consideration in con-
junction with a cash payment under this chapter.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 930. Strict construction of requirements; Failure of

claimant to conform
(a) The time periods and all other requirements in this chapter are
to be strictly construed, and, unless extended by the mutual agree-
ment of the parties in accordance with this chapter, shall govern the
rights and obligations under this title. If a builder fails to act in ac-
cordance with this section within the timeframes mandated, unless
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 609

extended by the mutual agreement of the parties as evidenced by a

postclaim written confirmation by the affected homeowner demon-
strating that he or she has knowingly and voluntarily extended the
statutory timeframe, the claimant may proceed with filing an action.
If this occurs, the standards of the other chapters of this title shall
continue to apply to the action.
(b) If the claimant does not conform with the requirements of this
chapter, the builder may bring a motion to stay any subsequent court
action or other proceeding until the requirements of this chapter have
been satisfied. The court, in its discretion, may award the prevailing
party on such a motion, his or her attorney’s fees and costs in bring-
ing or opposing the motion.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 931. Claim combined with other causes of action

If a claim combines causes of action or damages not covered by this
part, including, without limitation, personal injuries, class actions,
other statutory remedies, or fraud–based claims, the claimed unmet
standards shall be administered according to this part, although evi-
dence of the property in its unrepaired condition may be introduced to
support the respective elements of any such cause of action. As to any
fraud–based claim, if the fact that the property has been repaired un-
der this chapter is deemed admissible, the trier of fact shall be in-
formed that the repair was not voluntarily accepted by the homeown-
er. As to any class action claims that address solely the incorporation
of a defective component into a residence, the named and unnamed
class members need not comply with this chapter.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 932. Subsequent discovered claims of unmet standards

Subsequently discovered claims of unmet standards shall be admin-
istered separately under this chapter, unless otherwise agreed to by
the parties. However, in the case of a detached single family resi-
dence, in the same home, if the subsequently discovered claim is for a
violation of the same standard as that which has already been initiat-
ed by the same claimant and the subject of a currently pending ac-
tion, the claimant need not reinitiate the process as to the same
standard. In the case of an attached project, if the subsequently dis-
covered claim is for a violation of the same standard for a connected
component system in the same building as has already been initiated
by the same claimant, and the subject of a currently pending action,
the claimant need not reinitiate this process as to that standard.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).
610 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 933. Evidence of repair work

If any enforcement of these standards is commenced, the fact that a
repair effort was made may be introduced to the trier of fact. Howev-
er, the claimant may use the condition of the property prior to the
repair as the basis for contending that the repair work was inappro-
priate, inadequate, or incomplete, or that the violation still exists.
The claimant need not show that the repair work resulted in further
damage nor that damage has continued to occur as a result of the vio-
lation.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 934. Evidence of parties’ conduct

Evidence of both parties’ conduct during this process may be intro-
duced during a subsequent enforcement action, if any, with the excep-
tion of any mediation. Any repair efforts undertaken by the builder,
shall not be considered settlement communications or offers of set-
tlement and are not inadmissible in evidence on such a basis.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 935. Similar requirements of Civil Code Section 6000

To the extent that provisions of this chapter are enforced and those
provisions are substantially similar to provisions in Section 6000, but
an action is subsequently commenced under Section 6000, the parties
are excused from performing the substantially similar requirements
under Section 6000.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2012 ch 181 § 30 (AB 806), effec-
tive January 1, 2013, operative January 1, 2014.

§ 936. Applicability of title to other entities involved in

construction process
Each and every provision of the other chapters of this title apply to
general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, individual
product manufacturers, and design professionals to the extent that
the general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, individu-
al product manufacturers, and design professionals caused, in whole
or in part, a violation of a particular standard as the result of a negli-
gent act or omission or a breach of contract. In addition to the affirm-
ative defenses set forth in Section 945.5, a general contractor, subcon-
tractor, material supplier, design professional, individual product
manufacturer, or other entity may also offer common law and con-
tractual defenses as applicable to any claimed violation of a standard.
All actions by a claimant or builder to enforce an express contract, or
any provision thereof, against a general contractor, subcontractor,
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 611

material supplier, individual product manufacturer, or design profes-

sional is preserved. Nothing in this title modifies the law pertaining
to joint and several liability for builders, general contractors, subcon-
tractors, material suppliers, individual product manufacturer, and
design professionals that contribute to any specific violation of this
title. However, the negligence standard in this section does not apply
to any general contractor, subcontractor, material supplier, individual
product manufacturer, or design professional with respect to claims
for which strict liability would apply.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 762 § 5 (AB 903).

§ 937. Claims and damages not covered by this title

Nothing in this title shall be interpreted to eliminate or abrogate
the requirement to comply with Section 411.35 of the Code of Civil
Procedure or to affect the liability of design professionals, including
architects and architectural firms, for claims and damages not cov-
ered by this title.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 938. Date of sale for applicability of title

This title applies only to new residential units where the purchase
agreement with the buyer was signed by the seller on or after Janu-
ary 1, 2003.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 762 § 6 (AB 903).

Chapter 5
Procedure
§ 941. Time limit for bringing action
(a) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be
brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substan-
tial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of re-
cordation of a valid notice of completion.
(b) As used in this section, “action” includes an action for indemnity
brought against a person arising out of that person’s performance or
furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that
a cross–complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision
(b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which
has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a).
(c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by
way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as
owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any
612 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for

which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action.
(d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not
apply to actions under this title.
(e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the
statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an ac-
tion or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pur-
suant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception
of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the pe-
riod for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in
subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions
Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursu-
ant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the
time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a)
or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall per-
tain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not
to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established
by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or
express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which
this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 62 § 12 (SB 600), ch 762
§ 7 (AB 903) (ch 762 prevails).

§ 942. Showing required for claim

In order to make a claim for violation of the standards set forth in
Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 896), a homeowner need only
demonstrate, in accordance with the applicable evidentiary standard,
that the home does not meet the applicable standard, subject to the
affirmative defenses set forth in Section 945.5. No further showing of
causation or damages is required to meet the burden of proof regard-
ing a violation of a standard set forth in Chapter 2 (commencing with
Section 896), provided that the violation arises out of, pertains to, or
is related to, the original construction.
Added Stats 2003 ch 762 § 9 (AB 903).

§ 943. Other causes of action; Claims involving detached

single–family home
(a) Except as provided in this title, no other cause of action for a
claim covered by this title or for damages recoverable under Section
944 is allowed. In addition to the rights under this title, this title does
not apply to any action by a claimant to enforce a contract or express
contractual provision, or any action for fraud, personal injury, or vio-
lation of a statute. Damages awarded for the items set forth in Sec-
tion 944 in such other cause of action shall be reduced by the amounts
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 613

recovered pursuant to Section 944 for violation of the standards set

forth in this title.
(b) As to any claims involving a detached single–family home, the
homeowner’s right to the reasonable value of repairing any noncon-
formity is limited to the repair costs, or the diminution in current value
of the home caused by the nonconformity, whichever is less, subject to
the personal use exception as developed under common law.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800), as CC § 942. Renumbered by Stats 2003 ch 762
§ 8 (AB 903).

§ 944. Damages
If a claim for damages is made under this title, the homeowner is
only entitled to damages for the reasonable value of repairing any
violation of the standards set forth in this title, the reasonable cost of
repairing any damages caused by the repair efforts, the reasonable
cost of repairing and rectifying any damages resulting from the fail-
ure of the home to meet the standards, the reasonable cost of remov-
ing and replacing any improper repair by the builder, reasonable re-
location and storage expenses, lost business income if the home was
used as a principal place of a business licensed to be operated from
the home, reasonable investigative costs for each established viola-
tion, and all other costs or fees recoverable by contract or statute.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800).

§ 945. Original purchasers and successors-in-interest

The provisions, standards, rights, and obligations set forth in this
title are binding upon all original purchasers and their successors-in-
interest. For purposes of this title, associations and others having the
rights set forth in Sections 4810 and 4815 shall be considered to be
original purchasers and shall have standing to enforce the provisions,
standards, rights, and obligations set forth in this title.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2005 ch 37 § 1 (SB 853), effective
January 1, 2006; Stats 2012 ch 181 § 31 (AB 806), effective January 1, 2013, operative
January 1, 2014.

§ 945.5. Affirmative defenses

A builder, general contractor, subcontractor, material supplier, in-
dividual product manufacturer, or design professional, under the
principles of comparative fault pertaining to affirmative defenses,
may be excused, in whole or in part, from any obligation, damage,
loss, or liability if the builder, general contractor, subcontractor, ma-
terial supplier, individual product manufacturer, or design profes-
sional, can demonstrate any of the following affirmative defenses in
response to a claimed violation:
614 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(a) To the extent it is caused by an unforeseen act of nature which

caused the structure not to meet the standard. For purposes of this
section an “unforeseen act of nature” means a weather condition,
earthquake, or manmade event such as war, terrorism, or vandalism,
in excess of the design criteria expressed by the applicable building
codes, regulations, and ordinances in effect at the time of original
construction.
(b) To the extent it is caused by a homeowner’s unreasonable failure
to minimize or prevent those damages in a timely manner, including
the failure of the homeowner to allow reasonable and timely access
for inspections and repairs under this title. This includes the failure
to give timely notice to the builder after discovery of a violation, but
does not include damages due to the untimely or inadequate response
of a builder to the homeowner’s claim.
(c) To the extent it is caused by the homeowner or his or her agent,
employee, general contractor, subcontractor, independent contractor,
or consultant by virtue of their failure to follow the builder’s or manu-
facturer’s recommendations, or commonly accepted homeowner
maintenance obligations. In order to rely upon this defense as it re-
lates to a builder’s recommended maintenance schedule, the builder
shall show that the homeowner had written notice of these schedules
and recommendations and that the recommendations and schedules
were reasonable at the time they were issued.
(d) To the extent it is caused by the homeowner or his or her agent’s
or an independent third party’s alterations, ordinary wear and tear,
misuse, abuse, or neglect, or by the structure’s use for something oth-
er than its intended purpose.
(e) To the extent that the time period for filing actions bars the
claimed violation.
(f) As to a particular violation for which the builder has obtained a
valid release.
(g) To the extent that the builder’s repair was successful in correct-
ing the particular violation of the applicable standard.
(h) As to any causes of action to which this statute does not apply,
all applicable affirmative defenses are preserved.
Added Stats 2002 ch 722 § 3 (SB 800). Amended Stats 2003 ch 762 § 10 (AB 903).

TITLE 8
Reconstruction of Homes Lost in
Cedar Fire, October 2003
§ 945.6. [Section repealed 2008.]
Added Stats 2005 ch 40 § 2 (AB 662), effective July 11, 2005, repealed January 1, 2008.
Repealed, operative January 1, 2008, by its own terms.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 615

PART 4
ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY

TITLE 4
Transfer
Chapter 2
Transfer of Real Property
Article 1.4
Installation of Water Use Efficiency Improvements
§ 1101.1. Legislative findings and declarations
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Adequate water supply reliability for all uses is essential to the
future economic and environmental health of California.
(b) Environmentally sound strategies to meet future water supply
and wastewater treatment needs are key to protecting and restoring
aquatic resources in California.
(c) There is a pressing need to address water supply reliability is-
sues raised by growing urban areas.
(d) Economic analysis by urban water agencies has identified urban
water conservation as a cost-effective approach to addressing water
supply needs.
(e) There are many water conservation practices that produce sig-
nificant energy and other resource savings that should be encouraged
as a matter of state policy.
(f) Since the 1991 signing of the “Memorandum of Understanding
Regarding Urban Water Conservation in California,” many urban
water and wastewater treatment agencies have gained valuable expe-
rience that can be applied to produce significant statewide savings of
water, energy, and associated infrastructure costs. This experience
indicates a need to regularly revise and update water conservation
methodologies and practices.
(g) To address these concerns, it is the intent of the Legislature to
require that residential and commercial real property built and avail-
able for use or occupancy on or before January 1, 1994, be equipped
with water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
(h) It is further the intent of the Legislature that retail water sup-
pliers are encouraged to provide incentives, financing mechanisms,
and funding to assist property owners with these retrofit obligations.
616 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.

§ 1101.2. Applicability of article

Except as provided in Section 1101.7, this article shall apply to res-
idential and commercial real property built and available for use on
or before January 1, 1994.
Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.

§ 1101.3. Definitions
For the purposes of this article:
(a) “Commercial real property” means any real property that is im-
proved with, or consisting of, a building that is intended for commer-
cial use, including hotels and motels, that is not a single-family resi-
dential real property or a multifamily residential real property.
(b) “Multifamily residential real property” means any real property
that is improved with, or consisting of, a building containing more
than one unit that is intended for human habitation, or any mixed
residential-commercial buildings or portions thereof that are intended
for human habitation. Multifamily residential real property includes
residential hotels but does not include hotels and motels that are not
residential hotels.
(c) “Noncompliant plumbing fixture” means any of the following:
(1) Any toilet manufactured to use more than 1.6 gallons of water
per flush.
(2) Any urinal manufactured to use more than one gallon of water
per flush.
(3) Any showerhead manufactured to have a flow capacity of more
than 2.5 gallons of water per minute.
(4) Any interior faucet that emits more than 2.2 gallons of water
per minute.
(d) “Single-family residential real property” means any real proper-
ty that is improved with, or consisting of, a building containing not
more than one unit that is intended for human habitation.
(e) “Water-conserving plumbing fixture” means any fixture that is
in compliance with current building standards applicable to a newly
constructed real property of the same type.
(f) “Sale or transfer” means the sale or transfer of an entire real
property estate or the fee interest in that real property estate and
does not include the sale or transfer of a partial interest, including a
leasehold.
Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 617

§ 1101.4. Single-family residential real property; Compliance

(a) On and after January 1, 2014, for all building alterations or im-
provements to single-family residential real property, as a condition
for issuance of a certificate of final completion and occupancy or final
permit approval by the local building department, the permit appli-
cant shall replace all noncompliant plumbing fixtures with water-
conserving plumbing fixtures.
(b) On or before January 1, 2017, noncompliant plumbing fixtures
in any single-family residential real property shall be replaced by the
property owner with water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
(c) On and after January 1, 2017, a seller or transferor of single-
family residential real property shall disclose in writing to the pro-
spective purchaser or transferee the requirements of subdivision (b)
and whether the real property includes any noncompliant plumbing
fixtures.
Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.

§ 1101.5. Water-conserving plumbing fixtures; Replacement

of noncompliant plumbing fixtures
(a) On or before January 1, 2019, all noncompliant plumbing fix-
tures in any multifamily residential real property and in any com-
mercial real property shall be replaced with water-conserving plumb-
ing fixtures.
(b) An owner or the owner’s agent may enter the owner’s property
for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining wa-
ter-conserving plumbing fixtures required by this section, consistent
with notice requirements of Section 1954.
(c) On and after January 1, 2019, the water-conserving plumbing
fixtures required by this section shall be operating at the manufac-
turer’s rated water consumption at the time that the tenant takes
possession. A tenant shall be responsible for notifying the owner or
owner’s agent if the tenant becomes aware that a water-conserving
plumbing fixture within his or her unit is not operating at the manu-
facturer’s rated water consumption. The owner or owner’s agent shall
correct an inoperability in a water-conserving plumbing fixture upon
notice by the tenant or if detected by the owner or the owner’s agent.
(d) (1) On and after January 1, 2014, all noncompliant plumbing
fixtures in any multifamily residential real property and any com-
mercial real property shall be replaced with water-conserving plumb-
ing fixtures in the following circumstances:
(A) For building additions in which the sum of concurrent building
permits by the same permit applicant would increase the floor area of
the space in a building by more than 10 percent, the building permit
618 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

applicant shall replace all noncompliant plumbing fixtures in the

building.
(B) For building alterations or improvements in which the total
construction cost estimated in the building permit is greater than one
hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the building permit appli-
cant shall replace all noncompliant plumbing fixtures that service the
specific area of the improvement.
(C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) or (B), for any alterations or
improvements to a room in a building that require a building permit
and that room contains any noncompliant plumbing fixtures, the
building permit applicant shall replace all noncompliant plumbing
fixtures in that room.
(2) Replacement of all noncompliant plumbing fixtures with water-
conserving plumbing fixtures, as described in paragraph (1), shall be
a condition for issuance of a certificate of final completion and occu-
pancy or final permit approval by the local building department.
(e) On and after January 1, 2019, a seller or transferor of multifam-
ily residential real property or of commercial real property shall dis-
close to the prospective purchaser or transferee, in writing, the re-
quirements of subdivision (a) and whether the property includes any
noncompliant plumbing fixtures. This disclosure may be included in
other transactional documents.
Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010. Amended Stats 2013
ch 183 § 1 (SB 745), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 1101.6. Requirements of article postponed with respect to

building for which demolition permit has been issued
The duty of an owner or building permit applicant to comply with
the requirements of this article shall be postponed for one year from
the date of issuance of a demolition permit for the building. If the
building is demolished within the one-year postponement, the re-
quirements of this article shall not apply. If the building is not demol-
ished after the expiration of one year, the provisions of this article
shall apply, subject to appeal to the local building department, even
though the demolition permit is still in effect or a new demolition
permit has been issued.
Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.

§ 1101.7. Applicability of article

This article shall not apply to any of the following:
(a) Registered historical sites.
(b) Real property for which a licensed plumber certifies that, due to
the age or configuration of the property or its plumbing, installation
of water-conserving plumbing fixtures is not technically feasible.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 619

(c) A building for which water service is permanently disconnected.

Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.

§ 1101.8. Enactment of local ordinances; Establishment of

policies
A city, county, or city and county, or a retail water supplier may do
either of the following:
(a) Enact local ordinances or establish policies that promote compli-
ance with this article.
(b) Enact local ordinances or establish policies that will result in a
greater amount of water savings than those provided for in this arti-
cle.
Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.

§ 1101.9. City, county, or city and county exempted from

requirements of article; Conditions
Any city, county, or city and county that has adopted an ordinance
requiring retrofit of noncompliant plumbing fixtures prior to July 1,
2009, shall be exempt from the requirements of this article so long as
the ordinance remains in effect.
Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 1 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010.

Article 1.5
Disclosures Upon Transfer of Residential Property
§ 1102.155. Disclosures relating to water-conserving
plumbing fixtures
(a) (1) The seller of residential real property subject to this article
shall disclose, in writing, that Section 1101.4 of the Civil Code re-
quires that California single-family residences be equipped with wa-
ter-conserving plumbing fixtures on or before January 1, 2017, and
shall disclose whether the property includes any noncompliant
plumbing fixtures.
(2) The seller shall affirm that this representation is that of the
seller and not a representation of any agent, and that this disclosure
is not intended to be part of any contract between the buyer and the
seller. The seller shall further affirm that this disclosure is not a war-
ranty of any kind by the seller or any agent representing any princi-
pal in the transaction and is not a substitute for any inspections that
or warranties any principal may wish to obtain.
(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2017.
620 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Added Stats 2009 ch 587 § 2 (SB 407), effective January 1, 2010, operative January 1,
2017.

DIVISION 3
OBLIGATIONS

PART 2
CONTRACTS

TITLE 5
Extinction of Contracts
Chapter 2
Rescission
§ 1689.5. Definitions
As used in Sections 1689.6 to 1689.11, inclusive, and in Section
1689.14:
(a) “Home solicitation contract or offer” means any contract, wheth-
er single or multiple, or any offer which is subject to approval, for the
sale, lease, or rental of goods or services or both, made at other than
appropriate trade premises in an amount of twenty-five dollars ($25)
or more, including any interest or service charges. “Home solicitation
contract” does not include any contract under which the buyer has the
right to rescind pursuant to Title 1, Chapter 2, Section 125 of the
Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (P.L. 90-321) and the regula-
tions promulgated pursuant thereto.
(b) “Appropriate trade premises,” means premises where either the
owner or seller normally carries on a business, or where goods are
normally offered or exposed for sale in the course of a business car-
ried on at those premises.
(c) “Goods” means tangible chattels bought for use primarily for
personal, family, or household purposes, including certificates or
coupons exchangeable for these goods, and including goods that, at
the time of the sale or subsequently, are to be so affixed to real
property as to become a part of the real property whether or not
severable therefrom, but does not include any vehicle required to be
registered under the Vehicle Code, nor any goods sold with this ve-
hicle if sold under a contract governed by Section 2982, and does not
include any mobilehome, as defined in Section 18008 of the Health
and Safety Code, nor any goods sold with this mobilehome if either
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 621

are sold under a contract subject to Section 18036.5 of the Health

and Safety Code.
(d) “Services” means work, labor and services, including, but not
limited to, services furnished in connection with the repair, restora-
tion, alteration, or improvement of residential premises, or services
furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods as defined in
Section 1802.1, and courses of instruction, regardless of the purpose
for which they are taken, but does not include the services of attor-
neys, real estate brokers and salesmen, securities dealers or invest-
ment counselors, physicians, optometrists, or dentists, nor financial
services offered by banks, savings institutions, credit unions, indus-
trial loan companies, personal property brokers, consumer finance
lenders, or commercial finance lenders, organized pursuant to state or
federal law, that are not connected with the sale of goods or services,
as defined herein, nor the sale of insurance that is not connected with
the sale of goods or services as defined herein, nor services in connec-
tion with the sale or installation of mobilehomes or of goods sold with
a mobilehome if either are sold or installed under a contract subject
to Section 18036.5 of the Health and Safety Code, nor services for
which the tariffs, rates, charges, costs, or expenses, including in each
instance the time sale price, is required by law to be filed with and
approved by the federal government or any official, department, divi-
sion, commission, or agency of the United States or of the state.
(e) “Business day” means any calendar day except Sunday, or the
following business holidays: New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veter-
ans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2006.
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 23 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1,
2006.

§ 1689.6. Right to cancel home solicitation contract or offer

(a)(1) Except for a contract written pursuant to Section 7151.2 or
7159.10 of the Business and Professions Code, in addition to any oth-
er right to revoke an offer, the buyer has the right to cancel a home
solicitation contract or offer until midnight of the third business day
after the day on which the buyer signs an agreement or offer to pur-
chase which complies with Section 1689.7.
(2) In addition to any other right to revoke an offer, the buyer has
the right to cancel a home solicitation contract written pursuant to
Section 7151.2 of the Business and Professions Code until midnight of
the third business day after the buyer receives a signed and dated
copy of the contract or offer to purchase that complies with Section
1689.7 of this code.
622 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(3)(A) In addition to any other right to revoke an offer, the buyer

has the right to cancel a home solicitation contract or offer to pur-
chase written pursuant to Section 7159.10 of the Business and Pro-
fessions Code, until the buyer receives a signed and dated copy of a
service and repair contract that complies with the contract require-
ments specified in Section 7159.10 of the Business and Professions
Code and the work commences.
(B) For any contract written pursuant to Section 7159.10 of the
Business and Professions Code, or otherwise presented to the buyer
as a service and repair contract, unless all of the conforming require-
ments listed under subdivision (a) of that section are met, the re-
quirements set forth under Section 7159 of the Business and Profes-
sions Code shall be applicable, regardless of the aggregate contract
price, including the right to cancel as set forth under this section.
(b) In addition to any other right to revoke an offer, any buyer has
the right to cancel a home solicitation contract or offer for the pur-
chase of a personal emergency response unit until midnight of the
seventh business day after the day on which the buyer signs an
agreement or offer to purchase which complies with Section 1689.7.
This subdivision shall not apply to a personal emergency response
unit installed with, and as part of, a home security alarm system sub-
ject to the Alarm Company Act (Chapter 11.6 (commencing with Sec-
tion 7590) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code) which
has two or more stationary protective devices used to enunciate an
intrusion or fire and is installed by an alarm company operator oper-
ating under a current license issued pursuant to the Alarm Company
Act, which shall instead be subject to subdivision (a).
(c) In addition to any other right to revoke an offer, a buyer has the
right to cancel a home solicitation contract or offer for the repair or
restoration of residential premises damaged by a disaster that was
not void pursuant to Section 1689.14, until midnight of the seventh
business day after the buyer signs and dates the contract unless the
provisions of Section 1689.15 are applicable.
(d) Cancellation occurs when the buyer gives written notice of cancel-
lation to the seller at the address specified in the agreement or offer.
(e) Notice of cancellation, if given by mail, is effective when deposit-
ed in the mail properly addressed with postage prepaid.
(f) Notice of cancellation given by the buyer need not take the par-
ticular form as provided with the contract or offer to purchase and,
however expressed, is effective if it indicates the intention of the buy-
er not to be bound by the home solicitation contract or offer.
(g) “Personal emergency response unit,” for purposes of this section,
means an in-home radio transmitter device or two-way radio device
generally, but not exclusively, worn on a neckchain, wrist strap, or
clipped to clothing, and connected to a telephone line through which a
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 623

monitoring station is alerted of an emergency and emergency assis-

tance is summoned.
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 25 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1,
2006. Amended Stats 2005 ch 385 § 11 (AB 316).

§ 1689.7. Form of home solicitation contract or offer; Notice

of cancellation
(a)(1) Except for contracts written pursuant to Sections 7151.2 and
7159.10 of the Business and Professions Code, in a home solicitation
contract or offer, the buyer’s agreement or offer to purchase shall be
written in the same language, e.g., Spanish, as principally used in the
oral sales presentation, shall be dated, shall be signed by the buyer,
and except as provided in paragraph (2), shall contain in immediate
proximity to the space reserved for his or her signature, a conspicu-
ous statement in a size equal to at least 10-point boldface type, as
follows: “You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior
to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transac-
tion. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of
this right.”
(2) The statement required pursuant to this subdivision for a home
solicitation contract or offer for the purchase of a personal emergency
response unit, as defined in Section 1689.6, that is not installed with
and as part of a home security alarm system subject to the Alarm
Company Act (Chapter 11.6 (commencing with Section 7590) of Divi-
sion 3 of the Business and Professions Code) that has two or more
stationary protective devices used to enunciate an intrusion or fire
and is installed by an alarm company operator operating under a cur-
rent license issued pursuant to the Alarm Company Act, is as follows:
“You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to
midnight of the seventh business day after the date of this transac-
tion. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of
this right.”
(3) Except for contracts written pursuant to Sections 7151.2 and
7159.10 of the Business and Professions Code, the statement required
pursuant to this subdivision for the repair or restoration of residen-
tial premises damaged by a disaster pursuant to subdivision (c) of
Section 1689.6 is as follows: “You, the buyer, may cancel this transac-
tion at any time prior to midnight of the seventh business day after
the date of this transaction. See the attached notice of cancellation
form for an explanation of this right.”
(4) A home solicitation contract written pursuant to Section 7151.2
of the Business and Professions Code shall be written in the same
language, e.g., Spanish, as principally used in the oral sales presenta-
tion. The contract, or an attachment to the contract that is subject to
Section 7159 of the Business and Professions Code shall include in
immediate proximity to the space reserved for his or her signature,
624 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

the following statement in a size equal to at least 12-point boldface

type, which shall be dated and signed by the buyer:
“Three-Day Right to Cancel
You, the buyer, have the right to cancel this contract within three
business days. You may cancel by e-mailing, mailing, faxing, or deliv-
ering a written notice to the contractor at the contractor’s place of
business by midnight of the third business day after you received a
signed and dated copy of the contract that includes this notice. In-
clude your name, your address, and the date you received the signed
copy of the contract and this notice.
If you cancel, the contractor must return to you anything you paid
within 10 days of receiving the notice of cancellation. For your part,
you must make available to the contractor at your residence, in sub-
stantially as good condition as you received it, any goods delivered to
you under this contract or sale. Or, you may, if you wish, comply with
the contractor’s instructions on how to return the goods at the con-
tractor’s expense and risk. If you do make the goods available to the
contractor and the contractor does not pick them up within 20 days of
the date of your notice of cancellation, you may keep them without
any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the
contractor, or if you agree to return the goods to the contractor and
fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations
under the contract.”
(b) The agreement or offer to purchase shall contain on the first
page, in a type size no smaller than that generally used in the body of
the document, the following: (1) the name and address of the seller to
which the notice is to be mailed, and (2) the date the buyer signed the
agreement or offer to purchase.
(c) Except for contracts written pursuant to Sections 7151.2 and
7159.10 of the Business and Professions Code, or except as provided
in subdivision (d), the agreement or offer to purchase shall be accom-
panied by a completed form in duplicate, captioned “Notice of Cancel-
lation” which shall be attached to the agreement or offer to purchase
and be easily detachable, and which shall contain in type of at least
10-point the following statement written in the same language, e.g.,
Spanish, as used in the contract:
“Notice of Cancellation”
/enter date of transaction/
(Date)
“You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation,
within three business days from the above date.
If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you
under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed
by you will be returned within 10 days following receipt by the seller
of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of
the transaction will be canceled.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 625

If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your resi-
dence, in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods
delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish,
comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return ship-
ment of the goods at the seller’s expense and risk.
If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does
not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your notice of cancella-
tion, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obli-
gation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you
agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you re-
main liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.”
To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of
this cancellation notice, or any other written notice, or send a tele-
gram
to ____________________________________________________ ,
/name of seller/
at ____________________________________________________
/address of seller’s place of business/
at _________________________
(Date)
I hereby cancel this transaction. _________________________
(Date)
__________________________
(Buyer’s signature)

(d) Any agreement or offer to purchase a personal emergency re-

sponse unit, as defined in Section 1689.6, which is not installed with
and as part of a home security alarm system subject to the Alarm
Company Act which has two or more stationary protective devices used
to enunciate an intrusion or fire and is installed by an alarm company
operator operating under a current license issued pursuant to the
Alarm Company Act, shall be subject to the requirements of subdivi-
sion (c), and shall be accompanied by the “Notice of Cancellation” re-
quired by subdivision (c), except that the first paragraph of that notice
shall be deleted and replaced with the following paragraph:
You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation,
within seven business days from the above date.
(e) A home solicitation contract written pursuant to Section 7151.2
of the Business and Professions Code for the repair or restoration of
residential premises damaged by a disaster that is subject to subdivi-
sion (c) of Section 1689.6, shall be written in the same language, e.g.,
Spanish, as principally used in the oral sales presentation. The con-
tract, or an attachment to the contract that is subject to Section 7159
of the Business and Professions Code shall include, in immediate
proximity to the space reserved for his or her signature, the following
626 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

statement in a size equal to at least 12-point boldface type, which

shall be signed and dated by the buyer:
“Seven-Day Right to Cancel
You, the buyer, have the right to cancel this contract within three
business days. You may cancel by e-mailing, mailing, faxing, or deliv-
ering a written notice to the contractor at the contractor’s place of
business by midnight of the third business day after you received a
signed and dated copy of the contract that includes this notice. In-
clude your name, your address, and the date you received the signed
copy of the contract and this notice.
If you cancel, the contractor must return to you anything you paid
within 10 days of receiving the notice of cancellation. For your part,
you must make available to the contractor at your residence, in sub-
stantially as good condition as you received it, any goods delivered to
you under this contract or sale. Or, you may, if you wish, comply with
the contractor’s instructions on how to return the goods at the con-
tractor’s expense and risk. If you do make the goods available to the
contractor and the contractor does not pick them up within 20 days of
the date of your notice of cancellation, you may keep them without
any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the
contractor, or if you agree to return the goods to the contractor and
fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations
under the contract.”
(f) The seller shall provide the buyer with a copy of the contract or
offer to purchase and the attached notice of cancellation, and shall
inform the buyer orally of his or her right to cancel and the require-
ment that cancellation be in writing, at the time the home solicitation
contract or offer is executed.
(g) Until the seller has complied with this section the buyer may
cancel the home solicitation contract or offer.
(h) “Contract or sale” as used in subdivision (c) means “home solici-
tation contract or offer” as defined by Section 1689.5.
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 27 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1,
2006. Amended Stats 2005 ch 385 § 12 (AB 316), effective January 1, 2006.

§ 1689.8. Home solicitation contract or offer for home

improvements which provides for lien on real property
(a) Every home solicitation contract or offer for home improvement
goods or services which provides for a lien on real property is subject
to the provisions of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1801) of Ti-
tle 2 of Part 4 of Division 3.
(b) For purposes of this section, “home improvement goods or ser-
vices” means goods and services, as defined in Section 1689.5, which
are bought in connection with the improvement of real property. Such
home improvement goods and services include, but are not limited to,
burglar alarms, carpeting, texture coating, fencing, air conditioning
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 627

or heating equipment, and termite extermination. Home improve-

ment goods include goods which, at the time of sale or subsequently,
are to be so affixed to real property as to become a part of real proper-
ty whether or not severable therefrom.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1012 § 6.

§ 1689.9. Absence of buyer’s right to cancel home solicitation

contract or offer if goods affixed to sold or encumbered real
property
Where the goods sold under any home solicitation contract are so
affixed to real property as to become a part thereof, whether or not
severable therefrom, the buyer shall not have the right to cancel as
provided in Section 1689.6 or Section 1689.7 if, subsequent to his
signing such contract, he has sold or encumbered such real property
to a bona fide purchaser or encumbrancer who was not a party to
such sale of goods or to any loan agreement in connection therewith.
Added Stats 1971 ch 375 § 5.

§ 1689.10. Tender of payments to buyer upon cancellation of

home solicitation contract or offer
(a) Except as provided in Sections 1689.6 to 1689.11, inclusive,
within 10 days after a home solicitation contract or offer has been
canceled, the seller must tender to the buyer any payments made by
the buyer and any note or other evidence of indebtedness.
(b) If the downpayment includes goods traded in, the goods must be
tendered in substantially as good condition as when received.
(c) Until the seller has complied with the obligations imposed by
Sections 1689.7 to 1689.11, inclusive, the buyer may retain possession
of goods delivered to him by the seller and has a lien on the goods for
any recovery to which he is entitled.
Added Stats 1971 ch 375 § 6. Amended Stats 1973 ch 554 § 5.

§ 1689.11. Tender of goods by buyer upon cancellation of

home solicitation contract or offer
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 1689.10, within
20 days after a home solicitation contract or offer has been canceled,
the buyer, upon demand, must tender to the seller any goods deliv-
ered by the seller pursuant to the sale or offer, but he is not obligated
to tender at any place other than his own address. If the seller fails to
demand possession of goods within 20 days after cancellation, the
goods become the property of the buyer without obligation to pay for
them.
628 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) The buyer has a duty to take reasonable care of the goods in his
possession both prior to cancellation and during the 20–day period
following. During the 20–day period after cancellation, except for the
buyer’s duty of care, the goods are at the seller’s risk.
(c) If the seller has performed any services pursuant to a home so-
licitation contract or offer prior to its cancellation, the seller is enti-
tled to no compensation. If the seller’s services result in the alteration
of property of the buyer, the seller shall restore the property to sub-
stantially as good condition as it was at the time the services were
rendered.
Added Stats 1971 ch 375 § 7. Amended Stats 1973 ch 554 § 6.

§ 1689.12. Waiver or confession of judgment invalid

Any waiver or confession of judgment of the provisions of Sections
1689.5 to 1689.11, inclusive, shall be deemed contrary to public policy
and shall be void and unenforceable.
Added Stats 1971 ch 375 § 8. Amended Stats 1973 ch 554 § 7.

§ 1689.13. Applicability to emergency repairs or services

Sections 1689.5, 1689.6, 1689.7, 1689.10, 1689.12, and 1689.14 do
not apply to a contract that meets all of the following requirements:
(a) The contract is initiated by the buyer or his or her agent or in-
surance representative.
(b) The contract is executed in connection with making of emergen-
cy or immediately necessary repairs that are necessary for the imme-
diate protection of persons or real or personal property.
(c) The buyer gives the seller a separate statement that is dated
and signed that describes the situation that requires immediate rem-
edy, and expressly acknowledges and waives the right to cancel the
sale within three or seven business days, whichever applies.
(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2006.
Added Stats 2005 ch 48 § 29 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1,
2006.

§ 1689.14. Home solicitation contract or offer for repair

signed following disaster; Void as specified
(a) Any home solicitation contract or offer for the repair or restora-
tion of residential premises signed by the buyer on or after the date
on which a disaster causes damage to the residential premises, but
not later than midnight of the seventh business day after this date,
shall be void, unless the buyer or his or her agent or insurance repre-
sentative solicited the contract or offer at the appropriate trade prem-
ises of the seller. Any contract covered by this subdivision shall not be
void if solicited by the buyer or his or her agent or insurance repre-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 629

sentative regardless of where the contract is made. For purposes of

this section, buyer solicitation includes a telephone call from the buy-
er to the appropriate trade premises of the seller whether or not the
call is in response to a prior home solicitation.
(b) As used in this section and Section 1689.6, “disaster” means an
earthquake, flood, fire, hurricane, riot, storm, tidal wave, or other simi-
lar sudden or catastrophic occurrence for which a state of emergency
has been declared by the President of the United States or the Gover-
nor or for which a local emergency has been declared by the executive
officer or governing body of any city, county, or city and county.
Added Stats 1st Ex Sess 1993–94 ch 51 § 5 (AB 57 X). Amended Stats 1995 ch 123 § 1
(AB 1610), effective July 18, 1995.

§ 1689.15. Commencment of work; Right of cancellation

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a contractor who is du-
ly licensed pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of
Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code may commence work
on a service and repair project as soon as the buyer receives a signed
and dated copy of a service and repair contract that meets all of the
contract requirements specified in Section 7159.10 of the Business
and Professions Code. The buyer retains any right of cancellation ap-
plicable to home solicitations under Sections 1689.5 to 1689.14, inclu-
sive, until such time as the buyer receives a signed and dated copy of
a service and repair contract that meets all of the contract require-
ments specified in Section 7159.10 of the Business and Professions
Code and the licensee in fact commences that project, at which time
any cancellation rights provided in Sections 1689.5 to 1689.14, inclu-
sive, are extinguished by operation of law.
Added Stats 2004 ch 566 § 20 (SB 30), operative July 1, 2005. Amended Stats 2005 ch
48 § 30 (SB 1113), effective July 18, 2005, operative January 1, 2006, ch 385 § 13 (AB
316).
630 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

PART 4
OBLIGATIONS ARISING FROM PARTICULAR
TRANSACTIONS

TITLE 1.5
Consumers Legal Remedies Act
Chapter 3
Deceptive Practices
§ 1770. Unlawful acts and practices
(a) The following unfair methods of competition and unfair or de-
ceptive acts or practices undertaken by any person in a transaction
intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or ser-
vices to any consumer are unlawful:
(1) Passing off goods or services as those of another.
(2) Misrepresenting the source, sponsorship, approval, or certifica-
tion of goods or services.
(3) Misrepresenting the affiliation, connection, or association with,
or certification by, another.
(4) Using deceptive representations or designations of geographic
origin in connection with goods or services.
(5) Representing that goods or services have sponsorship, approval,
characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, or quantities that they do
not have or that a person has a sponsorship, approval, status, affilia-
tion, or connection that he or she does not have.
(6) Representing that goods are original or new if they have deterio-
rated unreasonably or are altered, reconditioned, reclaimed, used, or
secondhand.
(7) Representing that goods or services are of a particular standard,
quality, or grade, or that goods are of a particular style or model, if
they are of another.
(8) Disparaging the goods, services, or business of another by false
or misleading representation of fact.
(9) Advertising goods or services with intent not to sell them as ad-
vertised.
(10) Advertising goods or services with intent not to supply reason-
ably expectable demand, unless the advertisement discloses a limita-
tion of quantity.
(11) Advertising furniture without clearly indicating that it is unas-
sembled if that is the case.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 631

(12) Advertising the price of unassembled furniture without clearly

indicating the assembled price of that furniture if the same furniture
is available assembled from the seller.
(13) Making false or misleading statements of fact concerning rea-
sons for, existence of, or amounts of, price reductions.
(14) Representing that a transaction confers or involves rights,
remedies, or obligations that it does not have or involve, or that are
prohibited by law.
(15) Representing that a part, replacement, or repair service is
needed when it is not.
(16) Representing that the subject of a transaction has been sup-
plied in accordance with a previous representation when it has not.
(17) Representing that the consumer will receive a rebate, discount,
or other economic benefit, if the earning of the benefit is contingent
on an event to occur subsequent to the consummation of the transac-
tion.
(18) Misrepresenting the authority of a salesperson, representative,
or agent to negotiate the final terms of a transaction with a consum-
er.
(19) Inserting an unconscionable provision in the contract.
(20) Advertising that a product is being offered at a specific price
plus a specific percentage of that price unless (A) the total price is set
forth in the advertisement, which may include, but is not limited to,
shelf tags, displays, and media advertising, in a size larger than any
other price in that advertisement, and (B) the specific price plus a
specific percentage of that price represents a markup from the seller’s
costs or from the wholesale price of the product. This subdivision
shall not apply to in-store advertising by businesses that are open
only to members or cooperative organizations organized pursuant to
Division 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Title 1 of the Corpora-
tions Code where more than 50 percent of purchases are made at the
specific price set forth in the advertisement.
(21) Selling or leasing goods in violation of Chapter 4 (commencing
with Section 1797.8) of Title 1.7.
(22) (A) Disseminating an unsolicited prerecorded message by tele-
phone without an unrecorded, natural voice first informing the per-
son answering the telephone of the name of the caller or the organiza-
tion being represented, and either the address or the telephone num-
ber of the caller, and without obtaining the consent of that person to
listen to the prerecorded message.
(B) This subdivision does not apply to a message disseminated to a
business associate, customer, or other person having an established
relationship with the person or organization making the call, to a call
for the purpose of collecting an existing obligation, or to any call gen-
erated at the request of the recipient.
632 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(23) (A) The home solicitation, as defined in subdivision (h) of Sec-

tion 1761, of a consumer who is a senior citizen where a loan is made
encumbering the primary residence of that consumer for purposes of
paying for home improvements and where the transaction is part of a
pattern or practice in violation of either subsection (h) or (i) of Section
1639 of Title 15 of the United States Code or paragraphs (1), (2), and
(4) of subdivision (a) of Section 226.34 of Title 12 of the Code of Fed-
eral Regulations.
(B) A third party shall not be liable under this subdivision unless (i)
there was an agency relationship between the party who engaged in
home solicitation and the third party, or (ii) the third party had actu-
al knowledge of, or participated in, the unfair or deceptive transac-
tion. A third party who is a holder in due course under a home solici-
tation transaction shall not be liable under this subdivision.
(24) (A) Charging or receiving an unreasonable fee to prepare, aid,
or advise any prospective applicant, applicant, or recipient in the pro-
curement, maintenance, or securing of public social services.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the following definitions shall
apply:
(i) “Public social services” means those activities and functions of
state and local government administered or supervised by the State
Department of Health Care Services, the State Department of Public
Health, or the State Department of Social Services, and involved in
providing aid or services, or both, including health care services, and
medical assistance, to those persons who, because of their economic
circumstances or social condition, are in need of that aid or those ser-
vices and may benefit from them.
(ii) “Public social services” also includes activities and functions
administered or supervised by the United States Department of Vet-
erans Affairs or the California Department of Veterans Affairs in-
volved in providing aid or services, or both, to veterans, including
pension benefits.
(iii) “Unreasonable fee” means a fee that is exorbitant and dispro-
portionate to the services performed. Factors to be considered, if ap-
propriate, in determining the reasonableness of a fee, are based on
the circumstances existing at the time of the service and shall in-
clude, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(I) The time and effort required.
(II) The novelty and difficulty of the services.
(III) The skill required to perform the services.
(IV) The nature and length of the professional relationship.
(V) The experience, reputation, and ability of the person providing
the services.
(C) This paragraph shall not apply to attorneys licensed to practice
law in California, who are subject to the California Rules of Profes-
sional Conduct and to the mandatory fee arbitration provisions of Ar-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 633

ticle 13 (commencing with Section 6200) of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of

the Business and Professions Code, when the fees charged or received
are for providing representation in administrative agency appeal pro-
ceedings or court proceedings for purposes of procuring, maintaining,
or securing public social services on behalf of a person or group of
persons.
(25) (A) Advertising or promoting any event, presentation, seminar,
workshop, or other public gathering regarding veterans’ benefits or
entitlements that does not include the following statement in the
same type size and font as the term “veteran” or any variation of that
term:
(i) “I am not authorized to file an initial application for Veterans’
Aid and Attendance benefits on your behalf, or to represent you be-
fore the Board of Veterans’ Appeals within the United States De-
partment of Veterans Affairs in any proceeding on any matter, in-
cluding an application for such benefits. It would be illegal for me to
accept a fee for preparing that application on your behalf.” The re-
quirements of this clause do not apply to a person licensed to act as
an agent or attorney in proceedings before the Agency of Original Ju-
risdiction and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals within the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs when that person is offering
those services at the advertised event.
(ii) The statement in clause (i) shall also be disseminated, both oral-
ly and in writing, at the beginning of any event, presentation, semi-
nar, workshop, or public gathering regarding veterans’ benefits or
entitlements.
(B) Advertising or promoting any event, presentation, seminar,
workshop, or other public gathering regarding veterans’ benefits or
entitlements that is not sponsored by, or affiliated with, the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Department of
Veterans Affairs, or any other congressionally chartered or recognized
organization of honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces of
the United States, or any of their auxiliaries that does not include the
following statement, in the same type size and font as the term “vet-
eran” or the variation of that term:
“This event is not sponsored by, or affiliated with, the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Department of Veter-
ans Affairs, or any other congressionally chartered or recognized or-
ganization of honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces of
the United States, or any of their auxiliaries. None of the insurance
products promoted at this sales event are endorsed by those organiza-
tions, all of which offer free advice to veterans about how to qualify
and apply for benefits.”
(i) The statement in this subparagraph shall be disseminated, both
orally and in writing, at the beginning of any event, presentation,
634 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

seminar, workshop, or public gathering regarding veterans’ benefits

or entitlements.
(ii) The requirements of this subparagraph shall not apply in a case
where the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Califor-
nia Department of Veterans Affairs, or other congressionally char-
tered or recognized organization of honorably discharged members of
the Armed Forces of the United States, or any of their auxiliaries
have granted written permission to the advertiser or promoter for the
use of its name, symbol, or insignia to advertise or promote the event,
presentation, seminar, workshop, or other public gathering.
(26) Advertising, offering for sale, or selling a financial product that
is illegal under state or federal law, including any cash payment for
the assignment to a third party of the consumer’s right to receive fu-
ture pension or veteran’s benefits.
(27) Representing that a product is made in California by using a
Made in California label created pursuant to Section 12098.10 of the
Government Code, unless the product complies with Section 12098.10
of the Government Code.
(b) (1) It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice for a mortgage bro-
ker or lender, directly or indirectly, to use a home improvement con-
tractor to negotiate the terms of any loan that is secured, whether in
whole or in part, by the residence of the borrower and that is used to
finance a home improvement contract or any portion of a home im-
provement contract. For purposes of this subdivision, “mortgage bro-
ker or lender” includes a finance lender licensed pursuant to the Cali-
fornia Finance Lenders Law (Division 9 (commencing with Section
22000) of the Financial Code), a residential mortgage lender licensed
pursuant to the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act (Divi-
sion 20 (commencing with Section 50000) of the Financial Code), or a
real estate broker licensed under the Real Estate Law (Division 4
(commencing with Section 10000) of the Business and Professions
Code).
(2) This section shall not be construed to either authorize or prohib-
it a home improvement contractor from referring a consumer to a
mortgage broker or lender by this subdivision. However, a home im-
provement contractor may refer a consumer to a mortgage lender or
broker if that referral does not violate Section 7157 of the Business
and Professions Code or any other law. A mortgage lender or broker
may purchase an executed home improvement contract if that pur-
chase does not violate Section 7157 of the Business and Professions
Code or any other law. Nothing in this paragraph shall have any ef-
fect on the application of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1801)
of Title 2 to a home improvement transaction or the financing of a
home improvement transaction.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 635

Added Stats 1970 ch 1550 § 1. Amended Stats 1975 ch 379 § 1; Stats 1979 ch 819 § 4,
effective September 19, 1979; Stats 1984 ch 1171 § 1; Stats 1986 ch 1497 § 1; Stats
1990 ch 1641 § 1 (AB 4084); Stats 1995 ch 255 § 2 (SB 320); Stats 1996 ch 684 § 1 (SB
2045); Stats 2008 ch 479 § 1 (SB 1136), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2009 ch 140
§ 26 (AB 1164), effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2011 ch 79 § 1 (SB 180), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 653 § 1 (SB 1170), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch
541 § 1 (SB 12), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2015 ch 246 § 1 (SB 386), effective
January 1, 2016; Stats 2016 ch 86 § 19 (SB 1171), effective January 1, 2017.

TITLE 1.7
Consumer Warranties
Chapter 5
Home Roof Warranties
§ 1797.90. Application of chapter
This chapter shall apply to all contracts and warranties for roofing
materials used on a residential structure, including, but not limited
to, a manufactured home or mobilehome, and to all contracts and
warranties for the installation, repair, or replacement of all or any
portion of the roof of a residential structure, including, but not lim-
ited to, a manufactured home or mobilehome.
Added Stats 1993 ch 835 § 1 (SB 409).

§ 1797.91. Necessity for written contract

Any contract for roofing materials, or for the installation, repair, or
replacement of all or any portion of the roof of a residential structure,
including, but not limited to, a manufactured home or mobilehome,
shall be in writing if the contract includes any warranty of the mate-
rials or workmanship that extends for any period of time beyond
completion of the work.
Added Stats 1993 ch 835 § 1 (SB 409).

§ 1797.92. Beneficiaries of warranty

For any contract subject to this chapter that is entered into on or
after January 1, 1994, the warranty obligations shall inure to the
benefit of, and shall be directly enforceable by, all subsequent pur-
chasers and transferees of the residential structure, without limita-
tion, unless the contract contains a clear and conspicuous provision
limiting transferability of the warranty.
Added Stats 1993 ch 835 § 1 (SB 409).
636 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 1797.93. Lifetime warranties

If any warranty subject to this chapter, uses the term “lifetime,”
“life,” or a similar representation to describe the duration of the war-
ranty, then the warranty shall disclose with such clarity and promi-
nence as will be noticed and understood by prospective purchasers,
the life to which the representation refers.
Added Stats 1993 ch 835 § 1 (SB 409).

TITLE 2
Credit Sales
Chapter 1
Retail Installment Sales
Article 4
Restrictions on Retail Installment Contracts
§ 1804.3. Security interests
(a) No contract other than one for services shall provide for a secu-
rity interest in any goods theretofore fully paid for or which have not
been sold by the seller.
(b) Any contract for goods which provides for a security interest in
real property where the primary goods sold are not to be attached to
the real property shall be a violation of this chapter and subject to the
penalties set forth in Article 12.2 (commencing with Section 1812.6).
(c) This section shall become operative October 1, 1982.
Added Stats 1980 ch 1380 § 11, effective October 1, 1980, operative July 1, 1981.
Amended Stats 1981 ch 107 § 4, effective June 29, 1981, operative April 1, 1982; Stats
1982 ch 129 § 4, effective March 25, 1982, operative October 1, 1982.

Article 5
Finance Charge Limitation
§ 1805.6. Undelivered goods; Home improvement contract
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any contract to the contrary,
except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c), no retail seller shall assess
any finance charge for goods purchased under a retail installment
contract until the goods are in the buyer’s possession.
(b) A finance charge may be assessed for such undelivered goods, as
follows:
(1) From the date when such goods are available for pickup by the
buyer and the buyer is notified of their availability, or
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 637

(2) From the date of purchase, when such goods are delivered or
available for pickup by the buyer within 10 days of the date of pur-
chase.
(c) In the case of a home improvement contract as defined in Sec-
tion 7151.2 of the Business and Professions Code, a finance charge
may be assessed from the approximate date of commencement of the
work as set forth in the home improvement contract.
Added Stats 1975 ch 1041 § 1. Amended Stats 1976 ch 1271 § 3, effective September
28, 1976; Stats 1977 ch 868 § 3; Stats 1979 ch 1000 § 4; Stats 1980 ch 1380 § 15, effec-
tive October 1, 1980; Stats 1981 ch 1075 § 8, operative October 1, 1982.

Article 10
Retail Installment Accounts
§ 1810.10. Charge for undelivered goods
(a) Notwithstanding the provision of any contract to the contrary,
except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c), no retail seller shall assess
any finance charge against the outstanding balance for goods pur-
chased under a retail installment account until the goods are in the
buyer’s possession.
(b) A finance charge may be assessed against the outstanding bal-
ance for such undelivered goods, as follows:
(1) From the date when such goods are available for pickup by the
buyer and the buyer is notified of their availability, or
(2) From the date of purchase, when such goods are delivered or
available for pickup by the buyer within 10 days of the date of pur-
chase.
(c) In the case of a home improvement contract as defined in Section
7151.2 of the Business and Professions Code, a finance charge may be
assessed against the amount financed from the approximate date of
commencement of the work as set forth in the home improvement
contract.
Added Stats 1975 ch 1041 § 2. Amended Stats 1976 ch 1271 § 5, effective September
28, 1976; Stats 1977 ch 868 § 5; Stats 1979 ch 1000 § 6.

TITLE 12
Indemnity
§ 2782. Construction contracts; Agreements indemnifying
promisee or relieving public agency from liability as void;
Subcontractor’s defense or indemnity obligation; Builder’s or
general contractor’s rights to damages; Equitable indemnity
(a) Except as provided in Sections 2782.1, 2782.2, 2782.5, and
2782.6, provisions, clauses, covenants, or agreements contained in,
638 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

collateral to, or affecting any construction contract and that purport

to indemnify the promisee against liability for damages for death or
bodily injury to persons, injury to property, or any other loss, damage
or expense arising from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of
the promisee or the promisee’s agents, servants, or independent con-
tractors who are directly responsible to the promisee, or for defects in
design furnished by those persons, are against public policy and are
void and unenforceable; provided, however, that this section shall not
affect the validity of any insurance contract, workers’ compensation,
or agreement issued by an admitted insurer as defined by the Insur-
ance Code.
(b) (1) Except as provided in Sections 2782.1, 2782.2, and 2782.5,
provisions, clauses, covenants, or agreements contained in, collateral
to, or affecting any construction contract with a public agency entered
into before January 1, 2013, that purport to impose on the contractor,
or relieve the public agency from, liability for the active negligence of
the public agency are void and unenforceable.
(2) Except as provided in Sections 2782.1, 2782.2, and 2782.5, pro-
visions, clauses, covenants, or agreements contained in, collateral to,
or affecting any construction contract with a public agency entered
into on or after January 1, 2013, that purport to impose on any con-
tractor, subcontractor, or supplier of goods or services, or relieve the
public agency from, liability for the active negligence of the public
agency are void and unenforceable.
(c) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (d) and Sections 2782.1,
2782.2, and 2782.5, provisions, clauses, covenants, or agreements
contained in, collateral to, or affecting any construction contract en-
tered into on or after January 1, 2013, with the owner of privately
owned real property to be improved and as to which the owner is not
acting as a contractor or supplier of materials or equipment to the
work, that purport to impose on any contractor, subcontractor, or
supplier of goods or services, or relieve the owner from, liability are
unenforceable to the extent of the active negligence of the owner, in-
cluding that of its employees.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, an owner of privately owned
real property to be improved includes the owner of any interest there-
in, other than a mortgage or other interest that is held solely as secu-
rity for performance of an obligation.
(3) This subdivision shall not apply to a homeowner performing a
home improvement project on his or her own single family dwelling.
(d) For all construction contracts, and amendments thereto, entered
into after January 1, 2009, for residential construction, as used in
Title 7 (commencing with Section 895) of Part 2 of Division 2, all pro-
visions, clauses, covenants, and agreements contained in, collateral
to, or affecting any construction contract, and amendments thereto,
that purport to insure or indemnify, including the cost to defend, the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 639

builder, as defined in Section 911, or the general contractor or con-

tractor not affiliated with the builder, as described in subdivision (b)
of Section 911, by a subcontractor against liability for claims of con-
struction defects are unenforceable to the extent the claims arise out
of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence of the builder or contractor
or the builder’s or contractor’s other agents, other servants, or other
independent contractors who are directly responsible to the builder,
or for defects in design furnished by those persons, or to the extent
the claims do not arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the scope of work
in the written agreement between the parties. This section shall not
be waived or modified by contractual agreement, act, or omission of
the parties. Contractual provisions, clauses, covenants, or agreements
not expressly prohibited herein are reserved to the agreement of the
parties. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent any party from ex-
ercising its rights under subdivision (a) of Section 910. This subdivi-
sion shall not affect the obligations of an insurance carrier under the
holding of Presley Homes, Inc. v. American States Insurance Compa-
ny (2001) 90 Cal.App.4th 571. Nor shall this subdivision affect the
obligations of a builder or subcontractor pursuant to Title 7 (com-
mencing with Section 895) of Part 2 of Division 2.
(e) Subdivision (d) does not prohibit a subcontractor and builder or
general contractor from mutually agreeing to the timing or immedia-
cy of the defense and provisions for reimbursement of defense fees
and costs, so long as that agreement does not waive or modify the
provisions of subdivision (d) subject, however, to paragraphs (1) and
(2). A subcontractor shall owe no defense or indemnity obligation to a
builder or general contractor for a construction defect claim unless
and until the builder or general contractor provides a written tender
of the claim, or portion thereof, to the subcontractor which includes
all of the information provided to the builder or general contractor by
the claimant or claimants, including, but not limited to, information
provided pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 910, relating to claims
caused by that subcontractor’s scope of work. This written tender
shall have the same force and effect as a notice of commencement of a
legal proceeding. If a builder or general contractor tenders a claim for
construction defects, or a portion thereof, to a subcontractor in the
manner specified by this provision, the subcontractor shall elect to
perform either of the following, the performance of which shall be
deemed to satisfy the subcontractor’s defense obligation to the builder
or general contractor:
(1) Defend the claim with counsel of its choice, and the subcontrac-
tor shall maintain control of the defense for any claim or portion of
claim to which the defense obligation applies. If a subcontractor elects
to defend under this paragraph, the subcontractor shall provide writ-
ten notice of the election to the builder or general contractor within a
reasonable time period following receipt of the written tender, and in
640 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

no event later than 90 days following that receipt. Consistent with

subdivision (d), the defense by the subcontractor shall be a complete
defense of the builder or general contractor of all claims or portions
thereof to the extent alleged to be caused by the subcontractor, in-
cluding any vicarious liability claims against the builder or general
contractor resulting from the subcontractor’s scope of work, but not
including claims resulting from the scope of work, actions, or omis-
sions of the builder, general contractor, or any other party. Any vicar-
ious liability imposed upon a builder or general contractor for claims
caused by the subcontractor electing to defend under this paragraph
shall be directly enforceable against the subcontractor by the builder,
general contractor, or claimant.
(2) Pay, within 30 days of receipt of an invoice from the builder or
general contractor, no more than a reasonable allocated share of the
builder’s or general contractor’s defense fees and costs, on an ongoing
basis during the pendency of the claim, subject to reallocation con-
sistent with subdivision (d), and including any amounts reallocated
upon final resolution of the claim, either by settlement or judgment.
The builder or general contractor shall allocate a share to itself to the
extent a claim or claims are alleged to be caused by its work, actions,
or omissions, and a share to each subcontractor to the extent a claim
or claims are alleged to be caused by the subcontractor’s work, ac-
tions, or omissions, regardless of whether the builder or general con-
tractor actually tenders the claim to any particular subcontractor,
and regardless of whether that subcontractor is participating in the
defense. Any amounts not collected from any particular subcontractor
may not be collected from any other subcontractor.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a subcontractor
fails to timely and adequately perform its obligations under para-
graph (1) of subdivision (e), the builder or general contractor shall
have the right to pursue a claim against the subcontractor for any
resulting compensatory damages, consequential damages, and rea-
sonable attorney’s fees. If a subcontractor fails to timely perform its
obligations under paragraph (2) of subdivision (e), the builder or gen-
eral contractor shall have the right to pursue a claim against the sub-
contractor for any resulting compensatory and consequential damag-
es, as well as for interest on defense and indemnity costs, from the
date incurred, at the rate set forth in subdivision (g) of Section 3260,
and for the builder’s or general contractor’s reasonable attorney’s fees
incurred to recover these amounts. The builder or general contractor
shall bear the burden of proof to establish both the subcontractor’s
failure to perform under either paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (e)
and any resulting damages. If, upon request by a subcontractor, a
builder or general contractor does not reallocate defense fees to sub-
contractors within 30 days following final resolution of the claim as
described above, the subcontractor shall have the right to pursue a
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 641

claim against the builder or general contractor for any resulting com-
pensatory and consequential damages, as well as for interest on the
fees, from the date of final resolution of the claim, at the rate set forth
in subdivision (g) of Section 3260, and the subcontractor’s reasonable
attorney’s fees incurred in connection therewith. The subcontractor
shall bear the burden of proof to establish both the failure to reallo-
cate the fees and any resulting damages. Nothing in this section shall
prohibit the parties from mutually agreeing to reasonable contractual
provisions for damages if any party fails to elect for or perform its
obligations as stated in this section.
(g) A builder, general contractor, or subcontractor shall have the
right to seek equitable indemnity for any claim governed by this sec-
tion.
(h) Nothing in this section limits, restricts, or prohibits the right of
a builder, general contractor, or subcontractor to seek equitable in-
demnity against any supplier, design professional, or product manu-
facturer.
(i) As used in this section, “construction defect” means a violation of
the standards set forth in Sections 896 and 897.
(h) Nothing in this section limits, restricts, or prohibits the right of
a builder, general contractor, or subcontractor to seek equitable in-
demnity against any supplier, design professional, or product manu-
facturer.
(i) As used in this section, “construction defect” means a violation of
the standards set forth in Sections 896 and 897.
Added Stats 1967 ch 1327 § 1. Amended Stats 1980 ch 211 § 1; Stats 1982 ch 386 § 1;
Stats 1985 ch 567 § 1; Stats 1990 ch 814 § 1 (SB 1922); Stats 2005 ch 394 § 1 (AB 758),
effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2007 ch 32 § 1 (SB 138), effective January 1, 2008;
Stats 2008 ch 467 § 1 (AB 2738), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2011 ch 707 § 2 (SB
474), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 2782.6. Exception for professional engineer or geologist;

“Hazardous materials”
(a) Nothing in subdivision (a) of Section 2782 prevents an agree-
ment to indemnify a professional engineer or geologist or the agents,
servants, independent contractors, subsidiaries, or employees of that
engineer or geologist from liability as described in Section 2782 in
providing hazardous materials identification, evaluation, preliminary
assessment, design, remediation services, or other services of the
types described in Sections 25322 and 25323 of the Health and Safety
Code or the federal National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (40 C.F.R. Sec. 300.1 et seq.), if all of the following
criteria are satisfied:
(1) The services in whole or in part address subterranean contamina-
tion or other concealed conditions caused by the hazardous materials.
642 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) The promisor is responsible, or potentially responsible, for all or

part of the contamination.
(b) The indemnification described in this section is valid only for
damages arising from, or related to, subterranean contamination or
concealed conditions, and is not applicable to the first two hundred
fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) of liability or such greater amount
as is agreed by the parties.
(c) This section does not authorize contracts for indemnification, by
promisors specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), of any liability
of a promisee arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of the promisee.
(d) “Hazardous materials,” as used in this section, means any haz-
ardous or toxic substance, material, or waste which is or becomes sub-
ject to regulation as such by any agency of the state, any municipality
or political subdivision of the state, or the United States. “Hazardous
materials” includes, but is not limited to, any material or substance
that is any of the following:
(1) A hazardous substance, as defined in Section 25316 of the
Health and Safety Code.
(2) Hazardous material, as defined in subdivision (j) of Section
25501 of the Health and Safety Code.
(3) Acutely hazardous material, as defined in subdivision (a) of Sec-
tion 25532 of the Health and Safety Code.
(4) Hazardous waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(5) Extremely hazardous waste, as defined in Section 25115 of the
Health and Safety Code.
(6) Petroleum.
(7) Asbestos.
(8) Designated as a hazardous substance for purposes of Section 311
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C.
Sec. 1321).
(9) Hazardous waste, as defined by subsection (5) of Section 1004 of
the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as
amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 6903).
(10) A hazardous substance, as defined by subsection (14) of Section
101 of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compen-
sation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601).
(11) A regulated substance, as defined by subsection (2) of Section
9001 of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended (42 U.S.C.
Sec. 6991).
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter, modify, or
otherwise affect the liability of the promisor or promisee, under an
indemnity agreement meeting the criteria of this section, to third par-
ties for damages for death or bodily injury to persons, injury to prop-
erty, or any other loss, damage, or expense.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 643

(f) This section does not apply to public entities, as defined by Sec-
tion 811.2 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 1990 ch 814 § 2 (SB 1922).

§ 2782.8. Contracts for design professional services;

Agreements indemnifying public agency from liability as void
(a) For all contracts, and amendments thereto, entered into on or
after January 1, 2007, with a public agency for design professional
services, all provisions, clauses, covenants, and agreements contained
in, collateral to, or affecting any such contract, and amendments
thereto, that purport to indemnify, including the duty and the cost to
defend, the public agency by a design professional against liability for
claims against the public agency, are unenforceable, except for claims
that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness,
or willful misconduct of the design professional. The duty to indemni-
fy, including the duty and the cost to defend, is limited as provided in
this section. This section shall not be waived or modified by contrac-
tual agreement, act, or omission of the parties. Contractual provi-
sions, clauses, covenants, or agreements not expressly prohibited
herein are reserved to the agreement of the parties.
(b) All contracts and all solicitation documents, including requests
for proposal, invitations for bid, and other solicitation documents, be-
tween a public agency and a design professional, are deemed to incor-
porate by reference the provisions of this section.
(c) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Public agency” includes any county, city, city and county, dis-
trict, school district, public authority, municipal corporation, or other
political subdivision, joint powers authority, or public corporation in
the state. Public agency does not include the State of California.
(2) “Design professional” includes all of the following:
(A) An individual licensed as an architect pursuant to Chapter 3
(commencing with Section 5500) of Division 3 of the Business and
Professions Code, and a business entity offering architectural services
in accordance with that chapter.
(B) An individual licensed as a landscape architect pursuant to
Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 5615) of Division 3 of the
Business and Professions Code, and a business entity offering land-
scape architectural services in accordance with that chapter.
(C) An individual registered as a professional engineer pursuant to
Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3 of the Busi-
ness and Professions Code, and a business entity offering professional
engineering services in accordance with that chapter.
(D) An individual licensed as a professional land surveyor pursuant
to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 8700) of Division 3 of the
644 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Business and Professions Code, and a business entity offering profes-

sional land surveying services in accordance with that chapter.
(d) This section shall only apply to a professional service contract,
or any amendment thereto, entered into on or after January 1, 2007.
(e) The amendments made to this section by the act adding this
subdivision shall apply to services offered pursuant to a design pro-
fessional contract, or any amendment thereto, entered into on or after
January 1, 2011.
(f) Nothing in this section shall abrogate the provisions of Section
1104 of the Public Contract Code.
Added Stats 2006 ch 455 § 1 (AB 573), effective January 1, 2007. Amended Stats 2010
ch 510 § 1 (SB 972), effective January 1, 2011.

§ 2782.9. Construction contracts on which wrap-up insurance

policy applicable; Agreements indemnifying another from
liability void; Equitable indemnity; Waiver or modification
(a) All contracts, provisions, clauses, amendments, or agreements
contained therein entered into after January 1, 2009, for a residential
construction project on which a wrap-up insurance policy, as defined
in subdivision (b) of Section 11751.82 of the Insurance Code, or other
consolidated insurance program, is applicable, that require an en-
rolled and participating subcontractor or other participant to indem-
nify, hold harmless, or defend another for any claim or action covered
by that program, arising out of that project are unenforceable.
(b) To the extent any contractual provision is deemed unenforceable
pursuant to this section, any party may pursue an equitable indemni-
ty claim against another party for a claim or action unless there is
coverage for the claim or action under the wrap-up policy or policies.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a builder or general contractor
from requiring a reasonably allocated contribution from a subcontrac-
tor or other participant to the self-insured retention or deductible re-
quired under the wrap-up policy or other consolidated insurance pro-
gram, if the maximum amount and method of collection of the partic-
ipant’s contribution is disclosed in the contract with the participant
and the contribution is reasonably limited so that each participant
may have some financial obligation in the event of a claim alleged to
be caused by that participant’s scope of work. The contribution shall
only be collected when and as any such self-insured retention or de-
ductible is incurred by the builder or general contractor and in an
amount that bears a reasonable and proportionate relationship to the
alleged liability arising from the claim or claims alleged to be caused
by the participant’s scope of work, when viewed in the context of the
entirety of the alleged claim or claims. Any contribution shall only be
collected from a participant after written notice to the participant of
the amount of and basis for the contribution. In no event shall the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 645

total amount of contributions collected from participants exceed the

amount of any self-insured retention or deductible due and payable
by the builder or general contractor for the claim or claims. However,
this requirement does not prohibit any legally permissible recovery of
costs and legal fees to collect a participant’s contribution if the contri-
bution satisfies the requirements of this subdivision and is not paid
by the participant when due.
(c) This section shall not be waived or modified by contractual
agreement, act, or omission of the parties.
Added Stats 2008 ch 467 § 2 (AB 2738), effective January 1, 2009.

§ 2782.95. Provisions governing construction where wrap-up

insurance policy covers private residential improvement;
Disclosure; Bidding
For any wrap-up insurance policy or other consolidated insurance
program that insures a private residential (as that term is used in
Title 7 (commencing with Section 895) of Part 2 of Division 2) work of
improvement that first commences construction after January 1,
2009, the following shall apply:
(a) The owner, builder, or general contractor obtaining the wrap-up
insurance policy or other consolidated insurance program shall dis-
close the total amount or method of calculation of any credit or com-
pensation for premium required from a subcontractor or other partic-
ipant for that wrap-up policy in the contract documents.
(b) The contract documents shall disclose, if and to the extent
known:
(1) The policy limits.
(2) The scope of policy coverage.
(3) The policy term.
(4) The basis upon which the deductible or occurrence is triggered
by the insurance carrier.
(5) If the policy covers more than one work of improvement, the
number of units, if any, indicated on the application for the insurance
policy.
(6) A good faith estimate of the amount of available limits remain-
ing under the policy as of a date indicated in the disclosure obtained
from the insurer.
(7) Disclosures made pursuant to paragraphs (5) and (6) are recog-
nized to be based upon information at a given moment in time and
may not accurately reflect the actual number of units covered by the
policy nor the amount of insurance available, if any, when a later
claim is made. These disclosures are presumptively made in good
faith if the disclosure pursuant to paragraph (5) is the same as that
contained in the application to the wrap-up insurer and the disclosure
pursuant to paragraph (6) was obtained from the wrap-up insurer or
646 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

broker. The presumptions stated above shall be overcome only by a

showing that the insurer, broker, builder, or general contractor inten-
tionally misrepresented the facts identified in paragraphs (5) or (6).
(c) Upon the written request of any participant, a copy of the insur-
ance policy shall be provided, if available, that shows the coverage
terms and items in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (b)
above. If the policy is not available at the time of the request, a copy
of the insurance binder or declaration of coverage may be provided in
lieu of the actual policy. Paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivi-
sion (b) may be satisfied by providing the participant with a copy of
the binder or declaration. Any party receiving a copy of the policy,
binder, or declaration shall not disclose it to third parties other than
the participant’s insurance broker or attorney unless required to do
so by law. The participant’s insurance broker or attorney may not dis-
close the policy, binder, or declaration to any third party unless re-
quired to do so by law.
(d) If the owner, builder, or general contractor obtaining the wrap-
up insurance policy or other consolidated insurance program does not
disclose the total amount or method of calculation of the premium
credit or compensation to be charged to the participant prior to the
time the participant submits its bid, the participant shall not be le-
gally bound by the bid unless that participant has the right to in-
crease the bid up to the amount equal to the difference between the
amount the participant included, if any, for insurance in the original
bid and the amount of the actual bid credit required by the owner,
builder, or general contractor obtaining the wrap-up insurance policy
or other consolidated insurance program. This subdivision shall not
apply if the owner, builder, or general contractor obtaining the wrap-
up insurance policy or other consolidated insurance program did not
require the subcontractor to offset the original bid amount with a de-
duction for the wrap-up insurance policy or program.
Added Stats 2008 ch 467 § 3 (AB 2738), effective January 1, 2009.

§ 2782.96. Provisions governing construction where wrap-up

insurance policy covers public work; Calculations to be
clearly delineated in bid document; Disclosure
If an owner, builder, or general contractor obtains a wrap-up insur-
ance policy or other consolidated insurance program for a public work
as defined in Section 1720 of the Labor Code or any other project oth-
er than residential construction, as that term is used in Title 7 (com-
mencing with Section 895) of Part 2 of Division 2, that is put out for
bid after January 1, 2009, the following shall apply:
(a) The total amount or method of calculation of any credit or com-
pensation for premium required from a subcontractor or other partic-
ipant for that policy shall be clearly delineated in the bid documents.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 647

(b) The named insured, to the extent known, shall disclose to the
subcontractor or other participant in the contract documents the poli-
cy limits, known exclusions, and the length of time the policy is in-
tended to remain in effect. In addition, upon written request, once
available, the named insured shall provide copies of insurance poli-
cies to all those who are covered by the policy. Until such time as the
policies are available, the named insured may also satisfy the disclo-
sure requirements of this subdivision by providing the subcontractor
or other participant with a copy of the insurance binder or declaration
of coverage. Any party receiving a copy of the policy, binder, or decla-
ration shall not disclose it to third parties other than the participant’s
insurance broker or attorney unless required to do so by law. The par-
ticipant’s insurance broker or attorney may not disclose the policy,
binder, or declaration to any third party unless required to do so by
law.
(c) The disclosure requirements in subdivisions (a) and (b) do not
apply to an insurance policy purchased by an owner, builder, or gen-
eral contractor that provides additional coverage beyond what was
contained in the original wrap-up policy or other consolidated insur-
ance program if no credit or compensation for premium is required of
the subcontractor for the additional insurance policy.
Added Stats 2008 ch 467 § 4 (AB 2738), effective January 1, 2009. Amended Stats.
2009, Ch. 140 (AB 1164).

TITLE 15
Works of Improvement [Repealed]
Chapter 1
General Definitions [Repealed]
§ 3084. [Section repealed 2012.]
Added Stats 1969 ch 1362 § 2 p 2752, operative January 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1981
ch 321 § 1; Stats 2009 ch 109 § 1 (AB 457), effective January 1, 2010, operative Janu-
ary 1, 2011. Repealed Stats 2010 ch 697 § 16 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, oper-
ative July 1, 2012; Stats 2011 ch 673 § 1 (AB 456), effective January 1, 2012. The re-
pealed section related to “claim of lien” or “mechanics lien”, recordation, and service of
mechanics lien. See CC § 8416.

§ 3097. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 1969 ch 1362 § 1, operative January 1, 1971. Amended Stats 1969 ch 1364
§ 2, operative January 1, 1971, ch 1468 § 4, operative January 1, 1971; Stats 1971 ch
1284 § 2; Stats 1975 ch 46 § 1; Stats 1976 ch 396 § 1, ch 839 §§ 2, 3, operative January
1, 1978; Stats 1979 ch 375 § 1; Stats 1986 ch 545 § 1; Stats 1987 ch 716 § 1; Stats 1994
ch 974 § 3 (AB 3357); Stats 1995 ch 225 § 1 (AB 901), effective July 31, 1995; Stats
1999 ch 795 § 5 (SB 914); Stats 2000 ch 13 § 1 (AB 576), effective April 17, 2000; Stats
648 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

2001 ch 159 § 37 (SB 662); Stats 2003 ch 54 § 1 (SB 134). Repealed Stats 2010 ch 697
§ 16 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012. The repealed section
related to preliminary 20–day notice (private work) and procedure. See CC §§ 8034,
8102, 8104, 8116, 8170, 8172, 8174, 8200, 8202, 8204, 8206, 8208, 8210, 8212, 8214,
8216.

Chapter 2
Mechanics’ Liens [Repealed]
Article 7
Enforcement of Lien [Repealed]
§ 3146. [Section repealed 2012.]
Added Stats 1969 ch 1362 § 2, operative January 1, 1971. Amended Stats 2009 ch 109
§ 2 (AB 457), effective January 1, 2010, operative January 1, 2011. Repealed Stats 2010
ch 697 § 16 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012. The repealed
section related to time and place for recording notice of lis pendens; effect of notice on
purchaser or encumbrancer. See CC § 8461.

Chapter 8
Miscellaneous Provisions [Repealed]
§ 3260. [Section repealed 2012.]
Added Stats 1990 ch 1536 § 1 (SB 2515). Amended Stats 1992 ch 387 § 1 (AB 1352);
Stats 1993 ch 271 § 1 (AB 138); Stats 1994 ch 1046 § 1 (AB 2962). Repealed Stats 2010
ch 697 § 16 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012. The repealed
section related to disbursement of retention proceeds; penalty for failure to comply. See
CC §§ 8810, 8812, 8814, 8816, 8818.

§ 3260.1. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 1991 ch 368 § 1 (AB 1608). Amended Stats 1999 ch 982 § 5 (AB 1678).
Repealed Stats 2010 ch 697 § 16 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012. The repealed section related to payment of progress payments. See CC § 8800.

§ 3260.2. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 1998 ch 986 § 1 (AB 2627). Repealed Stats 2010 ch 697 § 16 (SB 189), ef-
fective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012. The repealed section related to original
contractor's right to serve 10-day stop work order on owner in case of nonpayment;
liability for damages from cessation of work; service of order. See CC §§ 8830, 8832,
8834, 8836, 8838, 8840, 8842, 8844, 8846, 8848.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 649

PART 6
WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT

TITLE 1
Works of Improvement Generally
Chapter 1
General Provisions
Article 1
Definitions
§ 8000. Definitions as governing construction of part
Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the definitions
in this article govern the construction of this part.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8000 continues former Section 3082 without substantive change.

§ 8002. “Admitted surety insurer”

“Admitted surety insurer” has the meaning provided in Section
995.120 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8002 is new. It is included for drafting convenience. “Admitted surety
insurer” replaces references in former law to a corporate surety authorized to write or
issue surety bonds in the State of California.
See Sections 8424 (lien claim release bond), 8510 (stop payment notice release bond),
8534 (construction lender objection to bonded stop payment notice), 8604 (lending insti-
tution objection to surety on payment bond), 8606 (payment bond).

§ 8004. “Claimant”
“Claimant” means a person that has a right under this part to rec-
ord a claim of lien, give a stop payment notice, or assert a claim
against a payment bond, or do any combination of the foregoing.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
650 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Law Revision Commission Comments:

2010—Section 8004 restates former Section 3085 without substantive change.
See also Sections 8026 (“lien”), 8030 (“payment bond”), 8032 (“person”), 8044 (“stop
payment notice”).

§ 8006. “Construction lender”

“Construction lender” means either of the following:
(a) A mortgagee or beneficiary under a deed of trust lending funds
with which the cost of all or part of a work of improvement is to be
paid, or the assignee or successor in interest of the mortgagee or ben-
eficiary.
(b) An escrow holder or other person holding funds provided by an
owner, lender, or another person as a fund for with which the cost of
all or part of a work of improvement is to be paid.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8006 restates former Section 3087 without substantive change.
See also Section 14 (present includes future).
See also Sections 8032 (“person”), 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8008. “Contract”
“Contract” means an agreement that provides for all or part of a
work of improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8008 broadens the definition of “contract” in former Section 3088.
There are instances in this part where the term is not used in its defined sense. See,
e.g., Section 8444(d)(2). See also Section 8000 (application of definitions).
An agreement between an owner and a direct contractor that provides for all or part
of a work of improvement is a “direct contract.” See Section 8016.
See also Section 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8010. “Contract price”

“Contract price” means the price agreed to in a direct contract for a
work of improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8010 is new. It is included for drafting convenience.
See also Sections 8016 (“direct contract”), 8050 (“work of improvement”).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 651

§ 8012. “Contractor”
“Contractor” includes a direct contractor, subcontractor, or both.
This section does not apply to Sections 8018 and 8046.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8012 is new. It is included for drafting convenience.
See also Sections 8018 (“direct contractor”), 8046 (“subcontractor”).

§ 8014. “Design professional”

“Design professional” means a person licensed as an architect pur-
suant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5500) of Division 3 of
the Business and Professions Code, licensed as a landscape architect
pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 5615) of Division
3 of the Business and Professions Code, registered as a professional
engineer pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of
Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, or licensed as a land
surveyor pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 8700) of
Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8014 generalizes the first paragraph of former Section 3081.1, and
adds a licensed landscape architect to the persons included within the definition of
“design professional.”
See also Sections 8032 (“person”), 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8016. “Direct contract”

“Direct contract” means a contract between an owner and a direct
contractor that provides for all or part of a work of improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8016 restates former Section 3088 without substantive change.
See also Sections 8008 (“contract”), 8018 (“direct contractor”), 8050 (“work of im-
provement”).

§ 8018. “Direct contractor”

“Direct contractor” means a contractor that has a direct contractual
relationship with an owner. A reference in another statute to a
652 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

“prime contractor” in connection with the provisions in this part

means a “direct contractor.”
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8018 supersedes former Section 3095 (“original contractor”). A direct
contractor within the meaning of this section is one that contracts directly with the
owner, as opposed to one that contracts with another contractor (i.e., a subcontractor).
A direct contractor is at times referred to in other code sections as a “prime contrac-
tor.” See e.g., Pub. Cont. Code § 4113.

§ 8020. “Funds”
For the purposes of Title 3 (commencing with Section 9000), “funds”
means warrant, check, money, or bonds (if bonds are to be issued in
payment of the public works contract).
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8020 is new. It is included for drafting convenience. It generalizes
provisions of former Sections 3186, 3187, and 3196.
See also Section 8038 (“public works contract”).

§ 8022. “Labor, service, equipment, or material”

“Labor, service, equipment, or material” includes, but is not limited
to, labor, skills, services, material, supplies, equipment, appliances,
power, and surveying, provided for a work of improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8022 is new. It is included for drafting convenience. The phrase is in-
tended to replace various phrases used throughout the former law, including “labor or
material,” “labor, services, equipment, or materials,” “appliances, teams, or power,” and
the like, and is not intended to effect any change in the law. The definition applies to
variant grammatical forms of the phrase used in this part, such as “labor, service,
equipment, and material.”
See also Section 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8024. “Laborer”; Standing to enforce rights or claims of

laborer; Public policy
(a) “Laborer” means a person who, acting as an employee, performs
labor upon, or bestows skill or other necessary services on, a work of
improvement.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 653

(b) “Laborer” includes a person or entity to which a portion of a la-

borer’s compensation for a work of improvement, including, but not
limited to, employer payments described in Section 1773.1 of the La-
bor Code and implementing regulations, is paid by agreement with
that laborer or the collective bargaining agent of that laborer.
(c) A person or entity described in subdivision (b) that has standing
under applicable law to maintain a direct legal action, in its own
name or as an assignee, to collect any portion of compensation owed
for a laborer for a work of improvement, shall have standing to en-
force any rights or claims of the laborer under this part, to the extent
of the compensation agreed to be paid to the person or entity for labor
on that improvement. This subdivision is intended to give effect to the
longstanding public policy of this state to protect the entire compen-
sation of a laborer on a work of improvement, regardless of the form
in which that compensation is to be paid.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Subdivision (a) of Section 8024 continues former Section 3089(a) without sub-
stantive change.
Subdivision (b) restates the first sentence of former Section 3089(b) and a part of
former Section 3111 without substantive change.
Subdivision (c) restates the second and third sentences of former Section 3089(b) and
a part of former Section 3111 without substantive change.
See also Sections 8032 (“person”), 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8026. “Lien”
“Lien” means a lien under Title 2 (commencing with Section 8160)
and includes a lien of a design professional under Section 8302, a lien
for a work of improvement under Section 8400, and a lien for a site
improvement under Section 8402.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8026 is new. It is included for drafting convenience. There are in-
stances in this part where the term is not used in its defined sense. See Section 8000
(application of definitions).
Note that the application of this part to a design professionals lien is limited. See
Section 8308 (application of part).
See also Sections 8014 (“design professional”), 8042 (“site improvement”), 8050
(“work of improvement”).
654 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 8028. “Material supplier”

“Material supplier” means a person that provides material or sup-
plies to be used or consumed in a work of improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8028 continues former Section 3090 without substantive change. It
replaces the term “materialman” with the term “material supplier” to conform to con-
temporary usage under this part.
See also Sections 8032 (“person”), 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8030. “Payment bond”

(a) For the purposes of Title 2 (commencing with Section 8160),
“payment bond” means a bond given under Section 8600.
(b) For the purposes of Title 3 (commencing with Section 9000),
“payment bond” means a bond required by Section 9550.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8030 supersedes former Section 3096. There are instances in this part
where the term is not used in its defined sense. See, e.g., Sections 8452 (payment bond
obtained by holder of mortgage or deed of trust), 8720-8722 (payment bond as security
for large project).
See also Section 8000 (application of definitions).

§ 8032. “Person”
“Person” means an individual, corporation, public entity, business
trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, associa-
tion, or other entity.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8032 is a new definition. It is included for drafting convenience. It
supplements Section 14 (“person” includes corporation as well as natural person).
See also Section 8036 (“public entity”).

§ 8034. “Preliminary notice”

(a) For the purposes of Title 2 (commencing with Section 8160),
“preliminary notice” means the notice provided for in Chapter 2
(commencing with Section 8200) of Title 2.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 655

(b) For the purposes of Title 3 (commencing with Section 9000),

“preliminary notice” means the notice provided for in Chapter 3
(commencing with Section 9300) of Title 3.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8034 supersedes parts of former Sections 3097 and 3098. The sub-
stantive requirements for preliminary notice on a private work are relocated to Section
8200 et seq. The substantive requirements for preliminary notice on a public work are
relocated to Section 9300 et seq.

§ 8036. “Public entity”

“Public entity” means the state, Regents of the University of Cali-
fornia, a county, city, district, public authority, public agency, and
any other political subdivision or public corporation in the state.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8036 continues former Section 3099 without change.
See also Section 14 (“county” includes city and county).

§ 8038. “Public works contract”

“Public works contract” has the meaning provided in Section 1101
of the Public Contract Code.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8038 supersedes former Section 3100 (“public work”). Under Public
Contract Code Section 1101, “public works contract” means an agreement for the erec-
tion, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any public structure, building,
road, or other public improvement of any kind.

§ 8040. “Site”
“Site” means the real property on which a work of improvement is
situated or planned.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8040 continues former Section 3101 without substantive change, ex-
cept to add a reference to a planned work of improvement. See Section 8302 (design
professionals lien).
656 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

See also Section 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8042. “Site improvement”

“Site improvement” means any of the following work on real proper-
ty:
(a) Demolition or removal of improvements, trees, or other vegeta-
tion.
(b) Drilling test holes.
(c) Grading, filling, or otherwise improving the real property or a
street, highway, or sidewalk in front of or adjoining the real property.
(d) Construction or installation of sewers or other public utilities.
(e) Construction of areas, vaults, cellars, or rooms under sidewalks.
(f) Any other work or improvements in preparation of the site for a
work of improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8042 continues former Section 3102 without substantive change, ex-
cept that subdivision (f) makes clear that the reference in former law to “making any
improvements” means preparatory work, and does not include construction of a struc-
ture.
See also Sections 8040 (“site”), 8048 (“work”), 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8044. “Stop payment notice”; “Bonded stop payment

notice”; “Stop notice”
(a)(1) For the purposes of Title 2 (commencing with Section 8160),
“stop payment notice” means the notice given by a claimant under
Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 8500) of Title 2.
(2) A stop payment notice given under Title 2 (commencing with
Section 8160) may be bonded or unbonded. A “bonded stop payment
notice” is a notice given with a bond under Section 8532. An “unbond-
ed stop payment notice” is a notice not given with a bond under Sec-
tion 8532.
(3) Except to the extent Title 2 (commencing with Section 8160) dis-
tinguishes between a bonded and an unbonded stop payment notice, a
reference in that title to a stop payment notice includes both a bonded
and an unbonded notice.
(b) For the purposes of Title 3 (commencing with Section 9000),
“stop payment notice” means the notice given by a claimant under
Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 9350) of Title 3.
(c) A reference in another statute to a “stop notice” in connection
with the remedies provided in this part means a stop payment notice.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 657

Law Revision Commission Comments:

2010—Section 8044 supersedes former Section 3103. The term “stop payment notice”
replaces the term “stop notice” used in former law.
See also Section 8004 (“claimant”).

§ 8046. “Subcontractor”
“Subcontractor” means a contractor that does not have a direct con-
tractual relationship with an owner. The term includes a contractor
that has a contractual relationship with a direct contractor or with
another subcontractor.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—The first sentence of Section 8046 continues former Section 3104 without
substantive change. The second sentence is new; it makes clear that the term “subcon-
tractor” includes a subcontractor of a subcontractor.
See also Section 8018 (“direct contractor”).

§ 8048. “Work”
“Work” means labor, service, equipment, or material provided to a
work of improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8048 is new. It is included for drafting convenience.
See also Sections 8022 (“labor, service, equipment, or material”), 8050 (“work of im-
provement”).

§ 8050. “Work of improvement”

(a) “Work of improvement” includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or removal, in whole
or in part, of, or addition to, a building, wharf, bridge, ditch, flume,
aqueduct, well, tunnel, fence, machinery, railroad, or road.
(2) Seeding, sodding, or planting of real property for landscaping
purposes.
(3) Filling, leveling, or grading of real property.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this part, “work of improve-
ment” means the entire structure or scheme of improvement as a
whole, and includes site improvement.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
658 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Law Revision Commission Comments:

2010—Section 8050 restates former Section 3106. The section is revised to reorgan-
ize and tabulate the different types of work falling within the definition, to expand the
coverage of the definition, and to make various technical, nonsubstantive revisions.
The term “real property” replaces “lot or tract of land.”
A site improvement is treated under this part in the same manner as a work of im-
provement, except as specifically provided in this part. See e.g., Sections 8450 (priority
of lien), 8458 (priority of site improvement lien).
See also Section 8042 (“site improvement”).

Article 2
Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 8052. Operative date; Effectiveness of notice on work of
improvement; Provisions construed as restatements and
continuations
(a) This part is operative on July 1, 2012.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the effectiveness of a notice
given or other action taken on a work of improvement before July 1,
2012, is governed by the applicable law in effect before July 1, 2012,
and not by this part.
(c) A provision of this part, insofar as it is substantially the same as
a previously existing provision relating to the same subject matter,
shall be construed as a restatement and continuation thereof and not
as a new enactment.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8052 is new. Although this part applies generally to all works of im-
provement on or after July 1, 2012, it does not govern notices given or actions taken
prior to July 1, 2012, on a work of improvement. Such notices or actions are governed
by former law.
Subdivision (c) states the relationship between a provision of this part and a provi-
sion of former law that the provision of this part continues or restates. See also Section
107 of Chapter 697 of the Statutes of 2010.
See also Section 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8054. Applicability of part

(a) This part does not apply to a transaction governed by the Oil
and Gas Lien Act (Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1203.50) of
Title 4 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure).
(b) This part does not apply to or change improvement security un-
der the Subdivision Map Act (Division 2 (commencing with Section
66410) of Title 7 of the Government Code).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 659

(c) This part does not apply to a transaction governed by Sections

20457 to 20464, inclusive, of the Public Contract Code.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Subdivision (a) of Section 8054 restates former Section 3266(a).
Subdivision (b) is new. It clarifies the interrelation between this part and the Subdi-
vision Map Act. For relevant provisions of that act, see Government Code Sections
66499-66499.10 (improvement security).
Subdivision (c) restates former Section 3266(b). This provision updates the former
cross-reference to Streets and Highways Code Sections 5290-5297, which were repealed
in 1982 when the Public Contract Code was created. See 1982 Cal. Stat. ch. 465, § 56.
The repealed sections were superseded by Public Contract Code Sections 20457-20464.
See 1982 Cal. Stat. ch. 465, § 11. The new sections apply to bonds in “street work” pro-
jects under Division 2 (commencing with Section 1600) of the Public Contract Code. See
Pub. Cont. Code § 20457.

§ 8056. Applicable Code of Civil Procedure provisions

Except as otherwise provided in this part, Part 2 (commencing with
Section 307) of the Code of Civil Procedure provides the rules of prac-
tice in proceedings under this part.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8056 continues the first sentence of former Section 3259 without sub-
stantive change. The second sentence of former Section 3259 is not continued; this part
does not include special provisions relating to new trials or appeals.
Section 8056 makes former Section 3149, relating to joinder and consolidation of ac-
tions, unnecessary. Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure enables persons claiming liens
on the same property to join in the same action to enforce their liens. See Code Civ.
Proc. § 378 (permissive joinder). If separate actions are commenced, the court may
consolidate them. See Code Civ. Proc. § 1048 (consolidation of actions).

§ 8058. “Day”
For purposes of this part, “day” means a calendar day.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8058 is new. A reference to the term “day” in a statute typically
means a calendar day, unless otherwise specifically indicated. Iverson v. Superior
Court, 167 Cal. App. 3d 544, 548, 213 Cal. Rptr. 399 (1985).)
See also Sections 10 (computing time), 11 (holidays).
660 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 8060. Filing documents with county recorder; Duties of

county recorder
(a) If this part provides for filing a contract, plan, or other paper
with the county recorder, the provision is satisfied by filing the paper
in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the work of
improvement or part of it is situated.
(b) If this part provides for recording a notice, claim of lien, release
of lien, payment bond, or other paper, the provision is satisfied by
filing the paper for record in the office of the county recorder of the
county in which the work of improvement or part of it is situated.
(c) The county recorder shall number, index, and preserve a con-
tract, plan, or other paper presented for filing under this part, and
shall number, index, and transcribe into the official records, in the
same manner as a conveyance of real property, a notice, claim of lien,
payment bond, or other paper recorded under this part.
(d) The county recorder shall charge and collect the fees provided in
Article 5 (commencing with Section 27360) of Chapter 6 of Part 3 of
Division 2 of Title 3 of the Government Code for performing duties
under this section.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 8060 are new. They generalize a number of
provisions of former law. See also Section 1170 (recordation), Gov’t Code §§ 27280,
27287 (recordation of documents).
Subdivisions (c) and (d) continue former Section 3258 without substantive change.
See also Sections 8008 (“contract”), 8024 (“lien”), 8030 (“payment bond”), 8050 (“work
of improvement”).

§ 8062. Construction of acts of owner; Exoneration of surety

on performance or payment bond
No act of an owner in good faith and in compliance with a provision
of this part shall be construed to prevent a direct contractor’s perfor-
mance of the contract, or exonerate a surety on a performance or
payment bond.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8062 restates former Section 3263 without substantive change.
See also Section 8152 (no release of surety from liability).
See also Sections 8008 (“contract”), 8018 (“direct contractor”), 8030 (“payment
bond”).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 661

§ 8064. Acts on behalf of co-owner; Requirements

An owner may give a notice or execute or file a document under this
part on behalf of a co-owner if the owner acts on the co-owner’s behalf
and includes in the notice or document the name and address of the
co-owner on whose behalf the owner acts.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8064 is new. It generalizes provisions found in former Sections 3092
(notice of cessation) and 3093 (notice of completion).

§ 8066. Acts within scope of agent’s authority

An act that may be done by or to a person under this part may be
done by or to the person’s agent to the extent the act is within the
scope of the agent’s authority.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8066 is a specific application of Section 2305. This section makes
clear that an agent’s authority is limited to the scope of the agency. Thus, to the extent
a direct contractor is deemed to be the agent of an owner for the purpose of engaging a
subcontractor, the scope of the agency does not include other acts, such as compromise
of litigation.
For provisions relating to the agency authority of co-owners, see Section 8064 (co-
owners).
See also Section 8032 (“person”).

Chapter 2
Notice
§ 8100. Form of notice; “Writings”
Notice under this part shall be in writing. Writing includes printing
and typewriting.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8100 generalizes various provisions of former law. See, e.g., former
Sections 3092 (notice of cessation), 3093 (notice of completion), 3094 (notice of nonre-
sponsibility), 3097 (preliminary notice (private work)), 3103 (stop notice).
See also Evid. Code § 250 (“writing”).
662 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 8102. Contents of notice; Sufficiency

(a) Notice under this part shall, in addition to any other infor-
mation required by statute for that type of notice, include all of the
following information to the extent known to the person giving the
notice:
(1) The name and address of the owner or reputed owner.
(2) The name and address of the direct contractor.
(3) The name and address of the construction lender, if any.
(4) A description of the site sufficient for identification, including
the street address of the site, if any. If a sufficient legal description of
the site is given, the effectiveness of the notice is not affected by the
fact that the street address is erroneous or is omitted.
(5) The name, address, and relationship to the parties of the person
giving the notice.
(6) If the person giving the notice is a claimant:
(A) A general statement of the work provided.
(B) The name of the person to or for whom the work is provided.
(C) A statement or estimate of the claimant’s demand, if any, after
deducting all just credits and offsets.
(b) Notice is not invalid by reason of any variance from the re-
quirements of this section if the notice is sufficient to substantially
inform the person given notice of the information required by this
section and other information required in the notice.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8102 is new. It generalizes and standardizes provisions found
throughout former law. See, e.g., former Sections 3092 (notice of cessation), 3093 (no-
tice of completion), 3097 (preliminary notice), 3103 (stop notice).
See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8006 (“construction lender”), 8018 (“direct con-
tractor”), 8032 (“person”), 8040 (“site”), 8048 (“work”).

§ 8104. Failure to pay full compensation to laborer; Notice

required; Contents; Grounds for disciplinary action
(a) A direct contractor or subcontractor on a work of improvement
governed by this part that employs a laborer and fails to pay the full
compensation due the laborer, including any employer payments de-
scribed in Section 1773.1 of the Labor Code and implementing regula-
tions, shall not later than the date the compensation became delin-
quent, give the laborer, the laborer’s bargaining representative, if
any, the construction lender or reputed construction lender, if any,
and the owner or reputed owner, notice that includes all of the follow-
ing information, in addition to the information required by Section
8102:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 663

(1) The name and address of the laborer, and of any person or entity
described in subdivision (b) of Section 8024 to which employer pay-
ments are due.
(2) The total number of straight time and overtime hours worked by
the laborer on each job.
(3) The amount then past due and owing.
(b) Failure to give the notice required by subdivision (a) constitutes
grounds for disciplinary action under the Contractors’ State License
Law, Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the
Business and Professions Code.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8104 restates former Section 3097(k), with the additional require-
ment that the information provided be given to the owner or reputed owner, and in-
clude the name and address of the unpaid laborer. See also Sections 8100-8118 (notice).
The reference to the Registrar of Contractors in the final sentence of former Section
3097(k) is revised to refer to the Contractors’ State License Law. This is a technical,
nonsubstantive change.
The information required in this notice is in addition to the information required by
Section 8102 (contents of notice).
Compliance with this section does not excuse compliance with Section 8202(b), if ap-
plicable. See Section 8202 (contents of preliminary notice).
See also Sections 8006 (“construction lender”), 8018 (“direct contractor”), 8024 (“la-
borer”), 8032 (“person”), 8046 (“subcontractor”), 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8106. Manner of giving notice

Except as otherwise provided by statute, notice under this part
shall be given by any of the following means:
(a) Personal delivery.
(b) Mail in the manner provided in Section 8110.
(c) Leaving the notice and mailing a copy in the manner provided in
Section 415.20 of the Code of Civil Procedure for service of summons
and complaint in a civil action.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8106 is new. It generalizes and standardizes provisions found
throughout former law. See, e.g., former Sections 3097 (preliminary notice), 3103 (stop
notice), 3144.5 (notice of release bond), 3227 (notice to principal and surety), 3259.5
(notice of recordation of notice of completion), 3260.2 (stop work notice).
Under subdivision (c), when notice is given in the manner provided in Code of Civil
Procedure Section 415.20 for service of summons and complaint, the notice is complete
five days after mailing the notice. See Section 8116 (when notice complete). The 10 day
delay provided in the Code of Civil Procedure for completion of service under that code
is inapplicable.
664 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

This part may prescribe a different or more limited manner of giving a particular no-
tice. See, e.g., Section 8486 (service of petition for order releasing lien).

§ 8108. Person to be notified at person’s residence, place of

business, or specified addresses
Except as otherwise provided by this part, notice under this part
shall be given to the person to be notified at the person’s residence,
the person’s place of business, or at any of the following addresses:
(a) If the person to be notified is an owner other than a public enti-
ty, the owner’s address shown on the direct contract, the building
permit, or a construction trust deed.
(b) If the person to be notified is a public entity, the office of the
public entity or another address specified by the public entity in the
contract or elsewhere for service of notices, papers, and other docu-
ments.
(c) If the person to be notified is a construction lender, the construc-
tion lender’s address shown on the construction loan agreement or
construction trust deed.
(d) If the person to be notified is a direct contractor or a subcontrac-
tor, the contractor’s address shown on the building permit, on the
contractor’s contract, or on the records of the Contractors’ State Li-
cense Board.
(e) If the person to be notified is a claimant, the claimant’s address
shown on the claimant’s contract, preliminary notice, claim of lien,
stop payment notice, or claim against a payment bond, or on the rec-
ords of the Contractors’ State License Board.
(f) If the person to be notified is a surety on a bond, the surety’s ad-
dress shown on the bond for service of notices, papers, and other doc-
uments, or on the records of the Department of Insurance.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8108 is new. It generalizes and standardizes provisions found
throughout former law. For an example of a more particularized notice provision, see
Section 8506.
Subdivision (f) does not continue the unique provisions found in former Section 3227
for notice to alternate persons in the case of a personal surety or admitted surety in-
surer. The bond and undertaking law requires every bond to include the address at
which the principal and sureties may be served with notices, papers, and other docu-
ments. See Code Civ. Proc. § 995.320.
See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8006 (“construction lender”), 8008 (“contract”),
8012 (“contractor”), 8016 (“direct contract”), 8018 (“direct contractor”), 8026 (“lien”),
8030 (“payment bond”), 8032 (“person”), 8034 (“preliminary notice”), 8036 (“public enti-
ty”), 8044 (“stop payment notice”), 8046 (“subcontractor”).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 665

§ 8110. Registered or certified mail, express mail, or

overnight delivery by express service carrier
Except as otherwise provided by this part, notice by mail under this
part shall be given by registered or certified mail, express mail, or
overnight delivery by an express service carrier.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8110 is a new provision included for drafting convenience. It general-
izes a number of provisions of former law, and expands the methods of giving notice to
include delivery by express service carrier.
For an example of a more particularized notice provision, see Section 8486.

§ 8114. Posting of notice

A notice required by this part to be posted shall be displayed in a
conspicuous location at the site.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8114 is new. It generalizes provisions found in former law. See, e.g.,
former Sections 3094 (notice of nonresponsibility), 3260.2 (stop work notice).
See also Section 8040 (“site”).

§ 8116. When notice is complete and deemed to have been

given at specified times
Notice under this part is complete and deemed to have been given
at the following times:
(a) If given by personal delivery, when delivered.
(b) If given by mail, when deposited in the mail or with an express
service carrier in the manner provided in Section 1013 of the Code of
Civil Procedure.
(c) If given by leaving the notice and mailing a copy in the manner
provided in Section 415.20 of the Code of Civil Procedure for service of
summons in a civil action, five days after mailing.
(d) If given by posting, when displayed.
(e) If given by recording, when recorded in the office of the county
recorder.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8116 is new. It generalizes and standardizes provisions found in for-
mer law. See, e.g., former Section 3097(f)(3) (service of preliminary notice).
666 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Under subdivision (b), when notice is given in the manner provided in Code of Civil
Procedure Section 1013, the notice is complete when deposited in the mail or with an
express service carrier. The 10 and 20 day delays provided in the Code of Civil Proce-
dure for completion of service under that code are inapplicable. For an exception to this
rule, see Section 8486 (notice of hearing on lien release petition).
Under subdivision (c), when notice is given in the manner provided in Code of Civil
Procedure Section 415.20 for service of summons and complaint, the notice is complete
five days after mailing of the notice. The 10 day delay provided in the Code of Civil
Procedure for completion of service under that code is inapplicable.
See also Sections 1170 (recordation), 8058 (calculation of time), 8060 (filing and re-
cordation of papers), 8110 (mailed notice), 8114 (posting of notice).

§ 8118. Proof that notice was given; Proof of notice

declaration; Contents
(a) Proof that notice was given to a person in the manner required
by this part shall be made by a proof of notice declaration that states
all of the following:
(1) The type or description of the notice given.
(2) The date, place, and manner of notice, and facts showing that
notice was given in the manner required by statute.
(3) The name and address of the person to which notice was given,
and, if appropriate, the title or capacity in which the person was giv-
en notice.
(b) If the notice is given by mail, the declaration shall be accompa-
nied by one of the following:
(1) Documentation provided by the United States Postal Service
showing that payment was made to mail the notice using registered
or certified mail, or express mail.
(2) Documentation provided by an express service carrier showing
that payment was made to send the notice using an overnight deliv-
ery service.
(3) A return receipt, delivery confirmation, signature confirmation,
tracking record, or other proof of delivery or attempted delivery pro-
vided by the United States Postal Service, or a photocopy of the rec-
ord of delivery and receipt maintained by the United States Postal
Service, showing the date of delivery and to whom delivered, or in the
event of nondelivery, by the returned envelope itself.
(4) A tracking record or other documentation provided by an ex-
press service carrier showing delivery or attempted delivery of the
notice.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8118 is new. It generalizes and standardizes provisions found
throughout former law, and expands the methods of proof to include documentation of
the mailing provided by the United States Postal Service or an express service carrier.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 667

See, e.g., former Sections 3097 (preliminary notice), 3260.2 (stop work notice). Subdivi-
sion (b) specifies the documentation that must be attached to a proof of notice declara-
tion when notice is given by mail. Documentation establishing proof of delivery or at-
tempted delivery of the notice as specified in subdivision (b)(3)-(4) is sufficient, but not
necessary, to satisfy the requirement of the subdivision. Proof that payment was made
to the United States Postal Service or an express service carrier for an approved meth-
od of delivery is also sufficient. See subdivision (b)(1)-(2).See also Section 8110 (mailed
notice).See also Section 8032 (“person”).

Chapter 3
Waiver and Release
§ 8120. Applicability of chapter
The provisions of this chapter apply to a work of improvement gov-
erned by this part.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8120 is new. It provides the scope of applicability of the provisions of
Chapter 3 of Title 1.See also Section 8050 (“work of improvement”).

§ 8122. Affecting claimant’s rights; Exception

An owner, direct contractor, or subcontractor may not, by contract
or otherwise, waive, affect, or impair any other claimant’s rights un-
der this part, whether with or without notice, and any term of a con-
tract that purports to do so is void and unenforceable unless and until
the claimant executes and delivers a waiver and release under this
article.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8122 continues the first and second sentences of former Section
3262(a) without substantive change, except to add a reference to a subcontractor. See
also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8008 (“contract”), 8018 (“direct contractor”), 8046
(“subcontractor”).

§ 8124. Effect of claimant’s waiver and release on payment

bond from lien or claim; Conditions
A claimant’s waiver and release does not release the owner, con-
struction lender, or surety on a payment bond from a lien or claim
unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) The waiver and release is in substantially the form provided in
this article and is signed by the claimant.
668 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) If the release is a conditional release, there is evidence of pay-

ment to the claimant. Evidence of payment may be either of the fol-
lowing:
(1) The claimant’s endorsement on a single or joint payee check that
has been paid by the financial institution on which it was drawn.
(2) Written acknowledgment of payment by the claimant.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8124 continues the third and fourth sentences of former Section
3262(a) without substantive change. The term “financial institution” replaces “bank” in
subdivision (b) and in the forms provided in this article.
The waiver and release may be signed by the claimant’s agent. See Section 8066
(agency).
See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8006 (“construction lender”), 8026 (“lien”), 8030
(“payment bond”).

§ 8126. Validity and enforceability of oral or written

statement
An oral or written statement purporting to waive, release, impair or
otherwise adversely affect a lien or claim is void and unenforceable
and does not create an estoppel or impairment of the lien or claim
unless either of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) The statement is pursuant to a waiver and release under this
article.
(b) The claimant has actually received payment in full for the claim.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8126 continues former Section 3262(b)(1) without substantive change.
See also Section 8004 (“claimant”), 8026 (“lien”).

§ 8128. Reduction or release of stop payment notice; Writing;

Effect
(a) A claimant may reduce the amount of, or release in its entirety,
a stop payment notice. The reduction or release shall be in writing
and may be given in a form other than a waiver and release form pro-
vided in this article.
(b) The writing shall identify whether it is a reduction of the
amount of the stop payment notice, or a release of the notice in its
entirety. If the writing is a reduction, it shall state the amount of the
reduction, and the amount to remain withheld after the reduction.
(c) A claimant’s reduction or release of a stop payment notice has
the following effect:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 669

(1) The reduction or release releases the claimant’s right to enforce

payment of the claim stated in the notice to the extent of the reduc-
tion or release.
(2) The reduction or release releases the person given the notice
from the obligation to withhold funds pursuant to the notice to the
extent of the reduction or release.
(3) The reduction or release does not preclude the claimant from
giving a subsequent stop payment notice that is timely and proper.
(4) The reduction or release does not release any right of the claim-
ant other than the right to enforce payment of the claim stated in the
stop payment notice to the extent of the reduction or release.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Subdivisions (a) and (c) of Section 8128 generalize former Section 3262(b)(2),
so as to apply to a stop payment notice given to a construction lender as well as to a
stop payment notice given to an owner.
Subdivision (b) is new.
See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8032 (“person”), 8044 (“stop payment notice”).

§ 8130. Enforceability of accord and satisfaction or

agreement and settlement; Effect of article
This article does not affect the enforceability of either an accord and
satisfaction concerning a good faith dispute or an agreement made in
settlement of an action pending in court if the accord and satisfaction
or agreement and settlement make specific reference to the lien or
claim.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8130 continues former Section 3262(c) without substantive change.
See also Section 8026 (“lien”).

§ 8132. Conditional waiver and release in exchange for

progress payment; Form
If a claimant is required to execute a waiver and release in ex-
change for, or in order to induce payment of, a progress payment and
the claimant is not, in fact, paid in exchange for the waiver and re-
lease or a single payee check or joint payee check is given in exchange
for the waiver and release, the waiver and release shall be null, void,
and unenforceable unless it is in substantially the following form:
670 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

CONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE ON PROGRESS

PAYMENT NOTICE: THIS DOCUMENT WAIVES THE CLAIM-
ANT’S LIEN, STOP PAYMENT NOTICE, AND PAYMENT BOND
RIGHTS EFFECTIVE ON RECEIPT OF PAYMENT. A PERSON
SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS DOCUMENT UNLESS SATISFIED
THAT THE CLAIMANT HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT.
Identifying Information
Name of Claimant: ____________________________________________
Name of Customer: ___________________________________________
Job Location: _________________________________________________
Owner: ______________________________________________________
Through Date: ________________________________________________
Conditional Waiver and Release
This document waives and releases lien, stop payment notice, and
payment bond rights the claimant has for labor and service provided,
and equipment and material delivered, to the customer on this job
through the Through Date of this document. Rights based upon labor
or service provided, or equipment or material delivered, pursuant to a
written change order that has been fully executed by the parties prior
to the date that this document is signed by the claimant, are waived
and released by this document, unless listed as an Exception below.
This document is effective only on the claimant’s receipt of payment
from the financial institution on which the following check is drawn:
Maker of Check: _______________________________________________
Amount of Check: $ ____________________________________________
Check Payable to: _____________________________________________
Exceptions
This document does not affect any of the following:
(1) Retentions.
(2) Extras for which the claimant has not received payment.
(3) The following progress payments for which the claimant has
previously given a conditional waiver and release but has not re-
ceived payment:
Date(s) of waiver and release: __________________________________
Amount(s) of unpaid progress payment(s): $ _____________________
(4) Contract rights, including (A) a right based on rescission, aban-
donment, or breach of contract, and (B) the right to recover compen-
sation for work not compensated by the payment.
Signature
Claimant’s Signature: _________________________________________
Claimant’s Title: ______________________________________________
Date of Signature:_____________________________________________
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 671

Law Revision Commission Comments:

2010—Section 8132 restates former Section 3262(d)(1) without substantive change,
except to add language relating to progress payments covered by previous releases that
have not been paid. The statutory form is recast for clarity.See also Sections 8004
(“claimant”), 8008 (“contract”), 8026 (“lien”), 8030 (“payment bond”), 8032 (“person”),
8044 (“stop payment notice”), 8048 (“work”).

§ 8134. Unconditional waiver and release in exchange for

progress payment; Form
If the claimant is required to execute a waiver and release in ex-
change for, or in order to induce payment of, a progress payment and
the claimant asserts in the waiver that the claimant has, in fact, been
paid the progress payment, the waiver and release shall be null, void,
and unenforceable unless it is in substantially the following form,
with the text of the “Notice to Claimant” in at least as large a type as
the largest type otherwise in the form:
UNCONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE ON PROGRESS
PAYMENT NOTICE TO CLAIMANT: THIS DOCUMENT WAIVES
AND RELEASES LIEN, STOP PAYMENT NOTICE, AND PAY-
MENT BOND RIGHTS UNCONDITIONALLY AND STATES THAT
YOU HAVE BEEN PAID FOR GIVING UP THOSE RIGHTS. THIS
DOCUMENT IS ENFORCEABLE AGAINST YOU IF YOU SIGN IT,
EVEN IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PAID. IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN
PAID, USE A CONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE FORM.
Identifying Information
Name of Claimant: ____________________________________________
Name of Customer: ___________________________________________
Job Location: _________________________________________________
Owner: ______________________________________________________
Through Date: ________________________________________________
Unconditional Waiver and Release
This document waives and releases lien, stop payment notice, and
payment bond rights the claimant has for labor and service provided,
and equipment and material delivered, to the customer on this job
through the Through Date of this document. Rights based upon labor
or service provided, or equipment or material delivered, pursuant to a
written change order that has been fully executed by the parties prior
to the date that this document is signed by the claimant, are waived
and released by this document, unless listed as an Exception below.
The claimant has received the following progress payment:
$ _____________________________________________________________
Exceptions
This document does not affect any of the following:
(1) Retentions.
(2) Extras for which the claimant has not received payment.
672 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(3) Contract rights, including (A) a right based on rescission, aban-

donment, or breach of contract, and (B) the right to recover compen-
sation for work not compensated by the payment.
Signature
Claimant’s Signature: _________________________________________
Claimant’s Title: ______________________________________________
Date of Signature:_____________________________________________
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8134 restates former Section 3262(d)(2) without substantive change.
The statutory form is recast for clarity.See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8008 (“con-
tract”), 8026 (“lien”), 8030 (“payment bond”), 8044 (“stop payment notice”), 8048
(“work”).

§ 8136. Conditional waiver and release in exchange for final

payment; Form
If the claimant is required to execute a waiver and release in ex-
change for, or in order to induce payment of, a final payment and the
claimant is not, in fact, paid in exchange for the waiver and release or
a single payee check or joint payee check is given in exchange for the
waiver and release, the waiver and release shall be null, void, and
unenforceable unless it is in substantially the following form:
CONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE ON FINAL PAYMENT
NOTICE: THIS DOCUMENT WAIVES THE CLAIMANT’S LIEN,
STOP PAYMENT NOTICE, AND PAYMENT BOND RIGHTS EF-
FECTIVE ON RECEIPT OF PAYMENT. A PERSON SHOULD NOT
RELY ON THIS DOCUMENT UNLESS SATISFIED THAT THE
CLAIMANT HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT.
Identifying Information
Name of Claimant: ____________________________________________
Name of Customer: ____________________________________________
Job Location: __________________________________________________
Owner: _______________________________________________________
Conditional Waiver and Release
This document waives and releases lien, stop payment notice, and
payment bond rights the claimant has for labor and service provided,
and equipment and material delivered, to the customer on this job.
Rights based upon labor or service provided, or equipment or material
delivered, pursuant to a written change order that has been fully exe-
cuted by the parties prior to the date that this document is signed by
the claimant, are waived and released by this document, unless listed
as an Exception below. This document is effective only on the claim-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 673

ant’s receipt of payment from the financial institution on which the

following check is drawn:
Maker of Check: _______________________________________________
Amount of Check: $ ____________________________________________
Check Payable to: _____________________________________________
Exceptions
This document does not affect any of the following:
Disputed claims for extras in the amount of: $ ___________________
Signature
Claimant’s Signature: _________________________________________
Claimant’s Title: ______________________________________________
Date of Signature:_____________________________________________
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8136 restates former Section 3262(d)(3) without substantive change,
except to add a line for identification of the waivant’s customer. The statutory form is
recast for clarity.
See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8026 (“lien”), 8030 (“payment bond”), 8032 (“per-
son”), 8044 (“stop payment notice”).

§ 8138. Unconditional waiver and release in exchange for

final payment; Form
If the claimant is required to execute a waiver and release in ex-
change for, or in order to induce payment of, a final payment and the
claimant asserts in the waiver that the claimant has, in fact, been
paid the final payment, the waiver and release shall be null, void, and
unenforceable unless it is in substantially the following form, with
the text of the “Notice to Claimant” in at least as large a type as the
largest type otherwise in the form:
UNCONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE ON FINAL
PAYMENT
NOTICE TO CLAIMANT: THIS DOCUMENT WAIVES AND RE-
LEASES LIEN, STOP PAYMENT NOTICE, AND PAYMENT BOND
RIGHTS UNCONDITIONALLY AND STATES THAT YOU HAVE
BEEN PAID FOR GIVING UP THOSE RIGHTS. THIS DOCUMENT
IS ENFORCEABLE AGAINST YOU IF YOU SIGN IT, EVEN IF
YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PAID. IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PAID,
USE A CONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE FORM.
Identifying Information
Name of Claimant: ___________________________________________
Name of Customer: ___________________________________________
Job Location: _________________________________________________
Owner: ______________________________________________________
674 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Unconditional Waiver and Release

This document waives and releases lien, stop payment notice, and
payment bond rights the claimant has for all labor and service pro-
vided, and equipment and material delivered, to the customer on this
job. Rights based upon labor or service provided, or equipment or ma-
terial delivered, pursuant to a written change order that has been
fully executed by the parties prior to the date that this document is
signed by the claimant, are waived and released by this document,
unless listed as an Exception below. The claimant has been paid in
full.
Exceptions
This document does not affect the following:
Disputed claims for extras in the amount of: $ ___________________
Signature
Claimant’s Signature: _________________________________________
Claimant’s Title: ______________________________________________
Date of Signature:_____________________________________________
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010—Section 8138 restates former Section 3262(d)(4) without substantive change.
The statutory form is recast for clarity.
See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8026 (“lien”), 8030 (“payment bond”), 8044 (“stop
payment notice”).

TITLE 2
Private Works of Improvement
Chapter 4
Mechanics Lien
Article 2
Conditions to Enforcing a Lien
§ 8416. Claim of mechanics lien; Form; Contents; Service;
Failure to serve
(a) A claim of mechanics lien shall be a written statement, signed
and verified by the claimant, containing all of the following:
(1) A statement of the claimant’s demand after deducting all just
credits and offsets.
(2) The name of the owner or reputed owner, if known.
(3) A general statement of the kind of work furnished by the claim-
ant.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 675

(4) The name of the person by whom the claimant was employed or
to whom the claimant furnished work.
(5) A description of the site sufficient for identification.
(6) The claimant’s address.
(7) A proof of service affidavit completed and signed by the person
serving a copy of the claim of mechanics lien pursuant to subdivision
(c). The affidavit shall show the date, place, and manner of service,
and facts showing that the service was made in accordance with this
section. The affidavit shall show the name and address of the owner
or reputed owner upon whom the copy of the claim of mechanics lien
was served pursuant to paragraphs (1) or (2) of subdivision (c), and
the title or capacity in which the person or entity was served.
(8) The following statement, printed in at least 10-point boldface
type. The letters of the last sentence shall be printed in uppercase
type, excepting the Internet Web site address of the Contractors’
State License Board, which shall be printed in lowercase type:

“NOTICE OF MECHANICS LIEN

ATTENTION!
Upon the recording of the enclosed MECHANICS LIEN with the
county recorder’s office of the county where the property is located,
your property is subject to the filing of a legal action seeking a court-
ordered foreclosure sale of the real property on which the lien has
been recorded. That legal action must be filed with the court no later
than 90 days after the date the mechanics lien is recorded.
The party identified in the enclosedmechanics lien may have pro-
vided labor or materials for improvements to your property and may
not have been paid for these items. You are receiving this notice be-
cause it is a required step in filing a mechanics lien foreclosure action
against your property. The foreclosure action will seek a sale of your
property in order to pay for unpaid labor, materials, or improvements
provided to your property. This may affect your ability to borrow
against, refinance, or sell the property until the mechanics lien is re-
leased.
BECAUSE THE LIEN AFFECTS YOUR PROPERTY, YOU MAY
WISH TOSPEAK WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR IMMEDIATELY, OR
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
MECHANICS LIENS GO TO THE CONTRACTORS’ STATE LI-
CENSE BOARD WEB SITE AT www.cslb.ca.gov.”

(b) A claim of mechanics lien in otherwise proper form, verified and

containing the information required in subdivision (a), shall be ac-
cepted by the recorder for recording and shall be deemed duly record-
ed without acknowledgment.
(c) A copy of the claim of mechanics lien, which includes the Notice
of Mechanics Lien required by paragraph (8) of subdivision (a), shall
676 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

be served on the owner or reputed owner. Service shall be made as

follows:
(1) For an owner or reputed owner to be notified who resides in or
outside this state, by registered mail, certified mail, or first-class
mail, evidenced by a certificate of mailing, postage prepaid, addressed
to the owner or reputed owner at the owner’s or reputed owner’s resi-
dence or place of business address or at the address shown by the
building permit on file with the authority issuing a building permit
for the work, or as otherwise provided in Section 8174.
(2) If the owner or reputed owner cannot be served by this method,
then the copy of the claim of mechanics lien may be given by regis-
tered mail, certified mail, or first-class mail, evidenced by a certificate
of mailing, postage prepaid, addressed to the construction lender or to
the original contractor.
(d) Service of the copy of the claim of mechanics lien by registered
mail, certified mail, or first-class mail, evidenced by a certificate of
mailing, postage prepaid, is complete at the time of the deposit of that
first-class, certified, or registered mail.
(e) Failure to serve the copy of the claim of mechanics lien as pre-
scribed by this section, including the Notice of Mechanics Lien re-
quired by paragraph (8) of subdivision (a), shall cause the claim of
mechanics lien to be unenforceable as a matter of law.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012. Amended Stats 2011 ch 673 § 2 (AB 456), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 8422. Effect of erroneous information

(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), erroneous infor-
mation contained in a claim of lien relating to the claimant’s demand,
credits and offsets deducted, the work provided, or the description of
the site, does not invalidate the claim of lien.
(b) Erroneous information contained in a claim of lien relating to
the claimant’s demand, credits and offsets deducted, or the work pro-
vided, invalidates the claim of lien if the court determines either of
the following:
(1) The claim of lien was made with intent to defraud.
(2) An innocent third party, without notice, actual or constructive,
became the bona fide owner of the property after recordation of the
claim of lien, and the claim of lien was so deficient that it did not put
the party on further inquiry in any manner.
(c) Any person who shall willfully include in a claim of lien labor,
services, equipment, or materials not furnished for the property de-
scribed in the claim, shall thereby forfeit the person’s lien.
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012. Amended Stats 2011 ch 44 § 5 (SB 190), effective January 1, 2012, operative July
1, 2012.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 677

Chapter 5
Stop Payment Notice
Article 1
General Provisions
§ 8504. False stop payment notice or information; Forfeiture
of rights to participate in distribution of funds
A claimant that willfully gives a false stop payment notice or that
willfully includes in the notice a demand to withhold for work that
has not been provided forfeits all right to participate in the distribu-
tion of the funds withheld and all right to a lien under Chapter 4
(commencing with Section 8400).
Added Stats 2010 ch 697 § 20 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1,
2012.
Law Revision Commission Comments:
2010— Section 8504 restates former Section 3168 without substantive change.
See also Sections 8004 (“claimant”), 8026 (“lien”), 8044 (“stop payment notice”), 8048
(“work”).
678 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

PART 1
COURTS OF JUSTICE

TITLE 1
Organization and Jurisdiction
Chapter 5.5
Small Claims Court
Article 2
Small Claims Court
§ 116.220. Jurisdiction
(a) The small claims court has jurisdiction in the following actions:
(1) Except as provided in subdivisions (c), (e), and (f), for recovery of
money, if the amount of the demand does not exceed five thousand
dollars ($5,000).
(2) Except as provided in subdivisions (c), (e), and (f), to enforce
payment of delinquent unsecured personal property taxes in an
amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), if the legality of
the tax is not contested by the defendant.
(3) To issue the writ of possession authorized by Sections 1861.5
and 1861.10 of the Civil Code if the amount of the demand does not
exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(4) To confirm, correct, or vacate a fee arbitration award not exceed-
ing five thousand dollars ($5,000) between an attorney and client that
is binding or has become binding, or to conduct a hearing de novo be-
tween an attorney and client after nonbinding arbitration of a fee
dispute involving no more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) in con-
troversy, pursuant to Article 13 (commencing with Section 6200) of
Chapter 4 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
(5) For an injunction or other equitable relief only when a statute
expressly authorizes a small claims court to award that relief.
(b) In any action seeking relief authorized by paragraphs (1) to
(4), inclusive, of subdivision (a), the court may grant equitable relief
in the form of rescission, restitution, reformation, and specific per-
formance, in lieu of, or in addition to, money damages. The court may
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 679

issue a conditional judgment. The court shall retain jurisdiction until

full payment and performance of any judgment or order.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the small claims court has ju-
risdiction over a defendant guarantor as follows:
(1) For any action brought by a natural person against the Regis-
trar of the Contractors’ State License Board as the defendant guaran-
tor, the small claims jurisdictional limit stated in Section 116.221
shall apply.
(2) For any action against a defendant guarantor that does not
charge a fee for its guarantor or surety services, if the amount of the
demand does not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).
(3) For any action brought by a natural person against a defendant
guarantor that charges a fee for its guarantor or surety services, if
the amount of the demand does not exceed six thousand five hundred
dollars ($6,500).
(4) For any action brought by an entity other than a natural person
against a defendant guarantor that charges a fee for its guarantor or
surety services or against the Registrar of the Contractors’ State Li-
cense Board as the defendant guarantor, if the amount of the demand
does not exceed four thousand dollars ($4,000).
(d) In any case in which the lack of jurisdiction is due solely to an
excess in the amount of the demand, the excess may be waived, but
any waiver is not operative until judgment.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), in any action filed by a plaintiff
incarcerated in a Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facili-
ty, the small claims court has jurisdiction over a defendant only if the
plaintiff has alleged in the complaint that he or she has exhausted his
or her administrative remedies against that department, including
compliance with Sections 905.2 and 905.4 of the Government Code.
The final administrative adjudication or determination of the plain-
tiff’s administrative claim by the department may be attached to the
complaint at the time of filing in lieu of that allegation.
(f) In any action governed by subdivision (e), if the plaintiff fails to
provide proof of compliance with the requirements of subdivision (e)
at the time of trial, the judicial officer shall, at his or her discretion,
either dismiss the action or continue the action to give the plaintiff an
opportunity to provide that proof.
(g) For purposes of this section, “department” includes an employee
of a department against whom a claim has been filed under this chap-
ter arising out of his or her duties as an employee of that department.
Added Stats 1990 ch 1305 § 3 (SB 2627). Amended Stats 1990 ch 1683 § 3 (AB 3916);
Stats 1991 ch 133 § 1 (AB 1827), ch 915 § 3 (SB 771); Stats 1992 ch 8 § 1 (AB 1551),
effective February 19, 1992, ch 142 § 2 (SB 1376); Stats 1993 ch 1262 § 5 (AB 1272), ch
1264 § 95 (SB 574); Stats 1994 ch 479 § 10 (AB 3219); Stats 1995 ch 366 § 1 (AB 725);
Stats 1998 ch 240 § 2 (AB 771); Stats 1999 ch 982 § 6 (AB 1678); Stats 2006 ch 150 § 1
(AB 2455), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2008 ch 157 § 4 (SB 1432), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2009; Stats. 2009, Ch. 468 (AB 712).
680 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 116.221. Additional jurisdiction

In addition to the jurisdiction conferred by Section 116.220, the
small claims court has jurisdiction in an action brought by a natural
person, if the amount of the demand does not exceed ten thousand
dollars ($10,000), except for actions specified in Section 116.224, or
otherwise prohibited by subdivision (c) of Section 116.220 or subdivi-
sion (a) of Section 116.231.
Added Stats 2005 ch 600 § 2 (SB 422), ch 618 § 2 (AB 1459), effective January 1, 2006.
Amended Stats 2011 ch 64 §§ 1, 2 (SB 221), effective January 1, 2012.

PART 2
CIVIL ACTIONS

TITLE 14
Miscellaneous Provisions
Chapter 2
Bonds and Undertakings
Article 1
Preliminary Provisions and Definitions
§ 995.010. Short title
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Bond and Un-
dertaking Law.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.020. Application of chapter

(a) The provisions of this chapter apply to a bond or undertaking
executed, filed, posted, furnished, or otherwise given as security pur-
suant to any statute of this state, except to the extent the statute pre-
scribes a different rule or is inconsistent.
(b) The provisions of this chapter apply to a bond or undertaking
given at any of the following times:
(1) On or after January 1, 1983.
(2) Before January 1, 1983, to the extent another surety is substi-
tuted for the original surety on or after January 1, 1983, or to the ex-
tent the principal gives a new, additional, or supplemental bond or
undertaking on or after January 1, 1983.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 681

Except to the extent provided in this section, the law governing a

bond or undertaking given before January 1, 1983, is the law applica-
ble to the bond or undertaking immediately before January 1, 1983,
pursuant to Section 414 of Chapter 517 of the Statutes of 1982.
(c) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to a bail bond or an
undertaking of bail.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1983 ch 18 § 18.2, effective April 21, 1983.

§ 995.030. Manner of service

If service of a notice, paper, or other document is required under
this chapter, service shall be made in the same manner as service of
process in civil actions generally.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.040. Affidavits
An affidavit made under this chapter shall conform to the stand-
ards prescribed for an affidavit made pursuant to Section 437c.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.050. Extensions of time

The times provided in this chapter, or in any other statute relating
to a bond given in an action or proceeding, may be extended pursuant
to Sections 1054 and 1054.1.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.110. Application of definitions

Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the definitions
in this article govern the construction of this chapter.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.120. “Admitted surety insurer”

(a) “Admitted surety insurer” means a corporate insurer or a recip-
rocal or interinsurance exchange to which the Insurance Commis-
sioner has issued a certificate of authority to transact surety insur-
ance in this state, as defined in Section 105 of the Insurance Code.
(b) For the purpose of application of this chapter to a bond given
pursuant to any statute of this state, the phrases “admitted surety
insurer,” “authorized surety company,” “bonding company,” “corpo-
rate surety,” and comparable phrases used in the statute mean “ad-
mitted surety insurer” as defined in this section.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
682 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 995.130. “Beneficiary”
(a) “Beneficiary” means the person for whose benefit a bond is giv-
en, whether executed to, in favor of, in the name of, or payable to the
person as an obligee.
(b) If a bond is given for the benefit of the State of California or the
people of the state, “beneficiary” means the court, officer, or other
person required to determine the sufficiency of the sureties or to ap-
prove the bond.
(c) For the purpose of application of this chapter to a bond given
pursuant to any statute of this state, the terms “beneficiary,” “obli-
gee,” and comparable terms used in the statute mean “beneficiary” as
defined in this section.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.140. “Bond”
(a) “Bond” includes both of the following:
(1) A surety, indemnity, fiduciary, or like bond executed by both the
principal and sureties.
(2) A surety, indemnity, fiduciary, or like undertaking executed by
the sureties alone.
(b) A bond provided for or given “in an action or proceeding” does
not include a bond provided for, or given as, a condition of a license or
permit.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.150. “Court”
“Court” means, if a bond is given in an action or proceeding, the
court in which the action or proceeding is pending.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.160. “Officer”
“Officer” means the sheriff, marshal, clerk of court, judge or magis-
trate (if there is no clerk), board, commission, department, or other
public official or entity to whom the bond is given or with whom a
copy of the bond is filed or who is required to determine the sufficien-
cy of the sureties or to approve the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1996 ch 872 § 19 (AB 3472).

§ 995.170. “Principal”
(a) “Principal” means the person who gives a bond.
(b) For the purpose of application of this chapter to a bond given
pursuant to any statute of this state, the terms “obligor,” “principal,”
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 683

and comparable terms used in the statute mean “principal” as defined

in this section.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.180. “Statute”
“Statute” includes administrative regulation promulgated pursuant
to statute.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.185. “Surety”
(a) “Surety” has the meaning provided in Section 2787 of the Civil
Code and includes personal surety and admitted surety insurer.
(b) For the purpose of application of this chapter to a bond given
pursuant to any statute of this state, the terms “bail,” “guarantor,”
“bondsman,” “surety,” and comparable terms used in the statute
mean “surety” as defined in this section.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.190. “Undertaking”
“Undertaking” means a surety, indemnity, fiduciary, or like under-
taking executed by the sureties alone.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 2
General Provisions
§ 995.210. Bonds and undertakings interchangeable
Unless the provision or context otherwise requires:
(a) If a statute provides for a bond, an undertaking that otherwise
satisfies the requirements for the bond may be given in its place with
the same effect as if a bond were given, and references in the statute
to the bond shall be deemed to be references to the undertaking.
(b) If a statute provides for an undertaking, a bond that otherwise
satisfies the requirements for the undertaking may be given in its
place with the same effect as if an undertaking were given, and refer-
ences in the statute to the undertaking shall be deemed to be refer-
ences to the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
684 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 995.220. Bond not required of public entity or officer

Notwithstanding any other statute, if a statute provides for a bond
in an action or proceeding, including but not limited to a bond for is-
suance of a restraining order or injunction, appointment of a receiver,
or stay of enforcement of a judgment on appeal, the following public
entities and officers are not required to give the bond and shall have
the same rights, remedies, and benefits as if the bond were given:
(a) The State of California or the people of the state, a state agency,
department, division, commission, board, or other entity of the state,
or a state officer in an official capacity or on behalf of the state.
(b) A county, city, or district, or public authority, public agency, or
other political subdivision in the state, or an officer of the local public
entity in an official capacity or on behalf of the local public entity.
(c) The United States or an instrumentality or agency of the United
States, or a federal officer in an official capacity or on behalf of the
United States or instrumentality or agency.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.230. Reduction or waiver by beneficiary

The beneficiary of a bond given in an action or proceeding may in
writing consent to the bond in an amount less than the amount re-
quired by statute or may waive the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.240. Waiver in case of indigency

The court may, in its discretion, waive a provision for a bond in an
action or proceeding and make such orders as may be appropriate as
if the bond were given, if the court determines that the principal is
unable to give the bond because the principal is indigent and is una-
ble to obtain sufficient sureties, whether personal or admitted surety
insurers. In exercising its discretion the court shall take into consid-
eration all factors it deems relevant, including but not limited to the
character of the action or proceeding, the nature of the beneficiary,
whether public or private, and the potential harm to the beneficiary if
the provision for the bond is waived.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.250. Cost of bond recoverable

If a statute allows costs to a party in an action or proceeding, the
costs shall include all of the following:
(a) The premium on a bond reasonably paid by the party pursuant
to a statute that provides for the bond in the action or proceeding.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 685

(b) The premium on a bond reasonably paid by the party in connec-

tion with the action or proceeding, unless the court determines that
the bond was unnecessary.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.260. Evidence of bond

If a bond is recorded pursuant to statute, a certified copy of the rec-
ord of the bond with all affidavits, acknowledgments, endorsements,
and attachments may be admitted in evidence in an action or pro-
ceeding with the same effect as the original, without further proof.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 3
Execution and Filing
§ 995.310. Sureties on bond
Unless the statute providing for the bond requires execution by an
admitted surety insurer, a bond shall be executed by two or more suf-
ficient personal sureties or by one sufficient admitted surety insurer
or by any combination of sufficient personal sureties and admitted
surety insurers.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.311. Sureties on bond on public works contract; Status

verification procedures
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any bond required
on a public works contract, as defined in Section 1101 of the Public
Contract Code, shall be executed by an admitted surety insurer. A
public agency approving the bond on a public works contract shall
have a duty to verify that the bond is being executed by an admitted
surety insurer.
(b) A public agency may fulfill its duty under subdivision (a) by ver-
ifying the status of the party executing the bond in one of the follow-
ing ways:
(1) Printing out information from the website of the Department of
Insurance confirming the surety is an admitted surety insurer and
attaching it to the bond.
(2) Obtaining a certificate from the county clerk that confirms the
surety is an admitted insurer and attaching it to the bond.
Added Stats 2001 ch 181 § 1 (AB 263).
686 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 995.320. Contents of bond

(a) A bond shall be in writing signed by the sureties under oath and
shall include all of the following:
(1) A statement that the sureties are jointly and severally liable on
the obligations of the statute providing for the bond.
(2) The address at which the principal and sureties may be served
with notices, papers, and other documents under this chapter.
(3) If the amount of the bond is based upon the value of property or
an interest in property, a description of the property or interest, and
the principal’s estimate of the value of the property or interest, or if
given pursuant to the estimate of the beneficiary or court, the value
as so estimated.
(b) The sureties signing the bond are jointly and severally liable on
the obligations of the bond, the provisions of this chapter, and the
statute providing for the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.330. Form of bond

A bond or undertaking given in an action or proceeding may be in
the following form:
“(Title of court. Title of cause.)
Whereas the … desires to give (a bond) (an undertaking) for (state
what) as provided by (state sections of code requiring bond or under-
taking); now, therefore, the undersigned (principal and) (sureties)
(surety) hereby (obligate ourselves, jointly and severally) (obligates
itself) to (name who) under the statutory obligations, in the amount of
… dollars.”
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.340. Filing required

If a bond is given in an action or proceeding:
(a) The bond shall be filed with the court unless the statute provid-
ing for the bond requires that the bond be given to another person.
(b) If the statute providing for the bond requires that the bond be
given to an officer, the officer shall file the bond with the court unless
the statute providing for the bond otherwise provides.
(c) A bond filed with the court shall be preserved in the office of the
clerk of the court.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 687

§ 995.350. Entry in register of actions

(a) Upon the filing of a bond with the court in an action or proceed-
ing, the clerk shall enter in the register of actions the following in-
formation:
(1) The date and amount of the bond.
(2) The names of the sureties on the bond.
(b) In the event of the loss of the bond, the entries in the register of
actions are prima facie evidence of the giving of the bond in the man-
ner required by statute.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.360. Return of bond

A bond given in an action or proceeding may be withdrawn from the
file and returned to the principal on order of the court only if one of
the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) The beneficiary so stipulates.
(b) The bond is no longer in force and effect and the time during
which the liability on the bond may be enforced has expired.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.370. Service of copy of bond

At the time a bond is given, the principal shall serve a copy of the
bond on the beneficiary. An affidavit of service shall be given and
filed with the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.380. Defect in bond

(a) If a bond does not contain the substantial matter or conditions
required by this chapter or by the statute providing for the bond, or if
there are any defects in the giving or filing of the bond, the bond is
not void so as to release the principal and sureties from liability.
(b) The beneficiary may, in proceedings to enforce the liability on
the bond, suggest the defect in the bond, or its giving or filing, and
enforce the liability against the principal and the persons who in-
tended to become and were included as sureties on the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
688 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Article 4
Approval and Effect
§ 995.410. Approval of bond
(a) A bond becomes effective without approval unless the statute
providing for the bond requires that the bond be approved by the
court or officer.
(b) If the statute providing for a bond requires that the bond be ap-
proved, the court or officer may approve or disapprove the bond on
the basis of the affidavit or certificate of the sureties or may require
the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence and may
examine the sureties under oath touching their qualifications.
(c) Nothing shall be construed to preclude approval of a bond in an
amount greater than that required by statute.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.420. Time bond becomes effective

(a) Unless the statute providing for a bond provides that the bond
becomes effective at a different time, a bond is effective at the time it
is given or, if the statute requires that the bond be approved, at the
time it is approved.
(b) If the statute providing for a bond provides that the bond be-
comes effective at a time other than the time it is given or approved,
the bond is effective at the time provided unless an objection is made
to the bond before that time. If an objection is made to a bond before
the time provided, the bond becomes effective when the court makes
an order determining the sufficiency of the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.430. Term of bond

A bond remains in force and effect until the earliest of the following
events:
(a) The sureties withdraw from or cancel the bond or a new bond is
given in place of the original bond.
(b) The purpose for which the bond was given is satisfied or the
purpose is abandoned without any liability having been incurred.
(c) A judgment of liability on the bond that exhausts the amount of
the bond is satisfied.
(d) The term of the bond expires. Unless the statute providing for
the bond prescribes a fixed term, the bond is continuous.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 689

§ 995.440. Term of license or permit bond

A bond given as a condition of a license or permit shall be continu-
ous in form, remain in full force and effect, and run concurrently with
the license or permit period and any and all renewals, or until cancel-
lation or withdrawal of the surety from the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 5
Personal Sureties
§ 995.510. Qualifications of surety
(a) A personal surety on a bond is sufficient if all of the following
conditions are satisfied:
(1) The surety is a person other than the principal. No officer of the
court or member of the State Bar shall act as a surety.
(2) The surety is a resident, and either an owner of real property or
householder, within the state.
(3) The surety is worth the amount of the bond in real or personal
property, or both, situated in this state, over and above all debts and
liabilities, exclusive of property exempt from enforcement of a money
judgment.
(b) If the amount of a bond exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000)
and is executed by more than two personal sureties, the worth of a
personal surety may be less than the amount of the bond, so long as
the aggregate worth of all sureties executing the bond is twice the
amount of the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.520. Affidavit of surety

(a) A bond executed by personal sureties shall be accompanied by
an affidavit of qualifications of each surety.
(b) The affidavit shall contain all of the following information:
(1) The name, occupation, residence address, and business address
(if any) of the surety.
(2) A statement that the surety is a resident, and either an owner of
real property or householder, within the state.
(3) A statement that the surety is worth the amount of the bond in
real or personal property, or both, situated in this state, over and
above all debts and liabilities, exclusive of property exempt from en-
forcement of a money judgment.
(c) If the amount of the bond exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000),
the affidavit shall contain, in addition to the information required by
subdivision (b), all of the following information:
690 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(1) A description sufficient for identification of real and personal

property of the surety situated in this state and the nature of the
surety’s interest therein that qualifies the surety on the bond.
(2) The surety’s best estimate of the fair market value of each item
of property.
(3) A statement of any charge or lien and its amount, known to the
surety, whether of public record or not, against any item of property.
(4) Any other impediment or cloud known to the surety on the free
right of possession, use, benefit, or enjoyment of the property.
(d) If the amount of the bond exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000)
and is executed by more than two sureties, the affidavit may state
that the surety is worth less than the amount of the bond and the
bond may stipulate that the liability of the surety is limited to the
worth of the surety stated in the affidavit, so long as the aggregate
worth of all sureties executing the bond is twice the amount of the
bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 6
Admitted Surety Insurers
§ 995.610. Admitted surety insurer in lieu of personal sureties
(a) If a statute provides for a bond with any number of sureties, one
sufficient admitted surety insurer may become and shall be accepted
as sole surety on the bond.
(b) The admitted surety insurer is subject to all the liabilities and
entitled to all the rights of personal sureties.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.620. More than one surety

Two or more admitted surety insurers may be sureties on a bond by
executing the same or separate bonds for amounts aggregating the
required amount of the bond. Each admitted surety insurer is jointly
and severally liable to the extent of the amount of the liability as-
sumed by it.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.630. Authentication of bond

An admitted surety insurer shall be accepted or approved by the
court or officer as surety on a bond without further acknowledgment
if the bond is executed in the name of the surety insurer under penal-
ty of perjury or the fact of execution of the bond is duly acknowledged
before an officer authorized to take and certify acknowledgments, and
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 691

either one of the following conditions, at the option of the surety in-
surer, is satisfied:
(a) A copy of the transcript or record of the unrevoked appointment,
power of attorney, bylaws, or other instrument, duly certified by the
proper authority and attested by the seal of the insurer entitling or
authorizing the person who executed the bond to do so for and in be-
half of the insurer, is filed in the office of the clerk of the county in
which the court or officer is located.
(b) A copy of a power of attorney is attached to the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1992 ch 380 § 1 (SB 1521).

§ 995.640. Certificate of authority

Upon review of the Internet Web site of the Department of Insur-
ance, the county clerk of any county shall, upon request of any per-
son, do any of the following:
(a) Issue a certificate stating whether a surety is admitted or if the
certificate of authority of an admitted surety insurer issued by the
Insurance Commissioner authorizing the insurer to transact surety
insurance has been surrendered, revoked, canceled, annulled, or sus-
pended, and, in the event that it has, whether renewed authority has
been granted. The county clerk in issuing the certificate shall rely
solely upon the information furnished by the Insurance Commission-
er pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 12070) of Chapter
1 of Part 4 of Division 2 of the Insurance Code.
(b) Issue a certificate stating whether a copy of the transcript or
record of the unrevoked appointment, power of attorney, bylaws, or
other instrument, duly certified by the proper authority and attested
by the seal of an admitted surety insurer entitling or authorizing the
person who executed a bond to do so for and on behalf of the insurer,
is filed in the office of the clerk.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 2004 ch 183 § 44 (AB 3082); Stats 2005 ch
22 § 19 (SB 1108), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2008 ch 351 § 1 (SB 1279), effective
January 1, 2009.

§ 995.650. Objection to sufficiency of surety

If an objection is made to the sufficiency of an admitted surety in-
surer, the person making the objection shall attach to and incorporate
in the objection one or both of the following:
(a) The certificate of the county clerk of the county in which the
court is located stating that the insurer is not listed as an admitted
surety insurer on the department’s Internet Web site or that the cer-
tificate of authority of the insurer has been surrendered, revoked,
canceled, annulled, or suspended and has not been renewed.
692 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) An affidavit stating facts that establish the insufficiency of the

insurer.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 2008 ch 351 § 2 (SB 1279), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2009.

§ 995.660. Determination of sufficiency of surety

(a) If an objection is made to the sufficiency of an admitted surety
insurer on a bond or if the bond is required to be approved, the insur-
er shall submit to the court or officer the following documents:
(1) The original, or a certified copy, of the unrevoked appointment,
power of attorney, bylaws, or other instrument entitling or authoriz-
ing the person who executed the bond to do so, within 10 calendar
days of the insurer’s receipt of a request to submit the instrument.
(2) A certified copy of the certificate of authority of the insurer is-
sued by the Insurance Commissioner, within 10 calendar days of the
insurer’s receipt of a request to submit the copy.
(3) A certificate from the clerk of the county in which the court or
officer is located that the certificate of authority of the insurer has not
been surrendered, revoked, canceled, annulled, or suspended or, in
the event that it has, that renewed authority has been granted, with-
in 10 calendar days of the insurer’s receipt of the certificate.
(4) Copies of the insurer’s most recent annual statement and quar-
terly statement filed with the Department of Insurance pursuant to
Article 10 (commencing with Section 900) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of
Division 1 of the Insurance Code, within 10 calendar days of the in-
surer’s receipt of a request to submit the statements.
(b) If the admitted surety insurer complies with subdivision (a), and
if it appears that the bond was duly executed, that the insurer is au-
thorized to transact surety insurance in the state, and that its assets
exceed its liabilities in an amount equal to or in excess of the amount
of the bond, the insurer is sufficient and shall be accepted or ap-
proved as surety on the bond, subject to Section 12090 of the Insur-
ance Code.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1992 ch 379 § 1 (SB 1502); Stats 1994 ch
487 § 1 (AB 3493).

§ 995.670. Admitted surety to comply only with specified

requirements relating to objections to surety’s sufficiency
(a) This section applies to a bond executed, filed, posted, furnished,
or otherwise given as security pursuant to any statute of this state or
any law or ordinance of a public agency.
No public agency shall require an admitted surety insurer to com-
ply with any requirements other than those in Section 995.660 when-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 693

ever an objection is made to the sufficiency of the admitted surety

insurer on the bond or if the bond is required to be approved.
(b) For the purposes of this section, “public agency” means the
state, any agency or authority, any city, county, city and county, dis-
trict, municipal or public corporation, or any instrumentality thereof.
Added Stats 1992 ch 997 § 1 (AB 2872). Amended Stats 1994 ch 487 § 2 (AB 3493).

§ 995.675. Listing surety insurer

Notwithstanding Sections 995.660 and 995.670, the California In-
tegrated Waste Management Board, the State Water Resources Con-
trol Board, and the Department of Toxic Substances Control may re-
quire, in order to comply with Subtitle C or Subtitle D of the federal
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (42
U.S.C. Sec. 6901 et seq.), an admitted surety insurer to be listed in
Circular 570 issued by the United States Treasury.
Added Stats 1998 ch 477 § 1 (AB 2353).

Article 7
Deposit in Lieu of Bond
§ 995.710. Deposit of money, certificates, accounts, bonds, or
notes
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (e) or to the extent the statute
providing for a bond precludes a deposit in lieu of bond or limits the
form of deposit, the principal may, without prior court approval, in-
stead of giving a bond, deposit with the officer any of the following:
(1) Lawful money of the United States or a cashier’s check, made
payable to the officer, issued by a bank, savings association, or credit
union authorized to do business in this state. The money shall be held
in trust by the officer in interest-bearing deposit or share accounts.
(2) Bonds or notes, including bearer bonds and bearer notes, of the
United States or the State of California. The deposit of a bond or note
pursuant to this section shall be accomplished by filing with the
court, and serving upon all parties and the appropriate officer of the
bank holding the bond or note, instructions executed by the person or
entity holding title to the bond or note that the treasurer of the coun-
ty where the judgment was entered is the custodian of that account
for the purpose of staying enforcement of the judgment, and that the
title holder assigns to the treasurer the right to collect, sell, or other-
wise apply the bond or note to enforce the judgment debtor’s liability
pursuant to Section 995.760.
(3) Certificates of deposit payable to the officer, not exceeding the
federally insured amount, issued by banks or savings associations
694 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

authorized to do business in this state and insured by the Federal

Deposit Insurance Corporation.
(4) Savings accounts assigned to the officer, not exceeding the fed-
erally insured amount, together with evidence of the deposit in the
savings accounts with banks authorized to do business in this state
and insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
(5) Investment certificates or share accounts assigned to the officer,
not exceeding the federally insured amount, issued by savings associ-
ations authorized to do business in this state and insured by the Fed-
eral Deposit Insurance Corporation.
(6) Share certificates payable to the officer, not exceeding the guar-
anteed or insured amount, issued by a credit union, as defined in Sec-
tion 14002 of the Financial Code, whose share accounts are insured
by the National Credit Union Administration or guaranteed or in-
sured by any other agency that the Commissioner of Business Over-
sight has not deemed to be unsatisfactory.
(b) The deposit shall be in an amount or have a face value, or, in the
case of bonds or notes, have a market value, equal to or in excess of
the amount that would be required to be secured by the bond if the
bond were given by an admitted surety insurer. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this chapter, in the case of a deposit of bonds or
notes other than in an action or proceeding, the officer may, in the
officer’s discretion, require that the amount of the deposit be deter-
mined not by the market value of the bonds or notes but by a formula
based on the principal amount of the bonds or notes.
(c) The deposit shall be accompanied by an agreement executed by
the principal authorizing the officer to collect, sell, or otherwise apply
the deposit to enforce the liability of the principal on the deposit. The
agreement shall include the address at which the principal may be
served with notices, papers, and other documents under this chapter.
(d) The officer may prescribe terms and conditions to implement
this section.
(e) This section does not apply to deposits with the Secretary of
State.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1983 ch 18 § 18.5, effective April 21, 1983;
Stats 1996 ch 1064 § 6 (AB 3351), operative July 1, 1997; Stats 1998 ch 829 § 16 (SB
1652); Stats 1999 ch 892 § 11 (AB 1672); Stats 2014 ch 305 § 1 (AB 1856), effective
January 1, 2015.

§ 995.720. Valuation of bonds or notes

(a) The market value of bonds or notes, including bearer bonds and
bearer notes, shall be agreed upon by stipulation of the principal and
beneficiary or, if the bonds or notes are given in an action or proceed-
ing and the principal and beneficiary are unable to agree, the market
value shall be determined by court order in the manner prescribed in
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 695

this section. A certified copy of the stipulation or court order shall be

delivered to the officer at the time of the deposit of the bonds or notes.
(b) If the bonds or notes are given in an action or proceeding, the
principal may file a written application with the court to determine
the market value of the bonds or notes. The application shall be
served upon the beneficiary and proof of service shall be filed with the
application. The application shall contain all of the following:
(1) A specific description of the bonds or notes.
(2) A statement of the current market value of the bonds or notes as
of the date of the filing of the application.
(3) A statement of the amount of the bonds or notes that the princi-
pal believes would be equal to the required amount of the deposit.
(c) The application pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be heard by the
court not less than five days or more than 10 days after service of the
application. If at the time of the hearing no objection is made to the
current market value of the bonds or notes alleged in the application,
the court shall fix the amount of the bonds or notes on the basis of the
market value alleged in the application. If the beneficiary contends
that the current market value of the bonds or notes is less than al-
leged in the application, the principal shall offer evidence in support
of the application, and the beneficiary may offer evidence in opposi-
tion. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court shall make an order
determining the market value of the bonds or notes and shall fix and
determine the amount of the bonds or notes to be deposited by the
principal.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 2014 ch 305 § 2 (AB 1856), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2015.

§ 995.730. Effect of deposit

A deposit given instead of a bond has the same force and effect, is
treated the same, and is subject to the same conditions, liability, and
statutory provisions, including provisions for increase and decrease of
amount, as the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.740. Interest on deposit

If no proceedings are pending to enforce the liability of the principal
on the deposit, the officer shall:
(a) Pay quarterly, on demand, any interest on the deposit, when
earned in accordance with the terms of the account or certificate, to
the principal.
(b) Deliver to the principal, on demand, any interest coupons at-
tached to bonds or notes, including bearer bonds and bearer notes, as
696 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

the interest coupons become due and payable, or pay annually any
interest payable on the bonds or notes.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 2014 ch 305 § 3 (AB 1856), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2015.

§ 995.750. Obligation of principal

(a) The principal shall pay the amount of the liability on the deposit
within 30 days after the date on which the judgment of liability be-
comes final.
(b) If the deposit was given to stay enforcement of a judgment on
appeal, the principal shall pay the amount of the liability on the de-
posit, including damages and costs awarded against the principal on
appeal, within 30 days after the filing of the remittitur from the ap-
pellate court in the court from which the appeal is taken.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.760. Enforcement against deposit

(a) If the principal does not pay the amount of the liability on the
deposit within the time prescribed in Section 995.750, the deposit
shall be collected, sold, or otherwise applied to the liability upon order
of the court that entered the judgment of liability, made upon five
days’ notice to the parties.
(b) Bonds or notes, including bearer bonds and bearer notes, with-
out a prevailing market price shall be sold at public auction. Notice of
sale shall be served on the principal. Bonds or notes having a prevail-
ing market price may be sold at private sale at a price not lower than
the prevailing market price.
(c) The deposit shall be distributed in the following order:
(1) First, to pay the cost of collection, sale, or other application of
the deposit.
(2) Second, to pay the judgment of liability of the principal on the
deposit.
(3) Third, the remainder, if any, shall be returned to the principal.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 2014 ch 305 § 4 (AB 1856), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2015.

§ 995.770. Return of deposit

A deposit given pursuant to this article shall be returned to the
principal at the earliest of the following times:
(a) Upon substitution of a sufficient bond for the deposit. The bond
shall be in full force and effect for all liabilities incurred, and for acts,
omissions, or causes existing or which arose, during the period the
deposit was in effect.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 697

(b) The time provided by Section 995.360 for return of a bond.

(c) The time provided by statute for return of the deposit.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 8
Bonds to the State of California
§ 995.810. Application of article
The provisions of this article apply to a bond executed to, in favor
of, in the name of, or payable to the State of California or the people
of the state, including but not limited to an official bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.820. Bond by officer of court

Except as otherwise provided by statute, a bond given by an officer
of the court for the faithful discharge of the officer’s duties and obedi-
ence to the orders of the court shall be to the State of California.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.830. Bond where no beneficiary provided

If a statute or court order pursuant thereto providing for a bond
does not specify the beneficiary of the bond, the bond shall be to the
State of California.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.840. Court approval of bond

If a bond under this article is given in an action or proceeding:
(a) The bond shall be approved by the court.
(b) Any party for whose benefit the bond is given may object to the
bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.850. Enforcement by or for benefit of persons damaged

(a) The liability on a bond under this article may be enforced by or
for the benefit of, and in the name of, any and all persons for whose
benefit the bond is given who are damaged by breach of the condition
of the bond.
(b) A person described in subdivision (a) may, in addition to any
other remedy the person has, enforce the liability on the bond in the
person’s own name, without assignment of the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
698 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Article 9
Objections to Bonds
§ 995.910. Article limited to actions and proceedings
This article governs objections to a bond given in an action or pro-
ceeding.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.920. Grounds for objection

The beneficiary may object to a bond on any of the following
grounds:
(a) The sureties are insufficient.
(b) The amount of the bond is insufficient.
(c) The bond, from any other cause, is insufficient.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.930. Manner of making objection

(a) An objection shall be in writing and shall be made by noticed
motion. The notice of motion shall specify the precise grounds for the
objection. If a ground for the objection is that the amount of the bond
is insufficient, the notice of motion shall state the reason for the in-
sufficiency and shall include an estimate of the amount that would be
sufficient.
(b) The objection shall be made within 10 days after service of a
copy of the bond on the beneficiary or such other time as is required
by the statute providing for the bond.
(c) If no objection is made within the time required by statute, the
beneficiary is deemed to have waived all objections except upon a
showing of good cause for failure to make the objection within the
time required by statute or of changed circumstances.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1984 ch 538 § 33.

§ 995.940. Objection to sufficiency of bond based on market

value
If a ground for the objection is that the value of property or an in-
terest in property on which the amount of the bond is based exceeds
the value estimated in the bond:
(a) The objection shall state the beneficiary’s estimate of the market
value of the property or interest in property.
(b) The principal may accept the beneficiary’s estimate of the mar-
ket value of the property or interest in property and immediately file
an increased bond based on the estimate. In such case, no hearing
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 699

shall be held on that ground for the objection, and the beneficiary is
bound by the estimate of the market value of the property or interest
in property.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.950. Hearing on objection

(a) Unless the parties otherwise agree, the hearing on an objection
shall be held not less than two or more than five days after service of
the notice of motion.
(b) The hearing shall be conducted in such manner as the court de-
termines is proper. The court may permit witnesses to attend and
testify and evidence to be procured and introduced in the same man-
ner as in the trial of a civil case.
(c) If the value of property or an interest in property is a ground for
the objection, the court shall estimate its value. The court may ap-
point one or more disinterested persons to appraise property or an
interest in property for the purpose of estimating its value.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 995.960. Determination of sufficiency of bond

(a) Upon the hearing, the court shall make an order determining
the sufficiency or insufficiency of the bond.
(b) If the court determines that the bond is insufficient:
(1) The court shall specify in what respect the bond is insufficient
and shall order that a bond with sufficient sureties and in a sufficient
amount be given within five days. If a sufficient bond is not given
within the time required by the court order, all rights obtained by
giving the bond immediately cease and the court shall upon ex parte
motion so order.
(2) If a bond is in effect, the bond remains in effect until a bond with
sufficient sureties and in a sufficient amount is given in its place, or
the time in which to give the bond has expired, whichever first occurs.
If the time in which to give a sufficient bond expires, the original
bond remains in full force and effect for all liabilities incurred before,
and for acts, omissions, or causes existing or which arose before, expi-
ration.
(c) If the court determines that a bond is sufficient, no future objec-
tion to the bond may be made except upon a showing of changed cir-
cumstances.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
700 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Article 10
Insufficient and Excessive Bonds
§ 996.010. Bond in action or proceeding
(a) If a bond is given in an action or proceeding, the court may de-
termine that the bond is or has from any cause become insufficient
because the sureties are insufficient or because the amount of the
bond is insufficient.
(b) The court determination shall be upon motion supported by affi-
davit or upon the court’s own motion. The motion shall be deemed to
be an objection to the bond. The motion shall be heard and notice of
motion shall be given in the same manner as an objection to the bond.
(c) Upon the determination the court shall order that a sufficient
new, additional, or supplemental bond be given within a reasonable
time not less than five days. The court order is subject to any limita-
tions in the statute providing for the bond.
(d) If a sufficient bond is not given within the time required by the
court order, all rights obtained by giving the original bond immediate-
ly cease and the court shall upon ex parte motion so order.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.020. Bond other than in action or proceeding

(a) If a bond is given other than in an action or proceeding and it is
shown by affidavit of a credible witness or it otherwise comes to the
attention of the officer that the bond is or has from any cause become
insufficient because the sureties are insufficient or because the
amount of the bond is insufficient, the officer may serve an order on
the principal to appear and show cause why the officer should not
make a determination that the bond is insufficient. The order shall
name a day not less than three or more than 10 days after service.
(b) If the principal fails to appear or show good cause on the day
named why a determination that the bond is insufficient should not
be made, the officer may determine that the bond is insufficient and
order a sufficient new, additional, or supplemental bond to be given.
(c) If a sufficient bond is not given within 10 days after the order,
the officer shall make an order vacating the rights obtained by giving
the original bond, including declaring vacant any office and suspend-
ing or revoking any license or certificate for which the bond was giv-
en. Any office vacated, license suspended or revoked, or any other
rights lost, for failure to give a new, additional, or supplemental bond,
shall not be reinstated until a new, additional, or supplemental bond
is given.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 701

§ 996.030. Reduced bond

(a) The court if a bond is given or ordered in an action or proceed-
ing, or the officer if a bond is given or ordered other than in an action
or proceeding, may determine that the amount of the bond is exces-
sive and order the amount reduced to an amount that in the discre-
tion of the court or officer appears proper under the circumstances.
The order is subject to any limitations in the statute providing for the
bond.
(b) The determination shall be made upon motion or affidavit of the
principal in the same manner as a motion or affidavit for a determi-
nation under this article that a bond is insufficient. The notice of mo-
tion or the order to show cause made pursuant to affidavit shall be
served on the beneficiary. The determination shall be made in the
same manner and pursuant to the same procedures as a determina-
tion under this article that the bond is insufficient.
(c) The principal may give a new bond for the reduced amount. The
sureties may be the same sureties as on the original bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1988 ch 309 § 1.

Article 11
Release or Substitution of Sureties on Bond Given in Action or
Proceeding
§ 996.110. Application for substitution and release
(a) A surety on a bond given in an action or proceeding may at any
time apply to the court for an order that the surety be released from
liability on the bond.
(b) The principal on a bond may, if a surety applies for release from
liability on a bond, apply to the court for an order that another surety
be substituted for the original surety.
(c) The applicant shall serve on the principal or surety (other than
the applicant) and on the beneficiary a copy of the application and a
notice of hearing on the application. Service shall be made not less
than 15 days before the date set for hearing.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.120. Hearing
Upon the hearing of the application, the court shall determine
whether injury to the beneficiary would result from substitution or
release of the surety. If the court determines that release would not
reduce the amount of the bond or the number of sureties below the
minimum required by the statute providing for the bond, substitution
of a sufficient surety is not necessary and the court shall order the
702 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

release of the surety. If the court determines that no injury would

result from substitution of the surety, the court shall order the sub-
stitution of a sufficient surety within such time as appears reasona-
ble.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.130. Substitution and release

(a) If a substitute surety is given, the substitute surety is subject to
all the provisions of this chapter, including but not limited to the pro-
visions governing insufficient and excessive bonds.
(b) Upon the substitution of a sufficient surety, the court shall order
the release of the original surety from liability on the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.140. Failure to give substitute surety

If the principal does not give a sufficient substitute surety within
the time ordered by the court or such longer time as the surety con-
sents to, all rights obtained by giving the original bond immediately
cease and the court shall upon ex parte motion so order.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.150. Liability of released surety

If a surety is ordered released from liability on a bond:
(a) The bond remains in full force and effect for all liabilities in-
curred before, and for acts, omissions, or causes existing or which
arose before, the release. Legal proceedings may be had therefor in all
respects as though there had been no release.
(b) The surety is not liable for any act, default, or misconduct of the
principal or other breach of the condition of the bond that occurs af-
ter, or for any liabilities on the bond that arise after, the release.
(c) The release does not affect the bond as to the remaining sureties,
or alter or change their liability in any respect.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 12
New, Additional, and Supplemental Bonds
§ 996.210. When bond given
(a) The principal shall give a new, additional, or supplemental bond
if the court or officer orders that a new, additional, or supplemental
bond be given.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 703

(b) The principal may give a new bond if a surety withdraws from or
cancels the original bond or to obtain the release of sureties from lia-
bility on the original bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.220. Contents of bond

(a) A new, additional, or supplemental bond shall be in the same
form and have the same obligation as the original bond and shall be
in all other respects the same as the original bond, and shall be in
such amount as is necessary for the purpose for which the new, addi-
tional, or supplemental bond is given.
(b) A supplemental bond shall, in addition to any other require-
ments, recite the names of the remaining original sureties, the name
of the new surety, and the amount for which the new surety is liable.
The supplemental bond shall be for the amount for which the original
surety was liable on the original bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.230. Provisions applicable to bond

A new, additional, or supplemental bond is subject to all the provi-
sions applicable to the original bond and to the provisions of this
chapter, including but not limited to the provisions governing giving
and objecting to a bond and liabilities and enforcement procedures.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.240. Effect of new bond

If a new bond is given in place of the original bond:
(a) The original bond remains in full force and effect for all liabili-
ties incurred before, and for acts, omissions, or causes existing or
which arose before, the new bond became effective.
(b) The sureties on the original bond are not liable for any act, de-
fault, or misconduct of the principal or other breach of the condition
of the bond that occurs after or for any liabilities on the bond that
arise after, the new bond becomes effective.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.250. Effect of additional or supplemental bond

(a) An additional or supplemental bond does not discharge or affect
the original bond. The original bond remains in full force and effect as
if the additional or supplemental bond had not been given.
(b) After an additional or supplemental bond is given, the principal
and sureties are liable upon either or both bonds for injury caused by
breach of any condition of the bonds. Subject to subdivision (c), the
704 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

beneficiary may enforce the liability on either bond, or may enforce

the liability separately on both bonds and recover separate judgments
of liability on both.
(c) If the beneficiary recovers separate judgments of liability on
both bonds for the same cause of action, the beneficiary may enforce
both judgments. The beneficiary may collect, by execution or other-
wise, the costs of both proceedings to enforce the liability and the
amount actually awarded to the beneficiary on the same cause of ac-
tion in only one of the proceedings, and no double recovery shall be
allowed.
(d) If the sureties on either bond have been compelled to pay any
sum of money on account of the principal, they are entitled to recover
from the sureties on the remaining bond a distributive part of the
sum paid, in the proportion the amounts of the bonds bear one to the
other and to the sums paid.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 13
Cancellation of Bond or Withdrawal of Sureties
§ 996.310. Application of article
This article governs cancellation of or withdrawal of a surety from a
bond given other than in an action or proceeding.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.320. Notice of cancellation or withdrawal

A surety may cancel or withdraw from a bond by giving a notice of
cancellation or withdrawal to the officer to whom the bond was given
in the same manner the bond was given, notwithstanding Section
995.030. The surety shall at the same time mail or deliver a copy of
the notice of cancellation or withdrawal to the principal.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.330. Effective date of cancellation or withdrawal

Cancellation or withdrawal of a surety is effective at the earliest of
the following times:
(a) Thirty days after notice of cancellation or withdrawal is given.
(b) If a new surety is substituted for the original surety, the date
the substitution becomes effective.
(c) If a new bond is given, the date the new bond becomes effective.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 705

§ 996.340. Effect of cancellation or withdrawal

(a) If the principal does not give a new bond within 30 days after
notice of cancellation or withdrawal is given, all rights obtained by
giving the original bond immediately cease, any office for which the
bond is given is vacant, any commission for which the bond is given is
revoked, and any license or registration for which the bond is given is
suspended.
(b) A person whose license or registration is suspended shall not op-
erate or carry on business pursuant to the license or registration dur-
ing the period of suspension. A license or registration that is sus-
pended may be revived only by the giving of a new bond during the
license or registration period in which the cancellation or withdrawal
occurred.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1983 ch 18 § 19, effective April 21, 1983.

§ 996.350. New bond not required

If the withdrawal of a surety does not reduce the amount of the
bond or the number of sureties below the minimum required by the
statute providing for the bond, no new bond is required or necessary
to maintain the original bond in effect.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.360. Liability of surety

If a surety cancels or withdraws from a bond:
(a) The bond remains in full force and effect for all liabilities in-
curred before, and for acts, omissions, or causes existing or which
arose before, the cancellation or withdrawal. Legal proceedings may
be had therefor in all respects as though there had been no cancella-
tion or withdrawal.
(b) The surety is not liable for any act, default, or misconduct of the
principal or other breach of the condition of the bond that occurs af-
ter, or for any liabilities on the bond that arise after, the cancellation
or withdrawal.
(c) The cancellation or withdrawal does not affect the bond as to the
remaining sureties, or alter or change their liability in any respect.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
706 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Article 14
Liability of Principal and Sureties
§ 996.410. Enforcement of liability on bond
(a) The beneficiary may enforce the liability on a bond against both
the principal and sureties.
(b) If the beneficiary is a class of persons, any person in the class
may enforce the liability on a bond in the person’s own name, without
assignment of the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.420. Surety subject to jurisdiction of court

(a) A surety on a bond given in an action or proceeding submits it-
self to the jurisdiction of the court in all matters affecting its liability
on the bond.
(b) This section does not apply to a bond of a public officer or fidu-
ciary.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.430. Action to enforce liability

(a) The liability on a bond may be enforced by civil action. Both the
principal and the sureties shall be joined as parties to the action.
(b) If the bond was given in an action or proceeding, the action shall
be commenced in the court in which the action or proceeding was
pending. If the bond was given other than in an action or proceeding,
the action shall be commenced in any court of competent jurisdiction,
and the amount of damage claimed in the action, not the amount of
the bond, determines the jurisdictional classification of the case.
(c) A cause of action on a bond may be transferred and assigned as
other causes of action.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1998 ch 931 § 105 (SB 2139), effective
September 28, 1998.

§ 996.440. Motion to enforce liability

(a) If a bond is given in an action or proceeding, the liability on the
bond may be enforced on motion made in the court without the neces-
sity of an independent action.
(b) The motion shall not be made until after entry of the final judg-
ment in the action or proceeding in which the bond is given and the
time for appeal has expired or, if an appeal is taken, until the appeal
is finally determined. The motion shall not be made or notice of mo-
tion served more than one year after the later of the preceding dates.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 707

(c) Notice of motion shall be served on the principal and sureties at

least 30 days before the time set for hearing of the motion. The notice
shall state the amount of the claim and shall be supported by affida-
vits setting forth the facts on which the claim is based. The notice and
affidavits shall be served in accordance with any procedure author-
ized by Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1010).
(d) Judgment shall be entered against the principal and sureties in
accordance with the motion unless the principal or sureties serve and
file affidavits in opposition to the motion showing such facts as may
be deemed by the judge hearing the motion sufficient to present a tri-
able issue of fact. If such a showing is made, the issues to be tried
shall be specified by the court. Trial shall be by the court and shall be
set for the earliest date convenient to the court, allowing sufficient
time for such discovery proceedings as may be requested.
(e) The principal and sureties shall not obtain a stay of the proceed-
ings pending determination of any conflicting claims among benefi-
ciaries.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.450. Statute of limitations

No provision in a bond is valid that attempts by contract to shorten
the period prescribed by Section 337 or other statute for the com-
mencement of an action on the bond or the period prescribed by Sec-
tion 996.440 for a motion to enforce a bond. This section does not ap-
ply if the principal, beneficiary, and surety accept a provision for a
shorter period in a bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.460. Judgment of liability

(a) Notwithstanding Section 2845 of the Civil Code, a judgment of
liability on a bond shall be in favor of the beneficiary and against the
principal and sureties and shall obligate each of them jointly and sev-
erally.
(b) The judgment shall be in an amount determined by the court.
(c) A judgment that does not exhaust the full amount of the bond
decreases the amount of the bond but does not discharge the bond.
The liability on the bond may be enforced thereafter from time to
time until the amount of the bond is exhausted.
(d) The judgment may be enforced by the beneficiary directly
against the sureties. Nothing in this section affects any right of sub-
rogation of a surety against the principal or any right of a surety to
compel the principal to satisfy the judgment.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
708 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 996.470. Limitation on liability of surety

(a) Notwithstanding any other statute other than Section 996.480,
the aggregate liability of a surety to all persons for all breaches of the
condition of a bond is limited to the amount of the bond. Except as
otherwise provided by statute, the liability of the principal is not lim-
ited to the amount of the bond.
(b) If a bond is given in an amount greater than the amount required
by statute or by order of the court or officer pursuant to statute, the
liability of the surety on the bond is limited to the amount required by
statute or by order of the court or officer, unless the amount of the bond
has been increased voluntarily or by agreement of the parties to satisfy
an objection to the bond made in an action or proceeding.
(c) The liability of a surety is limited to the amount stipulated in
any of the following circumstances:
(1) The bond contains a stipulation pursuant to Section 995.520 that
the liability of a personal surety is limited to the worth of the surety.
(2) The bond contains a stipulation that the liability of a surety is
an amount less than the amount of the bond pursuant to a statute
that provides that the liability of sureties in the aggregate need not
exceed the amount of the bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1. Amended Stats 1993 ch 527 § 2 (AB 908).

§ 996.475. Liability of surety pursuant to other statute

Nothing in this chapter is intended to limit the liability of a surety
pursuant to any other statute. This section is declaratory of, and not
a change in, existing law.
Added Stats 1984 ch 538 § 33.3.

§ 996.480. Voluntary payment by surety

(a) If the nature and extent of the liability of the principal is estab-
lished by final judgment of a court and the time for appeal has ex-
pired or, if an appeal is taken, the appeal is finally determined and
the judgment is affirmed:
(1) A surety may make payment on a bond without awaiting en-
forcement of the bond. The amount of the bond is reduced to the ex-
tent of any payment made by the surety in good faith.
(2) If the beneficiary makes a claim for payment on a bond given in
an action or proceeding after the liability of the principal is so estab-
lished and the surety fails to make payment, the surety is liable for
costs incurred in obtaining a judgment against the surety, including a
reasonable attorney’s fee, and interest on the judgment from the date
of the claim, notwithstanding Section 996.470.
(b) Partial payment of a claim by a surety shall not be considered
satisfaction of the claim and the beneficiary may enforce the liability
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 709

on the bond. If a right is affected or a license is suspended or revoked

until payment of a claim, the right continues to be affected and the
license continues to be suspended or revoked until the claim is satis-
fied in full.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.490. Effect of payment by surety

(a) Payment by a surety of the amount of a bond constitutes a full
discharge of all the liability of the surety on the bond.
(b) Each surety is liable to contribution to cosureties who have
made payment in proportion to the amount for which each surety is
liable.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.495. Enforcement of judgment

A judgment of liability on a bond may be enforced in the same
manner and to the same extent as other money judgments.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

Article 15
Enforcement Lien
§ 996.510. Application of article
This article applies to proceedings for the benefit of the state to en-
force the liability on a bond executed to, in favor of, or payable to the
state or the people of the state, including but not limited to an official
bond.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.520. Affidavit
The person enforcing the liability may file with the court in the pro-
ceedings an affidavit stating the following:
(a) The bond was executed by the defendant or one or more of the
defendants (designating whom).
(b) The bond is one to which this article applies.
(c) The defendant or defendants have real property or an interest in
real property (designating the county or counties in which the real
property is situated).
(d) The liability is being enforced for the benefit of the state.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
710 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 996.530. Certification by clerk

The clerk receiving the affidavit shall certify to the recorder of the
county in which the real property is situated all of the following:
(a) The names of the parties.
(b) The court in which the proceedings are pending.
(c) The amount claimed.
(d) The date of commencement of the proceedings.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.540. Recordation of certificate

(a) Upon receiving the certificate the county recorder shall endorse
upon it the time of its receipt.
(b) The certificate shall be filed and recorded in the same manner
as notice of the pendency of an action affecting real property.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.550. Lien of judgment

(a) Any judgment recovered is a lien upon all real property belong-
ing to the defendant situated in any county in which the certificate is
filed, from the filing of the certificate.
(b) The lien is for the amount for which the owner of the real prop-
erty is liable upon the judgment.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.

§ 996.560. Specific performance of agreement to sell property

If an agreement to sell real property affected by the lien created by
the filing of a certificate was made before the filing of the certificate
and the purchase price under the agreement was not due until after
the filing of the certificate, and the purchaser is otherwise entitled to
specific performance of the agreement:
(a) The court in an action to compel specific performance of the
agreement shall order the purchaser to pay the purchase price, or so
much of the purchase price as may be due, to the State Treasurer,
and to take the State Treasurer’s receipt for payment.
(b) Upon payment, the purchaser is entitled to enforcement of spe-
cific performance of the agreement. The purchaser takes the real
property free from the lien created by the filing of the certificate.
(c) The State Treasurer shall hold the payment pending the pro-
ceedings referred to in the certificate. The payment is subject to the
lien created by the filing of the certificate.
Added Stats 1982 ch 998 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 711

FAMILY CODE

DIVISION 17
SUPPORT SERVICES

Chapter 2
Child Support Enforcement
Article 2
Collections and Enforcement
§ 17520. Consolidated lists of persons; License renewals;
Review procedures; Report to Legislature; Rules and
regulations; Forms; Use of information; Suspension or
revocation of driver's license; Severability
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Applicant” means a person applying for issuance or renewal of
a license.
(2) “Board” means an entity specified in Section 101 of the Business
and Professions Code, the entities referred to in Sections 1000 and
3600 of the Business and Professions Code, the State Bar, the Bureau
of Real Estate, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Secretary of
State, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and any other state com-
mission, department, committee, examiner, or agency that issues a
license, certificate, credential, permit, registration, or any other au-
thorization to engage in a business, occupation, or profession, or to
the extent required by federal law or regulations, for recreational
purposes. This term includes all boards, commissions, departments,
committees, examiners, entities, and agencies that issue a license,
certificate, credential, permit, registration, or any other authorization
to engage in a business, occupation, or profession. The failure to spe-
cifically name a particular board, commission, department, commit-
tee, examiner, entity, or agency that issues a license, certificate, cre-
dential, permit, registration, or any other authorization to engage in
a business, occupation, or profession does not exclude that board,
commission, department, committee, examiner, entity, or agency from
this term.
(3) “Certified list” means a list provided by the local child support
agency to the Department of Child Support Services in which the lo-
cal child support agency verifies, under penalty of perjury, that the
712 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

names contained therein are support obligors found to be out of com-

pliance with a judgment or order for support in a case being enforced
under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act.
(4) “Compliance with a judgment or order for support” means that,
as set forth in a judgment or order for child or family support, the ob-
ligor is no more than 30 calendar days in arrears in making payments
in full for current support, in making periodic payments in full,
whether court ordered or by agreement with the local child support
agency, on a support arrearage, or in making periodic payments in
full, whether court ordered or by agreement with the local child sup-
port agency, on a judgment for reimbursement for public assistance,
or has obtained a judicial finding that equitable estoppel as provided
in statute or case law precludes enforcement of the order. The local
child support agency is authorized to use this section to enforce or-
ders for spousal support only when the local child support agency is
also enforcing a related child support obligation owed to the obligee
parent by the same obligor, pursuant to Sections 17400 and 17604.
(5) “License” includes membership in the State Bar, and a certifi-
cate, credential, permit, registration, or any other authorization is-
sued by a board that allows a person to engage in a business, occupa-
tion, or profession, or to operate a commercial motor vehicle, includ-
ing appointment and commission by the Secretary of State as a nota-
ry public. “License” also includes any driver’s license issued by the
Department of Motor Vehicles, any commercial fishing license issued
by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and to the extent required by
federal law or regulations, any license used for recreational purposes.
This term includes all licenses, certificates, credentials, permits, reg-
istrations, or any other authorization issued by a board that allows a
person to engage in a business, occupation, or profession. The failure
to specifically name a particular type of license, certificate, credential,
permit, registration, or other authorization issued by a board that
allows a person to engage in a business, occupation, or profession,
does not exclude that license, certificate, credential, permit, registra-
tion, or other authorization from this term.
(6) “Licensee” means a person holding a license, certificate, creden-
tial, permit, registration, or other authorization issued by a board, to
engage in a business, occupation, or profession, or a commercial driv-
er’s license as defined in Section 15210 of the Vehicle Code, including
an appointment and commission by the Secretary of State as a notary
public. “Licensee” also means a person holding a driver’s license is-
sued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, a person holding a com-
mercial fishing license issued by the Department of Fish and Game,
and to the extent required by federal law or regulations, a person
holding a license used for recreational purposes. This term includes
all persons holding a license, certificate, credential, permit, registra-
tion, or any other authorization to engage in a business, occupation,
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 713

or profession, and the failure to specifically name a particular type of

license, certificate, credential, permit, registration, or other authori-
zation issued by a board does not exclude that person from this term.
For licenses issued to an entity that is not an individual person, “li-
censee” includes an individual who is either listed on the license or
who qualifies for the license.
(b) The local child support agency shall maintain a list of those per-
sons included in a case being enforced under Title IV-D of the federal
Social Security Act against whom a support order or judgment has
been rendered by, or registered in, a court of this state, and who are
not in compliance with that order or judgment. The local child sup-
port agency shall submit a certified list with the names, social securi-
ty numbers, and last known addresses of these persons and the name,
address, and telephone number of the local child support agency who
certified the list to the department. The local child support agency
shall verify, under penalty of perjury, that the persons listed are sub-
ject to an order or judgment for the payment of support and that
these persons are not in compliance with the order or judgment. The
local child support agency shall submit to the department an updated
certified list on a monthly basis.
(c) The department shall consolidate the certified lists received from
the local child support agencies and, within 30 calendar days of re-
ceipt, shall provide a copy of the consolidated list to each board that is
responsible for the regulation of licenses, as specified in this section.
(d) On or before November 1, 1992, or as soon thereafter as econom-
ically feasible, as determined by the department, all boards subject to
this section shall implement procedures to accept and process the list
provided by the department, in accordance with this section. Not-
withstanding any other law, all boards shall collect social security
numbers or individual taxpayer identification numbers from all ap-
plicants for the purposes of matching the names of the certified list
provided by the department to applicants and licensees and of re-
sponding to requests for this information made by child support agen-
cies.
(e) (1) Promptly after receiving the certified consolidated list from
the department, and prior to the issuance or renewal of a license,
each board shall determine whether the applicant is on the most re-
cent certified consolidated list provided by the department. The board
shall have the authority to withhold issuance or renewal of the li-
cense of an applicant on the list.
(2) If an applicant is on the list, the board shall immediately serve
notice as specified in subdivision (f) on the applicant of the board’s
intent to withhold issuance or renewal of the license. The notice shall
be made personally or by mail to the applicant’s last known mailing
address on file with the board. Service by mail shall be complete in
accordance with Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
714 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(A) The board shall issue a temporary license valid for a period of
150 days to any applicant whose name is on the certified list if the
applicant is otherwise eligible for a license.
(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the 150-day time peri-
od for a temporary license shall not be extended. Except as provided
in subparagraph (D), only one temporary license shall be issued dur-
ing a regular license term and it shall coincide with the first 150 days
of that license term. As this paragraph applies to commercial driver’s
licenses, “license term” shall be deemed to be 12 months from the
date the application fee is received by the Department of Motor Vehi-
cles. A license for the full or remainder of the license term shall be
issued or renewed only upon compliance with this section.
(C) In the event that a license or application for a license or the re-
newal of a license is denied pursuant to this section, any funds paid
by the applicant or licensee shall not be refunded by the board.
(D) This paragraph shall apply only in the case of a driver’s license,
other than a commercial driver’s license. Upon the request of the local
child support agency or by order of the court upon a showing of good
cause, the board shall extend a 150-day temporary license for a period
not to exceed 150 extra days.
(3) (A) The department may, when it is economically feasible for the
department and the boards to do so as determined by the department,
in cases where the department is aware that certain child support
obligors listed on the certified lists have been out of compliance with a
judgment or order for support for more than four months, provide a
supplemental list of these obligors to each board with which the de-
partment has an interagency agreement to implement this para-
graph. Upon request by the department, the licenses of these obligors
shall be subject to suspension, provided that the licenses would not
otherwise be eligible for renewal within six months from the date of
the request by the department. The board shall have the authority to
suspend the license of any licensee on this supplemental list.
(B) If a licensee is on a supplemental list, the board shall immedi-
ately serve notice as specified in subdivision (f) on the licensee that
his or her license will be automatically suspended 150 days after no-
tice is served, unless compliance with this section is achieved. The
notice shall be made personally or by mail to the licensee’s last known
mailing address on file with the board. Service by mail shall be com-
plete in accordance with Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(C) The 150-day notice period shall not be extended.
(D) In the event that any license is suspended pursuant to this sec-
tion, any funds paid by the licensee shall not be refunded by the
board.
(E) This paragraph shall not apply to licenses subject to annual re-
newal or annual fee.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 715

(f) Notices shall be developed by each board in accordance with

guidelines provided by the department and subject to approval by the
department. The notice shall include the address and telephone num-
ber of the local child support agency that submitted the name on the
certified list, and shall emphasize the necessity of obtaining a release
from that local child support agency as a condition for the issuance,
renewal, or continued valid status of a license or licenses.
(1) In the case of applicants not subject to paragraph (3) of subdivi-
sion (e), the notice shall inform the applicant that the board shall is-
sue a temporary license, as provided in subparagraph (A) of para-
graph (2) of subdivision (e), for 150 calendar days if the applicant is
otherwise eligible and that upon expiration of that time period the
license will be denied unless the board has received a release from the
local child support agency that submitted the name on the certified
list.
(2) In the case of licensees named on a supplemental list, the notice
shall inform the licensee that his or her license will continue in its
existing status for no more than 150 calendar days from the date of
mailing or service of the notice and thereafter will be suspended in-
definitely unless, during the 150-day notice period, the board has re-
ceived a release from the local child support agency that submitted
the name on the certified list. Additionally, the notice shall inform
the licensee that any license suspended under this section will remain
so until the expiration of the remaining license term, unless the board
receives a release along with applications and fees, if applicable, to
reinstate the license during the license term.
(3) The notice shall also inform the applicant or licensee that if an
application is denied or a license is suspended pursuant to this sec-
tion, any funds paid by the applicant or licensee shall not be refunded
by the board. The Department of Child Support Services shall also
develop a form that the applicant shall use to request a review by the
local child support agency. A copy of this form shall be included with
every notice sent pursuant to this subdivision.
(g) (1) Each local child support agency shall maintain review proce-
dures consistent with this section to allow an applicant to have the
underlying arrearage and any relevant defenses investigated, to pro-
vide an applicant information on the process of obtaining a modifica-
tion of a support order, or to provide an applicant assistance in the
establishment of a payment schedule on arrearages if the circum-
stances so warrant.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that a court or local child sup-
port agency, when determining an appropriate payment schedule for
arrearages, base its decision on the facts of the particular case and
the priority of payment of child support over other debts. The pay-
ment schedule shall also recognize that certain expenses may be es-
sential to enable an obligor to be employed. Therefore, in reaching its
716 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

decision, the court or the local child support agency shall consider
both of these goals in setting a payment schedule for arrearages.
(h) If the applicant wishes to challenge the submission of his or her
name on the certified list, the applicant shall make a timely written
request for review to the local child support agency who certified the
applicant’s name. A request for review pursuant to this section shall
be resolved in the same manner and timeframe provided for resolu-
tion of a complaint pursuant to Section 17800. The local child support
agency shall immediately send a release to the appropriate board and
the applicant, if any of the following conditions are met:
(1) The applicant is found to be in compliance or negotiates an
agreement with the local child support agency for a payment schedule
on arrearages or reimbursement.
(2) The applicant has submitted a request for review, but the local
child support agency will be unable to complete the review and send
notice of its findings to the applicant within the time specified in Sec-
tion 17800.
(3) The applicant has filed and served a request for judicial review
pursuant to this section, but a resolution of that review will not be
made within 150 days of the date of service of notice pursuant to sub-
division (f). This paragraph applies only if the delay in completing the
judicial review process is not the result of the applicant’s failure to
act in a reasonable, timely, and diligent manner upon receiving the
local child support agency’s notice of findings.
(4) The applicant has obtained a judicial finding of compliance as
defined in this section.
(i) An applicant is required to act with diligence in responding to
notices from the board and the local child support agency with the
recognition that the temporary license will lapse or the license sus-
pension will go into effect after 150 days and that the local child sup-
port agency and, where appropriate, the court must have time to act
within that period. An applicant’s delay in acting, without good cause,
which directly results in the inability of the local child support agency
to complete a review of the applicant’s request or the court to hear the
request for judicial review within the 150-day period shall not consti-
tute the diligence required under this section which would justify the
issuance of a release.
(j) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the local child sup-
port agency shall not issue a release if the applicant is not in compli-
ance with the judgment or order for support. The local child support
agency shall notify the applicant in writing that the applicant may,
by filing an order to show cause or notice of motion, request any or all
of the following:
(1) Judicial review of the local child support agency’s decision not to
issue a release.
(2) A judicial determination of compliance.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 717

(3) A modification of the support judgment or order.

The notice shall also contain the name and address of the court in
which the applicant shall file the order to show cause or notice of mo-
tion and inform the applicant that his or her name shall remain on
the certified list if the applicant does not timely request judicial re-
view. The applicant shall comply with all statutes and rules of court
regarding orders to show cause and notices of motion.
This section shall not be deemed to limit an applicant from filing an
order to show cause or notice of motion to modify a support judgment
or order or to fix a payment schedule on arrearages accruing under a
support judgment or order or to obtain a court finding of compliance
with a judgment or order for support.
(k) The request for judicial review of the local child support agency’s
decision shall state the grounds for which review is requested and
judicial review shall be limited to those stated grounds. The court
shall hold an evidentiary hearing within 20 calendar days of the filing
of the request for review. Judicial review of the local child support
agency’s decision shall be limited to a determination of each of the
following issues:
(1) Whether there is a support judgment, order, or payment sched-
ule on arrearages or reimbursement.
(2) Whether the petitioner is the obligor covered by the support
judgment or order.
(3) Whether the support obligor is or is not in compliance with the
judgment or order of support.
(4) (A) The extent to which the needs of the obligor, taking into ac-
count the obligor’s payment history and the current circumstances of
both the obligor and the obligee, warrant a conditional release as de-
scribed in this subdivision.
(B) The request for judicial review shall be served by the applicant
upon the local child support agency that submitted the applicant’s
name on the certified list within seven calendar days of the filing of
the petition. The court has the authority to uphold the action, uncon-
ditionally release the license, or conditionally release the license.
(C) If the judicial review results in a finding by the court that the
obligor is in compliance with the judgment or order for support, the
local child support agency shall immediately send a release in accord-
ance with subdivision (l ) to the appropriate board and the applicant.
If the judicial review results in a finding by the court that the needs
of the obligor warrant a conditional release, the court shall make
findings of fact stating the basis for the release and the payment nec-
essary to satisfy the unrestricted issuance or renewal of the license
without prejudice to a later judicial determination of the amount of
support arrearages, including interest, and shall specify payment
terms, compliance with which are necessary to allow the release to
remain in effect.
718 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(l ) The department shall prescribe release forms for use by local

child support agencies. When the obligor is in compliance, the local
child support agency shall mail to the applicant and the appropriate
board a release stating that the applicant is in compliance. The re-
ceipt of a release shall serve to notify the applicant and the board
that, for the purposes of this section, the applicant is in compliance
with the judgment or order for support. Any board that has received a
release from the local child support agency pursuant to this subdivi-
sion shall process the release within five business days of its receipt.
If the local child support agency determines subsequent to the issu-
ance of a release that the applicant is once again not in compliance
with a judgment or order for support, or with the terms of repayment
as described in this subdivision, the local child support agency may
notify the board, the obligor, and the department in a format pre-
scribed by the department that the obligor is not in compliance.
The department may, when it is economically feasible for the de-
partment and the boards to develop an automated process for comply-
ing with this subdivision, notify the boards in a manner prescribed by
the department, that the obligor is once again not in compliance. Up-
on receipt of this notice, the board shall immediately notify the obli-
gor on a form prescribed by the department that the obligor’s license
will be suspended on a specific date, and this date shall be no longer
than 30 days from the date the form is mailed. The obligor shall be
further notified that the license will remain suspended until a new
release is issued in accordance with subdivision (h). Nothing in this
section shall be deemed to limit the obligor from seeking judicial re-
view of suspension pursuant to the procedures described in subdivi-
sion (k).
(m) The department may enter into interagency agreements with
the state agencies that have responsibility for the administration of
boards necessary to implement this section, to the extent that it is
cost effective to implement this section. These agreements shall pro-
vide for the receipt by the other state agencies and boards of federal
funds to cover that portion of costs allowable in federal law and regu-
lation and incurred by the state agencies and boards in implementing
this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, revenue
generated by a board or state agency shall be used to fund the non-
federal share of costs incurred pursuant to this section. These agree-
ments shall provide that boards shall reimburse the department for
the nonfederal share of costs incurred by the department in imple-
menting this section. The boards shall reimburse the department for
the nonfederal share of costs incurred pursuant to this section from
moneys collected from applicants and licensees.
(n) Notwithstanding any other law, in order for the boards subject
to this section to be reimbursed for the costs incurred in administer-
ing its provisions, the boards may, with the approval of the appropri-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 719

ate department director, levy on all licensees and applicants a sur-

charge on any fee or fees collected pursuant to law, or, alternatively,
with the approval of the appropriate department director, levy on the
applicants or licensees named on a certified list or supplemental list,
a special fee.
(o) The process described in subdivision (h) shall constitute the sole
administrative remedy for contesting the issuance of a temporary li-
cense or the denial or suspension of a license under this section. The
procedures specified in the administrative adjudication provisions of
the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 4.5 (commencing with
Section 11400) and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of
Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) shall not apply
to the denial, suspension, or failure to issue or renew a license or the
issuance of a temporary license pursuant to this section.
(p) In furtherance of the public policy of increasing child support en-
forcement and collections, on or before November 1, 1995, the State
Department of Social Services shall make a report to the Legislature
and the Governor based on data collected by the boards and the dis-
trict attorneys in a format prescribed by the State Department of So-
cial Services. The report shall contain all of the following:
(1) The number of delinquent obligors certified by district attorneys
under this section.
(2) The number of support obligors who also were applicants or li-
censees subject to this section.
(3) The number of new licenses and renewals that were delayed,
temporary licenses issued, and licenses suspended subject to this sec-
tion and the number of new licenses and renewals granted and li-
censes reinstated following board receipt of releases as provided by
subdivision (h) by May 1, 1995.
(4) The costs incurred in the implementation and enforcement of
this section.
(q) Any board receiving an inquiry as to the licensed status of an
applicant or licensee who has had a license denied or suspended un-
der this section or has been granted a temporary license under this
section shall respond only that the license was denied or suspended or
the temporary license was issued pursuant to this section. Infor-
mation collected pursuant to this section by any state agency, board,
or department shall be subject to the Information Practices Act of
1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of Part 4
of Division 3 of the Civil Code).
(r) Any rules and regulations issued pursuant to this section by any
state agency, board, or department may be adopted as emergency
regulations in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Ad-
ministrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section
11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). The
adoption of these regulations shall be deemed an emergency and nec-
720 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

essary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and
safety, or general welfare. The regulations shall become effective im-
mediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
(s) The department and boards, as appropriate, shall adopt regula-
tions necessary to implement this section.
(t) The Judicial Council shall develop the forms necessary to im-
plement this section, except as provided in subdivisions (f) and (l ).
(u) The release or other use of information received by a board pur-
suant to this section, except as authorized by this section, is punisha-
ble as a misdemeanor.
(v) The State Board of Equalization shall enter into interagency
agreements with the department and the Franchise Tax Board that
will require the department and the Franchise Tax Board to maxim-
ize the use of information collected by the State Board of Equaliza-
tion, for child support enforcement purposes, to the extent it is cost
effective and permitted by the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(w) (1) The suspension or revocation of any driver’s license, includ-
ing a commercial driver’s license, under this section shall not subject
the licensee to vehicle impoundment pursuant to Section 14602.6 of
the Vehicle Code.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law, the suspension or revocation of
any driver’s license, including a commercial driver’s license, under
this section shall not subject the licensee to increased costs for vehicle
liability insurance.
(x) If any provision of this section or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect
other provisions or applications of this section which can be given ef-
fect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the
provisions of this section are severable.
(y) All rights to administrative and judicial review afforded by this
section to an applicant shall also be afforded to a licensee.
Added Stats 1999 ch 654 § 3.5 (AB 370). Amended Stats 2001 ch 755 § 14 (SB 943),
effective October 12, 2001; Stats 2013 ch 352 § 79 (AB 1317), effective September 26,
2013, operative July 1, 2013; Stats 2014 ch 752 § 10 (SB 1159), effective January 1,
2015.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 721

GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 1
General
DIVISION 4
PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

Chapter 4
Resignations and Vacancies
Article 2
Vacancies
§ 1774. Filling vacancies; Interim appointments; When office
deemed vacant
(a) When an office, the appointment to which is vested in the Gov-
ernor and Senate, either becomes vacant or the term of the incumbent
thereof expires, the Governor may appoint a person to the office or
reappoint the incumbent after the expiration of the term. Until Sen-
ate confirmation of the person appointed or reappointed, that person
serves at the pleasure of the Governor. If the term of office of an in-
cumbent subject to this section expires, the Governor shall have 60
days after the expiration date to reappoint the incumbent. If the in-
cumbent is not reappointed within the 60–day period, the office shall
be deemed to be vacant as of the first day following the end of the 60–
day period.
(b) With respect to the appointment or reappointment by the Gov-
ernor of a person to an office subject to confirmation by the Senate,
the Governor shall submit the name of the person appointed, or the
name of the incumbent reappointed, and the effective date of the ap-
pointment or reappointment to the Senate or, if the Senate is in re-
cess or has adjourned, to the Secretary of the Senate, within 60 days
after the person first began performing the duties of the office, or, as
to the reappointment of an incumbent, within 90 days after the expi-
ration date of the term. If the Governor does not provide the required
notification within 60 days after the person first began performing
the duties of the office, or, as to the reappointment of an incumbent to
an office after the expiration date of the term, within 90 days after
722 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

the expiration of the term, the office shall be deemed to be vacant as

of the first day immediately following the end of the applicable period.
(c) If the Senate either refuses to confirm, or fails to confirm within
365 days after the day the person first began performing the duties of
the office, or, with respect to an incumbent whose appointment to
that office previously had been confirmed by the Senate and who is
reappointed to that office, within 365 days after the expiration date of
the term, the following shall apply:
(1) If the Senate refuses to confirm, the person may continue to
serve in that office until 60 days have elapsed since the refusal to con-
firm or until 365 days have elapsed since the person first began per-
forming the duties of the office, whichever occurs first, or with respect
to an incumbent whose appointment to that office previously had
been confirmed by the Senate and who is reappointed to that office,
until 60 days have elapsed since refusal or until 365 days after the
expiration date of the prior term, and the office for which the ap-
pointment was made shall be deemed to be vacant as of the first day
immediately following the end of the applicable period.
(2) If the Senate fails to confirm within the applicable 365–day pe-
riod, the person may not continue to serve in that office, and the office
for which the appointment was made shall be deemed to be vacant as
of the first day immediately following the end of the 365–day period.
Enacted Stats 1943 ch 134. Amended Stats 1955 ch 1881 § 1; Stats 1973 ch 603 § 1,
effective September 18, 1973; Stats 1980 ch 1338 § 1; Stats 1982 ch 801 § 1.

DIVISION 5
PUBLIC WORK AND PUBLIC PURCHASES

Chapter 3.1
Protection of Underground Infrastructure
Article 2
Regional Notification Center System
§ 4216. Definitions
As used in this article, the following definitions apply:
(a) “Active subsurface installation” means a subsurface installation
currently in use or currently carrying service.
(b) “Board” means the California Underground Facilities Safe Ex-
cavation Board.
(c) “Area of continual excavation” means a location where excava-
tion is part of the normal business activities of that location, includ-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 723

ing, but not limited to, agricultural operations and flood control facili-
ties.
(d) “Delineate” means to mark in white the location or path of the
proposed excavation using the guidelines in Appendix B of the
“Guidelines for Excavation Delineation” published in the most recent
version of the Best Practices guide of the Common Ground Alliance. If
there is a conflict between the marking practices in those guidelines
and other provisions of this article, this article shall control. “Delinea-
tion” also includes physical identification of the area to be excavated
using pink marking, if an excavator makes a determination that
standard delineation may be misleading to those persons using af-
fected streets and highways, or be misinterpreted as a traffic or pe-
destrian control, and the excavator has contacted the regional notifi-
cation center to advise the operators that the excavator will physical-
ly identify the area to be excavated using pink markings.
(e) “Electronic positive response” means an electronic response from
an operator to the regional notification center providing the status of
an operator’s statutorily required response to a ticket.
(f) (1) “Emergency” means a sudden, unexpected occurrence, involv-
ing a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to
prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or es-
sential public services.
(2) “Unexpected occurrence” includes, but is not limited to, a fire,
flood, earthquake or other soil or geologic movement, riot, accident,
damage to a subsurface installation requiring immediate repair, or
sabotage.
(g) “Excavation” means any operation in which earth, rock, or other
material in the ground is moved, removed, or otherwise displaced by
means of tools, equipment, or explosives in any of the following ways:
grading, trenching, digging, ditching, drilling, augering, tunneling,
scraping, cable or pipe plowing and driving, or any other way.
(h) Except as provided in Section 4216.8, “excavator” means any
person, firm, contractor or subcontractor, owner, operator, utility, as-
sociation, corporation, partnership, business trust, public agency, or
other entity that, with their, or his or her, own employees or equip-
ment performs any excavation.
(i) “Hand tool” means a piece of equipment used for excavating that
uses human power and is not powered by any motor, engine, hydrau-
lic, or pneumatic device.
(j) “High priority subsurface installation” means high-pressure nat-
ural gas pipelines with normal operating pressures greater than
415kPA gauge (60psig), petroleum pipelines, pressurized sewage
pipelines, high-voltage electric supply lines, conductors, or cables that
have a potential to ground of greater than or equal to 60kv, or haz-
ardous materials pipelines that are potentially hazardous to workers
or the public if damaged.
724 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(k) “Inactive subsurface installation” means either of the following:

(1) The portion of an underground subsurface installation that is
not active but is still connected to the subsurface installation, or to
any other subsurface installation, that is active or still carries service.
(2) A new underground subsurface installation that has not been
connected to any portion of an existing subsurface installation.
(l ) “Legal excavation start date and time” means two working days,
not including the date of notification, unless the excavator specifies a
later date and time, which shall not be more than 14 calendar days
from the date of notification. For excavation in an area of continual
excavation, “legal excavation start date and time” means two working
days, not including the date of notification, unless the excavator spec-
ifies a later date and time, which shall not be more than six months
from the date of notification.
(m) “Local agency” means a city, county, city and county, school dis-
trict, or special district.
(n) (1) “Locate and field mark” means to indicate the existence of
any owned or maintained subsurface installations by using the guide-
lines in Appendix B of the “Guidelines for Operator Facility Field De-
lineation” published in the most recent version of the Best Practices
guide of the Common Ground Alliance and in conformance with the
uniform color code of the American Public Works Association. If there
is a conflict between the marking practices in the guidelines and this
article, this article shall control.
(2) “Locate and field mark” does not require an indication of the
depth.
(o) “Operator” means any person, corporation, partnership, business
trust, public agency, or other entity that owns, operates, or maintains
a subsurface installation. For purposes of Section 4216.1, an “opera-
tor” does not include an owner of real property where subsurface in-
stallations are exclusively located if they are used exclusively to fur-
nish services on that property and the subsurface facilities are under
the operation and control of that owner.
(p) “Qualified person” means a person who completes a training
program in accordance with the requirements of Section 1509 of Title
8of the California Code of Regulations Injury and Illness Prevention
Program, that meets the minimum locators training guidelines and
practices published in the most recent version of the Best Practices
guide of the Common Ground Alliance.
(q) “Regional notification center” means a nonprofit association or
other organization of operators of subsurface installations that pro-
vides advance warning of excavations or other work close to existing
subsurface installations, for the purpose of protecting those installa-
tions from damage, removal, relocation, or repair.
(r) “State agency” means every state agency, department, division,
bureau, board, or commission.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 725

(s) “Subsurface installation” means any underground pipeline, con-

duit, duct, wire, or other structure, except nonpressurized sewerlines,
nonpressurized storm drains, or other nonpressurized drain lines.
(t) “Ticket” means an excavation location request issued a number
by the regional notification center.
(u) “Tolerance zone” means 24 inches on each side of the field mark-
ing placed by the operator in one of the following ways:
(1) Twenty-four inches from each side of a single marking, assumed
to be the centerline of the subsurface installation.
(2) Twenty-four inches plus one-half the specified size on each side
of a single marking with the size of installation specified.
(3) Twenty-four inches from each outside marking that graphically
shows the width of the outside surface of the subsurface installation
on a horizontal plane.
(v) “Working day” for the purposes of determining excavation start
date and time means a weekday Monday through Friday, from 7:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for federal holidays and state holidays, as
defined in Section 19853, or as otherwise posted on the Internet Web
site of the regional notification center.
Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2004 ch 77 § 1 (AB 1264); Stats 2006 ch
651 § 1 (SB 1359), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2007 ch 343 § 5 (SB 144), effective
January 1, 2008; Stats 2016 ch 809 § 2 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.1. Participation in center by operators of subsurface

installations; Fees
Every operator of a subsurface installation, except the Department
of Transportation, shall become a member of, participate in, and
share in the costs of, a regional notification center. Operators of sub-
surface installations who are members of, participate in, and share
in, the costs of a regional notification center, including, but not lim-
ited to, the Underground Service Alert—Northern California or the
Underground Service Alert—Southern California are in compliance
with this section and Section 4216.9. A regional notification center
shall not charge a fee to a person for notifying the regional notifica-
tion center to obtain a ticket or to renew a ticket.
Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2016 ch 809 § 3 (SB 661), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2017.

§ 4216.2. Delineation of area; Required notification and

response; Ticket prerequisites, period of validity, and
expiration; Records; Special access sites
(a) Before notifying the appropriate regional notification center, an
excavator planning to conduct an excavation shall delineate the area
to be excavated. If the area is not delineated, an operator may, at the
726 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

operator’s discretion, choose not to locate and field mark until the ar-
ea to be excavated has been delineated.
(b) Except in an emergency, an excavator planning to conduct an
excavation shall notify the appropriate regional notification centerof
the excavator’s intent to excavate at least two working days, and not
more than 14 calendar days, before beginning that excavation. The
date of the notification shall not count as part of the two-working-day
notice. If an excavator gives less notice than the legal excavation start
date and time and the excavation is not an emergency, the regional
notification center will take the information and provide a ticket, but
an operator has until the legal excavation start date and time to re-
spond. However, an excavator and an operator may mutually agree to
a different notice and start date. The contact information for opera-
tors notified shall be available to the excavator.
(c) When the excavation is proposed within 10 feet of a high priority
subsurface installation, the operator of the high priority subsurface
installation shall notify the excavator of the existence of the high pri-
ority subsurface installation to set up an onsite meeting prior to the
legal excavation start date and timeor at a mutually agreed upon
time to determine actions or activities required to verify the location
and prevent damage to the high priority subsurface installation. As
part of the meeting, the excavator shall discuss with the operator the
method and tools that will be used during the excavation and the in-
formation the operator will provide to assist in verifying the location
of the subsurface installation. The excavator shall not begin excavat-
ing until after the completion of the onsite meeting.
(d) Except in an emergency, every excavator covered by Section
4216.8 planning to conduct an excavation on private property that
does not require an excavation permit may contact the appropriate
regional notification center if the private property is known, or rea-
sonably should be known, to contain a subsurface installation other
than the underground facility owned or operated by the excavator.
Before notifying the appropriate regional notification center, an exca-
vator shall delineate the area to be excavated. Any temporary mark-
ing placed at the planned excavation location shall be clearly seen,
functional, and considerate to surface aesthetics and the local com-
munity. An excavator shall check if any local ordinances apply to the
placement of temporary markings.
(e) The regional notification center shall provide a ticket to the per-
son who contacts the center pursuant to this section and shall notify
any member, if known, who has a subsurface installation in the area
of the proposed excavation. A ticket shall be valid for 28 days from
the date of issuance. If work continues beyond 28 days, the excavator
shall renew the ticket either by accessing the center’s Internet Web
site or by calling “811” by the end of the 28th day.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 727

(f) A record of all notifications by an excavator or operator to the re-

gional notification center shall be maintained for a period of not less
than three years. The record shall be available for inspection by the
excavator and any member, or their representative, during normal
working hours and according to guidelines for inspection as may be
established by the regional notification centers.
(g) Unless an emergency exists, an excavator shall not begin exca-
vation until the excavator receives a response from all known opera-
tors of subsurface installations within the delineated boundaries of
the proposed area of excavation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section
4216.3 and until the completion of any onsite meeting, if required by
subdivision (c).
(h) If a site requires special access, an excavator shall request an
operator to contact the excavator regarding that special access or give
special instructions on the location request.
(i) If a ticket obtained by an excavator expires but work is ongoing,
the excavator shall call into the regional notification center and get a
new ticket and wait a minimum of two working days, not including
the date of call in, before restarting excavation. All excavation shall
cease during the waiting period.
Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2004 ch 77 § 2 (AB 1264); Stats 2006 ch
651 § 2 (SB 1359), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2016 ch 809 § 4 (SB 661), effective
January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.3. Location and field marking of subsurface

installations; Records; Relocation and remarking; Operator
response; Notification of failure to comply
(a) (1) (A) Unless the excavator and operator mutually agree to a
later start date and time, or otherwise agree to the sequence and
timeframe in which the operator will locate and field mark, an opera-
tor shall do one of the following before the legal excavation start date
and time:
(i) Locate and field mark within the area delineated for excavation
and, where multiple subsurface installations of the same type are
known to exist together, mark the number of subsurface installations.
(ii) To the extent and degree of accuracy that the information is
available, provide information to an excavator where the operator’s
active or inactive subsurface installations are located.
(iii) Advise the excavator it operates no subsurface installations in
the area delineated for excavation.
(B) An operator shall mark newly installed subsurface installations
in areas with continuing excavation activity.
(C) An operator shall indicate with an “A” inside a circle the pres-
ence of any abandoned subsurface installations, if known, within the
delineated area. The markings are to make an excavator aware that
728 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

there are abandoned subsurface installations within that delineated

work area.
(2) Only a qualified person shall perform subsurface installation lo-
cating activities.
(3) A qualified person performing subsurface installation locating
activities on behalf of an operator shall use a minimum of a single-
frequency utility locating device and shall have access to alternative
sources for verification, if necessary.
(4) An operator shall amend, update, maintain, and preserve all
plans and records for its subsurface installations as that information
becomes known. If there is a change in ownership of a subsurface in-
stallation, the records shall be turned over to the new operator.
Commencing January 1, 2017, records on abandoned subsurface in-
stallations, to the extent that those records exist, shall be retained.
(b) Ifthe field marks are no longer reasonably visible, an excavator
shall renotify the regional notification center with a request for re-
marks that can be for all or a portion of the excavation. Excavation
shall cease in the area to be remarked. If the delineation markings
are no longer reasonably visible, the excavator shall redelineate the
area to be remarked. If remarks are requested, the operator shall
have two working days, not including the date of request, to remark
the subsurface installation. If the area to be remarked is not the full
extent of the original excavation, the excavator shall delineate the
portion to be remarked and provide a description of the area request-
ed to be remarked on the ticket. The excavator shall provide a de-
scription for the area to be remarked that falls within the area of the
original location request.
(c) Commencing January 1, 2018, every operator may supply an
electronic positive response through the regional notification center
before the legal excavation start date and time. The regional notifica-
tion center shall make those responses available to the excavator.
(d) The excavator shall notify the appropriate regional notification
center of the failure of an operator to identify subsurface installations
pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision
(a), or subdivision (b). The notification shall include the ticket issued
by the regional notification center. A record of all notifications re-
ceived pursuant to this subdivision shall be maintained by the re-
gional notification center for a period of not less than three years. The
record shall be available for inspection pursuant to subdivision (f) of
Section 4216.2.
(e) If an operator or local agency knows that it has a subsurface in-
stallation embedded or partially embedded in the pavement that is
not visible from the surface, the operator or local agency shall contact
the excavator before pavement removal to communicate and deter-
mine a plan of action to protect that subsurface installation and exca-
vator.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 729

Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2005 ch 114 § 1 (SB 140), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2006; Stats 2006 ch 651 § 3 (SB 1359), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2016 ch
809 § 5 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.4. Manual location of subsurface installations in

conflict with excavation; Use of vacuum excavation devices;
Use of power operated or boring equipment; Duty of care;
Notification of damage; Required communication between
parties
(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), if an excavation is with-
in the tolerance zone of a subsurface installation, the excavator shall
determine the exact location of the subsurface installations in conflict
with the excavation using hand tools before using any power-driven
excavation or boring equipment within the tolerance zone of the sub-
surface installations. In all cases the excavator shall use reasonable
care to prevent damaging subsurface installations.
(2) (A) An excavator may use a vacuum excavation device to expose
subsurface installations within the tolerance zone if the operator has
marked the subsurface installation, the excavator has contacted any
operator whose subsurface installations may be in conflict with the
excavation, and the operator has agreed to the use of a vacuum exca-
vation device. An excavator shall inform the regional notification cen-
ter of his or her intent to use a vacuum excavation device when ob-
taining a ticket.
(B) An excavator may use power-operated or boring equipment for
the removal of any existing pavement only if there is no known sub-
surface installation contained in the pavement.
(3) An excavator shall presume all subsurface installations to be ac-
tive, and shall use the same care around subsurface installations that
may be inactive as the excavator would use around active subsurface
installations.
(b) If the exact location of the subsurface installation cannot be de-
termined by hand excavating in accordance with subdivision (a), the
excavator shall request the operator to provide additional information
to the excavator, to the extent that information is available to the op-
erator, to enable the excavator to determine the exact location of the
installation. If the excavator has questions about the markings that
an operator has placed, the excavator may contact the notification
center to send a request to have the operator contact the excavator
directly. The regional notification center shall provide the excavator
with the contact telephone number of the subsurface installation op-
erator.
(c) (1) An excavator discovering or causing damage to a subsurface
installation, including all breaks, leaks, nicks, dents, gouges, grooves,
or other damage to subsurface installation lines, conduits, coatings,
730 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

or cathodic protection, shall immediately notify the subsurface instal-

lation operator. The excavator may contact the regional notification
center to obtain the contact information of the subsurface installation
operator. If the operator is unknown and the damage or discovery of
damage occurs outside the working hours of the regional notification
center, the excavator may follow the instructions provided by the re-
gional notification center through its Internet Web site or the tele-
phone line recorded message.
(2) An excavator shall call 911 emergency services upon discovering
or causing damage to either of the following:
(A) A natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline subsurface installa-
tion in which the damage results in the escape of any flammable, tox-
ic, or corrosive gas or liquid.
(B) A high priority subsurface installation of any kind.
(d) Each excavator, operator, or locator shall communicate with
each other and respect the appropriate safety requirements and ongo-
ing activities of the other parties, if known, at an excavation site.
Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2005 ch 114 § 2 (SB 140), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2006; Stats 2006 ch 263 § 1 (AB 463), effective September 14, 2006, ch 651 § 4
(SB 1359), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2016 ch 809 § 6 (SB 661), effective January
1, 2017.

§ 4216.6. Penalties for violation; Enforcement; Annual report

of statewide information regarding incident events
(a) (1) Any operator or excavator who negligently violates this arti-
cle is subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed ten thou-
sand dollars ($10,000).
(2) Any operator or excavator who knowingly and willfully violates
any of the provisions of this article is subject to a civil penalty in an
amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
(3) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this article, this sec-
tion is not intended to affect any civil remedies otherwise provided by
law for personal injury or for property damage, including any damage
to subsurface installations, nor is this section intended to create any
new civil remedies for those injuries or that damage.
(4) This article shall not be construed to limit any other provision of
law granting governmental immunity to state or local agencies or to
impose any liability or duty of care not otherwise imposed by law up-
on any state or local agency.
(b) An action may be brought by the Attorney General, the district
attorney, or the local or state agency that issued the permit to exca-
vate, for the enforcement of the civil penalty pursuant to this section
in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of Cali-
fornia. If penalties are collected as a result of a civil suit brought by a
state or local agency for collection of those civil penalties, the penal-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 731

ties imposed shall be paid to the general fund of the agency. If more
than one agency is involved in enforcement, the penalties imposed
shall be apportioned among them by the court in a manner that will
fairly offset the relative costs incurred by the state or local agencies,
or both, in collecting these fees.
(c) The requirements of this article may also be enforced following a
recommendation of the California Underground Facilities Safe Exca-
vation Board by the following agencies, that shall act to accept,
amend, or reject the recommendations of the board as follows:
(1) The Registrar of Contractors of the Contractors’ State License
Board shall enforce the provisions of this article on contractors, as
defined in Article 2 (commencing with Section 7025) of Chapter 9 of
Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, and telephone corpo-
rations, as defined in Section 234 of the Public Utilities Code, when
acting as a contractor, as defined in Article 2 (commencing with Sec-
tion 7025) of Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions
Code. Nothing in this section affects the California Public Utilities
Commission’s existing authority over a public utility.
(2) The Public Utilities Commission shall enforce the provisions of
this article on gas corporations, as defined in Section 222 of the Pub-
lic Utilities Code, and electrical corporations, as defined in Section
218 of the Public Utilities Code, and water corporations, as defined in
Section 241 of the Public Utilities Code.
(3) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall enforce the provisions
of this article on operators of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, as
defined in Section 60101 of Chapter 601 of Subtitle VIII of Title 49 of
the United States Code.
(d) A local governing board may enforce the provisions of this article
on local agencies under the governing board’s jurisdiction.
(e) The California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board
shall enforce the provisions of this article on persons other than those
listed in subdivisions (c) and (d).
(f) Moneys collected as a result of penalties imposed pursuant to
subdivisions (c) and (e) shall be deposited into the Safe Energy Infra-
structure and Excavation Fund.
(g) Statewide information provided by operators and excavators re-
garding incident events shall be compiled and made available in an
annual report by regional notification centers and posted on the In-
ternet Web sites of the regional notification centers.
(h) For purposes of subdivision (g), the following terms have the fol-
lowing meanings:
(1) “Incident event” means the occurrence of excavator downtime,
damages, near misses, and violations.
(2) “Statewide information” means information submitted by opera-
tors and excavators using the California Regional Common Ground
Alliance’s Virtual Private Damage Information Reporting Tool. Sup-
732 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

plied data shall comply with the Damage Information Reporting

Tool’s minimum essential information as listed in the most recent
version of the Best Practices guide of the Common Ground Alliance.
Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2013 ch 250 § 1 (AB 811), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2014; Stats 2016 ch 809 § 7 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.7. Liability of excavator; Liability of operator of

subsurface installation; Savings provisions
(a) If a subsurface installation is damaged by an excavator as a re-
sult of failing to comply with Section 4216.2 or 4216.4, or subdivision
(b) of Section 4216.3, or as a result of failing to comply with the oper-
ator’s requests to protect the subsurface installation as specified by
the operator before the start of excavation, the excavator shall be lia-
ble to the operator of the subsurface installation for resulting damag-
es, costs, and expenses to the extent the damages, costs, and expenses
were proximately caused by the excavator’s failure to comply.
(b) If an operator has failed to become a member of, participate in,
or share in the costs of, a regional notification center, that operator
shall forfeit his or her claim for damages to his or her subsurface in-
stallation arising from an excavation against an excavator who has
complied with this article to the extent damages were proximately
caused by the operator’s failure to comply with this article.
(c) If an operator of a subsurface installation without a reasonable
basis, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, has failed to
comply with the provisions of Section 4216.3, including, but not lim-
ited to, the requirement to field mark the appropriate location of sub-
surface installations within two working days of notification, as de-
fined by subdivision (v) of Section 4216 and subdivision (b) of Section
4216.2, has failed to comply with subdivision (c) of Section 4216.2, or
has failed to comply with subdivision (b) of Section 4216.4, the opera-
tor shall be liable for damages to the excavator who has complied
with Section 4216.2, subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 4216.3, and
Section 4216.4 , including liquidated damages, liability, losses, costs,
and expenses, actually incurred by the excavator, resulting from the
operator’s failure to comply with these specified requirements to the
extent the damages, costs, and expenses were proximately caused by
the operator’s failure to comply.
(d) An excavator who damages a subsurface installation due to an
inaccurate field mark by an operator, or by a third party under con-
tract to perform field marking for the operator, shall not be liable for
damages, replacement costs, or other expenses arising from damages
to the subsurface installation if the excavator complied with Sections
4216.2 and 4216.4.
This section is not intended to create any presumption or to affect
the burden of proof in any action for personal injuries or property
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 733

damage, other than damage to the subsurface installation, nor is this

section intended to affect, create, or eliminate any remedy for person-
al injury or property damage, other than damage to the subsurface
installation.
(e) For the purposes of this section, “inaccurate field mark” means a
mark, or set of markings, made pursuant to Section 4216.3, that did
not correctly indicate the approximate location of a subsurface instal-
lation affected by an excavation and includes the actual physical loca-
tion of a subsurface installation affected by an excavation that should
have been marked pursuant to Section 4216.3 but was not.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to do any of the follow-
ing:
(1) Affect claims including, but not limited to, third-party claims
brought against the excavator or operator by other parties for damag-
es arising from the excavation.
(2) Exempt the excavator or operator from his or her duty to miti-
gate any damages as required by common or other applicable law.
(3) Exempt the excavator or operator from liability to each other or
third parties based on equitable indemnity or comparative or contrib-
utory negligence.
Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2006 ch 651 § 5 (SB 1359), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2007; Stats 2016 ch 809 § 8 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.9. Initial ticket required for valid permit

(a) A permit to excavate issued by any local agency, as defined in
Section 4216, or any state agency, shall not be valid unless the appli-
cant has been provided an initial ticket by a regional notification cen-
ter pursuant to Section 4216.2. For purposes of this section, “state
agency” means every state agency, department, division, bureau,
board, or commission, including the Department of Transportation.
(b) This article does not exempt any person or corporation from Sec-
tions 7951, 7952, and 7953 of the Public Utilities Code.
Added Stats 1989 ch 928 § 4. Amended Stats 2016 ch 809 § 9 (SB 661), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2017.

§ 4216.10. Continual excavation ticket in lieu of notification

and locate and field marking; Operator response; Notification
and onsite meeting for area including or near high priority
subsurface installation; Period of validity; Renewal
(Operative November 1, 2017)
(a) In lieu of the notification and locate and field mark require-
ments of Sections 4216.2 and 4216.3, an excavator may contact a re-
gional notification center to request a continual excavation ticket for
an area of continual excavation. The regional notification center shall
734 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

provide a ticket to the person who contacts the center pursuant to

this section and shall notify any member, if known, who has a subsur-
face installation in the area of continual excavation. The ticket pro-
vided to the excavator shall include the contact information for noti-
fied operators.
(b) An operator shall provide a response to the excavator pursuant
to subdivision (a) of Section 4216.3.
(c) (1) When the area of continual excavation includes, or is within
10 feet of, a high priority subsurface installation, the operator of the
high priority subsurface installation shall notify the excavator of the
existence of the high priority subsurface installation to set up an on-
site meeting prior to the legal excavation start date and time or at a
mutually agreed upon time to determine actions or activities required
to verify the location and to prevent damage to the high priority sub-
surface installation during the continual excavation time period. The
onsite meeting shall be used to develop a mutually agreed upon plan
for an area of continual excavation. Additional onsite meetings should
also be held following unexpected occurrences or prior to excavation
activities that may create conflicts with subsurface installations. As
part of the meeting, the excavator shall discuss with the operator the
method and tools that will be used during the excavation and the in-
formation the operator will provide to assist in verifying the location
of the subsurface installation. The excavator shall not begin excavat-
ing until after the completion of the onsite meeting and information
has been provided describing the activities that can be safely con-
ducted to prevent damage to the high priority subsurface installation.
(2) When the area of continual excavation includes a subsurface in-
stallation but does not include, or is not within 10 feet of, a high pri-
ority subsurface installation, the excavator or the operator may re-
quest an onsite meeting at a mutually agreed upon time to determine
actions or activities required to verify the location and to prevent
damage to the subsurface installation during the continual excava-
tion time period. The onsite meeting may be used to develop a plan
for an area of continual excavation. The operator and excavator may
mutually agree to conduct additional onsite meetings following unex-
pected occurrences or prior to excavation activities that may create
conflicts with subsurface installations. As part of the meeting, the
excavator may discuss with the operator the method and tools that
will be used during the excavation and the information the operator
will provide to assist in verifying the location of the subsurface instal-
lation. If an onsite meeting is requested prior to the legal excavation
start date and time, the excavator shall not begin excavating until
after the completion of the onsite meeting and information has been
provided describing the activities that can be safely conducted to pre-
vent damage to the subsurface installation.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 735

(3) The excavator and operator shall maintain records regarding

the plan of excavation, any locate and field mark and standby activi-
ties, and any other information deemed necessary by the excavator
and operator. Excavation activities outside the scope of the plan shall
be undertaken subsequent to notification pursuant to Section 4216.2.
(d) A ticket for an area of continual excavation shall be valid for one
year from the date of issuance. The excavator may renew the ticket
within two working days either by accessing the regional notification
center’s Internet Web site or by calling “811.”
(e) The board shall, in consultation with the regional notification
centers, develop through regulation a process by which the renewal
requirement for a continual excavation ticket may be modified or
eliminated for areas of continual excavation in which no subsurface
installations are present.
(f) This section shall become operative on November 1, 2017.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 10 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017, operative November
1, 2017.

§ 4216.12. California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation

Board; Duties; Review
(a) The California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board is
hereby created under, and shall be assisted by the staff of, the Office
of the State Fire Marshal.
(b) The board shall perform the following tasks:
(1) Coordinate education and outreach activities that encourage
safe excavation practices, as described in Section 4216.17.
(2) Develop standards, as described in Section 4216.18.
(3) Investigate possible violations of this article, as described in
Section 4216.19.
(4) Enforce this article to the extent authorized by subdivision (e) of
Section 4216.6.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, on and after January 1, 2019,
the board shall be subject to review by the appropriate policy commit-
tees of the Legislature.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 11 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.13. Members of California Underground Facilities Safe

Excavation Board; Appointment and qualifications; Ex officio
members
(a) The board shall be composed of nine members, of which seven
shall be appointed by the Governor, one shall be appointed by the
Speaker of the Assembly, and one shall be appointed by the Senate
Committee on Rules.
736 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) The seven members appointed by the Governor shall be appoint-

ed, as follows:
(1) Three members shall have knowledge and expertise in the oper-
ation of subsurface installations. Of those three members, one shall
have knowledge and expertise in the operation of the subsurface in-
stallations of a municipal utility. At least one of the three members
shall have knowledge and experience in the operation of high priority
subsurface installations.
(2) Three members shall have knowledge and experience in contract
excavation for employers who are not operators of subsurface instal-
lations. Of the three members, one member shall be a general engi-
neering contractor, one member shall be a general building contrac-
tor, and one member shall be a specialty contractor. For the purposes
of this section, the terms “general engineering contractor,” “general
building contractor,” and “specialty contractor” shall have the mean-
ings given in Article 4 (commencing with Section 7055) of Chapter 9
of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
(3) One member shall have knowledge and expertise in performing
or managing agricultural operations in the vicinity of subsurface in-
stallations.
(c) The member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly shall
have knowledge and expertise in representing in safety matters the
workers employed by contract excavators.
(d) The member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules shall
have knowledge and expertise in subsurface installation location and
marking and shall not be under the direct employment of an operator.
(e) The board may invite two directors of operations of regional noti-
fication centers to be nonvoting ex officio members of the board.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 12 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.14. Terms of members of California Underground

Facilities Safe Excavation Board; Vacancy; Removal;
Chairperson
(a) The term of a member of the board is four years. Of the first
members of the board, four members, determined by lot, shall serve
for two years so that the terms of the members shall be staggered.
(b) A member shall not be appointed for more than two consecutive
full terms.
(c) To the extent possible, the appointing power shall fill any vacan-
cy in the membership of the board within 60 days after the vacancy
occurs.
(d) Upon the recommendation of the board, the Governor may re-
move a member appointed by the Governor for incompetence or mis-
conduct.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 737

(e) The board shall select a chairperson from among its members at
the first meeting of each calendar year or when a vacancy in the chair
exists.
(f) Subject to subdivision (g), the manner in which the chairperson
is selected and the chairperson’s term of office shall be determined by
the board.
(g) A member of the board shall not serve more than two consecu-
tive years as the chairperson of the board.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 13 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.15. Meetings of California Underground Facilities Safe

Excavation Board
The board shall meet at least once every three months. The board
shall hold meetings in Sacramento and Los Angeles, and in other lo-
cations in the state it deems necessary.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 14 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.16. California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation

Board; Funding for operational expenses
The board may obtain funding for its operational expenses from:
(a) A federal grant.
(b) A fee charged to members of the regional notification centers not
to exceed the reasonable regulatory cost incident to enforcement of
this article. The board shall apportion the fee in a manner consistent
with formulas used by the regional notification centers. Revenues de-
rived from the imposition of this fee shall be deposited in the Safe
Energy Infrastructure and Excavation Fund.
(c) Any other source.
(d) The board shall not charge a fee to a person for notifying the re-
gional notification center to obtain a ticket or to renew a ticket.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 15 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.17. California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation

Board; Annual meeting; Grants for use of moneys in Safe
Energy Infrastructure and Excavation Fund
(a) The board shall annually convene a meeting for the following
purposes:
(1) To understand the existing needs for education and outreach,
including to those groups with the highest awareness and education
needs, including, but not limited to, homeowners.
(2) To facilitate discussion on how to coordinate existing education
and outreach efforts with state and local government agencies, Cali-
fornia operators, regional notification centers, and trade associations
738 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

that fund outreach and education programs that encourage safe exca-
vation practices.
(3) To determine the areas in which additional education and out-
reach efforts may be targeted through use, upon appropriation by the
Legislature, of the moneys in the Safe Energy Infrastructure and Ex-
cavation Fund pursuant to subdivision (c).
(b) In addition to state and local government agencies, California
operators, regional notification centers, and trade associations that
fund outreach and education programs that encourage safe excava-
tion practices, the meeting pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include
representatives of groups that may be the target of those outreach
and education efforts.
(c) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the board shall grant the
use of the moneys in the Safe Energy Infrastructure and Excavation
Fund to fund public education and outreach programs designed to
promote excavation safety around subsurface installations and tar-
geted towards specific excavator groups, giving priority to those with
the highest awareness and education needs, including, but not lim-
ited to, homeowners.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 16 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.18. Development of standards for safety practices

The board shall develop a standard or set of standards relevant to
safety practices in excavating around subsurface installations and
procedures and guidance in encouraging those practices. When possi-
ble, standards should be informed by publicly available data, includ-
ing, but not limited to, that collected by state and federal agencies
and by the regional notification centers pursuant to subdivision (g) of
Section 4216.6, and the board should refrain from using data about
facility events not provided either to a state or federal agency or as
statewide information, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (h)
of Section 4216.6. The standard or set of standards are not intended
to replace other relevant standards, including the Best Practices of
the Common Ground Alliance, but are to inform areas currently
without established standards. The standard or set of standards shall
address all of the following:
(a) Evidence necessary for excavators and operators to demonstrate
compliance with Sections 4216.2, 4216.3, and 4216.4.
(b) What constitutes reasonable care, as required by paragraph (1)
of subdivision (a) of Section 4216.4, in using hand tools around sub-
surface installations within the tolerance zone, considering the need
to balance worker safety in trenches with the protection of subsurface
installations. As part of determining reasonable care, the board shall
consider the appropriate additional excavating depth an excavator
should make if either of the following occur:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 739

(1) The subsurface installation is delineated within the tolerance

zone but it is not in conflict with the excavation.
(2) The location of a subsurface installation is determined, but addi-
tional subsurface installations may exist immediately below the lo-
cated subsurface installation.
(c) What constitutes reasonable care, as required by paragraph (1)
of subdivision (a) of Section 4216.4, in grading activities on road
shoulders and dirt roads which may include standards for potholing.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 17 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.19. Investigation of violations and reported incident

events; Transmission of investigation results; Sanctions
(Operative July 1, 2018)
(a) The board shall investigate possible violations of this article.
(b) The board may investigate reports of incident events, as defined
in paragraph (1) of subdivision (h) of Section 4216.6 and complaints
from affected parties and members of the public.
(c) In determining whether to pursue an investigation, the board
shall consider whether the parties have settled the matter and
whether further enforcement is necessary as a deterrent to maintain
the integrity of subsurface installations and to protect the safety of
excavators and the public.
(d) If the board, upon the completion of an investigation, finds a
probable violation of the article, the board shall transmit the investi-
gation results and any recommended penalty to the state or local
agency pursuant to subdivision (c) or (d) of Section 4216.6.
(e) Sanctions shall be graduated and may include notification and
information letters, direction to attend relevant education, and finan-
cial penalties. When considering the issuance of citations and as-
sessment of penalties, the board shall consider all of the following:
(1) The type of violation and its gravity.
(2) The degree of culpability.
(3) The operator’s or excavator’s history of violations.
(4) The operator’s or excavator’s history of work conducted without
violations.
(5) The efforts taken by the violator to prevent violation and, once
the violation occurred, the efforts taken to mitigate the safety conse-
quences of the violation.
(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 18 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017, operative July 1,
2018.
740 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 4216.21. Timing of filing court action for damages to

subsurface installation based on specified violations under
investigation by board
(a) For an investigation that the board undertakes as a result of a
complaint of a violation of Section 4216.2, 4216.3, or 4216.4, the com-
plainant shall not file an action in court for damages based on those
violations until the investigation is complete, or for 6 months after
the investigation begins, whichever comes first, during which time,
applicable statutes of limitation shall be tolled.
(b) If a complainant files an action in court against a person for
damages based upon violations of Section 4216.2, 4216.3, or 4216.4,
after the completion of a board investigation in which the person was
found not to have violated the article, the complainant shall also noti-
fy the board when the action is filed.
(c) This section only applies to a claim for damages to a subsurface
installation.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 19 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.22. Prescription of rules and regulations

Consistent with all laws of this state, the board may prescribe rules
and regulations as may be necessary or proper to carry out the pur-
poses and intent of this act and to exercise the powers and duties con-
ferred upon it by this act.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 20 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.23. Yearly report to Governor and Legislature

(a) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5, the board shall report to the
Governor and the Legislature on or before February 1, 2018, and each
year thereafter, on the activities of the board and any recommenda-
tions of the board.
(b) A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be
submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 21 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4216.24. Safe Energy Infrastructure and Excavation Fund;

Use of funds
The Safe Energy Infrastructure and Excavation Fund is hereby es-
tablished in the State Treasury. Moneys deposited into the fund shall
be used, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to cover the opera-
tional expenses of the board and for the purposes specified in subdivi-
sion (b) of Section 4216.17, except that revenues derived from penal-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 741

ties imposed pursuant to Section 4216.6 shall not be used for opera-
tional expenses.
Added Stats 2016 ch 809 § 22 (SB 661), effective January 1, 2017.

DIVISION 6
PUBLIC BONDS AND OBLIGATIONS

Chapter 14
Infrastructure Financing
§ 5956.6. Contents of agreements between agency and private
entity
(a) For purposes of facilitating projects, the agreements specified in
Section 5956.4 may include provisions for the lease of rights-of-way
in, and airspace over, property owned by a governmental agency, for
the granting of necessary easements, and for the issuance of permits
or other authorizations to enable the private entity to construct infra-
structure facilities supplemental to existing government-owned facili-
ties. Infrastructure constructed by a private entity pursuant to this
chapter shall, at all times, be owned by a governmental agency, un-
less the governmental agency, in its discretion, elects to provide for
ownership of the facility by the private entity during the term of the
agreement. The agreement shall provide for the lease of those facili-
ties to, or ownership by, the private entity for up to 35 years. In con-
sideration therefor, the agreement shall provide for complete rever-
sion of the privately constructed facility to the governmental agency
at the expiration of the lease at no charge to the governmental agen-
cy. Subsequent to the expiration of the lease or ownership period, the
governmental agency may continue to charge fees for use of the infra-
structure facility. If, after the expiration of the lease or ownership
period, the governmental agency continues to lease airspace rights to
the private entity, it shall do so at fair market value.
(b) The agreement between the governmental agency and the pri-
vate entity shall include, but need not be limited to, provisions to en-
sure the following:
(1) Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Di-
vision 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources
Code). Neither the act of selecting a proposed project or a private en-
tity, nor the execution of an agreement with a private entity, shall
require prior compliance with the act. However, appropriate compli-
ance with the act shall thereafter occur before project development
commences.
742 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) Performance bonds as security to ensure completion of the con-

struction of the facility and contractual provisions that are necessary
to protect the revenue streams of the project.
(3) Adequate financial resources of the private entity to design,
build, and operate the facility, after the date of the agreement.
(4) Authority for the governmental agency to impose user fees for
use of the facility in an amount sufficient to protect the revenue
streams necessary for projects or facilities undertaken pursuant to
this chapter. User fee revenues shall be dedicated exclusively to pay-
ment of the private entity’s direct and indirect capital outlay costs for
the project, direct and indirect costs associated with operations, direct
and indirect user fee collection costs, direct and indirect costs of ad-
ministration of the facility, reimbursement for the direct and indirect
costs of maintenance, and a negotiated reasonable return on invest-
ment to the private entity.
(5) As a precondition to the imposition or increase of a user fee, the
governmental agency shall conduct at least one public hearing at
which public testimony will be received regarding a proposed user fee
revenue or increase in user fee revenues. The public hearing shall
precede the action by the governmental agency to actually impose a
user fee or to increase an existing user fee. The governmental agency
shall consider the public testimony prior to imposing a new or in-
creased user fee. The governmental agency shall provide the following
notices and utilize the following procedures:
(A) Notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting, including a
general explanation of the matter to be considered, shall be mailed at
least 14 days prior to the meeting to any interested party who files a
written request with the governmental agency for mailed notice of the
meeting on new or increased fees or service charges. Any written re-
quest for mailed notices shall be valid for one year from the date on
which it is filed unless a renewal request is filed prior to the expira-
tion of the one-year period for which the written request was filed.
The legislative body may establish a reasonable annual charge for
sending notices based on the estimated cost of providing the service.
(B) At least 10 days prior to the meeting, the governmental agency
shall make available to the public data that supports the amount of
the fee or the increase in the fee.
(C) (i) At least 10 days prior to the meeting, the governmental
agency shall publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in
that agency’s jurisdiction stating the date, time, and place of the
meeting, including a general explanation of the matter to be consid-
ered.
(ii) Any costs incurred by the governmental agency in conducting
the meeting or meetings required by this section may be recovered
from fees charged for the services that are the subject of the fee.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 743

(iii) For transportation projects specifically authorized by this chap-

ter, at least 10 days prior to the meeting, the governmental agency
shall publish for four consecutive times, a notice in the newspaper of
general circulation in the affected area stating in no smaller that 10-
point type a notice specifying the subject of the hearing, the date,
time, and place of the meeting, and, in at least 8-point type, a general
explanation of the matter to be considered.
(D) No local agency shall levy a new fee or service charge or in-
crease an existing fee or service charge to an amount that exceeds the
estimated amount required to provide the service for which the fee or
service charge is levied and a reasonable rate of return on invest-
ment, pursuant to paragraph (4). Any action by a local agency to levy
a new fee or service charge or to approve an increase in an existing
fee or service charge pursuant to this chapter shall be taken only by
ordinance or resolution. The legislative body of a local agency shall
not delegate the authority to adopt a new fee or service charge, or to
increase a fee or service charge.
(6) Require that if the legislative body of the governmental agency
determines that fees or service charges create revenues in excess of
the actual cost for which the user fee revenues are dedicated and a
reasonable rate of return on investment, pursuant to paragraph (4),
those revenues shall either be applied to any indebtedness incurred
by the private entity with respect to the project, be paid into a reserve
account in order to offset future operation costs, be paid into the ap-
propriate government account, be used to reduce the user fee or ser-
vice charge creating the excess, or a combination of these sources.
(7) Require the private entity to maintain the facility in good oper-
ating condition at all times, including the time the facility reverts to
the governmental agency.
(8) Preparation by the private entity of an annual audited report
accounting for the income received and expenses to operate the facili-
ty. The private entity shall make that report available to any member
of the public for a cost not to exceed the cost of reproduction of the
report.
(9) Provision for a buyout of the private entity by the governmental
entity in the event of termination or default before the end of the
lease term.
(10) Provision for appropriate indemnity promises between the gov-
ernmental agency and the private entity.
(11) Provision requiring the private entity to maintain insurance
with those coverages and in those amounts that the governmental
agency deems appropriate.
(12) In the event of a dispute between the governmental agency and
the private entity, both parties shall be entitled to all available legal
or equitable remedies.
744 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(13) Payment bonds to secure the payment of claims of laborers,

mechanics, and materials suppliers employed on the work under the
contract. Payment bonds required under this subdivision shall con-
form to the requirements of Sections 9550 to 9566, inclusive, of the
Civil Code.
Added Stats 1996 ch 1040 § 1 (AB 2660). Amended Stats 2013 ch 94 § 1 (AB 164), effec-
tive January 1, 2014.

TITLE 2
Government of the State of California
DIVISION 3
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PART 1
STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

Chapter 2
State Departments
Article 2
Investigations and Hearings
§ 11181. Acts authorized in connection with investigations
and actions
In connection with any investigation or action authorized by this
article, the department head may do any of the following:
(a) Inspect and copy books, records, and other items described in
subdivision (e).
(b) Hear complaints.
(c) Administer oaths.
(d) Certify to all official acts.
(e) Issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the produc-
tion of papers, books, accounts, documents, any writing as defined by
Section 250 of the Evidence Code, tangible things, and testimony per-
tinent or material to any inquiry, investigation, hearing, proceeding,
or action conducted in any part of the state.
(f) Promulgate interrogatories pertinent or material to any inquiry,
investigation, hearing, proceeding, or action.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 745

(g) Divulge information or evidence related to the investigation of

unlawful activity discovered from interrogatory answers, papers,
books, accounts, documents, and any other item described in subdivi-
sion (e), or testimony, to the Attorney General or to any prosecuting
attorney of this state, any other state, or the United States who has a
responsibility for investigating the unlawful activity investigated or
discovered, or to any governmental agency responsible for enforcing
laws related to the unlawful activity investigated or discovered, if the
Attorney General, prosecuting attorney, or agency to which the in-
formation or evidence is divulged agrees to maintain the confidential-
ity of the information received to the extent required by this article.
(h) Present information or evidence obtained or developed from the
investigation of unlawful activity to a court or at an administrative
hearing in connection with any action or proceeding.
Added Stats 1945 ch 111 § 3. Amended Stats 1981 ch 778 § 1; Stats 1987 ch 1453 § 8;
Stats 2001 ch 74 § 2 (AB 260); Stats 2003 ch 876 § 6 (SB 434).

§ 11183. Divulging information; Offense; Disqualification

Except in a report to the head of the department or when called up-
on to testify in any court or proceeding at law or as provided in Sec-
tion 11180.5 or subdivisions (g) and (h) of Section 11181, an officer
shall not divulge any information or evidence acquired by the officer
from the interrogatory answers or subpoenaed private books, docu-
ments, papers, or other items described in subdivision (e) of Section
11181 of any person while acting or claiming to act under any author-
ization pursuant to this article, in respect to the confidential or pri-
vate transactions, property or business of any person. An officer who
divulges information or evidence in violation of this section is guilty
of a misdemeanor and disqualified from acting in any official capacity
in the department.
Added Stats 1945 ch 111 § 3. Amended Stats 1981 ch 778 § 2; Stats 2003 ch 876 § 7 (SB
434).

Chapter 3.5
Administrative Regulations and Rulemaking
Article 3
Filing and Publication
§ 11343. Procedure
Every state agency shall:
746 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(a) Transmit to the office for filing with the Secretary of State a cer-
tified copy of every regulation adopted or amended by it except one
that is a building standard.
(b) Transmit to the office for filing with the Secretary of State a cer-
tified copy of every order of repeal of a regulation required to be filed
under subdivision (a).
(c) (1) Within 15 days of the office filing a state agency’s regulation
with the Secretary of State, post the regulation on its Internet Web
site in an easily marked and identifiable location. The state agency
shall keep the regulation on its Internet Web site for at least six
months from the date the regulation is filed with the Secretary of
State.
(2) Within five days of posting, the state agency shall send to the of-
fice the Internet Web site link of each regulation that the agency
posts on its Internet Web site pursuant to paragraph (1).
(3) This subdivision shall not apply to a state agency that does not
maintain an Internet Web site.
(d) Deliver to the office, at the time of transmittal for filing a regu-
lation or order of repeal, six duplicate copies of the regulation or order
of repeal, together with a citation of the authority pursuant to which
it or any part thereof was adopted.
(e) Deliver to the office a copy of the notice of proposed action re-
quired by Section 11346.4.
(f) Transmit to the California Building Standards Commission for
approval a certified copy of every regulation, or order of repeal of a
regulation, that is a building standard, together with a citation of au-
thority pursuant to which it or any part thereof was adopted, a copy
of the notice of proposed action required by Section 11346.4, and any
other records prescribed by the State Building Standards Law (Part
2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and
Safety Code).
(g) Whenever a certification is required by this section, it shall be
made by the head of the state agency that is adopting, amending, or
repealing the regulation, or by a designee of the agency head, and the
certification and delegation shall be in writing.
Added Stats 1979 ch 567 § 1. Amended Stats 1979 ch 1152 § 12.2, operative July 1,
1980; Stats 1980 ch 204 § 1, effective June 20, 1980; Stats 1981 ch 865 § 5; Stats 1982
ch 749 § 1, effective September 8, 1982; Stats 1983 ch 291 § 1; Stats 1987 ch 1375 § 3;
Stats 1988 ch 1194 sec 1.2, operative January 1, 1989; Stats 2000 ch 1060 § 9 (AB
1822); Stats 2002 ch 389 § 3 (AB 1857); Stats 2012 ch 295 § 1 (SB 1099), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2013.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 747

§ 11343.4. Effective date of regulation or order of repeal;

Applicability
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a regulation or
an order of repeal required to be filed with the Secretary of State
shall become effective on a quarterly basis as follows:
(1) January 1 if the regulation or order of repeal is filed on Septem-
ber 1 to November 30, inclusive.
(2) April 1 if the regulation or order of repeal is filed on December 1
to February 29, inclusive.
(3) July 1 if the regulation or order of repeal is filed on March 1 to
May 31, inclusive.
(4) October 1 if the regulation or order of repeal is filed on June 1 to
August 31, inclusive.
(b) The effective dates in subdivision (a) shall not apply in all of the
following:
(1) The effective date is specifically provided by the statute pursu-
ant to which the regulation or order of repeal was adopted, in which
event it becomes effective on the day prescribed by the statute.
(2) A later date is prescribed by the state agency in a written in-
strument filed with, or as part of, the regulation or order of repeal.
(3) The agency makes a written request to the office demonstrating
good cause for an earlier effective date, in which case the office may
prescribe an earlier date.
(4) (A) A regulation adopted by the Fish and Game Commission
that is governed by Article 2 (commencing with Section 250) of Chap-
ter 2 of Division 1 of the Fish and Game Code.
(B) A regulation adopted by the Fish and Game Commission that
requires a different effective date in order to conform to a federal reg-
ulation.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1039 § 16 (AB 2531). Amended Stats 2000 ch 1060 § 10 (AB 1822);
Stats 2012 ch 295 § 2 (SB 1099), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2016 ch 546 § 26 (SB
1473), effective January 1, 2017.

Article 4
The California Code of Regulations, the California Code of Regula-
tions Supplement, and the California Regulatory Notice Register
§ 11344. Publication of Code of Regulations and Code of
Regulations Supplement; Availability of regulations on
internet
The office shall do all of the following:
(a) Provide for the official compilation, printing, and publication of
adoption, amendment, or repeal of regulations, which shall be known
as the California Code of Regulations. On and after July 1, 1998, the
748 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

office shall make available on the Internet, free of charge, the full text
of the California Code of Regulations, and may contract with another
state agency or a private entity in order to provide this service.
(b) Make available on its Internet Web site a list of, and a link to
the full text of, each regulation filed with the Secretary of State that
is pending effectiveness pursuant to Section 11343.4.
(c) Provide for the compilation, printing, and publication of weekly
updates of the California Code of Regulations. This publication shall
be known as the California Code of Regulations Supplement and shall
contain amendments to the code.
(d) Provide for the publication dates and manner and form in which
regulations shall be printed and distributed and ensure that regula-
tions are available in printed form at the earliest practicable date af-
ter filing with the Secretary of State.
(e) Ensure that each regulation is printed together with a reference
to the statutory authority pursuant to which it was enacted and the
specific statute or other provision of law which the regulation is im-
plementing, interpreting, or making specific.
Added Stats 1983 ch 797 § 7. Amended Stats 1987 ch 1375 § 3.5; Stats 1994 ch 1039
§ 17 (AB 2531); Stats 1996 ch 501 § 2 (SB 1910); Stats 2000 ch 1060 § 13 (AB 1822);
Stats 2012 ch 295 § 3 (SB 1099), effective January 1, 2013.

PART 2.8
DEPARTMENT OF FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING

Chapter 6
Discrimination Prohibited
Article 1
Unlawful Practices, Generally
§ 12944. Discrimination by licensing board
(a) It shall be unlawful for a licensing board to require any exami-
nation or establish any other qualification for licensing that has an
adverse impact on any class by virtue of its race, creed, color, national
origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
age, medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, men-
tal disability, or sexual orientation, unless the practice can be demon-
strated to be job related.
Where the commission, after hearing, determines that an examina-
tion is unlawful under this subdivision, the licensing board may con-
tinue to use and rely on the examination until such time as judicial
review by the superior court of the determination is exhausted.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 749

If an examination or other qualification for licensing is determined

to be unlawful under this section, that determination shall not void,
limit, repeal, or otherwise affect any right, privilege, status, or re-
sponsibility previously conferred upon any person by the examination
or by a license issued in reliance on the examination or qualification.
(b) It shall be unlawful for a licensing board to fail or refuse to
make reasonable accommodation to an individual’s mental or physical
disability or medical condition.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any licensing board, unless specifically
acting in accordance with federal equal employment opportunity
guidelines or regulations approved by the commission, to print or cir-
culate or cause to be printed or circulated any publication, or to make
any non-job-related inquiry, either verbal or through use of an appli-
cation form, which expresses, directly or indirectly, any limitation,
specification, or discrimination as to race, religious creed, color, na-
tional origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical
condition, genetic information, sex, gender, gender identity, gender
expression, age, or sexual orientation or any intent to make any such
limitation, specification, or discrimination. Nothing in this subdivi-
sion shall prohibit any licensing board from making, in connection
with prospective licensure or certification, an inquiry as to, or a re-
quest for information regarding, the physical fitness of applicants if
that inquiry or request for information is directly related and perti-
nent to the license or the licensed position the applicant is applying
for. Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit any licensing board, in
connection with prospective examinations, licensure, or certification,
from inviting individuals with physical or mental disabilities to re-
quest reasonable accommodations or from making inquiries related to
reasonable accommodations.
(d) It is unlawful for a licensing board to discriminate against any
person because the person has filed a complaint, testified, or assisted
in any proceeding under this part.
(e) It is unlawful for any licensing board to fail to keep records of
applications for licensing or certification for a period of two years fol-
lowing the date of receipt of the applications.
(f) As used in this section, “licensing board” means any state board,
agency, or authority in the Business, Consumer Services, and Hous-
ing Agency that has the authority to grant licenses or certificates
which are prerequisites to employment eligibility or professional sta-
tus.
Added Stats 1980 ch 992 § 4. Amended Stats 1992 ch 912 § 6 (AB 1286), ch 913 § 24
(AB 1077); Stats 1999 ch 592 § 8 (AB 1001); Stats 2011 ch 261 § 15 (SB 559), effective
January 1, 2012, ch 719 § 19.5 (AB 887), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 46
§ 37 (SB 1038), effective June 27, 2012, operative January 1, 2013. See this section as
modified in Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 2 § 210 of 2012. Amended Stats 2012
750 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ch 147 § 17 (SB 1039), effective January 1, 2013, operative July 1, 2013 (ch 147 pre-
vails).

TITLE 4
Government of Cities
DIVISION 3
OFFICERS

PART 2
LEGISLATIVE BODY

Chapter 3
General Powers
§ 37101.7. Tax; Contractors licensed by state
(a) In accordance with the provisions of subdivision (b), the legisla-
tive body may license for revenue, and fix the license tax upon, per-
sons who transact in the city the business of a contractor licensed
pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3
of the Business and Professions Code.
(b) The ordinance which adopts the license and license tax shall not
impose a greater license tax upon those persons subject to it who, as
contractors, have no fixed place of business within the city, than upon
those contractors who have a fixed place of business within the city;
provided, however, that such ordinance may impose a license tax
graduated according to gross receipts attributable to contracting work
done within a city, regardless of whether or not the contractor has a
fixed place of business within the city.
Added Stats 1965 ch 1043 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 751

TITLE 7
Planning and Land Use
DIVISION 2
SUBDIVISIONS

Chapter 5
Improvement Security
§66499.7. Release of security; Notice of completion
The security furnished by the subdivider shall be released in whole
or in part in the following manner:
(a) Security given for faithful performance of any act or agreement
shall be released upon the performance of the act or final completion
and acceptance of the required work. The legislative body may pro-
vide for the partial release of the security upon the partial perfor-
mance of the act or the acceptance of the work as it progresses, con-
sistent with the provisions of this section. The security may be a sure-
ty bond, a cash deposit, a letter of credit, escrow account, or other
form of performance guarantee required as security by the legislative
body that meets the requirements as acceptable security pursuant to
law. If the security furnished by the subdivider is a documentary evi-
dence of security such as a surety bond or a letter of credit, the legis-
lative body shall release the documentary evidence and return the
original to the issuer upon performance of the act or final completion
and acceptance of the required work. In the event that the legislative
body is unable to return the original documentary evidence to the is-
suer, the security shall be released by written notice sent by certified
mail to the subdivider and issuer of the documentary evidence within
30 days of the acceptance of the work. The written notice shall con-
tain a statement that the work for which the security was furnished
has been performed or completed and accepted by the legislative
body, a description of the project subject to the documentary evidence
and the notarized signature of the authorized representative of the
legislative body.
(b) At the time that the subdivider believes that the obligation to
perform the work for which security was required is complete, the
subdivider may notify the local agency in writing of the completed
work, including a list of work completed. Upon receipt of the written
notice, the local agency shall have 45 days to review and comment or
approve the completion of the required work. If the local agency does
not agree that all work has been completed in accordance with the
752 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

plans and specifications for the improvements, it shall supply a list of

all remaining work to be completed.
(c) Within 45 days of receipt of the list of remaining work from the
local agency, the subdivider may then provide cost estimates for all
remaining work for review and approval by the local agency. Upon
receipt of the cost estimates, the local agency shall then have 45 days
to review, comment, and approve, modify, or disapprove those cost
estimates. No local agency shall be required to engage in this process
of partial release more than once between the start of work and com-
pletion and acceptance of all work; however, nothing in this section
prohibits a local agency from allowing for a partial release as it oth-
erwise deems appropriate.
(d) If the local agency approves the cost estimate, the local agency
shall release all performance security except for security in an
amount up to 200 percent of the cost estimate of the remaining work.
The process allowing for a partial release of performance security
shall occur when the cost estimate of the remaining work does not
exceed 20 percent of the total original performance security unless
the local agency allows for a release at an earlier time. Substitute
bonds or other security may be used as a replacement for the perfor-
mance security, subject to the approval of the local agency. If substi-
tute bonds or other security is used as a replacement for the perfor-
mance security released, the release shall not be effective unless and
until the local agency receives and approves that form of replacement
security. A reduction in the performance security, authorized under
this section, is not, and shall not be deemed to be, an acceptance by
the local agency of the completed improvements, and the risk of loss
or damage to the improvements and the obligation to maintain the
improvements shall remain the sole responsibility of the subdivider
until all required public improvements have been accepted by the lo-
cal agency and all other required improvements have been fully com-
pleted in accordance with the plans and specifications for the im-
provements.
(e) The subdivider shall complete the works of improvement until
all remaining items are accepted by the local agency.
(f) Upon the completion of the improvements, the subdivider, or his
or her assigns, shall be notified in writing by the local agency within
45 days.
(g) Within 45 days of the issuance of the notification by the local
agency, the release of any remaining performance security shall be
placed upon the agenda of the legislative body of the local agency for
approval of the release of any remaining performance security. If the
local agency delegates authority for the release of performance securi-
ty to a public official or other employee, any remaining performance
security shall be released within 60 days of the issuance of the writ-
ten statement of completion.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 753

(h) Security securing the payment to the contractor, his or her sub-
contractors, and to persons furnishing labor, materials, or equipment
shall, after passage of the time within which claims of lien are re-
quired to be recorded pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section
8410) of Chapter 4 of Title 2 of Part 6 of Division 4 of the Civil Code
and after acceptance of the work, be reduced to an amount equal to
the total claimed by all claimants for whom claims of lien have been
recorded and notice thereof given in writing to the legislative body,
and if no claims have been recorded, the security shall be released in
full.
(i) The release shall not apply to any required guarantee and war-
ranty period required by Section 66499.9 for the guarantee or war-
ranty nor to the amount of the security deemed necessary by the local
agency for the guarantee and warranty period nor to costs and rea-
sonable expenses and fees, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
(j) The legislative body may authorize any of its public officers or
employees to authorize release or reduction of the security in accord-
ance with the conditions hereinabove set forth and in accordance with
any rules that it may prescribe.
Added Stats 1974 ch 1536 § 4, operative March 1, 1975. Amended Stats 1982 ch 87
§ 24, effective March 1, 1982; Stats 1983 ch 1195 § 2; Stats 1988 ch 1308 § 5; Stats
1997 ch 124 § 1 (SB 562); Stats 2005 ch 411 § 1 (AB 1460), effective January 1, 2006,
repealed January 1, 2011; Stats 2006 ch 643 § 22 (SB 1196), effective January 1, 2007;
Stats 2010 ch 697 § 36 (SB 189), ch 174 § 1 (SB 1019) (ch 174 prevails), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2011, repealed January 1, 2016; Stats 2011 ch 44 § 6 (SB 189), ch 174 § 1 (SB
190), effective January 1, 2012, operative July 1, 2012, repealed January 1, 2016. The
repealed section related to Release of security; Notice of completion; Stats 2015 ch 269
§ 17 (SB 184), effective January 1, 2016.
754 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE

DIVISION 12
FIRES AND FIRE PROTECTION

PART 2
FIRE PROTECTION

Chapter 1
State Fire Marshal
Article 1
General
§ 13110. Authority of State Fire Marshal to propose, adopt
and administer regulations and establish and collect fees
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the State Fire
Marshal may propose, adopt, and administer the regulations that he
or she deems necessary in order to ensure fire safety in buildings and
structures within this state including regulations related to construc-
tion, modification, installation, testing, inspection, labeling, listing,
certification, registration, licensing, reporting, operation, and
maintenance. Regulations that are building standards shall be sub-
mitted to the State Building Standards Commission for approval pur-
suant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 18935) of Part 2.5 of
Division 13.
(b) The Office of the State Fire Marshal may establish and collect
reasonable fees necessary to implement this section, consistent with
Section 3 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution.
Added Stats 2013 ch 377 § 4 (AB 433), effective January 1, 2014.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 755

DIVISION 13
HOUSING

PART 1.5
REGULATION OF BUILDINGS USED FOR HUMAN
HABITATION

Chapter 2
Rules and Regulations
§ 17926. Carbon monoxide devices required; Number and
placement; Violation; Local ordinance; Standards for
installation of carbon monoxide detectors in hotel and motel
dwelling units
(a) An owner of a dwelling unit intended for human occupancy shall
install a carbon monoxide device, approved and listed by the State
Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13263, in each existing dwelling
unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an
attached garage, within the earliest applicable time period as follows:
(1) For all existing single-family dwelling units intended for human
occupancy on or before July 1, 2011.
(2) For all existing hotel and motel dwelling units intended for hu-
man occupancy on or before January 1, 2017.
(3) For all other existing dwelling units intended for human occu-
pancy on or before January 1, 2013.
(b) With respect to the number and placement of carbon monoxide
devices, an owner shall install the devices in a manner consistent
with building standards applicable to new construction for the rele-
vant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions, if it is
technically feasible to do so.
(c) (1) Notwithstanding Section 17995, and except as provided in
paragraph (2), a violation of this section is an infraction punishable
by a maximum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a property owner shall receive a
30-day notice to correct. If an owner receiving notice fails to correct
within that time period, the owner may be assessed the fine pursuant
to paragraph (2).
(d) No transfer of title shall be invalidated on the basis of a failure
to comply with this section, and the exclusive remedy for the failure
to comply with this section is an award of actual damages not to ex-
ceed one hundred dollars ($100), exclusive of any court costs and at-
756 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

torney’s fees. This subdivision is not intended to affect any duties,

rights, or remedies otherwise available at law.
(e) A local ordinance requiring carbon monoxide devices may be en-
acted or amended if the ordinance is consistent with this chapter.
(f) On or before July 1, 2015, the department shall submit for adop-
tion and approval pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section
18935) of Part 2.5, building standards for the installation of carbon
monoxide detectors in hotel and motel dwelling units intended for
human occupancy. In developing these standards, the department
shall do both of the following:
(1) Convene and consult a stakeholder group that includes members
with expertise in multifamily dwellings, lodging, maintenance, and
construction.
(2) Review and consider the most current national codes and stand-
ards available related to the installation of carbon monoxide detec-
tion.
(g) For purposes of this section and Section 17926.1, “dwelling unit
intended for human occupancy” has the same meaning as that term is
defined in Section 13262.
Added Stats 2010 ch 19 § 4 (SB 183), effective January 1, 2011; Amended Stats 2012 ch
420 § 4 (SB 1394), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2014 ch 298 § 4 (AB 2753), effective
January 1, 2015.

§ 17926.2. Temporary suspension of enforcement of carbon

monoxide device regulations; Effect of change in building
standards
(a) If the department, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal,
determines that a sufficient amount of tested and approved carbon
monoxide devices are not available to property owners to meet the
requirements of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of
2009 and Sections 17926 and 17926.1, the department may suspend
enforcement of the requirements of Sections 17926 and 17926.1 for up
to six months. If the department elects to suspend enforcement of
these requirements, the department shall notify the Secretary of
State of its decision and shall post a public notice that describes its
findings and decision on the departmental Internet Web site.
(b) If the California Building Standards Commission adopts or up-
dates building standards relating to carbon monoxide devices, the
owner or owner’s agent, who has installed a carbon monoxide device
as required by Section 17926 or 17926.1, shall not be required to in-
stall a new device meeting the requirements of those building stand-
ards within an individual dwelling unit until the owner makes appli-
cation for a permit for alterations, repairs, or additions to that dwell-
ing unit, the cost of which will exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Added Stats 2010 ch 19 § 6 (SB 183), effective January 1, 2011.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 757

PART 3
MISCELLANEOUS

Chapter 9
Local Building Permits
Article 1
Contents
§ 19825. Building permit application; Form; Owner-Builder
Declaration; Documentation and verification
(a) Every city, county, or city and county, whether general law or
chartered, that requires the issuance of a permit as a condition prece-
dent to the construction, alteration, improvement, demolition, or repair
of any building or structure, shall require the execution of a permit ap-
plication, in substantially the same form set forth under this subdivi-
sion, and require any individual who executes the Owner-Builder Dec-
laration to present documentation sufficient to identify the property
owner and, as necessary, verify the signature of the property owner. A
city, county, or city and county may require additional information on
the permit application.

PERMIT APPLICATION
BUILDING PROJECT IDENTIFICATION

Applicant’s Mailing Address _________________________________

_________________________________
Property Location or Address _________________________________
_________________________________
Property Owner’s Name _________________________________
Property Owner’s Telephone No. _________________________________
_________________________________
Licensed Design Professional (Architect _________________________________
or Engineer) in charge of the project _________________________________

Mailing Address of Licensed Design _________________________________

Professional _________________________________

_________________________________
License No. _____________________
758 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

LICENSED CONTRACTOR’S DECLARATION

I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury that I am licensed under provi-

sions of Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Busi-
ness and Professions Code, and my license is in full force and effect.

License Class ______________________ License No. ______________________

Date ____________________ Contractor Signature ______________________

OWNER-BUILDER DECLARATION

I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury that I am exempt from the Con-
tractors’ State License Law for the reason(s) indicated below by the
checkmark(s) I have placed next to the applicable item(s) (Section 7031.5,
Business and Professions Code: Any city or county that requires a permit to
construct, alter, improve, demolish, or repair any structure, prior to its issu-
ance, also requires the applicant for the permit to file a signed statement that
he or she is licensed pursuant to the provisions of the Contractors’ State Li-
cense Law (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the
Business and Professions Code) or that he or she is exempt from licensure
and the basis for the alleged exemption. Any violation of Section 7031.5 by
any applicant for a permit subjects the applicant to a civil penalty of not more
than five hundred dollars ($500).):
(_) I, as owner of the property, or my employees with wages as their sole
compensation, will do (_) all of or (_) portions of the work, and the structure is
not intended or offered for sale (Section 7044, Business and Professions Code:
The Contractors’ State License Law does not apply to an owner of property
who, through employees’ or personal effort, builds or improves the property,
provided that the improvements are not intended or offered for sale. If, how-
ever, the building or improvement is sold within one year of completion, the
Owner-Builder will have the burden of proving that it was not built or im-
proved for the purpose of sale.).
(_) I, as owner of the property, am exclusively contracting with licensed
Contractors to construct the project (Section 7044, Business and Professions
Code: The Contractors’ State License Law does not apply to an owner of
property who builds or improves thereon, and who contracts for the projects
with a licensed Contractor pursuant to the Contractors’ State License Law.).
(_) I am exempt from licensure under the Contractors’ State License Law
for the following reason:
______________________________________________________________________
By my signature below I acknowledge that, except for my personal resi-
dence in which I must have resided for at least one year prior to completion of
the improvements covered by this permit, I cannot legally sell a structure
that I have built as an owner-builder if it has not been constructed in its en-
tirety by licensed contractors. I understand that a copy of the applicable law,
Section 7044 of the Business and Professions Code, is available upon request
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 759

when this application is submitted or at the following Web site:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html.

Date ____________________________

Signature of Property Owner or Authorized Agent ______________________

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION DECLARATION

WARNING: FAILURE TO SECURE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

COVERAGE IS UNLAWFUL, AND SHALL SUBJECT AN EMPLOYER TO
CRIMINAL PENALTIES AND CIVIL FINES UP TO ONE HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000), IN ADDITION TO THE COST OF
COMPENSATION, DAMAGES AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 3706 OF
THE LABOR CODE, INTEREST, AND ATTORNEY’S FEES.
I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury one of the following declarations:
_____ I have and will maintain a certificate of consent to self-insure for
workers’ compensation, issued by the Director of Industrial Relations as pro-
vided for by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the performance of the work
for which this permit is issued.
Policy No. _______________________
_____ I have and will maintain workers’ compensation insurance, as re-
quired by Section 3700 of the Labor Code, for the performance of the work for
which this permit is issued. My workers’ compensation insurance carrier and
policy number are:

Carrier __________ Policy Number __________ Expiration Date _________

Name of Agent ___________________ Phone # __________________________

_____ I certify that, in the performance of the work for which this permit is
issued, I shall not employ any person in any manner so as to become subject
to the workers’ compensation laws of California, and agree that, if I should
become subject to the workers’ compensation provisions of Section 3700 of the
Labor Code, I shall forthwith comply with those provisions.

___________________________ ____________________
Signature of Applicant Date

DECLARATION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION LENDING AGENCY

I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury that there is a construction lend-

ing agency for the performance of the work for which this permit is issued
(Section 8172, Civil Code).

Lender’s Name ______________________________________________________

760 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Branch Designation _________________________________________________

Lender’s Address ____________________________________________________

By my signature below, I certify to each of the following:

I am the property owner or authorized to act on the property owner’s be-
half.
I have read this application and the information I have provided is correct.
I agree to comply with all applicable city and county ordinances and state
laws relating to building construction.
I authorize representatives of this city or county to enter the above-
identified property for inspection purposes.

Signature of Property Owner or Authorized Agent ______________________

Date ____________________________

(b) When the Permit Application and the Owner-Builder Declaration

have been executed by a person other than the property owner, prior to
issuing the permit, the following shall be completed by the property
owner and returned to the agency responsible for issuing the permit:

AUTHORIZATION OF AGENT TO ACT ON PROPERTY OWNER’S

BEHALF

Excluding the Notice to Property Owner, the execution of which I under-

stand is my personal responsibility, I hereby authorize the following person(s)
to act as my agent(s) to apply for, sign, and file the documents necessary to
obtain an Owner-Builder Permit for my project.

Scope of Construction Project (or Description of Work):

______________________________________________________________________

Project Location or Address: __________________________________________

Name of Authorized Agent: ___________________________________________

Address of Authorized Agent: _________________________________________

Phone Number of Authorized Agent: __________________________________

I declare under penalty of perjury that I am the property owner for the ad-
dress listed above and I personally filled out the above information and certi-
fy its accuracy.

Property Owner’s Signature: _________________ Date: ______________

LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 761

Note: A copy of the owner’s driver’s license, form notarization, or other veri-
fication acceptable to the agency is required to be presented when the permit
is issued to verify the property owner’s signature.

(c) When the Owner-Builder Declaration required under subdivision

(a) is executed, a Notice to Property Owner also shall be executed by
the property owner in substantially the same form set forth under this
section. The Notice to Property Owner shall appear on the official let-
terhead of the issuer and shall be provided to the applicant by one of
the following methods chosen by the permitting authority: regular
mail, electronic format, or given directly to the applicant at the time
the application for the permit is made. Except as otherwise provided,
the Notice to Property Owner pursuant to this section shall be com-
pleted and signed by the property owner and returned prior to issuance
of the permit. An agent of the owner shall not execute this notice un-
less the property owner obtains the prior approval of the permitting
authority. A permit shall not be issued unless the property owner com-
plies with this section.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER

Dear Property Owner:

An application for a building permit has been submitted in your name list-
ing yourself as the builder of the property improvements specified at
______________________________.
We are providing you with an Owner-Builder Acknowledgment and Infor-
mation Verification Form to make you aware of your responsibilities and pos-
sible risk you may incur by having this permit issued in your name as the
Owner-Builder.
We will not issue a building permit until you have read, initialed your un-
derstanding of each provision, signed, and returned this form to us at our
official address indicated. An agent of the owner cannot execute this notice
unless you, the property owner, obtain the prior approval of the permitting
authority.

OWNER’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND VERIFICATION OF

INFORMATION

DIRECTIONS: Read and initial each statement below to signify you under-
stand or verify this information.
_____ 1. I understand a frequent practice of unlicensed persons is to have
the property owner obtain an “Owner-Builder” building permit that errone-
ously implies that the property owner is providing his or her own labor and
material personally. I, as an Owner-Builder, may be held liable and subject to
serious financial risk for any injuries sustained by an unlicensed person and
his or her employees while working on my property. My homeowner’s insur-
ance may not provide coverage for those injuries. I am willfully acting as an
762 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Owner-Builder and am aware of the limits of my insurance coverage for inju-

ries to workers on my property.
_____ 2. I understand building permits are not required to be signed by
property owners unless they are responsible for the construction and are not
hiring a licensed Contractor to assume this responsibility.
_____ 3. I understand as an “Owner-Builder” I am the responsible party of
record on the permit. I understand that I may protect myself from potential
financial risk by hiring a licensed Contractor and having the permit filed in
his or her name instead of my own.
_____ 4. I understand Contractors are required by law to be licensed and
bonded in California and to list their license numbers on permits and con-
tracts.
_____ 5. I understand if I employ or otherwise engage any persons, other
than California licensed Contractors, and the total value of my construction
is at least five hundred dollars ($500), including labor and materials, I may
be considered an “employer” under state and federal law.
_____ 6. I understand if I am considered an “employer” under state and
federal law, I must register with the state and federal government, withhold
payroll taxes, provide workers’ compensation disability insurance, and con-
tribute to unemployment compensation for each “employee.” I also under-
stand my failure to abide by these laws may subject me to serious financial
risk.
_____ 7. I understand under California Contractors’ State License Law, an
Owner-Builder who builds single-family residential structures cannot legally
build them with the intent to offer them for sale, unless all work is performed
by licensed subcontractors and the number of structures does not exceed four
within any calendar year, or all of the work is performed under contract with
a licensed general building Contractor.
_____ 8. I understand as an Owner-Builder if I sell the property for which
this permit is issued, I may be held liable for any financial or personal inju-
ries sustained by any subsequent owner(s) that result from any latent con-
struction defects in the workmanship or materials.
_____ 9. I understand I may obtain more information regarding my obliga-
tions as an “employer” from the Internal Revenue Service, the United States
Small Business Administration, the California Department of Benefit Pay-
ments, and the California Division of Industrial Accidents. I also understand
I may contact the California Contractors’ State License Board (CSLB) at 1-
800- 321-CSLB (2752) or www.cslb.ca.gov for more information about li-
censed contractors.
_____ 10. I am aware of and consent to an Owner-Builder building permit
applied for in my name, and understand that I am the party legally and fi-
nancially responsible for proposed construction activity at the following ad-
dress:
______________________________________________________________________
_____ 11. I agree that, as the party legally and financially responsible for
this proposed construction activity, I will abide by all applicable laws and
requirements that govern Owner- Builders as well as employers.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 763

_____ 12. I agree to notify the issuer of this form immediately of any addi-
tions, deletions, or changes to any of the information I have provided on this
form.

Licensed contractors are regulated by laws designed to protect the public. If

you contract with someone who does not have a license, the Contractors’
State License Board may be unable to assist you with any financial loss you
may sustain as a result of a complaint. Your only remedy against unlicensed
Contractors may be in civil court. It is also important for you to understand
that if an unlicensed Contractor or employee of that individual or firm is in-
jured while working on your property, you may be held liable for damages. If
you obtain a permit as Owner-Builder and wish to hire Contractors, you will
be responsible for verifying whether or not those Contractors are properly
licensed and the status of their workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Before a building permit can be issued, this form must be completed and
signed by the property owner and returned to the agency responsible for issu-
ing the permit.

Note: A copy of the property owner’s driver’s license, form notarization, or

other verification acceptable to the agency is required to be presented when
the permit is issued to verify the property owner’s signature.

Signature of property owner __________________ Date: ______________

Added Stats 2008 ch 66 § 2 (AB 2335), effective January 1, 2009. Amended Stats 2010
ch 697 § 39 (SB 189), effective January 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012.

DIVISION 20
MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY
PROVISIONS

Chapter 6.7
Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances
§ 25281. Definitions
For purposes of this chapter and unless otherwise expressly provid-
ed, the following definitions apply:
(a) “Automatic line leak detector” means any method of leak detec-
tion, as determined in regulations adopted by the board, that alerts
the owner or operator of an underground storage tank to the presence
of a leak. “Automatic line leak detector” includes, but is not limited
to, any device or mechanism that alerts the owner or operator of an
underground storage tank to the presence of a leak by restricting or
shutting off the flow of a hazardous substance through piping, or by
764 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

triggering an audible or visual alarm, and that detects leaks of three

gallons or more per hour at 10 pounds per square inch line pressure
within one hour.
(b) “Board” means the State Water Resources Control Board. “Re-
gional board” means a California regional water quality control
board.
(c) “Compatible” means the ability of two or more substances to
maintain their respective physical and chemical properties upon con-
tact with one another for the design life of the tank system under
conditions likely to be encountered in the tank system.
(d) (1) “Certified Unified Program Agency” or “CUPA” means the
agency certified by the Secretary for Environmental Protection to im-
plement the unified program specified in Chapter 6.11 (commencing
with Section 25404) within a jurisdiction.
(2) “Participating Agency” or “PA” means an agency that has a writ-
ten agreement with the CUPA pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section
25404.3, and is approved by the secretary to implement or enforce the
unified program element specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (c)
of Section 25404, in accordance with Sections 25404.1 and 25404.2.
(3) “Unified Program Agency” or “UPA” means the CUPA, or its
participating agencies to the extent each PA has been designated by
the CUPA, pursuant to a written agreement, to implement or enforce
the unified program element specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision
(c) of Section 25404. For purposes of this chapter, a UPA has the re-
sponsibility and authority, to the extent provided by this chapter and
Sections 25404.1 to 25404.2, inclusive, to implement and enforce only
those requirements of this chapter listed in paragraph (3) of subdivi-
sion (c) of Section 25404 and the regulations adopted to implement
those requirements. Except as provided in Section 25296.09, after a
CUPA has been certified by the secretary, the UPA shall be the only
local agency authorized to enforce the requirements of this chapter
listed in paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404 within the
jurisdiction of the CUPA. This paragraph shall not be construed to
limit the authority or responsibility granted to the board and the re-
gional boards by this chapter to implement and enforce this chapter
and the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(e) “Department” means the Department of Toxic Substances Con-
trol.
(f) “Facility” means any one, or combination of, underground stor-
age tanks used by a single business entity at a single location or site.
(g) “Federal act” means Subchapter IX (commencing with Section
6991) of Chapter 82 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as added by
the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (Public Law 98-
616), or as it may subsequently be amended or supplemented.
(h) “Hazardous substance” means either of the following:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 765

(1) All of the following liquid and solid substances, unless the de-
partment, in consultation with the board, determines that the sub-
stance could not adversely affect the quality of the waters of the state:
(A) Substances on the list prepared by the Director of Industrial Re-
lations pursuant to Section 6382 of the Labor Code.
(B) Hazardous substances, as defined in Section 25316.
(C) Any substance or material that is classified by the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) as a flammable liquid, a class II com-
bustible liquid, or a class III-A combustible liquid.
(2) Any regulated substance, as defined in subsection (7) of Section
6991 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as that section reads on
January 1, 2012, or as it may subsequently be amended or supple-
mented.
(i) “Local agency” means one of the following, as specified in subdi-
vision (b) of Section 25283:
(1) The unified program agency.
(2) Before July 1, 2013, a city or county.
(3) On and after July 1, 2013, a city or county certified by the board
to implement the local oversight program pursuant to Section
25297.01.
(j) “Operator” means any person in control of, or having daily re-
sponsibility for, the daily operation of an underground storage tank
system.
(k) “Owner” means the owner of an underground storage tank.
(l ) “Person” means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company,
corporation, including a government corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, or association. “Person” also includes any city,
county, district, the state, another state of the United States, any de-
partment or agency of this state or another state, or the United
States to the extent authorized by federal law.
(m) “Pipe” means any pipeline or system of pipelines that is used in
connection with the storage of hazardous substances and that is not
intended to transport hazardous substances in interstate or intra-
state commerce or to transfer hazardous materials in bulk to or from
a marine vessel.
(n) “Primary containment” means the first level of containment,
such as the portion of a tank that comes into immediate contact on its
inner surface with the hazardous substance being contained.
(o) “Product tight” means impervious to the substance that is con-
tained, or is to be contained, so as to prevent the seepage of the sub-
stance from the containment.
(p) “Release” means any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, es-
caping, leaching, or disposing from an underground storage tank into
or on the waters of the state, the land, or the subsurface soils.
(q) “Secondary containment” means the level of containment exter-
nal to, and separate from, the primary containment.
766 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(r) “Single walled” means construction with walls made of only one
thickness of material. For the purposes of this chapter, laminated,
coated, or clad materials are considered single walled.
(s) “Special inspector” means a professional engineer, registered
pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3
of the Business and Professions Code, who is qualified to attest, at a
minimum, to structural soundness, seismic safety, the compatibility
of construction materials with contents, cathodic protection, and the
mechanical compatibility of the structural elements of underground
storage tanks.
(t) (1) “Storage” or “store” means the containment, handling, or
treatment of hazardous substances, either on a temporary basis or for
a period of years.
(2) “Storage” or “store” does not include the storage of hazardous
wastes in an underground storage tank if the person operating the
tank has been issued a hazardous waste facilities permit by the de-
partment pursuant to Section 25200 or 25201.6 or granted interim
status under Section 25200.5.
(3) “Storage” or “store” does not include the storage of hazardous
wastes in an underground storage tank if all of the following apply:
(A) The facility has been issued a unified program facility permit
pursuant to Section 25404.2 for generation, treatment, accumulation,
or storage of hazardous waste in a tank.
(B) The tank is located in an underground area, as defined in Sec-
tion 280.12 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(C) The tank is subject to Chapter 6.67 (commencing with Section
25270).
(D) The tank complies with the hazardous waste tank standards
pursuant to Article 10 (commencing with Section 66265.190) of Chap-
ter 15 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
(4) “Storage” or “store” does not include the storage of hazardous
wastes in an underground storage tank if all of the following apply:
(A) The facility has been issued a unified program facility permit
pursuant to Section 25404.2 for generation, treatment, accumulation,
or storage of hazardous waste in a tank.
(B) The tank is located in a structure that is at least 10 percent be-
low the ground surface, including, but not limited to, a basement, cel-
lar, shaft, pit, or vault.
(C) The structure in which the tank is located, at a minimum, pro-
vides for secondary containment of the contents of the tank, piping,
and ancillary equipment, until cleanup occurs.
(D) The tank complies with the hazardous waste tank standards
pursuant to Article 10 (commencing with Section 66265.190) of Chap-
ter 15 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
(u) “Tank” means a stationary device designed to contain an accu-
mulation of hazardous substances which is constructed primarily of
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 767

nonearthen materials, including, but not limited to, wood, concrete,

steel, or plastic that provides structural support.
(v) “Tank integrity test” means a test method capable of detecting
an unauthorized release from an underground storage tank con-
sistent with the minimum standards adopted by the board.
(w) “Tank tester” means an individual who performs tank integrity
tests on underground storage tanks.
(x) “Unauthorized release” means any release of any hazardous
substance that does not conform to this chapter, including an unau-
thorized release specified in Section 25295.5.
(y) (1) “Underground storage tank” means any one or combination
of tanks, including pipes connected thereto, that is used for the stor-
age of hazardous substances and that is substantially or totally be-
neath the surface of the ground. “Underground storage tank” does not
include any of the following:
(A) A tank with a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less that is located on
a farm and that stores motor vehicle fuel used primarily for agricul-
tural purposes and not for resale.
(B) A tank that is located on a farm or at the residence of a person,
that has a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less, and that stores home
heating oil for consumptive use on the premises where stored.
(C) Structures, such as sumps, separators, storm drains, catch ba-
sins, oil field gathering lines, refinery pipelines, lagoons, evaporation
ponds, well cellars, separation sumps, and lined and unlined pits,
sumps, and lagoons. A sump that is a part of a monitoring system
required under Section 25290.1, 25290.2, 25291, or 25292 and sumps
or other structures defined as underground storage tanks under the
federal act are not exempted by this subparagraph.
(D) A tank holding hydraulic fluid for a closed loop mechanical sys-
tem that uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid to operate lifts, eleva-
tors, and other similar devices.
(E) A tank in an underground area, as defined in Section 25270.2,
and associated piping, that is subject to Chapter 6.67 (commencing
with Section 25270).
(2) Structures identified in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph
(1) may be regulated by the board and any regional board pursuant to
the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 (commenc-
ing with Section 13000) of the Water Code) to ensure that they do not
pose a threat to water quality.
(z) “Underground tank system” or “tank system” means an under-
ground storage tank, connected piping, ancillary equipment, and con-
tainment system, if any.
(aa) (1) “Unified program facility” means all contiguous land and
structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land that
are subject to the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of
Section 25404.
768 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) “Unified program facility permit” means a permit issued pursu-

ant to Chapter 6.11 (commencing with Section 25404), and that en-
compasses the permitting requirements of Section 25284.
(3) “Permit” means a permit issued pursuant to Section 25284 or a
unified program facility permit as defined in paragraph (2).
Added Stats 1983 ch 1046 § 3. Amended and renumbered by Stats 1984 ch 1038 § 2.
Amended Stats 1986 ch 935 § 1, ch 1390 § 1, effective September 30, 1986, operative
until January 1, 1987, ch 1390 § 2, effective September 30, 1986, operative January 1,
1987; Stats 1987 ch 1372 § 1; Stats 1989 ch 1397 § 3; 1991 Governor’s Reorganization
Plan No. 1 § 10, effective July 17, 1991; Stats 1991 ch 1138 § 1 (AB 1954); Stats 1992
ch 654 § 2 (AB 3089), effective September 12, 1992; Stats 1993 ch 432 § 2 (AB 1061),
effective September 24, 1993; Stats 1994 ch 1200 § 35 (SB 469), effective September 30,
1994; Stats 1995 ch 639 § 52 (SB 1191); Stats 1999 ch 328 § 1 (SB 665); Stats 2002 ch
999 § 11 (AB 2481); Stats 2003 ch 42 § 4 (AB 1702), effective July 7, 2003, ch 341 § 1
(SB 1002), effective September 8, 2003; Stats 2012 ch 532 § 7 (AB 1566), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2013, ch 536 § 1.5 (AB 1701), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2015 ch 452 § 9
(SB 612), effective January 1, 2016.

Chapter 6.95
Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and
Inventory
Article 2
Hazardous Materials Management
§ 25536.7. Skilled and trained workforce required;
Instruction and training; Apprenticeships; Applicability
(a) (1) An owner or operator of a stationary source that is engaged
in activities described in Code 324110 or 325110 of the North Ameri-
can Industry Classification System (NAICS), as that code read on
January 1, 2014, and with one or more covered processes that is re-
quired to prepare and submit an RMP pursuant to this article, when
contracting for the performance of construction, alteration, demoli-
tion, installation, repair, or maintenance work at the stationary
source, shall require that its contractors and any subcontractors use a
skilled and trained workforce to perform all onsite work within an
apprenticeable occupation in the building and construction trades.
This section shall not apply to oil and gas extraction operations.
(2) The Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards of the
Department of Industrial Relations may approve a curriculum of in-
person classroom and laboratory instruction for approved advanced
safety training for workers at high hazard facilities. That safety
training may be provided by an apprenticeship program approved by
the chief or by instruction provided by the Chancellor of the Califor-
nia Community Colleges. The chief shall approve a curriculum in ac-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 769

cordance with this paragraph by January 1, 2016, and shall periodi-

cally revise the curriculum to reflect current best practices. Upon re-
ceipt of certification from the apprenticeship program or community
college, the chief shall issue a certificate to a worker who completes
the approved curriculum.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 3075
of the Labor Code, a stationary source covered by this section shall be
considered in determining whether existing apprenticeship programs
do not have the capacity, or have neglected or refused, to dispatch
sufficient apprentices to qualified employers who are willing to abide
by the applicable apprenticeship standards.
(4) This section shall not apply to contracts awarded before January
1, 2014, unless the contract is extended or renewed after that date.
(5) (A) This section shall not apply to the employees of the owner or
operator of the stationary source or prevent the owner or operator of
the stationary source from using its own employees to perform any
work that has not been assigned to contractors while the employees of
the contractor are present and working.
(B) An apprenticeship program approved by the chief may enroll,
with advanced standing, applicants with relevant prior work experi-
ence at a stationary source that is subject to this section, in accord-
ance with the approved apprenticeship standards of the program.
(6) The criteria of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (10) of subdivision
(b), subparagraph (C) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (b), and sub-
paragraph (B) of paragraph (11) of subdivision (b) shall not apply to
either of the following:
(A) To the extent that the contractor has requested qualified work-
ers from the local hiring halls that dispatch workers in the appren-
ticeable occupation and, due to workforce shortages, the contractor is
unable to obtain sufficient qualified workers within 48 hours of the
request, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted. This section
shall not prevent contractors from obtaining workers from any source.
(B) To the extent that compliance is impracticable because an
emergency requires immediate action to prevent harm to public
health or safety or to the environment, but the criteria shall apply as
soon as the emergency is over or it becomes practicable for contrac-
tors to obtain a qualified workforce.
(7) The requirement specified in paragraph (1) for a skilled and
trained workforce, as defined in paragraph (11) of subdivision (b),
shall apply to each individual contractor’s and subcontractor’s onsite
workforce.
(8) This section does not make the construction, alteration, demoli-
tion, installation, repair, or maintenance work at a stationary source
that is subject to this section a public work, within the meaning of
Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1720) of Part 7 of Division 2 of
the Labor Code. This section does not preclude the use of an alterna-
770 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

tive workweek schedule adopted pursuant to Section 511 or 514 of the

Labor Code.
(b) As used in this section:
(1) “Apprenticeable occupation” means an occupation for which the
chief has approved an apprenticeship program pursuant to Section
3075 of the Labor Code.
(2) “Approved advanced safety training for workers at high hazard
facilities” means a curriculum approved by the chief pursuant to par-
agraph (2) of subdivision (a).
(3) “Building and construction trades” has the same meaning as in
Section 3075.5 of the Labor Code.
(4) “Chief” means the Chief of the Division of the Apprenticeship
Standards of the Department of Industrial Relations.
(5) “Construction,” “alteration,” “demolition,” “installation,” “re-
pair,” and “maintenance” have the same meanings as in Sections
1720 and 1771 of the Labor Code.
(6) “Graduate of an apprenticeship program” means either of the
following:
(A) An individual that has been issued a certificate of completion
under the authority of the California Apprenticeship Council for com-
pleting an apprenticeship program approved by the chief pursuant to
Section 3075 of the Labor Code.
(B) An individual that has completed an apprenticeship program lo-
cated outside California and approved for federal purposes pursuant
to the apprenticeship regulations adopted by the federal Secretary of
Labor.
(7) “Onsite work” shall not include catalyst handling and loading,
chemical cleaning, or inspection and testing that was not within the
scope of a prevailing wage determination issued by the Director of
Industrial Relations as of January 1, 2013.
(8) “Prevailing hourly wage rate” means the general prevailing rate
of per diem wages, as determined by the Director of Industrial Rela-
tions pursuant to Sections 1773 and 1773.9 of the Labor Code, but
does not include shift differentials, travel and subsistence, or holiday
pay. Notwithstanding subdivision (c) of Section 1773.1 of the Labor
Code, the requirement that employer payments not reduce the obliga-
tion to pay the hourly straight time or overtime wages found to be
prevailing shall not apply if otherwise provided in a bona fide collec-
tive bargaining agreement covering the worker.
(9) “Registered apprentice” means an apprentice registered in an
apprenticeship program approved by the chief pursuant to Section
3075 of the Labor Code who is performing work covered by the stand-
ards of that apprenticeship program and receiving the supervision
required by the standards of that apprenticeship program.
(10) “Skilled journeyperson” means a worker who meets all of the
following criteria:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 771

(A) The worker either graduated from an apprenticeship program

for the applicable occupation that was approved by the chief, or has at
least as many hours of on-the-job experience in the applicable occupa-
tion that would be required to graduate from an apprenticeship pro-
gram for the applicable occupation that is approved by the chief.
(B) The worker is being paid at least a rate equivalent to the pre-
vailing hourly wage rate for a journeyperson in the applicable occupa-
tion and geographic area.
(C) The worker has completed within the prior two calendar years
at least 20 hours of approved advanced safety training for workers at
high hazard facilities. This requirement applies only to work per-
formed on or after January 1, 2018.
(11) “Skilled and trained workforce” means a workforce that meets
both of the following criteria:
(A) All the workers are either registered apprentices or skilled
journeypersons.
(B) (i) As of January 1, 2014, at least 30 percent of the skilled jour-
neypersons are graduates of an apprenticeship program for the appli-
cable occupation.
(ii) As of January 1, 2015, at least 45 percent of the skilled journey-
persons are graduates of an apprenticeship program for the applica-
ble occupation.
(iii) As of January 1, 2016, at least 60 percent of the skilled jour-
neypersons are graduates of an apprenticeship program for the appli-
cable occupation.
Added Stats 2013 ch 795 § 2 (SB 54), effective January 1, 2014. Amended Stats 2016 ch
774 § 3 (SB 693), effective January 1, 2017.

Chapter 10.35
Asbestos and Hazardous Substance Removal
Contracts
§ 25914. Legislative findings and declarations
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that it is the public poli-
cy of the state to ensure that work performed on behalf of the public
or private entity or person be done properly to safeguard the public
health and safety when removing asbestos and hazardous substances.
Added Stats 1991 ch 789 § 1 (AB 1639).

§ 25914.1. Definitions
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Asbestos” has the same meaning as defined in Section 6501.7 of
the Labor Code.
772 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) “Asbestos–related work,” is defined in Chapter 6 (commencing

with Section 6500) of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Labor Code, including
Section 6501.8 of the Labor Code, and involves 100–square feet or
more of surface area of asbestos–containing material and is such that
it requires that the contractor who performs the work must be certi-
fied in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 7058.5 of the Busi-
ness and Professions Code.
(c) “Hazardous substance removal” has the same meaning as used
in Section 7058.7 of the Business and Professions Code.
Added Stats 1991 ch 789 § 1 (AB 1639).

§ 25914.2. Separate contract for undisclosed presence;

Continuance of work in unaffected areas; Emergency
condition
(a) All asbestos–related work and hazardous substance removal
shall be performed pursuant to a contract separate from any other
work to be performed, when the presence of asbestos or hazardous
substances is not disclosed in the bid or contract documents.
(b) All asbestos–related and hazardous substance removal work
which is disclosed in the bid or contract documents shall not require a
separate contract from any other work to be performed.
(c) In the event the contractor encounters on the site materials he
or she reasonably believes to be asbestos or a hazardous substance,
and the asbestos or hazardous substance has not been rendered
harmless, the contractor may continue work in unaffected areas rea-
sonably believed safe, and shall immediately cease work on the area
affected and report the condition to the owner, or the owner’s repre-
sentative, or architect in writing.
(d) With regard to a public entity, if an emergency condition arises,
as defined in Section 10122 or 22035 of the Public Contract Code,
then all asbestos–related and hazardous substance removal shall be
contracted and performed pursuant to Section 10122 or 22035 of the
Public Contract Code, respectively. Contractors performing the work
shall have all registration and certificates required pursuant to the
Labor Code and the Business and Professions Code.
Added Stats 1991 ch 789 § 1 (AB 1639).

§ 25914.3. Uncertified contractor

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a contractor who is not
certified pursuant to Section 7058.6 of the Business and Professions
Code may bid on a project involving asbestos related work so long as
the asbestos–related work is performed by a contractor who is regis-
tered pursuant to Section 6501.5 of the Labor Code and certified pur-
suant to Section 7058.6 of the Business and Professions Code.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 773

Added Stats 1991 ch 789 § 1 (AB 1639).

DIVISION 104
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

PART 10
RECREATIONAL SAFETY

Chapter 5
Safe Recreational Water Use
Article 2.5
The Swimming Pool Safety Act
§ 115920. Citation
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool
Safety Act.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 [§ 3] (AB 3305).

§ 115921. Definitions
As used in this article the following terms have the following mean-
ings:
(a) “Swimming pool” or “pool” means any structure intended for
swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches
deep. “Swimming pool” includes in-ground and aboveground struc-
tures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas,
and nonportable wading pools.
(b) “Public swimming pool” means a swimming pool operated for the
use of the general public with or without charge, or for the use of the
members and guests of a private club. Public swimming pool does not
include a swimming pool located on the grounds of a private single-
family home.
(c) “Enclosure” means a fence, wall, or other barrier that isolates a
swimming pool from access to the home.
(d) “Approved safety pool cover” means a manually or power-
operated safety pool cover that meets all of the performance stand-
ards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), in
compliance with standard F1346–91.
(e) “Exit alarms” means devices that make audible, continuous
alarm sounds when any door or window, that permits access from the
residence to the pool area that is without any intervening enclosure,
774 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

is opened or is left ajar. Exit alarms may be battery operated or may

be connected to the electrical wiring of the building.
(f) “ANSI/APSP performance standard” means a standard that is
accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and
published by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
(g) “Suction outlet” means a fitting or fixture typically located at the
bottom or on the sides of a swimming pool that conducts water to a
recirculating pump.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 § 3.5 (AB 3305). Amended Stats 2012 ch 679 § 1 (AB 2114),
effective January 1, 2013.

§ 115922. Safety features; inspection

(a) Commencing January 1, 2007, except as provided in Section
115925, whenever a building permit is issued for construction of a
new swimming pool or spa, or any building permit is issued for re-
modeling of an existing pool or spa, at a private, single-family home,
it shall be equipped with at least one of the following seven drowning
prevention safety features:
(1) The pool shall be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure
that meets the requirements of Section 115923.
(2) The pool shall incorporate removable mesh pool fencing that
meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifica-
tions F 2286 standards in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing
and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.
(3) The pool shall be equipped with an approved safety pool cover
that meets all requirements of the ASTM Specifications F 1346.
(4) The residence shall be equipped with exit alarms on those doors
providing direct access to the pool.
(5) All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming
pool shall be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a
release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.
(6) Swimming pool alarms that, when placed in pools, will sound
upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water.
These pool alarms shall meet and be independently certified to the
ASTM Standard F 2208 “Standards Specification for Pool Alarms”
which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared
type alarms. For purposes of this article, “swimming pool alarms”
shall not include swimming protection alarm devices designed for in-
dividual use, such as an alarm attached to a child that sounds when
the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water.
(7) Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is
equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the devices set forth
above, and have been independently verified by an approved testing
laboratory as meeting standards for those devices established by the
ASTM or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 775

(b) Prior to the issuance of any final approval for the completion of
permitted construction or remodeling work, the local building code
official shall inspect the drowning safety prevention devices required
by this act and if no violations are found, shall give final approval.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 [§ 3] (AB 3305). Amended Stats 2006 ch 478 § 2 (AB 2977),
effective January 1, 2007.

§ 115923. Enclosure
An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics:
(a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the
swimming pool, and are self–closing with a self–latching device
placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground.
(b) A minimum height of 60 inches.
(c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of
the enclosure of two inches.
(d) Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to
or greater than four inches in diameter.
(e) An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities, or other physical
characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could
enable a child below the age of five years to climb over.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 [§ 3] (AB 3305).

§ 115924. Consumer notice; Availability of information on

Web site
(a) Any person entering into an agreement to build a swimming
pool or spa, or to engage in permitted work on a pool or spa covered
by this article, shall give the consumer notice of the requirements of
this article.
(b) Pursuant to existing law, the Department of Health Services
shall have available on the department’s Web site, commencing Jan-
uary 1, 2007, approved pool safety information available for consum-
ers to download. Pool contractors are encouraged to share this infor-
mation with consumers regarding the potential dangers a pool or spa
poses to toddlers. Additionally, pool contractors may provide the con-
sumer with swimming pool safety materials produced from organiza-
tions such as the United States Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion, Drowning Prevention Foundation, California Coalition for Chil-
dren’s Safety & Health, Safe Kids Worldwide, Association of Pool and
Spa Professionals, or the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 [§ 3] (AB 3305). Amended Stats 2006 ch 478 § 3 (AB 2977),
effective January 1, 2007.

§ 115925. Inapplicability
The requirements of this article shall not apply to any of the following:
776 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(a) Public swimming pools.

(b) Hot tubs or spas with locking safety covers that comply with the
American Society for Testing Materials–Emergency Performance
Specification (ASTM–ES 13–89).
(c) Any pool within the jurisdiction of any political subdivision that
adopts an ordinance for swimming pool safety that includes require-
ments that are at least as stringent as this article.
(d) An apartment complex, or any residential setting other than a
single–family home.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 [§ 3] (AB 3305).

§ 115926. State social services

This article does not apply to any facility regulated by the State
Department of Social Services even if the facility is also used as the
private residence of the operator. Pool safety in those facilities shall
be regulated pursuant to regulations adopted therefor by the State
Department of Social Services.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 [§ 3] (AB 3305).

§ 115927. Interpretation
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this article shall not be
subject to further modification or interpretation by any regulatory
agency of the state, this authority being reserved exclusively to local
jurisdictions, as provided for in subdivision (e) of Section 115922 and
subdivision (c) of Section 115924.
Added Stats 1996 ch 925 [§ 3] (AB 3305).

§ 115928. New swimming pool or spa construction standards

Whenever a building permit is issued for the construction of a new
swimming pool or spa, the pool or spa shall meet all of the following
requirements:
(a) (1) The suction outlets of the pool or spa for which the permit is
issued shall be equipped to provide circulation throughout the pool or
spa as prescribed in paragraphs (2) and (3).
(2) The swimming pool or spa shall either have at least two circula-
tion suction outlets per pump that shall be hydraulically balanced
and symmetrically plumbed through one or more “T” fittings, and
that are separated by a distance of at least three feet in any dimen-
sion between the suction outlets, or be designed to use alternatives to
suction outlets, including, but not limited to, skimmers or perimeter
overflow systems to conduct water to the recirculation pump.
(3) The circulation system shall have the capacity to provide a com-
plete turnover of pool water, as specified in Section 3124B of Chapter
31B of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the Cali-
fornia Code of Regulations).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 777

(b) Suction outlets shall be covered with antientrapment grates, as

specified in the ANSI/APSP-16 performance standard or successor
standard designated by the federal Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission, that cannot be removed except with the use of tools. Slots or
openings in the grates or similar protective devices shall be of a
shape, area, and arrangement that would prevent physical entrap-
ment and would not pose any suction hazard to bathers.
(c) Any backup safety system that an owner of a new swimming
pool or spa may choose to install in addition to the requirements set
forth in subdivisions (a) and (b) shall meet the standards as published
in the document, “Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools
and Spas Safer,” Publication Number 363, March 2005, United States
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Added Stats 2002 ch 679 § 1 (SB 1726). Amended Stats 2003 ch 62 § 194 (SB 600);
Stats 2006 ch 478 § 4 (AB 2977), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2007 ch 596 § 19 (AB
382), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2012 ch 679 § 2 (AB 2114), effective January 1,
2013.

§ 115928.5. Issuance of building permit for remodeling or

modification of an existing swimming pool, toddler pool, or
spa
Whenever a building permit is issued for the remodel or modifica-
tion of an existing swimming pool, toddler pool, or spa, the permit
shall require that the suction outlet or suction outlets of the existing
swimming pool, toddler pool, or spa be upgraded so as to be equipped
with antientrapment grates, as specified in the ANSI/APSP-16 per-
formance standard or a successor standard designated by the federal
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Added Stats 2007 ch 596 § 20 (AB 382), effective January 1, 2008. Amended Stats 2012
ch 679 § 3 (AB 2114), effective January 1, 2013.

Article 5
Swimming Pool Sanitation
§ 116064. Public wading pool safety devices
(a) As used in this section the following words have the following
meanings:
(1) (A) “Public wading pool” means a pool that meets all of the fol-
lowing criteria:
(i) It has a maximum water depth not exceeding 18 inches.
(ii) It is a pool other than a pool that is located on the premises of a
one-unit or two-unit residence, intended solely for the use of the resi-
dents or guests.
778 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(B) “Public wading pool” includes, but is not limited to, a pool owned
or operated by private persons or agencies, or by state or local gov-
ernmental agencies.
(C) “Public wading pool” includes, but is not limited to, a pool locat-
ed in an apartment house, hotel, or similar setting, that is intended
for the use of residents or guests.
(2) “Alteration” means any of the following:
(A) To change, modify, or rearrange the structural parts or the de-
sign.
(B) To enlarge.
(C) To move the location of.
(D) To install a new water circulation system.
(E) To make any repairs costing fifty dollars ($50) or more to an ex-
isting circulation system.
(3) “ANSI/APSP performance standard” means a standard that is
accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and
published by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
(4) “Suction outlet” means a fitting or fixture typically located at
the bottom or on the sides of a swimming pool that conducts water to
a recirculating pump.
(b) A public wading pool shall have at least two circulation suction
outlets per pump that are hydraulically balanced and symmetrically
plumbed through one or more “T” fittings, and are separated by a dis-
tance of at least three feet in any dimension between the suction out-
lets.
(c) All public wading pool suction outlets shall be covered with anti-
vortex grates or similar protective devices. All suction outlets shall be
covered with grates or antivortex plates that cannot be removed ex-
cept with the use of tools. Slots or openings in the grates or similar
protective devices shall be of a shape, area, and arrangement that
would prevent physical entrapment and would not pose any suction
hazard to bathers.
(d) (1) The State Department of Health Services may adopt regula-
tions pursuant to this section.
(2) The regulations may include, but not be limited to, standards
permitting the use of alternative devices or safeguards, or incorporat-
ing new technologies, that produce, at a minimum, equivalent protec-
tion against entrapment and suction hazard, whenever these devices,
safeguards, or technologies become available to the public.
(3) Regulations adopted pursuant to this section constitute building
standards and shall be forwarded pursuant to Section 11343 of the
Government Code to the California Building Standards Commission
for approval as set forth in Section 18907 of the Health and Safety
Code.
(e) The California Building Standards Commission shall approve
the building standards as set forth in this section and publish them in
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 779

the California Building Standards Code by November 1, 1999. The

commission shall publish the text of this section in Title 24 of the Cal-
ifornia Code of Regulations, Part 2, Chapter 31B, requirements for
public swimming pools, with the following note: “NOTE: These build-
ing standards are in statute but have not been adopted through the
regulatory process.” Enforcement of the standards set forth in this
section does not depend upon adoption of regulations, therefore, en-
forcement agencies shall enforce the standards pursuant to the time-
line set forth in this section prior to adoption of related regulations.
(f) The maximum velocity in the pump suction hydraulic system
shall not exceed six feet per second when 100 percent of the pump’s
flow comes from the circulation system and any suction outlet in the
system is completely blocked.
(g) On and after January 1, 1998, all newly constructed public wad-
ing pools shall be constructed in compliance with this section.
(h) Commencing January 1, 1998, whenever a construction permit
is issued for alteration of an existing public wading pool, it shall be
retrofitted so as to be in compliance with this section.
(i) By January 1, 2000, every public wading pool, regardless of the
date of original construction, shall be retrofitted to comply with this
section.
Added Stats 1997 ch 913 § 2 (SB 873). Amended Stats 2012 ch 295 § 4 (SB 1099), effec-
tive January 1, 2013, ch 679 § 4.5 (AB 2114), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 116064.1. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 2009 ch 267 § 2 (AB 1020), effective January 1, 2010. Repealed Stats 2012
ch 23 § 30 (AB 1467), effective June 27, 2012. The repealed section related to Legisla-
tive findings and declarations.

§ 116064.2. Anti-entrapment devices or systems as applicable

standard; Deadline for installation; Alternative devices or
systems; New construction; Retrofitting; Compliance and
documentation; Enforcement
(a) As used in this section, the following words have the following
meanings:
(1) “ANSI/APSP performance standard” means a standard that is
accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and
published by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
(2) “ASME/ANSI performance standard” means a standard that is
accredited by the American National Standards Institute and pub-
lished by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
(3) “ASTM performance standard” means a standard that is devel-
oped and published by ASTM International.
(4) “Public swimming pool” means an outdoor or indoor structure,
whether in-ground or above-ground, intended for swimming or recre-
780 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ational bathing, including a swimming pool, hot tub, spa, or nonport-

able wading pool, that is any of the following:
(A) Open to the public generally, whether for a fee or free of charge.
(B) Open exclusively to members of an organization and their
guests, residents of a multiunit apartment building, apartment com-
plex, residential real estate development, or other multifamily resi-
dential area, or patrons of a hotel or other public accommodations
facility.
(C) Located on the premises of an athletic club, or public or private
school.
(5) “Qualified individual” means a contractor who holds a current
valid license issued by the State of California or a professional engi-
neer licensed in the State of California who has experience working
on public swimming pools.
(6) “Safety vacuum release system” means a vacuum release system
that ceases operation of the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or
otherwise provides a vacuum release at a suction outlet when a
blockage is detected.
(7) “Skimmer equalizer line” means a suction outlet located below
the waterline, typically on the side of the pool, and connected to the
body of a skimmer that prevents air from being drawn into the pump
if the water level drops below the skimmer weir. However, a skimmer
equalizer line is not a suction outlet for purposes of subdivisions (c)
and (d).
(8) “Suction outlet” means a fitting or fixture of a swimming pool
that conducts water to a recirculating pump.
(9) “Unblockable suction outlet” means a suction outlet, including
the sump, that has a perforated (open) area that cannot be shadowed
by the area of the 18 inch by 23 inch Body Blocking Element of the
ANSI/APSP-16 performance standard, and that the rated flow
through any portion of the remaining open area cannot create a suc-
tion force in excess of the removal force values in Table 1 of that
standard.
(b) (1) Subject to subdivision (e), every public swimming pool shall
be equipped with antientrapment devices or systems that comply
with the ANSI/APSP-16 performance standard or successor standard
designated by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(2) A public swimming pool that has a suction outlet in any location
other than on the bottom of the pool shall be designed so that the re-
circulation system shall have the capacity to provide a complete turn-
over of pool water within the following time:
(A) One-half hour or less for a spa pool.
(B) One-half hour or less for a spray ground.
(C) One hour or less for a wading pool.
(D) Two hours or less for a medical pool.
(E) Six hours or less for all other types of public pools.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 781

(c) Subject to subdivisions (d) and (e), every public swimming pool
with a single suction outlet that is not an unblockable suction outlet
shall be equipped with at least one or more of the following devices or
systems that are designed to prevent physical entrapment by pool
drains:
(1) A safety vacuum release system that has been tested by a na-
tionally recognized testing laboratory and found to conform to
ASME/ANSI performance standard A112.19.17, as in effect on De-
cember 31, 2009, or ASTM performance standard F2387, as in effect
on December 31, 2009.
(2) A suction-limiting vent system with a tamper-resistant atmos-
pheric opening, provided that it conforms to any applicable
ASME/ANSI or ASTM performance standard.
(3) A gravity drainage system that utilizes a collector tank, provid-
ed that it conforms to any applicable ASME/ANSI or ASTM perfor-
mance standard.
(4) An automatic pump shutoff system tested by a department-
approved independent third party and found to conform to any appli-
cable ASME/ANSI or ASTM performance standard.
(5) Any other system that is deemed, in accordance with federal
law, to be equally effective as, or more effective than, the systems de-
scribed in paragraph (1) at preventing or eliminating the risk of inju-
ry or death associated with the circulation system of the pool and suc-
tion outlets.
(d) Every public swimming pool constructed on or after January 1,
2010, shall have at least two suction outlets per pump that are hy-
draulically balanced and symmetrically plumbed through one or more
“T” fittings, and that are separated by a distance of at least three feet
in any dimension between the suction outlets. A public swimming
pool constructed on or after January 1, 2010, that meets the require-
ments of this subdivision, shall be exempt from the requirements of
subdivision (c).
(e) A public swimming pool constructed prior to January 1, 2010,
shall be retrofitted to comply with subdivisions (b) and (c) by no later
than July 1, 2010, except that no further retrofitting is required for a
public swimming pool that completed a retrofit between December 19,
2007, and January 1, 2010, that complied with the Virginia Graeme
Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 8001 et seq.) as in ef-
fect on the date of issue of the construction permit, or for a nonporta-
ble wading pool that completed a retrofit prior to January 1, 2010,
that complied with state law on the date of issue of the construction
permit. A public swimming pool owner who meets the exception de-
scribed in this subdivision shall do one of the following prior to Sep-
tember 30, 2010:
(1) File the form issued by the department pursuant to subdivision
(f), as otherwise provided in subdivision (h).
782 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) (A) File a signed statement attesting that the required work has
been completed.
(B) Provide a document containing the name and license number of
the qualified individual who completed the required work.
(C) Provide either a copy of the final building permit, if required by
the local agency, or a copy of one of the following documents if no
permit was required:
(i) A document that describes the modification in a manner that
provides sufficient information to document the work that was done
to comply with federal law.
(ii) A copy of the final paid invoice. The amount paid for the services
may be omitted or redacted from the final invoice prior to submission.
(f) Prior to March 31, 2010, the department shall issue a form for
use by an owner of a public swimming pool to indicate compliance
with this section. The department shall consult with county health
officers and directors of departments of environmental health in de-
veloping the form and shall post the form on the department’s Inter-
net Web site. The form shall be completed by the owner of a public
swimming pool prior to filing the form with the appropriate city,
county, or city and county department of environmental health. The
form shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
(1) A statement of whether the pool operates with a single suction
outlet or multiple suction outlets that comply with subdivision (d).
(2) Identification of the type of antientrapment devices or systems
that have been installed pursuant to subdivision (b) and the date or
dates of installation.
(3) Identification of the type of devices or systems designed to pre-
vent physical entrapment that have been installed pursuant to subdi-
vision (c) in a public swimming pool with a single suction outlet that
is not an unblockable suction outlet and the date or dates of installa-
tion or the reason why the requirement is not applicable.
(4) A signature and license number of a qualified individual who
certifies that the factual information provided on the form in response
to paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, is true to the best of his or her
knowledge.
(g) A qualified individual who improperly certifies information pur-
suant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (f) shall be subject to potential
disciplinary action at the discretion of the licensing authority.
(h) Except as provided in subdivision (e), each public swimming
pool owner shall file a completed copy of the form issued by the de-
partment pursuant to this section with the city, county, or city and
county department of environmental health in the city, county, or city
and county in which the swimming pool is located. The form shall be
filed within 30 days following the completion of the swimming pool
construction or installation required pursuant to this section or, if the
construction or installation is completed prior to the date that the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 783

department issues the form pursuant to this section, within 30 days

of the date that the department issues the form. The public swim-
ming pool owner or operator shall not make a false statement, repre-
sentation, certification, record, report, or otherwise falsify infor-
mation that he or she is required to file or maintain pursuant to this
section.
(i) In enforcing this section, health officers and directors of city,
county, or city and county departments of environmental health shall
consider documentation filed on or with the form issued pursuant to
this section by the owner of a public swimming pool as evidence of
compliance with this section. A city, county, or city and county de-
partment of environmental health may verify the accuracy of the in-
formation filed on or with the form.
(j) To the extent that the requirements for public wading pools im-
posed by Section 116064 conflict with this section, the requirements
of this section shall prevail.
(k) The department shall have no authority to take any enforce-
ment action against any person for violation of this section and has no
responsibility to administer or enforce the provisions of this section.
Added Stats 2009 ch 267 § 3 (AB 1020), effective January 1, 2010. Amended Stats 2010
ch 328 § 135 (SB 1330), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2012 ch 23 § 31 (AB 1467),
effective June 27, 2012; ch 679 § 5 (AB 2114), effective January 1, 2013.
784 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

INSURANCE CODE

PART 3
LIABILITY, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, AND
COMMON CARRIER LIABILITY INSURANCE

Chapter 2
Workers’ Compensation Policies
Article 2
Policy Provisions
§ 11665. Insurance policy for contractor holding C-39 license
(a) An insurer who issues a workers’ compensation insurance policy
to a roofing contractor holding a C-39 license from the Contractors’
State License Board shall perform an annual payroll audit for the
contractor. This audit shall include an in-person visit to the place of
business of the roofing contractor to verify whether the number of
employees reported by the contractor is accurate. The insurer may
impose a surcharge on each policyholder audited under this subdivi-
sion in an amount necessary to recoup the reasonable costs of con-
ducting the annual payroll audits.
(b) The commissioner shall direct the rating organization designat-
ed as his or her statistical agent to compile pertinent statistical data
on those holding C-39 licenses, as reported by the appropriate state
entity, on an annual basis and provide a report to him or her each
year. The data shall track the total annual payroll and loss data re-
ported on those holding C-39 licenses in accordance with the standard
workers’ compensation insurance classifications applicable to roofing
operations. The data shall include the number of employers, total
payroll, total losses, and the losses per one hundred dollars ($100) of
payroll by the employers’ annual payroll intervals as follows:
1 to 4,999
5,000 to 9,999
10,000 to 14,999
15,000 to 19,999
20,000 to 24,999
25,000 to 29,999
30,000 to 39,999
40,000 to 49,999
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 785

50,000 to 74,999
75,000 to 99,999
100,000 to 199,999
200,000 to 299,999
300,000 to 399,999
400,000 to 499,999
500,000 to 599,999
600,000 to 699,999
700,000 to 799,999
800,000 to 899,999
900,000 to 999,999
1,000,000 to 1,099,999
1,100,000 to 1,199,999
1,200,000 to 1,299,999
1,300,000 to 1,399,999
1,400,000 to 1,499,999
1,500,000 or more
The report shall also be provided to the Legislature by the commis-
sioner, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 2006 ch 38 § 3 (AB 881), effective January 1, 2007, repealed January 1,
2011. Amended Stats 2010 ch 423 § 3 (AB 2305), effective January 1, 2011, repealed
January 1, 2013; Stats 2012 ch 389 § 3 (AB 2219), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013
ch 76 § 140 (AB 383), effective January 1, 2014.

Chapter 3
Regulation of Business of Workers’ Compensation
Insurance
Article 4
Penalties for Misrepresentation
§ 11760.1. Audit of employer; Failure to provide access to
records; Costs
(a) If an employer fails to provide for access by the insurer or its au-
thorized representative to its records, to enable the insurer to per-
form an audit to determine the remuneration earned by the employ-
er’s employees and by any of its uninsured subcontractors and the
employees of any of its uninsured subcontractors during the policy
period, the employer shall be liable to pay to the insurer a total pre-
mium for the policy equal to three times the insurer’s then-current
estimate of the annual premium on the expiration date of the policy.
The employer shall also be liable, in addition to the premium, for
costs incurred by the insurer in its attempts to perform an audit, af-
786 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ter the insured has failed upon the insurer’s third request during at
least a 90-day period to provide access, and the insured has provided
no compelling business reason for the failure. This section shall only
apply if the insurer elects to comply with the conditions set forth in
subdivision (d).
(b) “Access” shall mean access at any time during regular business
hours during the policy period and within three years after the policy
period ends. “Access” may also include any other time mutually
agreed upon by the employer and insurer.
(c) The insurer shall have and follow regular and reasonable rules
and procedures to notify employers of their duty to provide for access
to records, and to contact employers to make appointments during
regular business hours for that purpose.
(d) Upon the employer’s failure to provide access after the insurer’s
third request during at least a 90-day period, the insurer may notify
the employer through its mailing of a certified, return-receipt, docu-
ment of the increased premium and the total amount of the costs in-
curred by the insurer for its attempts to perform an audit as de-
scribed under subdivision (a). Upon the expiration of 30 days after the
delivery of the notice, collection by the insurer of the amount of pre-
mium and costs described under subdivision (a), less all premiums
previously paid by the employer for the policy, shall be fully enforcea-
ble and executable.
(e) If the employer provides for access to its records after having re-
ceived the notice described in subdivision (d), and if the insurer then
succeeds in performing the audit to its satisfaction, the insurer shall
revise the total premium and costs payable for the policy by the em-
ployer to reflect the results of its audit.
Added Stats 2007 ch 615 § 1 (AB 812), effective January 1, 2008.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 787

LABOR CODE

DIVISION 1
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Chapter 1
General Powers and Duties
§ 62.5. Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving
Fund; Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund; Subsequent
Injuries Benefits Trust Fund; Occupational Safety and Health
Fund; Labor Enforcement and Compliance Fund; Surcharges
on employers
(a) (1) The Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund
is hereby created as a special account in the State Treasury. Money in
the fund may be expended by the department, upon appropriation by
the Legislature, for all of the following purposes, and may not be used
or borrowed for any other purpose:
(A) For the administration of the workers’ compensation program
set forth in this division and Division 4 (commencing with Section
3200), other than the activities financed pursuant to paragraph (2) of
subdivision (a) of Section 3702.5.
(B) For the Return-to-Work Program set forth in Section 139.48.
(C) For the enforcement of the insurance coverage program estab-
lished and maintained by the Labor Commissioner pursuant to Sec-
tion 90.3.
(2) The fund shall consist of surcharges made pursuant to para-
graph (1) of subdivision (f).
(b) (1) The Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund is hereby
created as a special trust fund account in the State Treasury, of
which the director is trustee, and its sources of funds are as provided
in paragraph (1) of subdivision (f). Notwithstanding Section 13340 of
the Government Code, the fund is continuously appropriated for the
payment of nonadministrative expenses of the workers’ compensation
program for workers injured while employed by uninsured employers
in accordance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 3710) of Chap-
ter 4 of Part 1 of Division 4, and shall not be used for any other pur-
pose. All moneys collected shall be retained in the trust fund until
paid as benefits to workers injured while employed by uninsured em-
ployers. Nonadministrative expenses include audits and reports of
services prepared pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 3716.1. The
surcharge amount for this fund shall be stated separately.
788 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all references to the

Uninsured Employers Fund shall mean the Uninsured Employers
Benefits Trust Fund.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the event that budgetary re-
strictions or impasse prevent the timely payment of administrative
expenses from the Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving
Fund, those expenses shall be advanced from the Uninsured Employ-
ers Benefits Trust Fund. Expense advances made pursuant to this
paragraph shall be reimbursed in full to the Uninsured Employers
Benefits Trust Fund upon enactment of the annual Budget Act.
(4) Any moneys from penalties collected pursuant to Section 3722
as a result of the insurance coverage program established under Sec-
tion 90.3 shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the
Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund created un-
der this section, to cover expenses incurred by the director under the
insurance coverage program. The amount of any penalties in excess of
payment of administrative expenses incurred by the director for the
insurance coverage program established under Section 90.3 shall be
deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the Uninsured Em-
ployers Benefits Trust Fund for nonadministrative expenses, as pre-
scribed in paragraph (1), and notwithstanding paragraph (1), shall
only be available upon appropriation by the Legislature.
(c) (1) The Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund is hereby cre-
ated as a special trust fund account in the State Treasury, of which
the director is trustee, and its sources of funds are as provided in
paragraph (1) of subdivision (f). Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the
Government Code, the fund is continuously appropriated for the non-
administrative expenses of the workers’ compensation program for
workers who have suffered serious injury and who are suffering from
previous and serious permanent disabilities or physical impairments,
in accordance with Article 5 (commencing with Section 4751) of Chap-
ter 2 of Part 2 of Division 4, and Section 4 of Article XIV of the Cali-
fornia Constitution, and shall not be used for any other purpose. All
moneys collected shall be retained in the trust fund until paid as ben-
efits to workers who have suffered serious injury and who are suffer-
ing from previous and serious permanent disabilities or physical im-
pairments. Nonadministrative expenses include audits and reports of
services pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4755. The surcharge
amount for this fund shall be stated separately.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law, all references to the Subsequent
Injuries Fund shall mean the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust
Fund.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the event that budgetary re-
strictions or impasse prevent the timely payment of administrative
expenses from the Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving
Fund, those expenses shall be advanced from the Subsequent Injuries
Benefits Trust Fund. Expense advances made pursuant to this para-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 789

graph shall be reimbursed in full to the Subsequent Injuries Benefits

Trust Fund upon enactment of the annual Budget Act.
(d) (1) The Occupational Safety and Health Fund is hereby created
as a special account in the State Treasury. Moneys in the account
may be expended by the department, upon appropriation by the Leg-
islature, for support of the Division of Occupational Safety and
Health, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, and
the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board, and the activities
these entities perform as set forth in this division, and Division 5
(commencing with Section 6300).
(2) On and after the effective date of the act amending this section
to add this paragraph in the 2013-14 Regular Session of the Legisla-
ture, any moneys in the Cal-OSHA Targeted Inspection and Consul-
tation Fund and any assets, liabilities, revenues, expenditures, and
encumbrances of that fund, less five million dollars ($5,000,000), shall
be transferred to the Occupational Safety and Health Fund. On June
30, 2014, the remaining five million dollars ($5,000,000) in the Cal-
OSHA Targeted Inspection and Consultation Fund, or any remaining
balance in that fund, shall be transferred to, and become part of, the
Occupational Safety and Health Fund.
(e) The Labor Enforcement and Compliance Fund is hereby created
as a special account in the State Treasury. Moneys in the fund may
be expended by the department, upon appropriation by the Legisla-
ture, for the support of the activities that the Division of Labor
Standards Enforcement performs pursuant to this division and Divi-
sion 2 (commencing with Section 200), Division 3 (commencing with
Section 2700), and Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200). The
fund shall consist of surcharges imposed pursuant to paragraph (3) of
subdivision (f).
(f) (1) Separate surcharges shall be levied by the director upon all
employers, as defined in Section 3300, for purposes of deposit in the
Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund, the Unin-
sured Employers Benefits Trust Fund, the Subsequent Injuries Bene-
fits Trust Fund, and the Occupational Safety and Health Fund. The
total amount of the surcharges shall be allocated between self-insured
employers and insured employers in proportion to payroll respectively
paid in the most recent year for which payroll information is availa-
ble. The director shall adopt reasonable regulations governing the
manner of collection of the surcharges. The regulations shall require
the surcharges to be paid by self-insurers to be expressed as a per-
centage of indemnity paid during the most recent year for which in-
formation is available, and the surcharges to be paid by insured em-
ployers to be expressed as a percentage of premium. In no event shall
the surcharges paid by insured employers be considered a premium
for computation of a gross premium tax or agents’ commission. In no
event shall the total amount of the surcharges paid by insured and
self-insured employers exceed the amounts reasonably necessary to
carry out the purposes of this section.
790 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) The surcharge levied by the director for the Occupational Safety
and Health Fund, pursuant to paragraph (1), shall not generate reve-
nues in excess of fifty-seven million dollars ($57,000,000) on and after
the 2013–14 fiscal year, adjusted for each fiscal year as appropriate to
fund any increases in the appropriation as approved by the Legisla-
ture, and to reconcile any over/under assessments from previous fis-
cal years pursuant to Sections 15606 and 15609 of Title 8 of the Cali-
fornia Code of Regulations. For the 2013-14 fiscal yearonly, the reve-
nue cap established in this paragraph shall be reduced by an amount
equivalent to the balance transferred from the Cal-OSHA Targeted
Inspection and Consultation Fund established in Section 62.7, less
any amount of that balance loaned to the State Public Works En-
forcement Fund, to the Occupational Safety and Health Fund pursu-
ant to subdivision (d).
(3) A separate surcharge shall be levied by the director upon all
employers, as defined in Section 3300, for purposes of deposit in the
Labor Enforcement and Compliance Fund. The total amount of the
surcharges shall be allocated between employers in proportion to pay-
roll respectively paid in the most recent year for which payroll infor-
mation is available. The director shall adopt reasonable regulations
governing the manner of collection of the surcharges. In no event
shall the total amount of the surcharges paid by employers exceed the
amounts reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this sec-
tion.
(4) The surcharge levied by the director for the Labor Enforcement
and Compliance Fund shall not exceed forty-six million dollars
($46,000,000) in the 2013–14 fiscal year, adjusted as appropriate to
fund any increases in the appropriation as approved by the Legisla-
ture, and to reconcile any over/under assessments from previous fis-
cal years pursuant to Sections 15606 and 15609 of Title 8 of the Cali-
fornia Code of Regulations.
(5) The regulations adopted pursuant to paragraph (1) to (4), inclu-
sive, shall be exempt from the rulemaking provisions of the Adminis-
trative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340)
of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
Added Stats 2009 ch 341 § 12 (SB 73), effective January 1, 2010. Amended Stats 2012
ch 363 § 4 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 28 § 33 (SB 71), effective
June 27, 2013.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 791

Chapter 4
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
§ 98.6. Discrimination, discharge, or refusal to hire for
exercise of employee rights; Reinstatement and
reimbursement; Refusal to reinstate as misdemeanor;
Applicability; Employer prohibited from retaliation
(a) A person shall not discharge an employee or in any manner dis-
criminate, retaliate, or take any adverse action against any employee
or applicant for employment because the employee or applicant en-
gaged in any conduct delineated in this chapter, including the con-
duct described in subdivision (k) of Section 96, and Chapter 5 (com-
mencing with Section 1101) of Part 3 of Division 2, or because the
employee or applicant for employment has filed a bona fide complaint
or claim or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under
or relating to his or her rights that are under the jurisdiction of the
Labor Commissioner, made a written or oral complaint that he or she
is owed unpaid wages, or because the employee has initiated any ac-
tion or notice pursuant to Section 2699, or has testified or is about to
testify in a proceeding pursuant to that section, or because of the ex-
ercise by the employee or applicant for employment on behalf of him-
self, herself, or others of any rights afforded him or her.
(b) (1) Any employee who is discharged, threatened with discharge,
demoted, suspended, retaliated against, subjected to an adverse ac-
tion, or in any other manner discriminated against in the terms and
conditions of his or her employment because the employee engaged in
any conduct delineated in this chapter, including the conduct de-
scribed in subdivision (k) of Section 96, and Chapter 5 (commencing
with Section 1101) of Part 3 of Division 2, or because the employee
has made a bona fide complaint or claim to the division pursuant to
this part, or because the employee has initiated any action or notice
pursuant to Section 2699 shall be entitled to reinstatement and reim-
bursement for lost wages and work benefits caused by those acts of
the employer.
(2) An employer who willfully refuses to hire, promote, or otherwise
restore an employee or former employee who has been determined to
be eligible for rehiring or promotion by a grievance procedure, arbi-
tration, or hearing authorized by law, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(3) In addition to other remedies available, an employer who vio-
lates this section is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding ten thou-
sand dollars ($10,000) per employee for each violation of this section,
to be awarded to the employee or employees who suffered the viola-
tion.
(c) (1) Any applicant for employment who is refused employment,
who is not selected for a training program leading to employment, or
who in any other manner is discriminated against in the terms and
conditions of any offer of employment because the applicant engaged
792 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

in any conduct delineated in this chapter, including the conduct de-

scribed in subdivision (k) of Section 96, and Chapter 5 (commencing
with Section 1101) of Part 3 of Division 2, or because the applicant
has made a bona fide complaint or claim to the division pursuant to
this part, or because the employee has initiated any action or notice
pursuant to Section 2699 shall be entitled to employment and reim-
bursement for lost wages and work benefits caused by the acts of the
prospective employer.
(2) This subdivision shall not be construed to invalidate any collec-
tive bargaining agreement that requires an applicant for a position
that is subject to the collective bargaining agreement to sign a con-
tract that protects either or both of the following as specified in sub-
paragraphs (A) and (B), nor shall this subdivision be construed to in-
validate any employer requirement of an applicant for a position that
is not subject to a collective bargaining agreement to sign an em-
ployment contract that protects either or both of the following:
(A) An employer against any conduct that is actually in direct con-
flict with the essential enterprise-related interests of the employer
and where breach of that contract would actually constitute a materi-
al and substantial disruption of the employer’s operation.
(B) A firefighter against any disease that is presumed to arise in
the course and scope of employment, by limiting his or her consump-
tion of tobacco products on and off the job.
(d) The provisions of this section creating new actions or remedies
that are effective on January 1, 2002, to employees or applicants for
employment do not apply to any state or local law enforcement agen-
cy, any religious association or corporation specified in subdivision (d)
of Section 12926 of the Government Code, except as provided in Sec-
tion 12926.2 of the Government Code, or any person described in Sec-
tion 1070 of the Evidence Code.
(e) An employer, or a person acting on behalf of the employer, shall
not retaliate against an employee because the employee is a family
member of a person who has, or is perceived to have, engaged in any
conduct delineated in this chapter.
(f) For purposes of this section, “employer” or “a person acting on
behalf of the employer” includes, but is not limited to, a client em-
ployer as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 2810.3
and an employer listed in subdivision (b) of Section 6400.
(g) Subdivisions (e) and (f) shall not apply to claims arising under
subdivision (k) of Section 96 unless the lawful conduct occurring dur-
ing nonwork hours away from the employer’s premises involves the
exercise of employee rights otherwise covered under subdivision (a).
Added Stats 1978 ch 1250 § 1. Amended Stats 2001 ch 820 § 2 (AB 1015); Stats 2004 ch
221 § 1 (SB 1809), effective August 11, 2004; Stats 2005 ch 22 § 140 (SB 1108), effective
January 1, 2006; Stats 2013 ch 577 § 3 (SB 666), effective January 1, 2014, ch 732 § 2
(AB 263), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 79 § 1 (AB 2751), effective January
1, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 792 § 1 (AB 1509), effective January 1, 2016.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 793

§ 98.7. Investigation of employee complaint; Judicial relief

(a) Any person who believes that he or she has been discharged or
otherwise discriminated against in violation of any law under the ju-
risdiction of the Labor Commissioner may file a complaint with the
division within six months after the occurrence of the violation. The
six-month period may be extended for good cause. The complaint
shall be investigated by a discrimination complaint investigator in
accordance with this section. The Labor Commissioner shall establish
procedures for the investigation of discrimination complaints. A
summary of the procedures shall be provided to each complainant and
respondent at the time of initial contact. The Labor Commissioner
shall inform complainants charging a violation of Section 6310 or
6311, at the time of initial contact, of his or her right to file a sepa-
rate, concurrent complaint with the United States Department of La-
bor within 30 days after the occurrence of the violation.
(b) Each complaint of unlawful discharge or discrimination shall be
assigned to a discrimination complaint investigator who shall prepare
and submit a report to the Labor Commissioner based on an investi-
gation of the complaint. The Labor Commissioner may designate the
chief deputy or assistant Labor Commissioner or the chief counsel to
receive and review the reports. The investigation shall include, where
appropriate, interviews with the complainant, respondent, and any
witnesses who may have information concerning the alleged violation,
and a review of any documents that may be relevant to the disposi-
tion of the complaint. The identity of a witness shall remain confiden-
tial unless the identification of the witness becomes necessary to pro-
ceed with the investigation or to prosecute an action to enforce a de-
termination. The investigation report submitted to the Labor Com-
missioner or designee shall include the statements and documents
obtained in the investigation, and the findings of the investigator
concerning whether a violation occurred. The Labor Commissioner
may hold an investigative hearing whenever the Labor Commissioner
determines, after review of the investigation report, that a hearing is
necessary to fully establish the facts. In the hearing the investigation
report shall be made a part of the record and the complainant and
respondent shall have the opportunity to present further evidence.
The Labor Commissioner shall issue, serve, and enforce any neces-
sary subpoenas.
(c) If the Labor Commissioner determines a violation has occurred,
he or she shall notify the complainant and respondent and direct the
respondent to cease and desist from the violation and take any action
deemed necessary to remedy the violation, including, where appro-
priate, rehiring or reinstatement, reimbursement of lost wages and
interest thereon, payment of reasonable attorney’s fees associated
with any hearing held by the Labor Commissioner in investigating
the complaint, and the posting of notices to employees. If the re-
spondent does not comply with the order within 10 working days fol-
lowing notification of the Labor Commissioner’s determination, the
794 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Labor Commissioner shall bring an action promptly in an appropriate

court against the respondent. If the Labor Commissioner fails to
bring an action in court promptly, the complainant may bring an ac-
tion against the Labor Commissioner in any appropriate court for a
writ of mandate to compel the Labor Commissioner to bring an action
in court against the respondent. If the complainant prevails in his or
her action for a writ, the court shall award the complainant court
costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, notwithstanding any other law.
Regardless of any delay in bringing an action in court, the Labor
Commissioner shall not be divested of jurisdiction. In any action, the
court may permit the claimant to intervene as a party plaintiff to the
action and shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to restrain the
violation and to order all appropriate relief. Appropriate relief in-
cludes, but is not limited to, rehiring or reinstatement of the com-
plainant, reimbursement of lost wages and interest thereon, and any
other compensation or equitable relief as is appropriate under the
circumstances of the case. The Labor Commissioner shall petition the
court for appropriate temporary relief or restraining order unless he
or she determines good cause exists for not doing so.
(d) (1) If the Labor Commissioner determines no violation has oc-
curred, he or she shall notify the complainant and respondent and
shall dismiss the complaint. The Labor Commissioner may direct the
complainant to pay reasonable attorney’s fees associated with any
hearing held by the Labor Commissioner if the Labor Commissioner
finds the complaint was frivolous, unreasonable, groundless, and was
brought in bad faith. The complainant may, after notification of the
Labor Commissioner’s determination to dismiss a complaint, bring an
action in an appropriate court, which shall have jurisdiction to de-
termine whether a violation occurred, and if so, to restrain the viola-
tion and order all appropriate relief to remedy the violation. Appro-
priate relief includes, but is not limited to, rehiring or reinstatement
of the complainant, reimbursement of lost wages and interest there-
on, and other compensation or equitable relief as is appropriate under
the circumstances of the case. When dismissing a complaint, the La-
bor Commissioner shall advise the complainant of his or her right to
bring an action in an appropriate court if he or she disagrees with the
determination of the Labor Commissioner, and in the case of an al-
leged violation of Section 6310 or 6311, to file a complaint against the
state program with the United States Department of Labor.
(2) The filing of a timely complaint against the state program with
the United States Department of Labor shall stay the Labor Commis-
sioner’s dismissal of the division complaint until the United States
Secretary of Labor makes a determination regarding the alleged vio-
lation. Within 15 days of receipt of that determination, the Labor
Commissioner shall notify the parties whether he or she will reopen
the complaint filed with the division or whether he or she will reaf-
firm the dismissal.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 795

(e) The Labor Commissioner shall notify the complainant and re-
spondent of his or her determination under subdivision (c) or para-
graph (1) of subdivision (d), not later than 60 days after the filing of
the complaint. Determinations by the Labor Commissioner under
subdivision (c) or (d) may be appealed by the complainant or respond-
ent to the Director of Industrial Relations within 10 days following
notification of the Labor Commissioner’s determination. The appeal
shall set forth specifically and in full detail the grounds upon which
the appealing party considers the Labor Commissioner’s determina-
tion to be unjust or unlawful, and every issue to be considered by the
director. The director may consider any issue relating to the initial
determination and may modify, affirm, or reverse the Labor Commis-
sioner’s determination. The director’s determination shall be the de-
termination of the Labor Commissioner. The director shall notify the
complainant and respondent of his or her determination within 10
days of receipt of the appeal.
(f) The rights and remedies provided by this section do not preclude
an employee from pursuing any other rights and remedies under any
other law.
(g) In the enforcement of this section, there is no requirement that
an individual exhaust administrative remedies or procedures.
Added Stats 1985 ch 1479 § 2. Amended Stats 1999 ch 615 § 1 (AB 1127); Stats 2001 ch
134 § 1 (AB 1069); Stats 2002 ch 664 § 158 (AB 3034); Stats 2013 ch 732 § 3 (AB 263),
effective January 1, 2014.

§ 106. Authorization to issue citations and serve penalty

assessment orders
(a) The Labor Commissioner may authorize an employee of any of
the agencies that participate in the Joint Enforcement Strike Force
on the Underground Economy, as defined in Section 329 of the Un-
employment Insurance Code, to issue citations pursuant to Sections
226.4 and 1022 and issue and serve a penalty assessment order pur-
suant to subdivision (a) of Section 3722.
(b) No employees shall issue citations or penalty assessment orders
pursuant to this section unless they have been specifically designat-
ed, authorized, and trained by the Labor Commissioner for this pur-
pose. Appeals of all citations or penalty assessment orders shall fol-
low the procedures prescribed in Section 226.5, 1023, or 3725, which-
ever is applicable.
Added Stats 1994 ch 1117 § 1 (SB 1490). Amended Stats 1999 ch 306 § 1 (SB 319);
Stats 2004 ch 685 § 1 (AB 3020).
796 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Chapter 4.5
Electrician Certification
§ 108.2. Certification of electricians
(a) Persons who perform work as electricians shall become certified
pursuant to Section 108. Uncertified persons shall not perform elec-
trical work for which certification is required.
(b) (1) Certification is required only for those persons who perform
work as electricians for contractors licensed as class C-10 electrical
contractors under the Contractors’ State License Board Rules and
Regulations.
(2) Certification is not required for persons performing work for
contractors licensed as class C-7 low voltage systems or class C-45
electric sign contractors as long as the work performed is within the
scope of the class C-7 or class C-45 license, including incidental and
supplemental work as defined in Section 7059 of the Business and
Professions Code, and regardless of whether the same contractor is
also licensed as a class C-10 contractor.
(3) Certification is not required for work performed by a worker on
a high-voltage electrical transmission or distribution system owned
by a local publicly owned electric utility, as defined in Section 224.3 of
the Public Utilities Code; an electrical corporation, as defined in Sec-
tion 218 of the Public Utilities Code; a person, as defined in Section
205 of the Public Utilities Code; or a corporation, as defined in Sec-
tion 204 of the Public Utilities Code; when the worker is employed by
the utility or a licensed contractor principally engaged in installing or
maintaining transmission or distribution systems.
(4) Individuals desiring to be certified shall submit an application
for certification and examination that includes an employment histo-
ry report from the Social Security Administration. The individual
may redact his or her social security number from the employment
history report before it is submitted.
(c) The division shall maintain separate certifications for general
electrician, fire/life safety technician, residential electrician, voice
data video technician, and nonresidential lighting technician.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), certification is not required for
registered apprentices performing electrical work as part of an ap-
prenticeship program approved under Chapter 4 of Division 3 (com-
mencing with Section 3070), a federal Office of Apprenticeship pro-
gram, or a state apprenticeship program authorized by the federal
Office of Apprenticeship. An apprentice who is within one year of
completion of his or her term of apprenticeship shall be permitted to
take the certification examination and, upon passing the examina-
tion, shall be certified immediately upon completion of the term of
apprenticeship.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), certification is not required for
any person employed pursuant to Section 108.4.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 797

(f) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), certification is not required for

a nonresidential lighting trainee (1) who is enrolled in an on-the-job
instructional training program approved by the Chief of the Division
of Apprenticeship Standards pursuant to Section 3090, and (2) who is
under the onsite supervision of a nonresidential lighting technician
certified pursuant to Section 108.
(g) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the qualifying person for a
class C-10 electrical contractor license issued by the Contractors’
State License Board need not also be certified pursuant to Section
108 to perform electrical work for that licensed contractor or to su-
pervise an uncertified person employed by that licensed contractor
pursuant to Section 108.4.
(h) The following shall constitute additional grounds for discipli-
nary proceedings, including suspension or revocation of the license of
a class C-10 electrical contractor pursuant to Article 7 (commencing
with Section 7090) of Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the Business and Pro-
fessions Code:
(1) The contractor willfully employs one or more uncertified persons
to perform work as electricians in violation of this section.
(2) The contractor willfully fails to provide the adequate supervision
of uncertified workers required by paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of
Section 108.4.
(3) The contractor willfully fails to provide adequate supervision of
apprentices performing work pursuant to subdivision (d).
(i) The Labor Commissioner shall maintain a process for referring
cases to the Contractors’ State License Board when it has been de-
termined that a violation of this section has likely occurred. The La-
bor Commissioner shall have a memorandum of understanding with
the Registrar of Contractors in furtherance of this section.
(j) Upon receipt of a referral by the Labor Commissioner alleging a
violation under this section, the Registrar of Contractors shall open
an investigation. Any disciplinary action against the licensee shall be
initiated within 60 days of the receipt of the referral. The Registrar of
Contractors may initiate disciplinary action against any licensee up-
on his or her own investigation, the filing of any complaint, or any
finding that results from a referral from the Labor Commissioner al-
leging a violation under this section. Failure of the employer or em-
ployee to provide evidence of certification or trainee status shall cre-
ate a rebuttable presumption of violation of this provision.
(k) For the purposes of this section, “electricians” has the same
meaning as the definition set forth in Section 108.
Added Stats 2012 ch 46 § 79 (SB 1038), effective June 27, 2012.
798 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 108.3. Division of Labor Standards Enforcement;

Certifications tests in non-English languages; Apprenticeship
programs
The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement shall do all of the fol-
lowing:
(a) Make information about electrician certification available in
non-English languages spoken by a substantial number of construc-
tion workers, as defined in Section 7296.2 of the Government Code.
(b) Provide for the administration of certification tests in Spanish
and, to the extent practicable, other non-English languages spoken by
a substantial number of applicants, as defined in Section 7296.2 of
the Government Code, except insofar as the ability to understand
warning signs, instructions, and certain other information in English
is necessary for safety reasons.
(c) Ensure, in conjunction with the California Apprenticeship Coun-
cil, that all electrician apprenticeship programs approved under
Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 3070) of Division 3 that impose
minimum formal education requirements as a condition of entry pro-
vide for reasonable alternative means of satisfying those require-
ments.
(d) Ensure, in conjunction with the California Apprenticeship
Council, that all electrician apprenticeship programs approved under
Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 3070) of Division 3 have adopted
reasonable procedures for granting credit toward a term of appren-
ticeship for other vocational training and on-the-job training experi-
ence.
Added Stats 2012 ch 46 § 79 (SB 1038), effective June 27, 2012.

Chapter 5
Division of Workers’ Compensation
§ 139.2. Qualified medical evaluators; Requirements;
Appointment and reappointment; Termination; Panels;
Review; Regulations; Fee
(a) The administrative director shall appoint qualified medical
evaluators in each of the respective specialties as required for the
evaluation of medical-legal issues. The appointments shall be for two-
year terms.
(b) The administrative director shall appoint or reappoint as a qual-
ified medical evaluator a physician, as defined in Section 3209.3, who
is licensed to practice in this state and who demonstrates that he or
she meets the requirements in paragraphs (1), (2), (6), and (7), and, if
the physician is a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, doctor of chi-
ropractic, or a psychologist, that he or she also meets the applicable
requirements in paragraph (3), (4), or (5).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 799

(1) Prior to his or her appointment as a qualified medical evaluator,

passes an examination written and administered by the administra-
tive director for the purpose of demonstrating competence in evaluat-
ing medical-legal issues in the workers’ compensation system. Physi-
cians shall not be required to pass an additional examination as a
condition of reappointment. A physician seeking appointment as a
qualified medical evaluator on or after January 1, 2001, shall also
complete prior to appointment, a course on disability evaluation re-
port writing approved by the administrative director. The administra-
tive director shall specify the curriculum to be covered by disability
evaluation report writing courses, which shall include, but is not lim-
ited to, 12 or more hours of instruction.
(2) Devotes at least one-third of total practice time to providing di-
rect medical treatment, or has served as an agreed medical evaluator
on eight or more occasions in the 12 months prior to applying to be
appointed as a qualified medical evaluator.
(3) Is a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy and meets one of the
following requirements:
(A) Is board certified in a specialty by a board recognized by the
administrative director and either the Medical Board of California or
the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
(B) Has successfully completed a residency training program ac-
credited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
or the osteopathic equivalent.
(C) Was an active qualified medical evaluator on June 30, 2000.
(D) Has qualifications that the administrative director and either
the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of
California, as appropriate, both deem to be equivalent to board certi-
fication in a specialty.
(4) Is a doctor of chiropractic and has been certified in California
workers’ compensation evaluation by a provider recognized by the
administrative director. The certification program shall include in-
struction on disability evaluation report writing that meets the
standards set forth in paragraph (1).
(5) Is a psychologist and meets one of the following requirements:
(A) Is board certified in clinical psychology by a board recognized by
the administrative director.
(B) Holds a doctoral degree in psychology, or a doctoral degree
deemed equivalent for licensure by the Board of Psychology pursuant
to Section 2914 of the Business and Professions Code, from a univer-
sity or professional school recognized by the administrative director
and has not less than five years’ postdoctoral experience in the diag-
nosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders.
(C) Has not less than five years’ postdoctoral experience in the di-
agnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders, and has
800 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

served as an agreed medical evaluator on eight or more occasions pri-

or to January 1, 1990.
(6) Does not have a conflict of interest as determined under the reg-
ulations adopted by the administrative director pursuant to subdivi-
sion (o).
(7) Meets any additional medical or professional standards adopted
pursuant to paragraph (6) of subdivision (j).
(c) The administrative director shall adopt standards for appoint-
ment of physicians who are retired or who hold teaching positions
who are exceptionally well qualified to serve as a qualified medical
evaluator even though they do not otherwise qualify under paragraph
(2) of subdivision (b). A physician whose full-time practice is limited
to the forensic evaluation of disability shall not be appointed as a
qualified medical evaluator under this subdivision.
(d) The qualified medical evaluator, upon request, shall be reap-
pointed if he or she meets the qualifications of subdivision (b) and
meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Is in compliance with all applicable regulations and evaluation
guidelines adopted by the administrative director.
(2) Has not had more than five of his or her evaluations that were
considered by a workers’ compensation administrative law judge at a
contested hearing rejected by the workers’ compensation administra-
tive law judge or the appeals board pursuant to this section during
the most recent two-year period during which the physician served as
a qualified medical evaluator. If the workers’ compensation adminis-
trative law judge or the appeals board rejects the qualified medical
evaluator’s report on the basis that it fails to meet the minimum
standards for those reports established by the administrative director
or the appeals board, the workers’ compensation administrative law
judge or the appeals board, as the case may be, shall make a specific
finding to that effect, and shall give notice to the medical evaluator
and to the administrative director. Any rejection shall not be counted
as one of the five qualifying rejections until the specific finding has
become final and time for appeal has expired.
(3) Has completed within the previous 24 months at least 12 hours
of continuing education in impairment evaluation or workers’ com-
pensation-related medical dispute evaluation approved by the admin-
istrative director.
(4) Has not been terminated, suspended, placed on probation, or
otherwise disciplined by the administrative director during his or her
most recent term as a qualified medical evaluator.
If the evaluator does not meet any one of these criteria, the admin-
istrative director may, in his or her discretion, reappoint or deny re-
appointment according to regulations adopted by the administrative
director. A physician who does not currently meet the requirements
for initial appointment or who has been terminated under subdivision
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 801

(e) because his or her license has been revoked or terminated by the
licensing authority shall not be reappointed.
(e) The administrative director may, in his or her discretion, sus-
pend or terminate a qualified medical evaluator during his or her
term of appointment without a hearing as provided under subdivision
(k) or (l ) whenever either of the following conditions occurs:
(1) The evaluator’s license to practice in California has been sus-
pended by the relevant licensing authority so as to preclude practice,
or has been revoked or terminated by the licensing authority.
(2) The evaluator has failed to timely pay the fee required by the
administrative director pursuant to subdivision (n).
(f) The administrative director shall furnish a physician, upon re-
quest, with a written statement of its reasons for termination of, or
for denying appointment or reappointment as, a qualified medical
evaluator. Upon receipt of a specific response to the statement of rea-
sons, the administrative director shall review his or her decision not
to appoint or reappoint the physician or to terminate the physician
and shall notify the physician of its final decision within 60 days after
receipt of the physician’s response.
(g) The administrative director shall establish agreements with
qualified medical evaluators to ensure the expeditious evaluation of
cases assigned to them for comprehensive medical evaluations.
(h) (1) When requested by an employee or employer pursuant to
Section 4062.1, the medical director appointed pursuant to Section
122 shall assign three-member panels of qualified medical evaluators
within five working days after receiving a request for a panel. Prefer-
ence in assigning panels shall be given to cases in which the employee
is not represented. If a panel is not assigned within 20 working days,
the employee shall have the right to obtain a medical evaluation from
any qualified medical evaluator of his or her choice within a reasona-
ble geographic area. The medical director shall use a random selec-
tion method for assigning panels of qualified medical evaluators. The
medical director shall select evaluators who are specialists of the type
requested by the employee. The medical director shall advise the em-
ployee that he or she should consult with his or her treating physician
prior to deciding which type of specialist to request.
(2) The administrative director shall promulgate a form that shall
notify the employee of the physicians selected for his or her panel af-
ter a request has been made pursuant to Section 4062.1 or 4062.2.
The form shall include, for each physician on the panel, the physi-
cian’s name, address, telephone number, specialty, number of years
in practice, and a brief description of his or her education and train-
ing, and shall advise the employee that he or she is entitled to receive
transportation expenses and temporary disability for each day neces-
sary for the examination. The form shall also state in a clear and con-
spicuous location and type: “You have the right to consult with an
802 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

information and assistance officer at no cost to you prior to selecting

the doctor to prepare your evaluation, or you may consult with an at-
torney. If your claim eventually goes to court, the workers’ compensa-
tion administrative law judge will consider the evaluation prepared
by the doctor you select to decide your claim.”
(3) When compiling the list of evaluators from which to select ran-
domly, the medical director shall include all qualified medical evalua-
tors who meet all of the following criteria:
(A) He or she does not have a conflict of interest in the case, as de-
fined by regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (o).
(B) He or she is certified by the administrative director to evaluate
in an appropriate specialty and at locations within the general geo-
graphic area of the employee’s residence. An evaluator shall not con-
duct qualified medical evaluations at more than 10 locations.
(C) He or she has not been suspended or terminated as a qualified
medical evaluator for failure to pay the fee required by the adminis-
trative director pursuant to subdivision (n) or for any other reason.
(4) When the medical director determines that an employee has re-
quested an evaluation by a type of specialist that is appropriate for
the employee’s injury, but there are not enough qualified medical
evaluators of that type within the general geographic area of the em-
ployee’s residence to establish a three-member panel, the medical di-
rector shall include sufficient qualified medical evaluators from other
geographic areas and the employer shall pay all necessary travel
costs incurred in the event the employee selects an evaluator from
another geographic area.
(i) The medical director appointed pursuant to Section 122 shall
continuously review the quality of comprehensive medical evaluations
and reports prepared by agreed and qualified medical evaluators and
the timeliness with which evaluation reports are prepared and sub-
mitted. The review shall include, but not be limited to, a review of a
random sample of reports submitted to the division, and a review of
all reports alleged to be inaccurate or incomplete by a party to a case
for which the evaluation was prepared. The medical director shall
submit to the administrative director an annual report summarizing
the results of the continuous review of medical evaluations and re-
ports prepared by agreed and qualified medical evaluators and make
recommendations for the improvement of the system of medical eval-
uations and determinations.
(j) After public hearing pursuant to Section 5307.3, the administra-
tive director shall adopt regulations concerning the following issues:
(1) (A) Standards governing the timeframes within which medical
evaluations shall be prepared and submitted by agreed and qualified
medical evaluators. Except as provided in this subdivision, the
timeframe for initial medical evaluations to be prepared and submit-
ted shall be no more than 30 days after the evaluator has seen the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 803

employee or otherwise commenced the medical evaluation procedure.

The administrative director shall develop regulations governing the
provision of extensions of the 30-day period in both of the following
cases:
(i) When the evaluator has not received test results or consulting
physician’s evaluations in time to meet the 30-day deadline.
(ii) To extend the 30-day period by not more than 15 days when the
failure to meet the 30-day deadline was for good cause.
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), “good cause” means any of
the following:
(i) Medical emergencies of the evaluator or evaluator’s family.
(ii) Death in the evaluator’s family.
(iii) Natural disasters or other community catastrophes that inter-
rupt the operation of the evaluator’s business.
(C) The administrative director shall develop timeframes governing
availability of qualified medical evaluators for unrepresented employ-
ees under Section 4062.1. These timeframes shall give the employee
the right to the addition of a new evaluator to his or her panel, select-
ed at random, for each evaluator not available to see the employee
within a specified period of time, but shall also permit the employee
to waive this right for a specified period of time thereafter.
(2) Procedures to be followed by all physicians in evaluating the ex-
istence and extent of permanent impairment and limitations result-
ing from an injury in a manner consistent with Sections 4660 and
4660.1.
(3) Procedures governing the determination of any disputed medical
treatment issues in a manner consistent with Section 5307.27.
(4) Procedures to be used in determining the compensability of psy-
chiatric injury. The procedures shall be in accordance with Section
3208.3 and shall require that the diagnosis of a mental disorder be
expressed using the terminology and criteria of the American Psychi-
atric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis-
orders, Third Edition-Revised, or the terminology and diagnostic cri-
teria of other psychiatric diagnostic manuals generally approved and
accepted nationally by practitioners in the field of psychiatric medi-
cine.
(5) Guidelines for the range of time normally required to perform
the following:
(A) A medical-legal evaluation that has not been defined and valued
pursuant to Section 5307.6. The guidelines shall establish minimum
times for patient contact in the conduct of the evaluations, and shall
be consistent with regulations adopted pursuant to Section 5307.6.
(B) Any treatment procedures that have not been defined and val-
ued pursuant to Section 5307.1.
(C) Any other evaluation procedure requested by the Insurance
Commissioner, or deemed appropriate by the administrative director.
804 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(6) Any additional medical or professional standards that a medical

evaluator shall meet as a condition of appointment, reappointment, or
maintenance in the status of a medical evaluator.
(k) Except as provided in this subdivision, the administrative direc-
tor may, in his or her discretion, suspend or terminate the privilege of
a physician to serve as a qualified medical evaluator if the adminis-
trative director, after hearing pursuant to subdivision (l ) determines,
based on substantial evidence, that a qualified medical evaluator:
(1) Has violated any material statutory or administrative duty.
(2) Has failed to follow the medical procedures or qualifications es-
tablished pursuant to paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (5) of subdivision (j).
(3) Has failed to comply with the timeframe standards established
pursuant to subdivision (j).
(4) Has failed to meet the requirements of subdivision (b) or (c).
(5) Has prepared medical-legal evaluations that fail to meet the
minimum standards for those reports established by the administra-
tive director or the appeals board.
(6) Has made material misrepresentations or false statements in an
application for appointment or reappointment as a qualified medical
evaluator.
A hearing shall not be required prior to the suspension or termina-
tion of a physician’s privilege to serve as a qualified medical evaluator
when the physician has done either of the following:
(A) Failed to timely pay the fee required pursuant to subdivision
(n).
(B) Had his or her license to practice in California suspended by the
relevant licensing authority so as to preclude practice, or had the li-
cense revoked or terminated by the licensing authority.
(l ) The administrative director shall cite the qualified medical
evaluator for a violation listed in subdivision (k) and shall set a hear-
ing on the alleged violation within 30 days of service of the citation on
the qualified medical evaluator. In addition to the authority to termi-
nate or suspend the qualified medical evaluator upon finding a viola-
tion listed in subdivision (k), the administrative director may, in his
or her discretion, place a qualified medical evaluator on probation
subject to appropriate conditions, including ordering continuing edu-
cation or training. The administrative director shall report to the ap-
propriate licensing board the name of any qualified medical evaluator
who is disciplined pursuant to this subdivision.
(m) The administrative director shall terminate from the list of
medical evaluators any physician where licensure has been terminat-
ed by the relevant licensing board, or who has been convicted of a
misdemeanor or felony related to the conduct of his or her medical
practice, or of a crime of moral turpitude. The administrative director
shall suspend or terminate as a medical evaluator any physician who
has been suspended or placed on probation by the relevant licensing
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 805

board. If a physician is suspended or terminated as a qualified medi-

cal evaluator under this subdivision, a report prepared by the physi-
cian that is not complete, signed, and furnished to one or more of the
parties prior to the date of conviction or action of the licensing board,
whichever is earlier, shall not be admissible in any proceeding before
the appeals board nor shall there be any liability for payment for the
report and any expense incurred by the physician in connection with
the report.
(n) A qualified medical evaluator shall pay a fee, as determined by
the administrative director, for appointment or reappointment. These
fees shall be based on a sliding scale as established by the adminis-
trative director. All revenues from fees paid under this subdivision
shall be deposited into the Workers’ Compensation Administration
Revolving Fund and are available for expenditure upon appropriation
by the Legislature, and shall not be used by any other department or
agency or for any purpose other than administration of the programs
of the Division of Workers’ Compensation related to the provision of
medical treatment to injured employees.
(o) An evaluator shall not request or accept any compensation or
other thing of value from any source that does or could create a con-
flict with his or her duties as an evaluator under this code. The ad-
ministrative director, after consultation with the Commission on
Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation, shall adopt regula-
tions to implement this subdivision.
Added Stats 1989 ch 892 § 23. Amended Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 16 (AB 2910). Amended
Stats 1992 ch 1352 § 4.5 (AB 3660), effective September 30, 1992; Stats 1993 ch 4 § 1
(SB 31), effective April 3, 1993, ch 121 § 18 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993, ch 1242
§ 18 (SB 223); Stats 1994 ch 301 § 2 (SB 1004), effective July 20, 1994, ch 1118 § 2 (SB
1768); Stats 1995 ch 319 § 1 (AB 1968); Stats 2000 ch 54 § 1 (AB 776); Stats 2003 ch
228 § 27 (AB 1756), effective August 11, 2003, ch 639 § 10 (SB 228); Stats 2004 ch 34
§ 2 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 5 (SB 863), effective January
1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 287 § 2 (SB 375), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 71
§ 106 (SB 1304), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2016 ch 86 § 214 (SB 1171), effective
January 1, 2017.

§ 139.32. Restrictions on interested parties with financial

interests in any entity providing services; Violation
(a) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Financial interest in another entity” means, subject to subdivi-
sion (h), either of the following:
(A) Any type of ownership, interest, debt, loan, lease, compensation,
remuneration, discount, rebate, refund, dividend, distribution, subsi-
dy, or other form of direct or indirect payment, whether in money or
otherwise, between the interested party and the other entity to which
the employee is referred for services.
806 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(B) An agreement, debt instrument, or lease or rental agreement

between the interested party and the other entity that provides com-
pensation based upon, in whole or in part, the volume or value of the
services provided as a result of referrals.
(2) “Interested party” means any of the following:
(A) An injured employee.
(B) The employer of an injured employee, and, if the employer is in-
sured, its insurer.
(C) A claims administrator, which includes, but is not limited to, a
self-administered workers’ compensation insurer, a self-administered
self-insured employer, a self-administered joint powers authority, a
self-administered legally uninsured employer, a third-party claims
administrator for an insurer, a self-insured employer, a joint powers
authority, or a legally uninsured employer or a subsidiary of a claims
administrator.
(D) An attorney-at-law or law firm that is representing or advising
an employee regarding a claim for compensation under Division 4
(commencing with Section 3200).
(E) A representative or agent of an interested party, including ei-
ther of the following:
(i) An employee of an interested party.
(ii) Any individual acting on behalf of an interested party, including
the immediate family of the interested party or of an employee of the
interested party. For purposes of this clause, immediate family in-
cludes spouses, children, parents, and spouses of children.
(F) A provider of any medical services or products.
(3) “Services” means, but is not limited to, any of the following:
(A) A determination regarding an employee’s eligibility for compen-
sation under Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200), that in-
cludes both of the following:
(i) A determination of a permanent disability rating under Section
4660.
(ii) An evaluation of an employee’s future earnings capacity result-
ing from an occupational injury or illness.
(B) Services to review the itemization of medical services set forth
on a medical bill submitted under Section 4603.2.
(C) Copy and document reproduction services.
(D) Interpreter services.
(E) Medical services, including the provision of any medical prod-
ucts such as surgical hardware or durable medical equipment.
(F) Transportation services.
(G) Services in connection with utilization review pursuant to Sec-
tion 4610.
(b) All interested parties shall disclose any financial interest in any
entity providing services.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 807

(c) Except as otherwise permitted by law, it is unlawful for an in-

terested party other than a claims administrator or a network service
provider to refer a person for services provided by another entity, or
to use services provided by another entity, if the other entity will be
paid for those services pursuant to Division 4 (commencing with Sec-
tion 3200) and the interested party has a financial interest in the
other entity.
(d) (1) It is unlawful for an interested party to enter into an ar-
rangement or scheme, such as a cross-referral arrangement, that the
interested party knows, or should know, has a purpose of ensuring
referrals by the interested party to a particular entity that, if the in-
terested party directly made referrals to that other entity, would be
in violation of this section.
(2) It is unlawful for an interested party to offer, deliver, receive, or
accept any rebate, refund, commission, preference, patronage, divi-
dend, discount, or other consideration, whether in the form of money
or otherwise, as compensation or inducement to refer a person for
services.
(e) A claim for payment shall not be presented by an entity to any
interested party, individual, third-party payer, or other entity for any
services furnished pursuant to a referral prohibited under this sec-
tion.
(f) An insurer, self-insurer, or other payer shall not knowingly pay a
charge or lien for any services resulting from a referral for services or
use of services in violation of this section.
(g) (1) A violation of this section shall be misdemeanor. If an inter-
ested party is a corporation, any director or officer of the corporation
who knowingly concurs in a violation of this section shall be guilty of
a misdemeanor. The appropriate licensing authority for any person
subject to this section shall review the facts and circumstances of any
conviction pursuant to this section and take appropriate disciplinary
action if the licensee has committed unprofessional conduct, provided
that the appropriate licensing authority may act on its own discretion
independent of the initiation or completion of a criminal prosecution.
Violations of this section are also subject to civil penalties of up to
fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for each offense, which may be en-
forced by the Insurance Commissioner, Attorney General, or a district
attorney.
(2) For an interested party, a practice of violating this section shall
constitute a general business practice that discharges or administers
compensation obligations in a dishonest manner, which shall be sub-
ject to a civil penalty under subdivision (e) of Section 129.5.
(3) For an interested party who is an attorney, a violation of subdi-
vision (b) or (c) shall be referred to the Board of Governors of the
State Bar of California, which shall review the facts and circumstanc-
es of any violation pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) and take appro-
808 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

priate disciplinary action if the licensee has committed unprofessional

conduct.
(4) Any determination regarding an employee’s eligibility for com-
pensation shall be void if that service was provided in violation of this
section.
(h) The following arrangements between an interested party and
another entity do not constitute a “financial interest in another enti-
ty” for purposes of this section:
(1) A loan between an interested party and another entity, if the
loan has commercially reasonable terms, bears interest at the prime
rate or a higher rate that does not constitute usury, and is adequately
secured, and the loan terms are not affected by either the interested
party’s referral of any employee or the volume of services provided by
the entity that receives the referral.
(2) A lease of space or equipment between an interested party and
another entity, if the lease is written, has commercially reasonable
terms, has a fixed periodic rent payment, has a term of one year or
more, and the lease payments are not affected by either the interest-
ed party’s referral of any person or the volume of services provided by
the entity that receives the referral.
(3) An interested party’s ownership of the corporate investment se-
curities of another entity, including shares, bonds, or other debt in-
struments that were purchased on terms that are available to the
general public through a licensed securities exchange or NASDAQ.
(i) The prohibitions described in this section do not apply to any of
the following:
(1) Services performed by, or determinations of compensation issues
made by, employees of an interested party in the course of that em-
ployment.
(2) A referral for legal services if that referral is not prohibited by
the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar.
(3) A physician’s referral that is exempted by Section 139.31 from
the prohibitions prescribed by Section 139.3.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 6 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 139.48. Return-to-work program; Funding; Purpose;

Applicability of section
(a) There is in the department a return-to-work program adminis-
tered by the director, funded by one hundred twenty million dollars
($120,000,000) annually derived from non-General Funds of the
Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund, for the pur-
pose of making supplemental payments to workers whose permanent
disability benefits are disproportionately low in comparison to their
earnings loss. Moneys shall remain available for use by the return-to-
work program without respect to the fiscal year.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 809

(b) Eligibility for payments and the amount of payments shall be

determined by regulations adopted by the director, based on findings
from studies conducted by the director in consultation with the Com-
mission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation. Determi-
nations of the director shall be subject to review at the trial level of
the appeals board upon the same grounds as prescribed for petitions
for reconsideration.
(c) This section shall apply only to injuries sustained on or after
January 1, 2013.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 6.5 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2013
ch 28 § 37 (SB 71), effective June 27, 2013.

§ 139.5. Independent review program; Requirements;

Liability
(a) (1) The administrative director shall contract with one or more
independent medical review organizations and one or more independ-
ent bill review organizations to conduct reviews pursuant to Article 2
(commencing with Section 4600) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 4.
The independent review organizations shall be independent of any
workers’ compensation insurer or workers’ compensation claims ad-
ministrator doing business in this state. The administrative director
may establish additional requirements, including conflict-of-interest
standards, consistent with the purposes of Article 2 (commencing
with Section 4600) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 4, that an organ-
ization shall be required to meet in order to qualify as an independent
review organization and to assist the division in carrying out its re-
sponsibilities.
(2) To enable the independent review program to go into effect for
injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2013, and until the adminis-
trative director establishes contracts as otherwise specified by this
section, independent review organizations under contract with the
Department of Managed Health Care pursuant to Section 1374.32 of
the Health and Safety Code may be designated by the administrative
director to conduct reviews pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with
Section 4600) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 4. The administrative
director may use an interagency agreement to implement the inde-
pendent review process beginning January 1, 2013. The administra-
tive director may initially contract directly with the same organiza-
tions that are under contract with the Department of Managed
Health Care on substantially the same terms without competitive
bidding until January 1, 2015.
(b) (1) The independent medical review organizations and the medi-
cal professionals retained to conduct reviews shall be deemed to be
consultants for purposes of this section.
810 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) There shall be no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause
of action shall arise against, any consultant on account of any com-
munication by that consultant to the administrative director or any
other officer, employee, agent, contractor, or consultant of the Divi-
sion of Workers’ Compensation, or on account of any communication
by that consultant to any person when that communication is re-
quired by the terms of a contract with the administrative director
pursuant to this section and the consultant does all of the following:
(A) Acts without malice.
(B) Makes a reasonable effort to determine the facts of the matter
communicated.
(C) Acts with a reasonable belief that the communication is war-
ranted by the facts actually known to the consultant after a reasona-
ble effort to determine the facts.
(3) The immunities afforded by this section shall not affect the
availability of any other privilege or immunity which may be afforded
by law. This section shall not be construed to alter the laws regarding
the confidentiality of medical records.
(c) (1) An organization contracted to perform independent medical
review or independent bill review shall be required to employ a medi-
cal director who shall be responsible for advising the contractor on
clinical issues. The medical director shall be a physician and surgeon
licensed by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medi-
cal Board of California.
(2) The independent review organization, any experts it designates
to conduct a review, or any officer, director, or employee of the inde-
pendent review organization shall not have any material professional,
familial, or financial affiliation, as determined by the administrative
director, with any of the following:
(A) The employer, insurer or claims administrator, or utilization re-
view organization.
(B) Any officer, director, employee of the employer, or insurer or
claims administrator.
(C) A physician, the physician’s medical group, the physician’s in-
dependent practice association, or other provider involved in the med-
ical treatment in dispute.
(D) The facility or institution at which either the proposed health
care service, or the alternative service, if any, recommended by the
employer, would be provided.
(E) The development or manufacture of the principal drug, device,
procedure, or other therapy proposed by the employee whose treat-
ment is under review, or the alternative therapy, if any, recommend-
ed by the employer.
(F) The employee or the employee’s immediate family, or the em-
ployee’s attorney.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 811

(d) The independent review organizations shall meet all of the fol-
lowing requirements:
(1) The organization shall not be an affiliate or a subsidiary of, nor
in any way be owned or controlled by, a workers’ compensation insur-
er, claims administrator, or a trade association of workers’ compensa-
tion insurers or claims administrators. A board member, director, of-
ficer, or employee of the independent review organization shall not
serve as a board member, director, or employee of a workers’ compen-
sation insurer or claims administrator. A board member, director, or
officer of a workers’ compensation insurer or claims administrator or
a trade association of workers’ compensation insurers or claims ad-
ministrators shall not serve as a board member, director, officer, or
employee of an independent review organization.
(2) The organization shall submit to the division the following in-
formation upon initial application to contract under this section and,
except as otherwise provided, annually thereafter upon any change to
any of the following information:
(A) The names of all stockholders and owners of more than 5 per-
cent of any stock or options, if a publicly held organization.
(B) The names of all holders of bonds or notes in excess of one hun-
dred thousand dollars ($100,000), if any.
(C) The names of all corporations and organizations that the inde-
pendent review organization controls or is affiliated with, and the
nature and extent of any ownership or control, including the affiliated
organization’s type of business.
(D) The names and biographical sketches of all directors, officers,
and executives of the independent review organization, as well as a
statement regarding any past or present relationships the directors,
officers, and executives may have with any employer, workers’ com-
pensation insurer, claims administrator, medical provider network,
managed care organization, provider group, or board or committee of
an employer, workers’ compensation insurer, claims administrator,
medical provider network, managed care organization, or provider
group.
(E) (i) The percentage of revenue the independent review organiza-
tion receives from expert reviews, including, but not limited to, exter-
nal medical reviews, quality assurance reviews, utilization reviews,
and bill reviews.
(ii) The names of any workers’ compensation insurer, claims admin-
istrator, or provider group for which the independent review organi-
zation provides review services, including, but not limited to, utiliza-
tion review, bill review, quality assurance review, and external medi-
cal review. Any change in this information shall be reported to the
department within five business days of the change.
812 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(F) A description of the review process, including, but not limited to,
the method of selecting expert reviewers and matching the expert
reviewers to specific cases.
(G) A description of the system the independent medical review or-
ganization uses to identify and recruit medical professionals to review
treatment and treatment recommendation decisions, the number of
medical professionals credentialed, and the types of cases and areas
of expertise that the medical professionals are credentialed to review.
(H) A description of how the independent review organization en-
sures compliance with the conflict-of-interest requirements of this
section.
(3) The organization shall demonstrate that it has a quality assur-
ance mechanism in place that does all of the following:
(A) Ensures that any medical professionals retained are appropri-
ately credentialed and privileged.
(B) Ensures that the reviews provided by the medical professionals
or bill reviewers are timely, clear, and credible, and that reviews are
monitored for quality on an ongoing basis.
(C) Ensures that the method of selecting medical professionals for
individual cases achieves a fair and impartial panel of medical pro-
fessionals who are qualified to render recommendations regarding the
clinical conditions and the medical necessity of treatments or thera-
pies in question.
(D) Ensures the confidentiality of medical records and the review
materials, consistent with the requirements of this section and appli-
cable state and federal law.
(E) Ensures the independence of the medical professionals or bill
reviewers retained to perform the reviews through conflict-of-interest
policies and prohibitions, and ensures adequate screening for conflicts
of interest, pursuant to paragraph (5).
(4) Medical professionals selected by independent medical review
organizations to review medical treatment decisions shall be licensed
physicians, as defined by Section 3209.3, in good standing, who meet
the following minimum requirements:
(A) The physician shall be a clinician knowledgeable in the treat-
ment of the employee’s medical condition, knowledgeable about the
proposed treatment, and familiar with guidelines and protocols in the
area of treatment under review.
(B) Notwithstanding any other law, the physician shall hold a non-
restricted license in any state of the United States, and for physicians
and surgeons holding an M.D. or D.O. degree, a current certification
by a recognized American medical specialty board in the area or areas
appropriate to the condition or treatment under review. The inde-
pendent medical review organization shall give preference to the use
of a physician licensed in California as the reviewer.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 813

(C) The physician shall have no history of disciplinary action or

sanctions, including, but not limited to, loss of staff privileges or par-
ticipation restrictions, taken or pending by any hospital, government,
or regulatory body.
(D) Commencing January 1, 2014, the physician shall not hold an
appointment as a qualified medical evaluator pursuant to Section
139.2.
(5) Neither the expert reviewer, nor the independent review organi-
zation, shall have any material professional, material familial, or ma-
terial financial affiliation with any of the following:
(A) The employer, workers’ compensation insurer or claims admin-
istrator, or a medical provider network of the insurer or claims ad-
ministrator, except that an academic medical center under contract to
the insurer or claims administrator to provide services to employees
may qualify as an independent medical review organization provided
it will not provide the service and provided the center is not the de-
veloper or manufacturer of the proposed treatment.
(B) Any officer, director, or management employee of the employer
or workers’ compensation insurer or claims administrator.
(C) The physician, the physician’s medical group, or the independ-
ent practice association proposing the treatment.
(D) The institution at which the treatment would be provided.
(E) The development or manufacture of the treatment proposed for
the employee whose condition is under review.
(F) The employee or the employee’s immediate family.
(6) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
(A) “Material familial affiliation” means any relationship as a
spouse, child, parent, sibling, spouse’s parent, or child’s spouse.
(B) “Material financial affiliation” means any financial interest of
more than 5 percent of total annual revenue or total annual income of
an independent review organization or individual to which this sub-
division applies. “Material financial affiliation” does not include pay-
ment by the employer to the independent review organization for the
services required by the administrative director’s contract with the
independent review organization, nor does “material financial affilia-
tion” include an expert’s participation as a contracting medical pro-
vider where the expert is affiliated with an academic medical center
or a National Cancer Institute-designated clinical cancer research
center.
(C) “Material professional affiliation” means any physician-patient
relationship, any partnership or employment relationship, a share-
holder or similar ownership interest in a professional corporation, or
any independent contractor arrangement that constitutes a material
financial affiliation with any expert or any officer or director of the
independent review organization. “Material professional affiliation”
814 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

does not include affiliations that are limited to staff privileges at a

health facility.
(e) The division shall provide, upon the request of any interested
person, a copy of all nonproprietary information, as determined by
the administrative director, filed with it by an independent review
organization under contract pursuant to this section. The division
may charge a fee to the interested person for copying the requested
information.
(f) The Legislature finds and declares that the services described in
this section are of such a special and unique nature that they must be
contracted out pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section
19130 of the Government Code. The Legislature further finds and
declares that the services described in this section are a new state
function pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 19130
of the Government Code.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 7 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2013
ch 287 § 3 (SB 375), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 71 § 107 (SB 1304), effec-
tive January 1, 2015.

DIVISION 2
EMPLOYMENT REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

PART 1
COMPENSATION

Chapter 1
Payment of Wages
Article 1
General Occupations
§ 206.5. Prohibition against, and invalidity of, release of claim
for wages; Violation as misdemeanor
(a) An employer shall not require the execution of a release of a
claim or right on account of wages due, or to become due, or made as
an advance on wages to be earned, unless payment of those wages
has been made. A release required or executed in violation of the pro-
visions of this section shall be null and void as between the employer
and the employee. Violation of this section by the employer is a mis-
demeanor.
(b) For purposes of this section, “execution of a release” includes re-
quiring an employee, as a condition of being paid, to execute a state-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 815

ment of the hours he or she worked during a pay period which the
employer knows to be false.
Added Stats 1959 ch 1066 § 1. Amended Stats 2008 ch 224 § 1 (AB 2075), effective
January 1, 2009.

§ 226.8. Unlawful activities; Penalties; Disciplinary action;

Information to be posted on Internet Web site; Enforcement
(a) It is unlawful for any person or employer to engage in any of the
following activities:
(1) Willful misclassification of an individual as an independent con-
tractor.
(2) Charging an individual who has been willfully misclassified as
an independent contractor a fee, or making any deductions from com-
pensation, for any purpose, including for goods, materials, space
rental, services, government licenses, repairs, equipment mainte-
nance, or fines arising from the individual’s employment where any of
the acts described in this paragraph would have violated the law if
the individual had not been misclassified.
(b) If the Labor and Workforce Development Agency or a court is-
sues a determination that a person or employer has engaged in any of
the enumerated violations of subdivision (a), the person or employer
shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than five thousand dol-
lars ($5,000) and not more than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for
each violation, in addition to any other penalties or fines permitted by
law.
(c) If the Labor and Workforce Development Agency or a court is-
sues a determination that a person or employer has engaged in any of
the enumerated violations of subdivision (a) and the person or em-
ployer has engaged in or is engaging in a pattern or practice of these
violations, the person or employer shall be subject to a civil penalty of
not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and not more than twen-
ty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each violation, in addition to
any other penalties or fines permitted by law.
(d) (1) If the Labor and Workforce Development Agency or a court
issues a determination that a person or employer that is a licensed
contractor pursuant to the Contractors’ State License Law has violat-
ed subdivision (a), the agency, in addition to any other remedy that
has been ordered, shall transmit a certified copy of the order to the
Contractors’ State License Board.
(2) The registrar of the Contractors’ State License Board shall initi-
ate disciplinary action against a licensee within 30 days of receiving a
certified copy of an agency or court order that resulted in disbarment
pursuant to paragraph (1).
(e) If the Labor and Workforce Development Agency or a court is-
sues a determination that a person or employer has violated subdivi-
816 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

sion (a), the agency or court, in addition to any other remedy that has
been ordered, shall order the person or employer to display promi-
nently on its Internet Web site, in an area which is accessible to all
employees and the general public, or, if the person or employer does
not have an Internet Web site, to display prominently in an area that
is accessible to all employees and the general public at each location
where a violation of subdivision (a) occurred, a notice that sets forth
all of the following:
(1) That the Labor and Workforce Development Agency or a court,
as applicable, has found that the person or employer has committed a
serious violation of the law by engaging in the willful misclassifica-
tion of employees.
(2) That the person or employer has changed its business practices
in order to avoid committing further violations of this section.
(3) That any employee who believes that he or she is being misclas-
sified as an independent contractor may contact the Labor and Work-
force Development Agency. The notice shall include the mailing ad-
dress, email address, and telephone number of the agency.
(4) That the notice is being posted pursuant to a state order.
(f) In addition to including the information specified in subdivision
(e), a person or employer also shall satisfy the following requirements
in preparing the notice:
(1) An officer shall sign the notice.
(2) It shall post the notice for one year commencing with the date of
the final decision and order.
(g) (1) In accordance with the procedures specified in Sections 98 to
98.2, inclusive, the Labor Commissioner may issue a determination
that a person or employer has violated subdivision (a).
(2) If, upon inspection or investigation, the Labor Commissioner de-
termines that a person or employer has violated subdivision (a), the
Labor Commissioner may issue a citation to assess penalties set forth
in subdivisions (b) and (c) in addition to any other penalties or dam-
ages that are otherwise available at law. The procedures for issuing,
contesting, and enforcing judgments shall be the same as those set
forth in Section 1197.1.
(3) The Labor Commissioner may enforce this section pursuant to
Section 98 or in a civil suit.
(h) Any administrative or civil penalty pursuant to subdivision (b)
or (c) or disciplinary action pursuant to subdivision (d) or (e) shall
remain in effect against any successor corporation, owner, or business
entity that satisfies both of the following:
(1) Has one or more of the same principals or officers as the person
or employer subject to the penalty or action.
(2) Is engaged in the same or a similar business as the person or
employer subject to the penalty or action.
(i) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 817

(1) “Determination” means an order, decision, award, or citation is-

sued by an agency or a court of competent jurisdiction for which the
time to appeal has expired and for which no appeal is pending.
(2) “Labor and Workforce Development Agency” means the Labor
and Workforce Development Agency or any of its departments, divi-
sions, commissions, boards, or agencies.
(3) “Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, any vice
president in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function,
or any other officer of the corporation who performs a policymaking
function. If the employer is a partnership, “officer” means a partner.
If the employer is a sole proprietor, “officer” means the owner.
(4) “Willful misclassification” means avoiding employee status for
an individual by voluntarily and knowingly misclassifying that indi-
vidual as an independent contractor.
(j) Nothing in this section is intended to limit any rights or reme-
dies otherwise available at law.
Added Stats 2011 ch 706 § 1 (SB 459), effective January 1, 2012. Amended Stats 2012
ch 162 § 116 (SB 1171), effective January 1, 2013.

PART 3
PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES

Chapter 3.1
Unfair Immigration-Related Practices
§ 1019. Retaliatory use of immigration-related practices
(a) It is unlawful for an employer or any other person or entity to
engage in, or to direct another person or entity to engage in, unfair
immigration-related practices against any person for the purpose of,
or with the intent of, retaliating against any person for exercising any
right protected under this code or by any local ordinance applicable to
employees. Exercising a right protected by this code or local ordi-
nance includes the following:
(1) Filing a complaint or informing any person of an employer’s or
other party’s alleged violation of this code or local ordinance, so long
as the complaint or disclosure is made in good faith.
(2) Seeking information regarding whether an employer or other
party is in compliance with this code or local ordinance.
(3) Informing a person of his or her potential rights and remedies
under this code or local ordinance, and assisting him or her in assert-
ing those rights.
818 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) (1) As used in this chapter, “unfair immigration-related practice”

means any of the following practices, when undertaken for the retali-
atory purposes prohibited by subdivision (a):
(A) Requesting more or different documents than are required un-
der Section 1324a(b) of Title 8 of the United States Code, or a refusal
to honor documents tendered pursuant to that section that on their
face reasonably appear to be genuine.
(B) Using the federal E-Verify system to check the employment au-
thorization status of a person at a time or in a manner not required
under Section 1324a(b) of Title 8 of the United States Code, or not
authorized under any memorandum of understanding governing the
use of the federal E-Verify system.
(C) Threatening to file or the filing of a false police report, or a false
report or complaint with any state or federal agency.
(D) Threatening to contact or contacting immigration authorities.
(2) “Unfair immigration-related practice” does not include conduct
undertaken at the express and specific direction or request of the fed-
eral government.
(c) Engaging in an unfair immigration-related practice against a
person within 90 days of the person’s exercise of rights protected un-
der this code or local ordinance applicable to employees shall raise a
rebuttable presumption of having done so in retaliation for the exer-
cise of those rights.
(d) (1) An employee or other person who is the subject of an unfair
immigration-related practice prohibited by this section, or a repre-
sentative of that employee or person, may bring a civil action for equi-
table relief and any applicable damages or penalties.
(2) Upon a finding by a court of applicable jurisdiction of a violation
of this section, upon application by a party or on its own motion, a
court may do the following:
(A) For a first violation, order the appropriate government agencies
to suspend all licenses that are held by the violating party for a peri-
od of up to 14 days. On receipt of the court’s order and notwithstand-
ing any other law, the appropriate agencies shall suspend the licenses
according to the court’s order.
(B) For a second violation, order the appropriate government agen-
cies to suspend all licenses that are held by the violating party for a
period of up to 30 days. On receipt of the court’s order and notwith-
standing any other law, the appropriate agencies shall immediately
suspend the licenses.
(C) For a third or subsequent violation, order the appropriate gov-
ernment agencies to suspend for a period of up to 90 days all licenses
that are held by the violating party. On receipt of the court’s order
and notwithstanding any other law, the appropriate agencies shall
immediately suspend the licenses.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 819

(3) In determining whether a suspension of all licenses is appropri-

ate under this subdivision, the court shall consider whether the em-
ployer knowingly committed an unfair immigration-related practice,
the good faith efforts of the employer to resolve any alleged unfair
immigration-related practice after receiving notice of the violations,
as well as the harm other employees of the employer, or employees of
other employers on a multiemployer job site, will suffer as a result of
the suspension of all licenses.
(4) An employee or other person who is the subject of an unfair im-
migration-related practice prohibited by this section, and who pre-
vails in an action authorized by this section, shall recover his or her
reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, including any expert witness
costs.
(e) As used in this chapter:
(1) “License” means any agency permit, certificate, approval, regis-
tration, or charter that is required by law and that is issued by any
agency for the purposes of operating a business in this state and that
is specific to the business location or locations where the unfair im-
migration-related practice occurred. “License” does not include a pro-
fessional license.
(2) “Violation” means each incident when an unfair immigration-
related practice was committed, without reference to the number of
employees involved in the incident.
Added Stats 2013 ch 732 § 4 (AB 263), effective January 1, 2014. Amended Stats 2014
ch 79 § 2 (AB 2751), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 303 § 375 (AB 731), effec-
tive January 1, 2016.

§ 1019.1. Unlawful practices by employer

(a) It is unlawful for an employer, in the course of satisfying the re-
quirements of Section 1324a(b) of Title 8 of the United States Code, to
do any of the following:
(1) Request more or different documents than are required under
Section 1324a(b) of Title 8 of the United States Code.
(2) Refuse to honor documents tendered that on their face reasona-
bly appear to be genuine.
(3) Refuse to honor documents or work authorization based upon
the specific status or term of status that accompanies the authoriza-
tion to work.
(4) Attempt to reinvestigate or reverify an incumbent employee’s
authorization to work using an unfair immigration-related practice.
(b) (1) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a
penalty imposed by the Labor Commissioner and liability for equita-
ble relief.
(2) An applicant for employment or an employee who is subject to
an unlawful act that is prohibited by this section, or a representative
820 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

of that applicant for employment or employee, may file a complaint

with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement pursuant to Sec-
tion 98.7.
(3) The penalty recoverable by the applicant or employee, or by the
Labor Commissioner, for a violation of this section shall not exceed
ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation.
Added Stats 2016 ch 782 § 1 (SB 1001), effective January 1, 2017.

Chapter 3.6
Employer Use of Consumer Credit Reports
§ 1024.6. Update of personal information by employee
An employer may not discharge an employee or in any manner dis-
criminate, retaliate, or take any adverse action against an employee
because the employee updates or attempts to update his or her per-
sonal informationbased on a lawful change of name, social security
number, or federal employment authorization document. An employ-
er’s compliance with this section shall not serve as the basis for a
claim of discrimination, including any disparate treatment claim.
Added Stats 2013 ch 732 § 5 (AB 263), effective January 1, 2014. Amended Stats 2014
ch 79 § 3 (AB 2751), effective January 1, 2015.

Chapter 5
Political Affiliations
§ 1102.5. Employee’s right to disclose information to
government or law enforcement agency; Employer prohibited
from retaliation; Civil penalty; Confidential communications
(a) An employer, or any person acting on behalf of the employer,
shall not make, adopt, or enforce any rule, regulation, or policy pre-
venting an employee from disclosing information to a government or
law enforcement agency, to a person with authority over the employ-
ee, or to another employee who has authority to investigate, discover,
or correct the violation or noncompliance, or from providing infor-
mation to, or testifying before, any public body conducting an investi-
gation, hearing, or inquiry, if the employee has reasonable cause to
believe that the information discloses a violation of state or federal
statute, or a violation of or noncompliance with a local, state, or fed-
eral rule or regulation, regardless of whether disclosing the infor-
mation is part of the employee’s job duties.
(b) An employer, or any person acting on behalf of the employer,
shall not retaliate against an employee for disclosing information, or
because the employer believes that the employee disclosed or may
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 821

disclose information, to a government or law enforcement agency, to a

person with authority over the employee or another employee who
has the authority to investigate, discover, or correct the violation or
noncompliance, or for providing information to, or testifying before,
any public body conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry, if
the employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information
discloses a violation of state or federal statute, or a violation of or
noncompliance with a local, state, or federal rule or regulation, re-
gardless of whether disclosing the information is part of the employ-
ee’s job duties.
(c) An employer, or any person acting on behalf of the employer,
shall not retaliate against an employee for refusing to participate in
an activity that would result in a violation of state or federal statute,
or a violation of or noncompliance with a local, state, or federal rule
or regulation.
(d) An employer, or any person acting on behalf of the employer,
shall not retaliate against an employee for having exercised his or her
rights under subdivision (a), (b), or (c) in any former employment.
(e) A report made by an employee of a government agency to his or
her employer is a disclosure of information to a government or law
enforcement agency pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b).
(f) In addition to other penalties, an employer that is a corporation
or limited liability company is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding
ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation of this section.
(g) This section does not apply to rules, regulations, or policies that
implement, or to actions by employers against employees who violate,
the confidentiality of the lawyer-client privilege of Article 3 (com-
mencing with Section 950) of, or the physician-patient privilege of
Article 6 (commencing with Section 990) of, Chapter 4 of Division 8 of
the Evidence Code, or trade secret information.
(h) An employer, or a person acting on behalf of the employer, shall
not retaliate against an employee because the employee is a family
member of a person who has, or is perceived to have, engaged in any
acts protected by this section.
(i) For purposes of this section, “employer” or “a person acting on
behalf of the employer” includes, but is not limited to, a client em-
ployer as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 2810.3
and an employer listed in subdivision (b) of Section 6400.
Added Stats 1984 ch 1083 § 1. Amended Stats 2003 ch 484 § 2 (SB 777); Stats 2013 ch
577 § 5 (SB 666), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2013 ch 732 § 6 (AB 263), effective
January 1, 2014, ch 781 § 4.1 (SB 496), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2015 ch 792 § 2
(AB 1509), effective January 1, 2016.
822 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 1103. Violation of chapter as misdemeanor; Punishment

An employer or any other person or entity that violates this chapter
is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable, in the case of an individual, by
imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year or a fine not to
exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or both that fine and imprison-
ment, or, in the case of a corporation, by a fine not to exceed five
thousand dollars ($5,000).
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 2013 ch 732 § 7 (AB 263), effective January 1, 2014.

PART 7
PUBLIC WORKS AND PUBLIC AGENCIES

Chapter 1
Public Works
Article 1
Scope and Operation
§ 1720. “Public works”; “Paid for in whole or in part out of
public funds”; Exclusions
(a) As used in this chapter, “public works” means:
(1) Construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work
done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of public
funds, except work done directly by any public utility company pur-
suant to order of the Public Utilities Commission or other public au-
thority. For purposes of this paragraph, “construction” includes work
performed during the design and preconstruction phases of construc-
tion, including, but not limited to, inspection and land surveying
work, and work performed during the postconstruction phases of con-
struction, including, but not limited to, all cleanup work at the
jobsite. For purposes of this paragraph, “installation” includes, but is
not limited to, the assembly and disassembly of freestanding and af-
fixed modular office systems.
(2) Work done for irrigation, utility, reclamation, and improvement
districts, and other districts of this type. “Public work” does not in-
clude the operation of the irrigation or drainage system of any irriga-
tion or reclamation district, except as used in Section 1778 relating to
retaining wages.
(3) Street, sewer, or other improvement work done under the direc-
tion and supervision or by the authority of any officer or public body
of the state, or of any political subdivision or district thereof, whether
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 823

the political subdivision or district operates under a freeholder’s char-

ter or not.
(4) The laying of carpet done under a building lease-maintenance
contract and paid for out of public funds.
(5) The laying of carpet in a public building done under contract
and paid for in whole or in part out of public funds.
(6) Public transportation demonstration projects authorized pursu-
ant to Section 143 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(7) (A) Infrastructure project grants from the California Advanced
Services Fund pursuant to Section 281 of the Public Utilities Code.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the Public Utilities Commission
is not the awarding body or the body awarding the contract, as de-
fined in Section 1722.
(b) For purposes of this section, “paid for in whole or in part out of
public funds” means all of the following:
(1) The payment of money or the equivalent of money by the state
or political subdivision directly to or on behalf of the public works
contractor, subcontractor, or developer.
(2) Performance of construction work by the state or political subdi-
vision in execution of the project.
(3) Transfer by the state or political subdivision of an asset of value
for less than fair market price.
(4) Fees, costs, rents, insurance or bond premiums, loans, interest
rates, or other obligations that would normally be required in the ex-
ecution of the contract, that are paid, reduced, charged at less than
fair market value, waived, or forgiven by the state or political subdi-
vision.
(5) Money loaned by the state or political subdivision that is to be
repaid on a contingent basis.
(6) Credits that are applied by the state or political subdivision
against repayment obligations to the state or political subdivision.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b):
(1) Private residential projects built on private property are not
subject to the requirements of this chapter unless the projects are
built pursuant to an agreement with a state agency, redevelopment
agency, or local public housing authority.
(2) If the state or a political subdivision requires a private developer
to perform construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair
work on a public work of improvement as a condition of regulatory
approval of an otherwise private development project, and the state
or political subdivision contributes no more money, or the equivalent
of money, to the overall project than is required to perform this public
improvement work, and the state or political subdivision maintains
no proprietary interest in the overall project, then only the public im-
provement work shall thereby become subject to this chapter.
824 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(3) If the state or a political subdivision reimburses a private devel-

oper for costs that would normally be borne by the public, or provides
directly or indirectly a public subsidy to a private development project
that is de minimis in the context of the project, an otherwise private
development project shall not thereby become subject to the require-
ments of this chapter.
(4) The construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing units for
low- or moderate-income persons pursuant to paragraph (5) or (7) of
subdivision (e) of Section 33334.2 of the Health and Safety Code that
are paid for solely with moneys from the Low and Moderate Income
Housing Fund established pursuant to Section 33334.3 of the Health
and Safety Code or that are paid for by a combination of private funds
and funds available pursuant to Section 33334.2 or 33334.3 of the
Health and Safety Code do not constitute a project that is paid for in
whole or in part out of public funds.
(5) Unless otherwise required by a public funding program, the con-
struction or rehabilitation of privately owned residential projects is
not subject to the requirements of this chapter if one or more of the
following conditions are met:
(A) The project is a self-help housing project in which no fewer than
500 hours of construction work associated with the homes are to be
performed by the home buyers.
(B) The project consists of rehabilitation or expansion work associ-
ated with a facility operated on a not-for-profit basis as temporary or
transitional housing for homeless persons with a total project cost of
less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
(C) Assistance is provided to a household as either mortgage assis-
tance, downpayment assistance, or for the rehabilitation of a single-
family home.
(D) The project consists of new construction, expansion, or rehabili-
tation work associated with a facility developed by a nonprofit organ-
ization to be operated on a not-for-profit basis to provide emergency
or transitional shelter and ancillary services and assistance to home-
less adults and children. The nonprofit organization operating the
project shall provide, at no profit, not less than 50 percent of the total
project cost from nonpublic sources, excluding real property that is
transferred or leased. Total project cost includes the value of donated
labor, materials, and architectural and engineering services.
(E) The public participation in the project that would otherwise
meet the criteria of subdivision (b) is public funding in the form of
below-market interest rate loans for a project in which occupancy of
at least 40 percent of the units is restricted for at least 20 years, by
deed or regulatory agreement, to individuals or families earning no
more than 80 percent of the area median income.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 825

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary,

the following projects shall not, solely by reason of this section, be
subject to the requirements of this chapter:
(1) Qualified residential rental projects, as defined by Section
142(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, financed in whole or in part
through the issuance of bonds that receive allocation of a portion of
the state ceiling pursuant to Chapter 11.8 (commencing with Section
8869.80) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code on or before
December 31, 2003.
(2) Single-family residential projects financed in whole or in part
through the issuance of qualified mortgage revenue bonds or qualified
veterans’ mortgage bonds, as defined by Section 143 of the Internal
Revenue Code, or with mortgage credit certificates under a Qualified
Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, as defined by Section 25 of the
Internal Revenue Code, that receive allocation of a portion of the
state ceiling pursuant to Chapter 11.8 (commencing with Section
8869.80) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code on or before
December 31, 2003.
(3) Low-income housing projects that are allocated federal or state
low-income housing tax credits pursuant to Section 42 of the Internal
Revenue Code, Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 50199.4) of
Part 1 of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code, or Section 12206,
17058, or 23610.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, on or before De-
cember 31, 2003.
(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), construction,
alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work on the electric
transmission system located in California constitutes a public works
project for the purposes of this chapter.
(f) If a statute, other than this section, or a regulation, other than a
regulation adopted pursuant to this section, or an ordinance or a con-
tract applies this chapter to a project, the exclusions set forth in sub-
division (d) do not apply to that project.
(g) For purposes of this section, references to the Internal Revenue
Code mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and in-
clude the corresponding predecessor sections of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1954, as amended.
(h) The amendments made to this section by either Chapter 938 of
the Statutes of 2001 or the act adding this subdivision shall not be
construed to preempt local ordinances requiring the payment of pre-
vailing wages on housing projects.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1953 ch 1706 § 1; Stats 1972 ch 717 § 1; Stats 1973 ch 77
§ 19; Stats 1989 ch 278 § 1; Stats 2000 ch 881 § 1 (SB 1999); Stats 2001 ch 938 § 2 (SB
975); Stats 2002 ch 1048 § 1 (SB 972); Stats 2012 ch 810 § 1 (AB 1598), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2013; Stats 2014 ch 864 § 1 (AB 26), effective January 1, 2015, ch 900 § 1.5 (AB
2272), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 547 § 4 (SB 350), effective January 1,
2016; Stats 2016 ch 86 § 215 (SB 1171), effective January 1, 2017.
826 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 1720.9. “Public works” as including hauling and delivery of

ready-mixed concrete; Applicable prevailing wage rate;
Written subcontract agreement; Submission of certified copy
of payroll records; Applicability
(a) For the limited purposes of Article 2 (commencing with Section
1770), “public works” also means the hauling and delivery of ready-
mixed concrete to carry out a public works contract, with respect to
contracts involving any state agency, including the California State
University and the University of California, or any political subdivi-
sion of the state.
(b) For purposes of this section, “ready-mixed concrete” means con-
crete that is manufactured in a factory or a batching plant, according
to a set recipe, and then delivered in a liquefied state by mixer truck
for immediate incorporation into a project.
(c) For purposes of this section, the “hauling and delivery of ready-
mixed concrete to carry out a public works contract” means the job
duties for a ready mixer driver that are used by the director in de-
termining wage rates pursuant to Section 1773, and includes receiv-
ing the concrete at the factory or batching plant and the return trip to
the factory or batching plant.
(d) For purposes of this section, the applicable prevailing wage rate
shall be the current prevailing wage, as determined by the director,
for the geographic area in which the factory or batching plant is lo-
cated.
(e) The entity hauling or delivering ready-mixed concrete to carry
out a public works contract shall enter into a written subcontract
agreement with the party that engaged the entity to supply the
ready-mixed concrete. The written agreement shall require compli-
ance with the requirements of this chapter. The entity hauling or de-
livering ready-mixed concrete shall be considered a subcontractor
solely for the purposes of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall
cause any entity to be treated as a contractor or subcontractor for any
purpose other than the application of this chapter.
(f) The entity hauling or delivering ready-mixed concrete to carry
out a public works contract shall submit a certified copy of the payroll
records required by subdivision (a) of Section 1776 to the party that
engaged the entity and to the general contractor within five working
days after the employee has been paid, accompanied by a written
time record that shall be certified by each driver for the performance
of job duties in subdivision (c).
(g) This section shall not apply to public works contracts that are
advertised for bid or awarded prior to July 1, 2016.
Added Stats 2015 ch 739 § 1 (AB 219), effective January 1, 2016. Amended Stats 2016
ch 31 § 184 (SB 836), effective June 27, 2016.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 827

§ 1730. Posting on Internet specified information related to

prevailing rate of per diem wage requirements
The Director of Industrial Relations shall post a list of every Cali-
fornia code section and the language of those sections that relate to
the prevailing rate of per diem wage requirements for workers em-
ployed on a public work project on the Internet Web site of the De-
partment of Industrial Relations on or before June 1, 2013, and shall
update that list each February 1 thereafter.
Added Stats 2012 ch 280 § 1 (SB 1370), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 1742.1. Liquidated damages

(a) After 60 days following the service of a civil wage and penalty
assessment under Section 1741 or a notice of withholding under sub-
division (a) of Section 1771.6, the affected contractor, subcontractor,
and surety on a bond or bonds issued to secure the payment of wages
covered by the assessment or notice shall be liable for liquidated
damages in an amount equal to the wages, or portion thereof, that
still remain unpaid. If the assessment or notice subsequently is over-
turned or modified after administrative or judicial review, liquidated
damages shall be payable only on the wages found to be due and un-
paid.
Additionally, if the contractor or subcontractor demonstrates to the
satisfaction of the director that he or she had substantial grounds for
appealing the assessment or notice with respect to a portion of the
unpaid wages covered by the assessment or notice, the director may
exercise his or her discretion to waive payment of the liquidated
damages with respect to that portion of the unpaid wages. Any liqui-
dated damages shall be distributed to the employee along with the
unpaid wages. Section 203.5 shall not apply to claims for prevailing
wages under this chapter.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), there shall be no liability for
liquidated damages if the full amount of the assessment or notice,
including penalties, has been deposited with the Department of In-
dustrial Relations, within 60 days following service of the assessment
or notice, for the department to hold in escrow pending administra-
tive and judicial review. The department shall release the funds in
escrow, plus any interest earned, to the persons and entities that are
found to be entitled to those funds, within 30 days following either of
the specified events occurring:
(1) The conclusion of all administrative and judicial review.
(2) The department receives written notice from the Labor Commis-
sioner or his or her designee of a settlement or other final disposition
of an assessment issued pursuant to Section 1741 or from the author-
828 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ized representative of the awarding body of a settlement or other final

disposition of a notice issued pursuant to Section 1771.6.
(c) The Labor Commissioner shall, upon receipt of a request from
the affected contractor or subcontractor within 30 days following the
service of a civil wage and penalty assessment under Section 1741,
afford the contractor or subcontractor the opportunity to meet with
the Labor Commissioner or his or her designee to attempt to settle a
dispute regarding the assessment without the need for formal pro-
ceedings. The awarding body shall, upon receipt of a request from the
affected contractor or subcontractor within 30 days following the ser-
vice of a notice of withholding under subdivision (a) of Section 1771.6,
afford the contractor or subcontractor the opportunity to meet with
the designee of the awarding body to attempt to settle a dispute re-
garding the notice without the need for formal proceedings. The set-
tlement meeting may be held in person or by telephone and shall take
place before the expiration of the 60-day period for seeking adminis-
trative review. No evidence of anything said or any admission made
for the purpose of, in the course of, or pursuant to, the settlement
meeting is admissible or subject to discovery in any administrative or
civil proceeding. No writing prepared for the purpose of, in the course
of, or pursuant to, the settlement meeting, other than a final settle-
ment agreement, is admissible or subject to discovery in any adminis-
trative or civil proceeding. The assessment or notice shall advise the
contractor or subcontractor of the opportunity to request a settlement
meeting.
Added Stats 2000 ch 954 § 13 (AB 1646). Amended Stats 2004 ch 685 § 5 (AB 3020),
operative January 1, 2007; Stats 2008 ch 402 § 3 (SB 1352), effective January 1, 2009;
Stats 2016 ch 345 § 1 (AB 326), effective January 1, 2017.

Article 2
Wages
§ 1770. General prevailing wage rate; Determination;
Payment of more than prevailing rate; Overtime work
The Director of the Department of Industrial Relations shall de-
termine the general prevailing rate of per diem wages in accordance
with the standards set forth in Section 1773, and the director’s de-
termination in the matter shall be final except as provided in Section
1773.4. Nothing in this article, however, shall prohibit the payment of
more than the general prevailing rate of wages to any workman em-
ployed on public work. Nothing in this act shall permit any overtime
work in violation of Article 3 of this chapter.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1953 ch 1706 § 2; Stats 1976 ch 281 § 2.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 829

§ 1771. Requirement of prevailing local rate for work under

contract
Except for public works projects of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or
less, not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages for
work of a similar character in the locality in which the public work is
performed, and not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem
wages for holiday and overtime work fixed as provided in this chap-
ter, shall be paid to all workers employed on public works.
This section is applicable only to work performed under contract,
and is not applicable to work carried out by a public agency with its
own forces. This section is applicable to contracts let for maintenance
work.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1953 ch 1706 § 3; Stats 1974 ch 1202 § 1; Stats 1976 ch
861 § 2; Stats 1981 ch 449 § 1.

§ 1771.1. Registration required as qualification to bid; Notice;

Internet listing
(a) A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be
listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of
the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance of any con-
tract for public work, as defined in this chapter, unless currently reg-
istered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Section
1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contrac-
tor to submit a bid that is authorized by Section 7029.1 of the Busi-
ness and Professions Code or by Section 10164 or 20103.5 of the Pub-
lic Contract Code, provided the contractor is registered to perform
public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is
awarded.
(b) Notice of the requirement described in subdivision (a) shall be
included in all bid invitations and public works contracts, and a bid
shall not be accepted nor any contract or subcontract entered into
without proof of the contractor or subcontractor’s current registration
to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5.
(c) An inadvertent error in listing a subcontractor who is not regis-
tered pursuant to Section 1725.5 in a bid proposal shall not be
grounds for filing a bid protest or grounds for considering the bid
nonresponsive, provided that any of the following apply:
(1) The subcontractor is registered prior to the bid opening.
(2) Within 24 hours after the bid opening, the subcontractor is reg-
istered and has paid the penalty registration fee specified in subpara-
graph (E) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 1725.5.
(3) The subcontractor is replaced by another registered subcontrac-
tor pursuant to Section 4107 of the Public Contract Code.
830 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(d) Failure by a subcontractor to be registered to perform public

work as required by subdivision (a) shall be grounds under Section
4107 of the Public Contract Code for the contractor, with the consent
of the awarding authority, to substitute a subcontractor who is regis-
tered to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 in place of
the unregistered subcontractor.
(e) The department shall maintain on its Internet Web site a list of
contractors who are currently registered to perform public work pur-
suant to Section 1725.5.
(f) A contract entered into with any contractor or subcontractor in
violation of subdivision (a) shall be subject to cancellation, provided
that a contract for public work shall not be unlawful, void, or voidable
solely due to the failure of the awarding body, contractor, or any sub-
contractor to comply with the requirements of Section 1725.5 or this
section.
(g) This section shall apply to any bid proposal submitted on or af-
ter March 1, 2015, and any contract for public work entered into on or
after April 1, 2015.
Added Stats 2014 ch 28 § 63 (SB 854), effective June 20, 2014.

§ 1771.2. Action against employer that fails to pay prevailing

wage; Restitution; Liquidated damages
(a) A joint labor-management committee established pursuant to
the federal Labor Management Cooperation Act of 1978 (29 U.S.C.
Sec. 175a) may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction
against an employer that fails to pay the prevailing wage to its em-
ployees, as required by this article. This action shall be commenced
not later than 18 months after the filing of a valid notice of comple-
tion in the office of the county recorder in each county in which the
public work or some part thereof was performed, or not later than 18
months after acceptance of the public work, whichever occurs last.
(b) (1) In an action brought pursuant to this section, the court shall
award restitution to an employee for unpaid wages, plus interest, un-
der Section 3289 of the Civil Code from the date that the wages be-
came due and payable, and liquidated damages equal to the amount
of unpaid wages owed, and may impose civil penalties, only against
an employer that failed to pay the prevailing wage to its employees,
in accordance with Section 1775, injunctive relief, or any other appro-
priate form of equitable relief. The court shall follow the same stand-
ards and have the same discretion in setting the amount of penalties
as are provided by subdivision (a) of Section 1775. The court shall
award a prevailing joint labor-management committee its reasonable
attorney’s fees and costs incurred in maintaining the action, including
expert witness fees.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 831

(2) An action pursuant to this section shall not be based on the em-
ployer’s misclassification of the craft of a worker in its certified pay-
roll records.
(3) Liquidated damages shall be awarded only if the complaint al-
leges with specificity the wages due and unpaid to the individual
workers, including how that amount was calculated, and the defend-
ant fails to pay the wages, deposit that amount with the court to be
held in escrow, or provide proof to the court of an adequate surety
bond to cover the wages, within 60 days of service of the complaint.
Liquidated damages shall be awarded only on the wages found to be
due and unpaid. Additionally, if the defendant demonstrates to the
satisfaction of the court that the defendant had substantial grounds
for contesting that a portion of the allegedly unpaid wages were owed,
the court may exercise its discretion to waive the payment of the liq-
uidated damages with respect to that portion of the unpaid wages.
(4) This subdivision does not limit any other available remedies for
a violation of this chapter.
Added Stats 2001 ch 804 § 1 (SB 588). Amended Stats 2013 ch 792 § 2 (AB 1336), effec-
tive January 1, 2014.

§ 1771.3. State Public Works Enforcement Fund created; Uses;

Loans
(a) The State Public Works Enforcement Fund is hereby created as
a special fund in the State Treasury to be available upon appropria-
tion of the Legislature. All registration fees collected pursuant to Sec-
tion 1725.5 and any other moneys as are designated by statute or or-
der shall be deposited in the fund for the purposes specified in subdi-
vision (b).
(b) Moneys in the State Public Works Enforcement Fund shall be
used only for the following purposes:
(1) The reasonable costs of administering the registration of con-
tractors and subcontractors to perform public work pursuant to Sec-
tion 1725.5.
(2) The costs and obligations associated with the administration
and enforcement of the requirements of this chapter by the Depart-
ment of Industrial Relations.
(3) The monitoring and enforcement of any requirement of this code
by the Labor Commissioner on a public works project or in connection
with the performance of public work as defined pursuant to this chap-
ter.
(c) The annual contractor registration renewal fee specified in sub-
division (a) of Section 1725.5, and any adjusted application or renewal
fee, shall be set in amounts that are sufficient to support the annual
appropriation approved by the Legislature for the State Public Works
Enforcement Fund and not result in a fund balance greater than 25
832 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

percent of the appropriation. Any yearend balance in the fund greater

than 25 percent of the appropriation shall be applied as a credit when
determining any fee adjustments for the subsequent fiscal year.
(d) To provide adequate cashflow for the purposes specified in sub-
division (b), the Director of Finance, with the concurrence of the Sec-
retary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, may approve
a short-term loan each fiscal year from the Labor and Workforce De-
velopment Fund to the State Public Works Enforcement Fund.
(1) The maximum amount of the annual loan allowable may be up
to, but shall not exceed 50 percent of the appropriation authority of
the State Public Works Enforcement Fund in the same year in which
the loan was made.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a “short-term loan” is a transfer
that is made subject to both of the following conditions:
(A) Any amount loaned is to be repaid in full during the same fiscal
year in which the loan was made, except that repayment may be de-
layed until a date not more than 30 days after the date of enactment
of the annual Budget Act for the subsequent fiscal year.
(B) Loans shall be repaid whenever the funds are needed to meet
cash expenditure needs in the loaning fund or account.
Added Stats 2014 ch 28 § 65 (SB 854), effective June 20, 2014.

§ 1771.4. Requirements for public works projects; Compliance

(a) All of the following are applicable to all public works projects
that are otherwise subject to the requirements of this chapter:
(1) The call for bids and contract documents shall specify that the
project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the
Department of Industrial Relations.
(2) The awarding body shall post or require the prime contractor to
post job site notices, as prescribed by regulation.
(3) Each contractor and subcontractor shall furnish the records
specified in Section 1776 directly to the Labor Commissioner, in the
following manner:
(A) At least monthly or more frequently if specified in the contract
with the awarding body.
(B) In a format prescribed by the Labor Commissioner.
(4) The department shall undertake those activities it deems neces-
sary to monitor and enforce compliance with prevailing wage re-
quirements.
(b) The Labor Commissioner may exempt a public works project
from compliance with all or part of the requirements of subdivision
(a) of this section if either of the following occurs:
(1) The awarding body has enforced an approved labor compliance
program, as defined in Section 1771.5, on all public works projects
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 833

under its authority, except those deemed exempt pursuant to subdivi-

sion (a) of Section 1771.5, continuously since December 31, 2011.
(2) The awarding body has entered into a collective bargaining
agreement that binds all contractors performing work on the project
and that includes a mechanism for resolving disputes about the pay-
ment of wages.
(c) (1) The requirements of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall on-
ly apply to contracts for public works projects awarded on or after
January 1, 2015.
(2) The requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) shall only
apply to the following projects:
(A) Projects that were subject to a requirement to furnish records to
the Compliance Monitoring Unit pursuant to Section 16461 of Title 8
of the California Code of Regulations, prior to the effective date of
this section.
(B) Projects for which the initial contract is awarded on or after
April 1, 2015.
(C) Any other ongoing project in which the Labor Commissioner di-
rects the contractors or subcontractors on the project to furnish rec-
ords in accordance with paragraph (3) of subdivision (a).
(D) All projects, whether new or ongoing, on or after January 1,
2016.
Added Stats 2014 ch 28 § 66 (SB 854), effective June 20, 2014.

§ 1771.5. Labor compliance program as exception to Section

1771; Requirements; Revocation
(a) Notwithstanding Section 1771, an awarding body may choose
not to require the payment of the general prevailing rate of per diem
wages or the general prevailing rate of per diem wages for holiday
and overtime work for any public works project of twenty-five thou-
sand dollars ($25,000) or less when the project is for construction
work, or for any public works project of fifteen thousand dollars
($15,000) or less when the project is for alteration, demolition, repair,
or maintenance work, if the awarding body has elected to initiate and
has been approved by the Director of Industrial Relations to enforce a
labor compliance program pursuant to subdivision (b) for every public
works project under the authority of the awarding body .
(b) For purposes of this section, a labor compliance program shall
include, but not be limited to, the following requirements:
(1) All bid invitations and public works contracts shall contain ap-
propriate language concerning the requirements of this chapter.
(2) A prejob conference shall be conducted with the contractor and
subcontractors to discuss federal and state labor law requirements
applicable to the contract.
834 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(3) Project contractors and subcontractors shall maintain and fur-

nish, at a designated time, a certified copy of each weekly payroll con-
taining a statement of compliance signed under penalty of perjury.
(4) The awarding body shall review, and, if appropriate, audit pay-
roll records to verify compliance with this chapter.
(5) The awarding body shall withhold contract payments when pay-
roll records are delinquent or inadequate.
(6) The awarding body shall withhold contract payments equal to
the amount of underpayment and applicable penalties when, after
investigation, it is established that underpayment has occurred.
(7) The awarding body shall comply with any other prevailing wage
monitoring and enforcement activities that are required to be con-
ducted by labor compliance programs by the Department of Industrial
Relations.
(c) For purposes of this chapter, “labor compliance program” means
a labor compliance program that is approved, as specified in state
regulations, by the Director of Industrial Relations.
(d) For purposes of this chapter, the Director of Industrial Relations
may revoke the approval of a labor compliance program in the man-
ner specified in state regulations.
Added Stats 2011 ch 378 § 8 (AB 436), effective January 1, 2012. Amended Stats 2013
ch 28 § 41 (SB 71), effective June 27, 2013; Stats 2014 ch 28 § 67 (SB 854), effective
June 20, 2014.

§ 1771.55. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 2009-2010 2d Ex Sess ch 7 § 7 (SB 9XX), effective May 21, 2009. Repealed
Stats 2011 ch 378 § 9 (AB 436), effective January 1, 2012. The repealed section related
to payment of the general prevailing rate of per diem wages or the general prevailing
rate of per diem wages for holiday and overtime work for any public works project of
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or less, or for any public works project of fifteen
thousand dollars ($15,000) or less when the project is for alteration, demolition, repair,
or maintenance work.

§ 1771.6. Notice of withholding

(a) Any awarding body that enforces this chapter in accordance
with Section 1726 or 1771.5 shall provide notice of the withholding of
contract payments to the contractor and subcontractor, if applicable.
The notice shall be in writing and shall describe the nature of the vio-
lation and the amount of wages, penalties, and forfeitures withheld.
Service of the notice shall be completed pursuant to Section 1013 of
the Code of Civil Procedure by first–class and certified mail to the
contractor and subcontractor, if applicable. The notice shall advise
the contractor and subcontractor, if applicable, of the procedure for
obtaining review of the withholding of contract payments.
The awarding body shall also serve a copy of the notice by certified
mail to any bonding company issuing a bond that secures the pay-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 835

ment of wages covered by the notice and to any surety on a bond, if

their identities are known to the awarding body.
(b) The withholding of contract payments in accordance with Sec-
tion 1726 or 1771.5 shall be reviewable under Section 1742 in the
same manner as if the notice of the withholding was a civil penalty
order of the Labor Commissioner under this chapter. If review is re-
quested, the Labor Commissioner may intervene to represent the
awarding body.
(c) Pending a final order, or the expiration of the time period for
seeking review of the notice of the withholding, the awarding body
shall not disburse any contract payments withheld.
(d) From the amount recovered, the wage claim shall be satisfied
prior to the amount being applied to penalties. If insufficient money is
recovered to pay each worker in full, the money shall be prorated
among all workers.
(e) Wages for workers who cannot be located shall be placed in the
Industrial Relations Unpaid Wage Fund and held in trust for the
workers pursuant to Section 96.7. Penalties shall be paid into the
General Fund of the awarding body that has enforced this chapter
pursuant to Section 1771.5.
Added Stats 2000 ch 954 § 16 (AB 1646), operative July 1, 2001.

§ 1771.7. Labor compliance program where public works

project uses funds derived from Kindergarten-University
Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2002 or Kindergarten-
University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2004;
Applicability; Requirements
(a) (1) For contracts specified in subdivision (f), an awarding body
that chooses to use funds derived from either the Kindergarten-
University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2002 or the Kin-
dergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2004 for
a public works project, shall initiate and enforce, or contract with a
third party to initiate and enforce, a labor compliance program, as
described in subdivision (b) of Section 1771.5, with respect to that
public works project.
(2) If an awarding body described in paragraph (1) chooses to con-
tract with a third party to initiate and enforce a labor compliance
program for a project described in paragraph (1), that third party
shall not review the payroll records of its own employees or the em-
ployees of its subcontractors, and the awarding body or an independ-
ent third party shall review these payroll records for purposes of the
labor compliance program.
(b) This section applies to public works that commence on or after
April 1, 2003. For purposes of this subdivision, work performed dur-
836 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ing the design and preconstruction phases of construction, including,

but not limited to, inspection and land surveying work, does not con-
stitute the commencement of a public work.
(c) (1) For purposes of this section, if any campus of the California
State University chooses to use the funds described in subdivision (a),
then the “awarding body” is the Chancellor of the California State
University. For purposes of this subdivision, if the chancellor is re-
quired by subdivision (a) to initiate and enforce, or to contract with a
third party to initiate and enforce, a labor compliance program, then
in addition to the requirements described in subdivision (b) of Section
1771.5, the Chancellor of the California State University shall review
the payroll records on at least a monthly basis to ensure the awarding
body’s compliance with the labor compliance program.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, if an awarding body described
in subdivision (a) is the University of California or any campus of
that university, and that awarding body is required by subdivision (a)
to initiate and enforce, or to contract with a third party to initiate and
enforce, a labor compliance program, then in addition to the require-
ments described in subdivision (b) of Section 1771.5, the payroll rec-
ords shall be reviewed on at least a monthly basis to ensure the
awarding body’s compliance with the labor compliance program.
(d) (1) An awarding body described in subdivision (a) shall make a
written finding that the awarding body has initiated and enforced, or
has contracted with a third party to initiate and enforce, the labor
compliance program described in subdivision (a).
(2) (A) If an awarding body described in subdivision (a) is a school
district, the governing body of that district shall transmit to the State
Allocation Board, in the manner determined by that board, a copy of
the finding described in paragraph (1).
(B) The State Allocation Board shall not release the funds described
in subdivision (a) to an awarding body that is a school district until
the State Allocation Board has received the written finding described
in paragraph (1).
(C) If the State Allocation Board conducts a postaward audit proce-
dure with respect to an award of the funds described in subdivision
(a) to an awarding body that is a school district, the State Allocation
Board shall verify, in the manner determined by that board, that the
school district has complied with the requirements of this subdivision.
(3) If an awarding body described in subdivision (a) is a community
college district, the Chancellor of the California State University, or
the office of the President of the University of California or any cam-
pus of the University of California, that awarding body shall trans-
mit, in the manner determined by the Director of Industrial Rela-
tions, a copy of the finding described in paragraph (1) to the director
of that department, or the director of any successor agency that is
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 837

responsible for the oversight of employee wage and employee work

hours laws.
(e) Because the reasonable costs directly related to monitoring and
enforcing compliance with the prevailing wage requirements are nec-
essary oversight activities, integral to the cost of construction of the
public works projects, notwithstanding Section 17070.63 of the Edu-
cation Code, the grant amounts as described in Chapter 12.5 (com-
mencing with Section 17070.10) of Part 10 of Division 1 of Title 1 of
the Education Code for the costs of a new construction or moderniza-
tion project shall include the state’s share of the reasonable and di-
rectly related costs of the labor compliance program used to monitor
and enforce compliance with prevailing wage requirements.
(f) This section shall only apply to contracts awarded prior to Janu-
ary 1, 2012.
Added Stats 2002 ch 868 § 2 (AB 1506). Amended Stats 2003 ch 834 § 2 (AB 324); Stats
2005 ch 606 § 1 (AB 414), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2009-2010 2d Ex Sess ch 7
§ 8 (SB 9XX), effective May 21, 2009; Stats 2010 ch 719 § 49 (SB 856), effective October
19, 2010; Stats 2011 ch 378 § 10 (AB 436), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2014 ch 28
§ 68 (SB 854), effective June 20, 2014.

§ 1771.75. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 2009-2010 2d Ex Sess ch 7 § 9 (SB 9XX), effective May 21, 2009. Amended
Stats 2010 ch 719 § 50 (SB 856), effective October 19, 2010. Repealed Stats 2011 ch 378
§ 11 (AB 436), effective January 1, 2012. The repealed section related to the labor com-
pliance program where public works project uses funds derived from Kindergarten-
University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2002 or Kindergarten-University
Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2004, applicability, and requirements.

§ 1771.8. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 2002 ch 892 § 2 (SB 278). Amended Stats 2009-2010 2d Ex Sess ch 7 § 10
(SB 9XX), effective May 21, 2009; Stats 2010 ch 719 § 51 (SB 856), effective October 19,
2010. Repealed Stats 2011 ch 378 § 12 (AB 436), effective January 1, 2012. The re-
pealed section related to adoption and enforcement of a labor compliance program by
the body awarding any contract for a public works project financed in any part with
funds made available by the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach
Protection Act of 2002.

§ 1771.85. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 2009-2010 2d Ex Sess ch 7 § 11 (SB 9XX), effective May 21, 2009. Re-
pealed Stats 2011 ch 378 § 13 (AB 436), effective January 1, 2012. The repealed section
related to fees to support the department’s costs in ensuring compliance with and en-
forcing prevailing wage requirements in contracts for public works project financed in
any part with funds made available by the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water,
Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002.
838 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 1771.9. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 2009-2010 2d Ex Sess ch 7 § 13 (SB 9XX), effective May 21, 2009. Re-
pealed Stats 2011 ch 378 § 14 (AB 436), effective January 1, 2012. The repealed section
related to payment of fee and adoption of labor compliance program by body awarding
contract for public works under the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond
Act for the 21st Century.

§ 1772. Workers deemed employed upon public work

Workers employed by contractors or subcontractors in the execution
of any contract for public work are deemed to be employed upon pub-
lic work.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1992 ch 1342 § 7 (SB 222).

§ 1773. Ascertainment of prevailing rate; Data considered

The body awarding any contract for public work, or otherwise un-
dertaking any public work, shall obtain the general prevailing rate of
per diem wages and the general prevailing rate for holiday and over-
time work in the locality in which the public work is to be performed
for each craft, classification, or type of worker needed to execute the
contract from the Director of Industrial Relations. The holidays upon
which those rates shall be paid need not be specified by the awarding
body, but shall be all holidays recognized in the applicable collective
bargaining agreement. If the prevailing rate is not based on a collec-
tively bargained rate, the holidays upon which the prevailing rate
shall be paid shall be as provided in Section 6700 of the Government
Code.
In determining the rates, the Director of Industrial Relations shall
ascertain and consider the applicable wage rates established by col-
lective bargaining agreements and the rates that may have been pre-
determined for federal public works, within the locality and in the
nearest labor market area. Where the rates do not constitute the
rates actually prevailing in the locality, the director shall obtain and
consider further data from the labor organizations and employers or
employer associations concerned, including the recognized collective
bargaining representatives for the particular craft, classification, or
type of work involved. The rate fixed for each craft, classification, or
type of work shall be not less than the prevailing rate paid in the
craft, classification, or type of work.
If the director determines that the rate of prevailing wage for any
craft, classification, or type of worker is the rate established by a col-
lective bargaining agreement, the director may adopt that rate by
reference as provided for in the collective bargaining agreement and
that determination shall be effective for the life of the agreement or
until the director determines that another rate should be adopted.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 839

Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1953 ch 1706 § 4; Stats 1968 ch 699 § 1, operative July
1, 1969; Stats 1971 ch 785 § 1; Stats 1976 ch 281 § 3. Amended Stats 1999 ch 30 § 1
(SB 16).

§ 1773.1. Per diem wages; What employer payments are

included therein; Credits for employer payments;
Computation of credits; Filing of collective bargaining
agreements
(a) Per diem wages, as the term is used in this chapter or in any
other statute applicable to public works, includes employer payments
for the following:
(1) Health and welfare.
(2) Pension.
(3) Vacation.
(4) Travel.
(5) Subsistence.
(6) Apprenticeship or other training programs authorized by Sec-
tion 3093, to the extent that the cost of training is reasonably related
to the amount of the contributions.
(7) Worker protection and assistance programs or committees estab-
lished under the federal Labor Management Cooperation Act of 1978
(29 U.S.C. Sec. 175a), to the extent that the activities of the programs
or committees are directed to the monitoring and enforcement of laws
related to public works.
(8) Industry advancement and collective bargaining agreements
administrative fees, provided that these payments are made pursuant
to a collective bargaining agreement to which the employer is obligat-
ed.
(9) Other purposes similar to those specified in paragraphs (1) to
(5), inclusive; or other purposes similar to those specified in para-
graphs (6) to (8), inclusive, if the payments are made pursuant to a
collective bargaining agreement to which the employer is obligated.
(b) Employer payments include all of the following:
(1) The rate of contribution irrevocably made by the employer to a
trustee or third person pursuant to a plan, fund, or program.
(2) The rate of actual costs to the employer reasonably anticipated
in providing benefits to workers pursuant to an enforceable commit-
ment to carry out a financially responsible plan or program communi-
cated in writing to the workers affected.
(3) Payments to the California Apprenticeship Council pursuant to
Section 1777.5.
(c) Employer payments are a credit against the obligation to pay the
general prevailing rate of per diem wages. However, credit shall not
be granted for benefits required to be provided by other state or fed-
eral law, for payments made to monitor and enforce laws related to
840 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

public works if those payments are not made to a program or commit-

tee established under the federal Labor Management Cooperation Act
of 1978 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 175a), or for payments for industry advance-
ment and collective bargaining agreement administrative fees if those
payments are not made pursuant to a collective bargaining agree-
ment to which the employer is obligated. Credits for employer pay-
ments also shall not reduce the obligation to pay the hourly straight
time or overtime wages found to be prevailing. However, an increased
employer payment contribution that results in a lower hourly straight
time or overtime wage shall not be considered a violation of the appli-
cable prevailing wage determination if all of the following conditions
are met:
(1) The increased employer payment is made pursuant to criteria
set forth in a collective bargaining agreement.
(2) The basic hourly rate and increased employer payment are no
less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the gen-
eral prevailing rate for holiday and overtime work in the director’s
general prevailing wage determination.
(3) The employer payment contribution is irrevocable unless made
in error.
(d) An employer may take credit for an employer payment specified
in subdivision (b), even if contributions are not made, or costs are not
paid, during the same pay period for which credit is taken, if the em-
ployer regularly makes the contributions, or regularly pays the costs,
for the plan, fund, or program on no less than a quarterly basis.
(e) The credit for employer payments shall be computed on an an-
nualized basis when the employer seeks credit for employer payments
that are higher for public works projects than for private construction
performed by the same employer, unless one or more of the following
occur:
(1) The employer has an enforceable obligation to make the higher
rate of payments on future private construction performed by the em-
ployer.
(2) The higher rate of payments is required by a project labor
agreement.
(3) The payments are made to the California Apprenticeship Coun-
cil pursuant to Section 1777.5.
(4) The director determines that annualization would not serve the
purposes of this chapter.
(f) (1) For the purpose of determining those per diem wages for con-
tracts, the representative of any craft, classification, or type of worker
needed to execute contracts shall file with the Department of Indus-
trial Relations fully executed copies of the collective bargaining
agreements for the particular craft, classification, or type of work in-
volved. The collective bargaining agreements shall be filed after their
execution and thereafter may be taken into consideration pursuant to
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 841

Section 1773 whenever they are filed 30 days prior to the call for bids.
If the collective bargaining agreement has not been formalized, a
typescript of the final draft may be filed temporarily, accompanied by
a statement under penalty of perjury as to its effective date.
(2) When a copy of the collective bargaining agreement has previ-
ously been filed, fully executed copies of all modifications and exten-
sions of the agreement that affect per diem wages or holidays shall be
filed.
(3) The failure to comply with filing requirements of this subdivi-
sion shall not be grounds for setting aside a prevailing wage determi-
nation if the information taken into consideration is correct.
Added Stats 1959 ch 2173 § 1. Amended Stats 1969 ch 1502 § 1; Stats 1976 ch 281 § 4.
Amended Stats 1999 ch 30 § 2 (SB 16); Stats 2000 ch 954 § 18 (AB 1646), operative
July 1, 2001; Stats 2003 ch 839 § 1 (AB 807), ch 905 § 1 (SB 868); Stats 2012 ch 827 § 1
(AB 2677), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 169 § 1 (SB 776), effective January
1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 71 § 109 (SB 1304), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2016 ch 231
§ 1 (SB 954), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 1773.2. Specification of prevailing wage rates in call for bids

The body awarding any contract for public work, or otherwise un-
dertaking any public work, shall specify in the call for bids for the
contract, and in the bid specifications and in the contract itself, what
the general rate of per diem wages is for each craft, classification, or
type of worker needed to execute the contract.
In lieu of specifying the rate of wages in the call for bids, and in the
bid specifications and in the contract itself, the awarding body may,
in the call for bids, bid specifications, and contract, include a state-
ment that copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages are on file
at its principal office, which shall be made available to any interested
party on request. The awarding body shall also cause a copy of the
determination of the director of the prevailing rate of per diem wages
to be posted at each job site.
Added Stats 1971 ch 785 § 2. Amended Stats 1974 ch 876 § 1; Stats 1977 ch 423 § 1.
Amended Stats 1992 ch 1342 § 8 (SB 222).

§ 1773.3. Notice; Required information

(a) (1) An awarding agency shall provide notice to the Department
of Industrial Relations of any public works contract subject to the re-
quirements of this chapter, within five days of the award.
(2) The notice shall be transmitted electronically in a format speci-
fied by the department and shall include the name of the contractor,
any subcontractor listed on the successful bid, the bid and contract
award dates, the contract amount, the estimated start and completion
dates, job site location, and any additional information the depart-
842 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ment specifies that aids in the administration and enforcement of this

chapter.
(b) In lieu of responding to any specific request for contract award
information, the department may make the information provided by
awarding bodies pursuant to this section available for public review
on its Internet Web site.
Added Stats 2014 ch 28 § 70 (SB 854), effective June 20, 2014.

§ 1773.4. Procedure for review of rates

Any prospective bidder or his representative, any representative of
any craft, classification or type of workman involved, or the awarding
body may, within 20 days after commencement of advertising of the
call for bids by the awarding body, file with the Director of Industrial
Relations a verified petition to review the determination of any such
rate or rates upon the ground that they have not been determined in
accordance with the provision of Section 1773 of this code. Within two
days thereafter, a copy of such petition shall be filed with the award-
ing body. The petition shall set forth the facts upon which it is based.
The Director of Industrial Relations or his authorized representative
shall, upon notice to the petitioner, the awarding body and such other
persons as he deems proper, including the recognized collective bar-
gaining representatives for the particular crafts, classifications or
types of work involved, institute an investigation or hold a hearing.
Within 20 days after the filing of such petition, or within such longer
period as agreed upon by the director, the awarding body, and all the
interested parties, he shall make a determination and transmit the
same in writing to the awarding body and to the interested parties.
Such determination shall be final and shall be the determination of
the awarding body. Upon receipt by it of the notice of the filing of
such petition the body awarding the contract or authorizing the pub-
lic work shall extend the closing date for the submission of bids or the
starting of work until five days after the determination of the general
prevailing rates of per diem wages pursuant to this section.
Upon the filing of any such petition, notice thereof shall be set forth
in the next and all subsequent publications by the awarding body of
the call for bids. No other notice need be given to bidders by the
awarding body by publication or otherwise. The determination of the
director shall be included in the contract.
Added Stats 1953 ch 1706 § 4.5. Amended Stats 1968 ch 699 § 2, operative July 1,
1969; Stats 1969 ch 301 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 843

§ 1773.5. Rules and regulations; Request for determination;

Time limitations based on status as political subdivision;
Appeal; Authority of director
(a) The Director of Industrial Relations may establish rules and
regulations for the purpose of carrying out this chapter, including,
but not limited to, the responsibilities and duties of awarding bodies
under this chapter.
(b) When a request is made to the director for a determination of
whether a specific project or type of work awarded or undertaken by a
political subdivision is a public work, he or she shall make that de-
termination within 60 days receipt of the last notice of support or op-
position from any interested party relating to that project or type of
work that was not unreasonably delayed, as determined by the direc-
tor. If the director deems that the complexity of the request requires
additional time to make that determination, the director may have up
to an additional 60 days if he or she certifies in writing to the reques-
tor, and any interested party, the reasons for the extension. If the
requestor is not a political subdivision, the requester shall, within 15
days of the request, serve a copy of the request upon the political sub-
division, in which event the political subdivision shall, within 30 days
of its receipt, advise the director of its position regarding the request.
For projects or types of work that are otherwise private development
projects receiving public funds, as specified in subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 1720, the director shall determine whether a specific project or
type of work is a public work within 120 days of receipt of the last
notice of support or opposition relating to that project or type of work
from any interested party that was not unreasonably delayed, as de-
termined by the director.
(c) If an administrative appeal of the director’s determination is
made, it shall be made within 30 days of the date of the determina-
tion. The director shall issue a determination on the administrative
appeal within 120 days after receipt of the last notice of support or
opposition relating to that appeal from any interested party that was
not unreasonably delayed, as determined by the director. The director
may have up to an additional 60 days if he or she certifies in writing
to the party requesting the appeal the reason for the extension.
(d) The director shall have quasi-legislative authority to determine
coverage of projects or types of work under the prevailing wage laws
of this chapter. A final determination on any administrative appeal is
subject to judicial review pursuant to Section 1085 of the Code of Civ-
il Procedure. These determinations, and any determinations relating
to the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general pre-
vailing rate for holiday, shift rate, and overtime work, shall be ex-
empt from the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commenc-
844 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Gov-

ernment Code).
Added Stats 1953 ch 1706 § 5. Amended Stats 1989 ch 1224 § 5; Stats 2013 ch 780 § 3
(SB 377), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 1773.6. Change in prevailing per diem wage rate

If during any quarterly period the Director of Industrial Relations
shall determine that there has been a change in any prevailing rate of
per diem wages in any locality he shall make such change available to
the awarding body and his determination shall be final. Such deter-
mination by the Director of Industrial Relations shall not be effective
as to any contract for which the notice to bidders has been published.
Added Stats 1953 ch 1706 § 6. Amended Stats 1957 ch 1932 § 486; Stats 1963 ch 1786
§ 68, operative October 1, 1963; Stats 1976 ch 281 § 6.

§ 1773.7. Charges for interagency services

The provisions of Section 11250 of the Government Code shall not
be applicable to Sections 1773, 1773.4, and 1773.6.
Added Stats 1976 ch 281 § 8.

§ 1773.8. Increased employer contribution resulting in lower

taxable wage
An increased employer payment contribution that results in a lower
taxable wage shall not be considered a violation of the applicable pre-
vailing wage determination so long as all of the following conditions
are met:
(a) The increased employer payment is made pursuant to criteria
set forth in a collective bargaining agreement.
(b) The increased employer payment and hourly straight time and
overtime wage combined are no less than the general prevailing rate
of per diem wages.
(c) The employer payment contribution is irrevocable unless made
in error.
Added Stats 2012 ch 827 § 2 (AB 2677), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 1773.9. Determination of general prevailing rate of per diem

wages
(a) The Director of Industrial Relations shall use the methodology
set forth in subdivision (b) to determine the general prevailing rate of
per diem wages in the locality in which the public work is to be per-
formed.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 845

(b) The general prevailing rate of per diem wages includes all of the
following:
(1) The basic hourly wage rate being paid to a majority of workers
engaged in the particular craft, classification, or type of work within
the locality and in the nearest labor market area, if a majority of the
workers is paid at a single rate. If no single rate is being paid to a
majority of the workers, then the single rate being paid to the great-
est number of workers, or modal rate, is prevailing. If a modal rate
cannot be determined, then the director shall establish an alternative
rate, consistent with the methodology for determining the modal rate,
by considering the appropriate collective bargaining agreements, fed-
eral rates, rates in the nearest labor market area, or other data such
as wage survey data.
(2) Other employer payments included in per diem wages pursuant
to Section 1773.1 and as included as part of the total hourly wage rate
from which the basic hourly wage rate was derived. In the event the
total hourly wage rate does not include any employer payments, the
director shall establish a prevailing employer payment rate by the
same procedure set forth in paragraph (1).
(3) The rate for holiday and overtime work shall be those rates spec-
ified in the collective bargaining agreement when the basic hourly
rate is based on a collective bargaining agreement rate. In the event
the basic hourly rate is not based on a collective bargaining agree-
ment, the rate for holidays and overtime work, if any, included with
the prevailing basic hourly rate of pay shall be prevailing.
(c) (1) If the director determines that the general prevailing rate of
per diem wages is the rate established by a collective bargaining
agreement, and that the collective bargaining agreement contains
definite and predetermined changes during its term that will affect
the rate adopted, the director shall incorporate those changes into the
determination. Predetermined changes that are rescinded prior to
their effective date shall not be enforced.
(2) When the director determines that there is a definite and prede-
termined change in the general prevailing rate of per diem wages as
described in paragraph (1), but has not published, at the time of the
effective date of the predetermined change, the allocation of the pre-
determined change as between the basic hourly wage and other em-
ployer payments included in per diem wages pursuant to Section
1773.1, a contractor or subcontractor may allocate payments of not
less than the amount of the definite and predetermined change to ei-
ther the basic hourly wage or other employer payments included in
per diem wages for up to 60 days following the director’s publication
of the specific allocation of the predetermined change.
(3) When the director determines that there is a definite and prede-
termined change in the general prevailing rate of per diem wages as
described in paragraph (1), but the allocation of that predetermined
846 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

change as between the basic hourly wage and other employer pay-
ments included in per diem wages pursuant to Section 1773.1 is sub-
sequently altered by the parties to a collective bargaining agreement
described in paragraph (1), a contractor or subcontractor may allocate
payments of not less than the amount of the definite and predeter-
mined change in accordance with either the originally published allo-
cation or the allocation as altered in the collective bargaining agree-
ment.
Added Stats 1999 ch 30 § 4 (SB 16). Amended Stats 2007 ch 482 § 2 (SB 929), effective
January 1, 2008.

§ 1773.11. Contract with private entity for prevailing rate of

per diem wages and prevailing rate for holiday and overtime
work; Director to determine rates and respond to requests;
Limited number of requests per calendar year
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as oth-
erwise provided by this section, if the state or a political subdivision
thereof agrees by contract with a private entity that the private enti-
ty’s employees receive, in performing that contract, the general pre-
vailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing rate for hol-
iday and overtime work, the director shall, upon a request by the
state or the political subdivision, do both of the following:
(1) Determine, as otherwise provided by law, the wage rates for
each craft, classification, or type of worker that are needed to execute
the contract.
(2) Provide these wage rates to the state or political subdivision
that requests them.
(b) This section does not apply to a contract for a public work, as de-
fined in this chapter.
(c) The director shall determine and provide the wage rates de-
scribed in this section in the order in which the requests for these
wage rates were received and regardless of the calendar year in
which they were received. If there are more than 20 pending requests
in a calendar year, the director shall respond only to the first 20 re-
quests in the order in which they were received. If the director deter-
mines that funding is available in any calendar year to determine and
provide these wage rates in response to more than 20 requests, the
director shall respond to these requests in a manner consistent with
this subdivision.
Added Stats 2003 ch 343 § 1 (AB 852).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 847

§ 1774. Payment of not less than specified prevailing rates to

workmen
The contractor to whom the contract is awarded, and any subcon-
tractor under him, shall pay not less than the specified prevailing
rates of wages to all workmen employed in the execution of the con-
tract.
Enacted 1937.

§ 1775. Forfeiture for paying less than prevailing wage rates;

Amount of penalty; Payments to workers; Liability of prime
contractor; Notification of complaint
(a) (1) The contractor and any subcontractor under the contractor
shall, as a penalty to the state or political subdivision on whose behalf
the contract is made or awarded, forfeit not more than two hundred
dollars ($200) for each calendar day, or portion thereof, for each
worker paid less than the prevailing wage rates as determined by the
director for the work or craft in which the worker is employed for any
public work done under the contract by the contractor or, except as
provided in subdivision (b), by any subcontractor under the contrac-
tor.
(2) (A) The amount of the penalty shall be determined by the Labor
Commissioner based on consideration of both of the following:
(i) Whether the failure of the contractor or subcontractor to pay the
correct rate of per diem wages was a good faith mistake and, if so, the
error was promptly and voluntarily corrected when brought to the
attention of the contractor or subcontractor.
(ii) Whether the contractor or subcontractor has a prior record of
failing to meet its prevailing wage obligations.
(B) (i) The penalty may not be less than forty dollars ($40) for each
calendar day, or portion thereof, for each worker paid less than the
prevailing wage rate, unless the failure of the contractor or subcon-
tractor to pay the correct rate of per diem wages was a good faith mis-
take and, if so, the error was promptly and voluntarily corrected
when brought to the attention of the contractor or subcontractor.
(ii) The penalty may not be less than eighty dollars ($80) for each
calendar day, or portion thereof, for each worker paid less than the
prevailing wage rate, if the contractor or subcontractor has been as-
sessed penalties within the previous three years for failing to meet its
prevailing wage obligations on a separate contract, unless those pen-
alties were subsequently withdrawn or overturned.
(iii) The penalty may not be less than one hundred twenty dollars
($120) for each calendar day, or portion thereof, for each worker paid
less than the prevailing wage rate, if the Labor Commissioner deter-
848 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

mines that the violation was willful, as defined in subdivision (c) of

Section 1777.1.
(C) If the amount due under this section is collected from the con-
tractor or subcontractor, any outstanding wage claim under Chapter
1 (commencing with Section 1720) of Part 7 of Division 2 against that
contractor or subcontractor shall be satisfied before applying that
amount to the penalty imposed on that contractor or subcontractor
pursuant to this section.
(D) The determination of the Labor Commissioner as to the amount
of the penalty shall be reviewable only for abuse of discretion.
(E) The difference between the prevailing wage rates and the
amount paid to each worker for each calendar day or portion thereof
for which each worker was paid less than the prevailing wage rate
shall be paid to each worker by the contractor or subcontractor, and
the body awarding the contract shall cause to be inserted in the con-
tract a stipulation that this section will be complied with.
(b) If a worker employed by a subcontractor on a public works pro-
ject is not paid the general prevailing rate of per diem wages by the
subcontractor, the prime contractor of the project is not liable for any
penalties under subdivision (a) unless the prime contractor had
knowledge of that failure of the subcontractor to pay the specified
prevailing rate of wages to those workers or unless the prime contrac-
tor fails to comply with all of the following requirements:
(1) The contract executed between the contractor and the subcon-
tractor for the performance of work on the public works project shall
include a copy of the provisions of this section and Sections 1771,
1776, 1777.5, 1813, and 1815.
(2) The contractor shall monitor the payment of the specified gen-
eral prevailing rate of per diem wages by the subcontractor to the
employees, by periodic review of the certified payroll records of the
subcontractor.
(3) Upon becoming aware of the failure of the subcontractor to pay
his or her workers the specified prevailing rate of wages, the contrac-
tor shall diligently take corrective action to halt or rectify the failure,
including, but not limited to, retaining sufficient funds due the sub-
contractor for work performed on the public works project.
(4) Prior to making final payment to the subcontractor for work per-
formed on the public works project, the contractor shall obtain an af-
fidavit signed under penalty of perjury from the subcontractor that
the subcontractor has paid the specified general prevailing rate of per
diem wages to his or her employees on the public works project and
any amounts due pursuant to Section 1813.
(c) The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement shall notify the
contractor on a public works project within 15 days of the receipt by
the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement of a complaint of the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 849

failure of a subcontractor on that public works project to pay workers

the general prevailing rate of per diem wages.
Added Stats 1997 ch 757 § 2 (SB 1328). Amended Stats 2000 ch 954 § 20 (AB 1646);
Stats 2003 ch 849 § 3 (AB 1418); Stats 2011 ch 677 § 1 (AB 551), effective January 1,
2012.

§ 1776. Payroll record of wages paid; Inspection; Forms;

Effect of noncompliance; Penalties
(a) Each contractor and subcontractor shall keep accurate payroll
records, showing the name, address, social security number, work
classification, straight time and overtime hours worked each day and
week, and the actual per diem wages paid to each journeyman, ap-
prentice, worker, or other employee employed by him or her in con-
nection with the public work. Each payroll record shall contain or be
verified by a written declaration that it is made under penalty of per-
jury, stating both of the following:
(1) The information contained in the payroll record is true and cor-
rect.
(2) The employer has complied with the requirements of Sections
1771, 1811, and 1815 for any work performed by his or her employees
on the public works project.
(b) The payroll records enumerated under subdivision (a) shall be
certified and shall be available for inspection at all reasonable hours
at the principal office of the contractor on the following basis:
(1) A certified copy of an employee’s payroll record shall be made
available for inspection or furnished to the employee or his or her au-
thorized representative on request.
(2) A certified copy of all payroll records enumerated in subdivision
(a) shall be made available for inspection or furnished upon request to
a representative of the body awarding the contract and the Division of
Labor Standards Enforcement of the Department of Industrial Rela-
tions.
(3) A certified copy of all payroll records enumerated in subdivision
(a) shall be made available upon request by the public for inspection
or for copies thereof. However, a request by the public shall be made
through either the body awarding the contract or the Division of La-
bor Standards Enforcement. If the requested payroll records have not
been provided pursuant to paragraph (2), the requesting party shall,
prior to being provided the records, reimburse the costs of prepara-
tion by the contractor, subcontractors, and the entity through which
the request was made. The public may not be given access to the rec-
ords at the principal office of the contractor.
(c) Unless required to be furnished directly to the Labor Commis-
sioner in accordance with paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section
1771.4, the certified payroll records shall be on forms provided by the
850 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Division of Labor Standards Enforcement or shall contain the same

information as the forms provided by the division. The payroll records
may consist of printouts of payroll data that are maintained as com-
puter records, if the printouts contain the same information as the
forms provided by the division and the printouts are verified in the
manner specified in subdivision (a).
(d) A contractor or subcontractor shall file a certified copy of the
records enumerated in subdivision (a) with the entity that requested
the records within 10 days after receipt of a written request.
(e) Except as provided in subdivision (f), any copy of records made
available for inspection as copies and furnished upon request to the
public or any public agency by the awarding body or the Division of
Labor Standards Enforcement shall be marked or obliterated to pre-
vent disclosure of an individual’s name, address, and social security
number. The name and address of the contractor awarded the con-
tract or the subcontractor performing the contract shall not be
marked or obliterated. Any copy of records made available for inspec-
tion by, or furnished to, a multiemployer Taft-Hartley trust fund (29
U.S.C. Sec. 186(c)(5)) that requests the records for the purposes of
allocating contributions to participants shall be marked or obliterated
only to prevent disclosure of an individual’s full social security num-
ber, but shall provide the last four digits of the social security num-
ber. Any copy of records made available for inspection by, or fur-
nished to, a joint labor-management committee established pursuant
to the federal Labor Management Cooperation Act of 1978 (29 U.S.C.
Sec. 175a) shall be marked or obliterated only to prevent disclosure of
an individual’s social security number.
(f) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, agencies that are
included in the Joint Enforcement Strike Force on the Underground
Economy established pursuant to Section 329 of the Unemployment
Insurance Code and other law enforcement agencies investigating
violations of law shall, upon request, be provided nonredacted copies
of certified payroll records. Any copies of records or certified payroll
made available for inspection and furnished upon request to the pub-
lic by an agency included in the Joint Enforcement Strike Force on
the Underground Economy or to a law enforcement agency investigat-
ing a violation of law shall be marked or redacted to prevent disclo-
sure of an individual’s name, address, and social security number.
(2) An employer shall not be liable for damages in a civil action for
any reasonable act or omission taken in good faith in compliance with
this subdivision.
(g) The contractor shall inform the body awarding the contract of
the location of the records enumerated under subdivision (a), includ-
ing the street address, city, and county, and shall, within five working
days, provide a notice of a change of location and address.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 851

(h) The contractor or subcontractor has 10 days in which to comply

subsequent to receipt of a written notice requesting the records enu-
merated in subdivision (a). In the event that the contractor or subcon-
tractor fails to comply within the 10-day period, he or she shall, as a
penalty to the state or political subdivision on whose behalf the con-
tract is made or awarded, forfeit one hundred dollars ($100) for each
calendar day, or portion thereof, for each worker, until strict compli-
ance is effectuated. Upon the request of the Division of Labor Stand-
ards Enforcement, these penalties shall be withheld from progress
payments then due. A contractor is not subject to a penalty assess-
ment pursuant to this section due to the failure of a subcontractor to
comply with this section.
(i) The body awarding the contract shall cause to be inserted in the
contract stipulations to effectuate this section.
(j) The director shall adopt rules consistent with the California Pub-
lic Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Divi-
sion 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code) and the Information Prac-
tices Act of 1977 (Title 1.8 (commencing with Section 1798) of Part 4
of Division 3 of the Civil Code) governing the release of these records,
including the establishment of reasonable fees to be charged for re-
producing copies of records required by this section.
Added Stats 1997 ch 757 § 4 (SB 1328). Amended Stats 2001 ch 804 § 2 (SB 588); Stats
2002 ch 28 § 1 (AB 1448) (ch 28 prevails), ch 664 § 161 (AB 3034); Stats 2003 ch 62
§ 205 (SB 600); Stats 2005 ch 500 § 1 (SB 759), effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2011 ch
481 § 1 (AB 766), effective January 1, 2012, ch 677 § 2.5 (AB 551), effective January 1,
2012; Stats 2012 ch 46 § 94 (SB 1038), effective June 27, 2012; Stats 2013 ch 792 § 3
(AB 1336), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 28 § 71 (SB 854), effective June 20,
2014.

§ 1777.1. Penalties for violations of specified provisions; List

of debarred contractors
(a) Whenever a contractor or subcontractor performing a public
works project pursuant to this chapter is found by the Labor Commis-
sioner to be in violation of this chapter with intent to defraud, the
contractor or subcontractor or a firm, corporation, partnership, or as-
sociation in which the contractor or subcontractor has any interest is
ineligible for a period of not less than one year or more than three
years to do either of the following:
(1) Bid on or be awarded a contract for a public works project.
(2) Perform work as a subcontractor on a public works project.
(b) Whenever a contractor or subcontractor performing a public
works project pursuant to this chapter is found by the Labor Commis-
sioner to have committed two or more separate willful violations of
this chapter within a three-year period, the contractor or subcontrac-
tor or a firm, corporation, partnership, or association in which the
852 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

contractor or subcontractor has any interest is ineligible for a period

up to three years to do either of the following:
(1) Bid on or be awarded a contract for a public works project.
(2) Perform work as a subcontractor on a public works project.
(c) Whenever a contractor or subcontractor performing a public
works project has failed to provide a timely response to a request by
the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Division of Appren-
ticeship Standards, or the awarding body to produce certified payroll
records pursuant to Section 1776, the Labor Commissioner shall noti-
fy the contractor or subcontractor that, in addition to any other pen-
alties provided by law, the contractor or subcontractor will be subject
to debarment under this section if the certified payroll records are not
produced within 30 days after receipt of the written notice. If the
commissioner finds that the contractor or subcontractor has failed to
comply with Section 1776 by that deadline, unless the commissioner
finds that the failure to comply was due to circumstances outside the
contractor’s or subcontractor’s control, the contractor or subcontractor
or a firm, corporation, partnership, or association in which the con-
tractor or subcontractor has any interest is ineligible for a period of
not less than one year and not more than three years to do either of
the following:
(1) Bid on or be awarded a contract for a public works project.
(2) Perform work as a subcontractor on a public works project.
(d) (1) In the event a contractor or subcontractor is determined by
the Labor Commissioner to have knowingly committed a serious vio-
lation of any provision of Section 1777.5, the Labor Commissioner
may also deny to the contractor or subcontractor, and to its responsi-
ble officers, the right to bid on or to be awarded or perform work as a
subcontractor on any public works contract for a period of up to one
year for the first violation and for a period of up to three years for a
second or subsequent violation. Each period of debarment shall run
from the date the determination of noncompliance by the Labor
Commissioner becomes a final order.
(2) The Labor Commissioner shall consider, in determining whether
a violation is serious, and in determining whether and for how long a
party should be debarred for violating Section 1777.5, all of the fol-
lowing circumstances:
(A) Whether the violation was intentional.
(B) Whether the party has committed other violations of Section
1777.5.
(C) Whether, upon notice of the violation, the party took steps to
voluntarily remedy the violation.
(D) Whether, and to what extent, the violation resulted in lost
training opportunities for apprentices.
(E) Whether, and to what extent, the violation otherwise harmed
apprentices or apprenticeship programs.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 853

(e) A willful violation occurs when the contractor or subcontractor

knew or reasonably should have known of his or her obligations un-
der the public works law and deliberately fails or deliberately refuses
to comply with its provisions.
(f) The Labor Commissioner shall publish on the commissioner’s In-
ternet Web site a list of contractors who are ineligible to bid on or be
awarded a public works contract, or to perform work as a subcontrac-
tor on a public works project pursuant to this chapter. The list shall
contain the name of the contractor, the Contractors’ State License
Board license number of the contractor, and the effective period of
debarment of the contractor. Contractors shall be added to the list
upon issuance of a debarment order and the commissioner shall also
notify the Contractors’ State License Board when the list is updated.
At least annually, the commissioner shall notify awarding bodies of
the availability of the list of debarred contractors. The commissioner
shall also place advertisements in construction industry publications
targeted to the contractors and subcontractors, chosen by the com-
missioner, that state the effective period of the debarment and the
reason for debarment. The advertisements shall appear one time for
each debarment of a contractor in each publication chosen by the
commissioner. The debarred contractor or subcontractor shall be lia-
ble to the commissioner for the reasonable cost of the advertisements,
not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). The amount paid to the
commissioner for the advertisements shall be credited against the
contractor’s or subcontractor’s obligation to pay civil fines or penalties
for the same willful violation of this chapter.
(g) For purposes of this section, “contractor or subcontractor” means
a firm, corporation, partnership, or association and its responsible
managing officer, as well as any supervisors, managers, and officers
found by the Labor Commissioner to be personally and substantially
responsible for the willful violation of this chapter.
(h) For the purposes of this section, the term “any interest” means
an interest in the entity bidding or performing work on the public
works project, whether as an owner, partner, officer, manager, em-
ployee, agent, consultant, or representative. “Any interest” includes,
but is not limited to, all instances where the debarred contractor or
subcontractor receives payments, whether cash or any other form of
compensation, from any entity bidding or performing work on the
public works project, or enters into any contracts or agreements with
the entity bidding or performing work on the public works project for
services performed or to be performed for contracts that have been or
will be assigned or sublet, or for vehicles, tools, equipment, or sup-
plies that have been or will be sold, rented, or leased during the peri-
od from the initiation of the debarment proceedings until the end of
the term of the debarment period. “Any interest” does not include
shares held in a publicly traded corporation if the shares were not
854 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

received as compensation after the initiation of debarment from an

entity bidding or performing work on a public works project.
(i) For the purposes of this section, the term “entity” is defined as a
company, limited liability company, association, partnership, sole
proprietorship, limited liability partnership, corporation, business
trust, or organization.
(j) The Labor Commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations for
the administration and enforcement of this section.
Added Stats 1989 ch 1224 § 10. Amended Stats 1998 ch 443 § 1 (AB 1569); Stats 2000
ch 970 § 1 (AB 2513); Stats 2011 ch 677 § 3 (AB 551), effective January 1, 2012; Stats
2014 ch 297 § 1 (AB 2744), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 1777.5. Employment of apprentices on public works

(a) This chapter does not prevent the employment of properly regis-
tered apprentices upon public works.
(b) (1) Every apprentice employed upon public works shall be paid
the prevailing rate of per diem wages for apprentices in the trade to
which he or she is registered and shall be employed only at the work
of the craft or trade to which he or she is registered.
(2) Unless otherwise provided by a collective bargaining agreement,
when a contractor requests the dispatch of an apprentice pursuant to
this section to perform work on a public works project and requires
the apprentice to fill out an application or undergo testing, training,
an examination, or other preemployment process as a condition of
employment, the apprentice shall be paid for the time spent on the
required preemployment activity, including travel time to and from
the required activity, if any, at the prevailing rate of per diem wages
for apprentices in the trade to which he or she is registered. Unless
otherwise provided by a collective bargaining agreement, a contractor
is not required to compensate an apprentice for the time spent on
preemployment activities if the apprentice is required to take a
preemployment drug or alcohol test and he or she fails to pass that
test.
(c) Only apprentices, as defined in Section 3077, who are in training
under apprenticeship standards that have been approved by the Chief
of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and who are parties to
written apprentice agreements under Chapter 4 (commencing with
Section 3070) of Division 3 are eligible to be employed at the appren-
tice wage rate on public works. The employment and training of each
apprentice shall be in accordance with either of the following:
(1) The apprenticeship standards and apprentice agreements under
which he or she is training.
(2) The rules and regulations of the California Apprenticeship
Council.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 855

(d) If the contractor to whom the contract is awarded by the state or

any political subdivision, in performing any of the work under the
contract, employs workers in any apprenticeable craft or trade, the
contractor shall employ apprentices in at least the ratio set forth in
this section and may apply to any apprenticeship program in the craft
or trade that can provide apprentices to the site of the public work for
a certificate approving the contractor under the apprenticeship
standards for the employment and training of apprentices in the area
or industry affected. However, the decision of the apprenticeship pro-
gram to approve or deny a certificate shall be subject to review by the
Administrator of Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship program or pro-
grams, upon approving the contractor, shall arrange for the dispatch
of apprentices to the contractor. A contractor covered by an appren-
ticeship program’s standards shall not be required to submit any ad-
ditional application in order to include additional public works con-
tracts under that program. “Apprenticeable craft or trade,” as used in
this section, means a craft or trade determined as an apprenticeable
occupation in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the
California Apprenticeship Council. As used in this section, “contrac-
tor” includes any subcontractor under a contractor who performs any
public works not excluded by subdivision (o).
(e) Before commencing work on a contract for public works, every
contractor shall submit contract award information to an applicable
apprenticeship program that can supply apprentices to the site of the
public work. The information submitted shall include an estimate of
journeyman hours to be performed under the contract, the number of
apprentices proposed to be employed, and the approximate dates the
apprentices would be employed. A copy of this information shall also
be submitted to the awarding body, if requested by the awarding
body. Within 60 days after concluding work on the contract, each con-
tractor and subcontractor shall submit to the awarding body, if re-
quested, and to the apprenticeship program a verified statement of
the journeyman and apprentice hours performed on the contract. The
information under this subdivision shall be public. The apprentice-
ship programs shall retain this information for 12 months.
(f) The apprenticeship program supplying apprentices to the area of
the site of the public work shall ensure equal employment and af-
firmative action in apprenticeship for women and minorities.
(g) The ratio of work performed by apprentices to journeymen em-
ployed in a particular craft or trade on the public work may be no
higher than the ratio stipulated in the apprenticeship standards un-
der which the apprenticeship program operates if the contractor
agrees to be bound by those standards. However, except as otherwise
provided in this section, in no case shall the ratio be less than one
hour of apprentice work for every five hours of journeyman work.
856 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(h) This ratio of apprentice work to journeyman work shall apply

during any day or portion of a day when any journeyman is employed
at the jobsite and shall be computed on the basis of the hours worked
during the day by journeymen so employed. Any work performed by a
journeyman in excess of eight hours per day or 40 hours per week
shall not be used to calculate the ratio. The contractor shall employ
apprentices for the number of hours computed as above before the
end of the contract or, in the case of a subcontractor, before the end of
the subcontract. However, the contractor shall endeavor, to the great-
est extent possible, to employ apprentices during the same time peri-
od that the journeymen in the same craft or trade are employed at the
jobsite. When an hourly apprenticeship ratio is not feasible for a par-
ticular craft or trade, the Administrator of Apprenticeship, upon ap-
plication of an apprenticeship program, may order a minimum ratio
of not less than one apprentice for each five journeymen in a craft or
trade classification.
(i) A contractor covered by this section who has agreed to be covered
by an apprenticeship program’s standards upon the issuance of the
approval certificate, or who has been previously approved for an ap-
prenticeship program in the craft or trade, shall employ the number
of apprentices or the ratio of apprentices to journeymen stipulated in
the applicable apprenticeship standards, but in no event less than the
1-to-5 ratio required by subdivision (g).
(j) Upon proper showing by a contractor that he or she employs ap-
prentices in a particular craft or trade in the state on all of his or her
contracts on an annual average of not less than one hour of appren-
tice work for every five hours of labor performed by journeymen, the
Administrator of Apprenticeship may grant a certificate exempting
the contractor from the 1-to-5 hourly ratio, as set forth in this section
for that craft or trade.
(k) An apprenticeship program has the discretion to grant to a par-
ticipating contractor or contractor association a certificate, which
shall be subject to the approval of the Administrator of Apprentice-
ship, exempting the contractor from the 1-to-5 ratio set forth in this
section when it finds that any one of the following conditions is met:
(1) Unemployment for the previous three-month period in the area
exceeds an average of 15 percent.
(2) The number of apprentices in training in the area exceeds a ra-
tio of 1 to 5.
(3) There is a showing that the apprenticeable craft or trade is re-
placing at least one-thirtieth of its journeymen annually through ap-
prenticeship training, either on a statewide basis or on a local basis.
(4) Assignment of an apprentice to any work performed under a
public works contract would create a condition that would jeopardize
his or her life or the life, safety, or property of fellow employees or the
public at large, or the specific task to which the apprentice is to be
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 857

assigned is of a nature that training cannot be provided by a jour-

neyman.
(l ) If an exemption is granted pursuant to subdivision (k) to an or-
ganization that represents contractors in a specific trade from the 1-
to-5 ratio on a local or statewide basis, the member contractors shall
not be required to submit individual applications for approval to local
joint apprenticeship committees, if they are already covered by the
local apprenticeship standards.
(m) (1) A contractor to whom a contract is awarded, who, in per-
forming any of the work under the contract, employs journeymen or
apprentices in any apprenticeable craft or trade shall contribute to
the California Apprenticeship Council the same amount that the di-
rector determines is the prevailing amount of apprenticeship training
contributions in the area of the public works site. A contractor may
take as a credit for payments to the council any amounts paid by the
contractor to an approved apprenticeship program that can supply
apprentices to the site of the public works project. The contractor may
add the amount of the contributions in computing his or her bid for
the contract.
(2) At the conclusion of the 2002–03 fiscal year and each fiscal year
thereafter, the California Apprenticeship Council shall distribute
training contributions received by the council under this subdivision,
less the expenses of the Department of Industrial Relations for ad-
ministering this subdivision, by making grants to approved appren-
ticeship programs for the purpose of training apprentices. The funds
shall be distributed as follows:
(A) If there is an approved multiemployer apprenticeship program
serving the same craft or trade and geographic area for which the
training contributions were made to the council, a grant to that pro-
gram shall be made.
(B) If there are two or more approved multiemployer apprenticeship
programs serving the same craft or trade and county for which the
training contributions were made to the council, the grant shall be
divided among those programs based on the number of apprentices
from that county registered in each program.
(C) All training contributions not distributed under subparagraphs
(A) and (B) shall be used to defray the future expenses of the De-
partment of Industrial Relations for the administration and enforce-
ment of apprenticeship standards and requirements under this code.
(3) All training contributions received pursuant to this subdivision
shall be deposited in the Apprenticeship Training Contribution Fund,
which is hereby created in the State Treasury. Upon appropriation by
the Legislature, all moneys in the Apprenticeship Training Contribu-
tion Fund shall be used for the purpose of carrying out this subdivi-
sion and to pay the expenses of the Department of Industrial Rela-
tions.
858 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(n) The body awarding the contract shall cause to be inserted in the
contract stipulations to effectuate this section. The stipulations shall
fix the responsibility of compliance with this section for all appren-
ticeable occupations with the prime contractor.
(o) This section does not apply to contracts of general contractors or
to contracts of specialty contractors not bidding for work through a
general or prime contractor when the contracts of general contractors
or those specialty contractors involve less than thirty thousand dol-
lars ($30,000).
(p) An awarding body that implements an approved labor compli-
ance program in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 1771.5
may, with the approval of the director, assist in the enforcement of
this section under the terms and conditions prescribed by the direc-
tor.
Added Stats 1937 ch 872. Amended Stats 1939 ch 971 § 1; Stats 1957 ch 699 § 1; Stats
1968 ch 1411 § 1; Stats 1969 ch 1260 § 1, effective August 31, 1969; Stats 1972 ch 1087
§ 1, ch 1399 § 1; Stats 1974 ch 965 § 1; Stats 1976 ch 1179 § 2, effective September 22,
1976; Stats 1989 ch 1224 § 11. Amended Stats 1997 ch 17 § 91 (SB 947); Stats 1999 ch
903 § 2 (AB 921); Stats 2000 ch 135 § 124 (AB 2539) (ch 875 prevails), ch 875 § 1 (AB
2481); Stats 2002 ch 1124 § 43 (AB 3000), effective September 30, 2002; Stats 2003 ch
228 § 38 (AB 1756), effective August 11, 2003; Stats 2010 ch 719 § 52 (SB 856), effective
October 19, 2010; Stats 2012 ch 46 § 95 (SB 1038), effective June 27, 2012; Stats 2014
ch 890 § 1 (AB 1870), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2016 ch 746 § 1 (AB 1926), effec-
tive January 1, 2017.

§ 1782. Receipt and use of state funding or financial

assistance for a construction project by charter city
(a) A charter city shall not receive or use state funding or financial
assistance for a construction project if the city has a charter provision
or ordinance that authorizes a contractor to not comply with the pro-
visions of this article on any public works contract.
(b) A charter city shall not receive or use state funding or financial
assistance for a construction project if the city has awarded, within
the prior two years, a public works contract without requiring the
contractor to comply with all of the provisions of this article. This
subdivision shall not apply if the charter city’s failure to include the
prevailing wage or apprenticeship requirement in a particular con-
tract was inadvertent and contrary to a city charter provision or ordi-
nance that otherwise requires compliance with this article.
(c) A charter city is not disqualified by subdivision (a) from receiv-
ing or using state funding or financial assistance for its construction
projects if the charter city has a local prevailing wage ordinance for
all its public works contracts that includes requirements that in all
respects are equal to or greater than the requirements imposed by the
provisions of this article and that do not authorize a contractor to not
comply with this article.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 859

(d) For purposes of this section, the following shall apply:

(1) A public works contract does not include contracts for projects of
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or less when the project is for
construction work, or projects of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) or
less when the project is for alteration, demolition, repair, or mainte-
nance work.
(2) A charter city includes any agency of a charter city and any enti-
ty controlled by a charter city whose contracts would be subject to
this article.
(3) A “construction project” means a project that involves the award
of a public works contract.
(4) State funding or financial assistance includes direct state fund-
ing, state loans and loan guarantees, state tax credits, and any other
type of state financial support for a construction project. State fund-
ing or financial assistance does not include revenues that charter cit-
ies are entitled to receive without conditions under the California
Constitution.
(e) The Director of Industrial Relations shall maintain a list of
charter cities that may receive and use state funding or financial as-
sistance for their construction projects.
(f) (1) This section does not restrict a charter city from receiving or
using state funding or financial assistance that was awarded to the
city prior to January 1, 2015, or from receiving or using state funding
or financial assistance to complete a contract that was awarded prior
to January 1, 2015.
(2) A charter city is not disqualified by subdivision (b) from receiv-
ing or using state funding or financial assistance for its construction
projects based on the city’s failure to require a contractor to comply
with this article in performing a contract the city advertised for bid or
awarded prior to January 1, 2015.
Added Stats 2013 ch 794 (SB 7), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 1784. Contractor entitled to recovery of increased costs

from hiring party; Notice; Applicability
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a contractor may bring an ac-
tion in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover from the hiring
party that the contractor directly contracts with, any increased costs
attributable solely to the provisions of this chapter, including, but not
limited to, the difference between the wages actually paid to an em-
ployee and the wages that were required to be paid to an employee
under this chapter, any penalties or other sums required to be paid
under this chapter, and costs and attorney’s fees for the action in-
curred by the contractor as a result of any decision by the Depart-
ment of Industrial Relations, the Labor and Workforce Development
Agency, or a court that classifies, after the time at which the hiring
860 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

party accepts the contractor’s bid, awards the contractor a contract

under circumstances when no bid is solicited, or otherwise allows
construction by the contractor to proceed, the work covered by the
project, or any portion thereof, as a “public work,” as defined in this
chapter, except to the extent that either of the following is true:
(1) The owner or developer or its agent expressly advised the con-
tractor that the work to be covered by the contract would be a “public
work,” as defined in this chapter, or is otherwise subject to the pay-
ment of prevailing wages.
(2) The hiring party expressly advised the contractor that the work
subject to the contract would be a “public work,” as defined in this
chapter, or is otherwise subject to the payment of prevailing wages.
(b) (1) To be entitled to the recovery of increased costs described in
subdivision (a), the contractor shall notify the hiring party and the
owner or developer within 30 days after receipt of the notice of a deci-
sion by the Department of Industrial Relations or the Labor and
Workforce Development Agency, or the initiation of any action in a
court alleging, that the work covered by the project, or any portion
thereof, is a “public work,” as defined in this chapter.
(2) The notice provided pursuant to this subdivision shall set forth
the legal name, address, and telephone number of the contractor, and
the name, address, and telephone number of the contractor’s repre-
sentative, if any, and shall be given by registered or certified mail,
express mail, or overnight delivery by an express service carrier.
(c) A contractor is not required to list any prevailing wages or ap-
prenticeship standard violations on a prequalification questionnaire
that are the direct result of the failure of the owner or developer or its
agent, or a hiring party, to notify the contractor that the project, or
any portion thereof, was a “public work,” as defined in this chapter.
(d) This section does not apply to private residential projects built
on private property unless the project is built pursuant to an agree-
ment with a state agency, redevelopment agency, or local public hous-
ing authority.
(e) This section does not apply if the conduct of the contractor
caused the project to be a “public work,” as defined in this chapter, or
if the contractor has actual knowledge that the work is a “public
work,” as defined in this chapter.
(f) A contractor may seek recovery pursuant to this section only
from a hiring party with whom the contractor has a direct contract.
(g) For purposes of this section, “contractor” means a person or enti-
ty licensed by the Contractors’ State Licensing Board that has a di-
rect contract with the hiring party to provide services on private
property or for the benefit of a private owner or developer.
(h) For purposes of this section, “hiring party” means the party that
has a direct contract for services provided by the contractor who is
seeking recovery pursuant to subdivision (a) on a private works pro-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 861

ject that was subsequently determined to be a public work by the De-

partment of Industrial Relations or the Labor and Workforce Devel-
opment Agency, or by the initiation of any action in a court alleging
that the work covered by the project, or any portion thereof, was a
public work.
Added Stats 2014 ch 161 § 1 (AB 1939), effective January 1, 2015.

DIVISION 3
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

Chapter 2
Employer and Employee
Article 1
The Contract of Employment
§ 2753. Liability of person who advises employer to treat
individual as independent contractor to avoid employee
status
(a) A person who, for money or other valuable consideration, know-
ingly advises an employer to treat an individual as an independent
contractor to avoid employee status for that individual shall be jointly
and severally liable with the employer if the individual is found not to
be an independent contractor.
(b) This section does not apply to the following persons:
(1) A person who provides advice to his or her employer.
(2) An attorney authorized to practice law in California or another
United States jurisdiction who provides legal advice in the course of
the practice of law.
Added Stats 2011 ch 706 § 2 (SB 459), effective January 1, 2012.

Article 2
Obligations of Employer
§ 2810.3. Definitions
(a) As used in this section:
(1) (A) “Client employer” means a business entity, regardless of its
form, that obtains or is provided workers to perform labor within its
usual course of business from a labor contractor.
(B) “Client employer” does not include any of the following:
862 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(i) A business entity with a workforce of fewer than 25 workers, in-

cluding those hired directly by the client employer and those obtained
from, or provided by, any labor contractor.
(ii) A business entity with five or fewer workers supplied by a labor
contractor or labor contractors to the client employer at any given
time.
(iii) The state or any political subdivision of the state, including any
city, county, city and county, or special district.
(2) “Labor” has the same meaning provided by Section 200.
(3) “Labor contractor” means an individual or entity that supplies,
either with or without a contract, a client employer with workers to
perform labor within the client employer’s usual course of business.
“Labor contractor” does not include any of the following:
(A) A bona fide nonprofit, community-based organization that pro-
vides services to workers.
(B) A bona fide labor organization or apprenticeship program or hir-
ing hall operated pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
(C) A motion picture payroll services company as defined in subpar-
agraph (A) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (f) of Section 679 of the
Unemployment Insurance Code.
(D) A third party who is a party to an employee leasing arrange-
ment, as defined by Rule 4 of Section V of the California Workers’
Compensation Experience Rating Plan-1995 (Section 2353.1 of Title
10 of the California Code of Regulations), as it read on January 1,
2014, except those arrangements described in subrule d of Rule 4 of
Section V, if the employee leasing arrangement contractually obli-
gates the client employer to assume all civil legal responsibility and
civil liability under this act.
(4) “Wages” has the same meaning provided by Section 200 and all
sums payable to an employee or the state based upon any failure to
pay wages, as provided by law.
(5) “Worker” does not include an employee who is exempt from the
payment of an overtime rate of compensation for executive, adminis-
trative, and professional employees pursuant to wage orders by the
Industrial Welfare Commission described in Section 515.
(6) “Usual course of business” means the regular and customary
work of a business, performed within or upon the premises or
worksite of the client employer.
(b) A client employer shall share with a labor contractor all civil le-
gal responsibility and civil liability for all workers supplied by that
labor contractor for both of the following:
(1) The payment of wages.
(2) Failure to secure valid workers’ compensation coverage as re-
quired by Section 3700.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 863

(c) A client employer shall not shift to the labor contractor any legal
duties or liabilities under Division 5 (commencing with Section 6300)
with respect to workers supplied by the labor contractor.
(d) At least 30 days prior to filing a civil action against a client em-
ployer for violations covered by this section, a worker or his or her
representative shall notify the client employer of violations under
subdivision (b).
(e) Neither the client employer nor the labor contractor may take
any adverse action against any worker for providing notification of
violations or filing a claim or civil action.
(f) The provisions of subdivisions (b) and (c) are in addition to, and
shall be supplemental of, any other theories of liability or require-
ment established by statute or common law.
(g) This section does not prohibit a client employer from establish-
ing, exercising, or enforcing by contract any otherwise lawful reme-
dies against a labor contractor for liability created by acts of a labor
contractor.
(h) This section does not prohibit a labor contractor from establish-
ing, exercising, or enforcing by contract any otherwise lawful reme-
dies against a client employer for liability created by acts of a client
employer.
(i) Upon request by a state enforcement agency or department, a
client employer or a labor contractor shall provide to the agency or
department any information within its possession, custody, or control
required to verify compliance with applicable state laws. Upon re-
quest, these records shall be made available promptly for inspection,
and the state agency or department shall be permitted to copy them.
This subdivision does not require the disclosure of information that is
not otherwise required to be disclosed by employers upon request by a
state enforcement agency or department.
(j) The Labor Commissioner may adopt regulations and rules of
practice and procedure necessary to administer and enforce the provi-
sions of subdivisions (b) and (i) that are under his or her jurisdiction.
(k) The Division of Occupational Safety and Health may adopt regu-
lations and rules of practice and procedure necessary to administer
and enforce the provisions of subdivisions (c) and (i) that are under its
jurisdiction.
(l ) The Employment Development Department may adopt regula-
tions and rules of practice and procedure necessary to administer and
enforce the provisions of subdivisions (b) and (i) that are under its
jurisdiction.
(m) A waiver of this section is contrary to public policy, and is void
and unenforceable.
(n) This section shall not be interpreted to impose individual liabil-
ity on a homeowner for labor or services received at the home or the
864 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

owner of a home-based business for labor or services received at the

home.
(o) This section shall not be interpreted to impose liability on a cli-
ent employer for the use of an independent contractor other than a
labor contractor or to change the definition of independent contractor.
(p) This section shall not be interpreted to impose liability on the
following:
(1) A client employer that is not a motor carrier of property based
solely on the employer’s use of a third-party motor carrier of property
with interstate or intrastate operating authority to ship or receive
freight.
(2) A client employer that is a motor carrier of property subcon-
tracting with, or otherwise engaging, another motor carrier of proper-
ty to provide transportation services using its own employees and
commercial motor vehicles, as defined in Section 34601 of the Vehicle
Code.
(3) A client employer that is not a household goods carrier based
solely on the employer’s use of a third-party household goods carrier
permitted by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Chapter 7
(commencing with Section 5101) of Division 2 of the Public Utilities
Code to move household goods.
(4) A client employer that is a household goods carrier permitted by
the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing
with Section 5101) of Division 2 of the Public Utilities Code subcon-
tracting with, or otherwise engaging, another permitted household
goods carrier to provide transportation of household goods using its
own employees and motor vehicles, as defined in Section 5108 of the
Public Utilities Code.
(5) A client employer that is a cable operator as defined by Section
5830 of the Public Utilities Code, a direct-to-home satellite service
provider, or a telephone corporation as defined by Section 234 of the
Public Utilities Code, based upon its contracting with a company to
build, install, maintain, or perform repair work utilizing the employ-
ees and vehicles of the contractor if the name of the contractor is visi-
ble on employee uniforms and vehicles.
(6) A motor club holding a certificate of authority issued pursuant
to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 12160) of Part 5 of Division 2
of the Insurance Code when it contracts with third parties to provide
motor club services utilizing the employees and vehicles of the third-
party contractor if the name of the contractor is visible on the con-
tractor’s vehicles.
Added Stats 2014 ch 728 § 1 (AB 1897), effective January 1, 2015. Amended Stats 2015
ch 792 § 3 (AB 1509), effective January 1, 2016.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 865

Chapter 4
Apprenticeship
§ 3075. Apprenticeship program sponsors; Joint sponsorship
(a) An apprenticeship program may be administered by a joint ap-
prenticeship committee, unilateral management or labor apprentice-
ship committee, or an individual employer. Programs may be ap-
proved by the chief in any trade in the state or in a city or trade area,
whenever the apprentice training needs justify the establishment.
Where a collective bargaining agreement exists, a program shall be
jointly sponsored unless either party to the agreement waives its
right to representation in writing. Joint apprenticeship committees
shall be composed of an equal number of employer and employee rep-
resentatives.
(b) For purposes of this section, the apprentice training needs in the
building and construction trades shall be deemed to justify the ap-
proval of a new apprenticeship program only if any of the following
conditions are met:
(1) There is no existing apprenticeship program approved under
this chapter serving the same craft or trade and geographic area.
(2) Existing apprenticeship programs approved under this chapter
that serve the same craft or trade and geographic area do not have
the capacity, or neglect or refuse, to dispatch sufficient apprentices to
qualified employers at a public works site who have requested ap-
prentices and are willing to abide by the applicable apprenticeship
standards, as shown by a sustained pattern of unfilled requests.
(3) Existing apprenticeship programs approved under this chapter
that serve the same trade and geographic area have been identified
by the California Apprenticeship Council as deficient in meeting their
obligations under this chapter.
(c) For purposes of this section, an existing apprenticeship program
serves the “same craft or trade” as a proposed apprenticeship pro-
gram when there would be substantial overlap in the work processes
covered by the programs or when graduates of the existing program
would be qualified to perform a substantial portion of the work that
would be performed by graduates of the new program.
Added Stats 1939 ch 220 § 2. Amended Stats 1976 ch 1179 § 6, effective September 22,
1976; Stats 1984 ch 330 § 3. Amended Stats 1999 ch 903 § 7 (AB 921); Stats 2015 ch
126 § 1 (AB 1308), effective January 1, 2016.

§ 3099. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 1999 ch 781 § 1 (AB 931). Amended Stats 2000 ch 875 § 3 (AB 2481); Stats
2002 ch 48 § 1 (AB 1087); Stats 2004 ch 183 § 262 (AB 3082); Stats 2006 ch 828 § 4 (AB
2907), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2011 ch 693 § 1 (AB 1346), effective January 1,
866 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

2012. Repealed Stats 2012 ch 46 § 102 (SB 1038), effective June 27, 2012. The repealed
section related to the duties of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and defined
“electricians”. For comparable provisions, see Lab C § 108.3.

§ 3099.2. [Section repealed 2012.]

Added Stats 2002 ch 48 § 2 (AB 1087). Amended Stats 2003 ch 884 § 2 (AB 1719); Stats
2006 ch 828 § 5 (AB 2907), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2008 ch 558 § 1 (AB 3048),
effective January 1, 2009, ch 716 § 2.5 (SB 1362), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2011
ch 432 § 36 (SB 944), effective January 1, 2012, ch 693 § 2.5 (AB 1346), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2012. Repealed Stats 2012 ch 46 § 103 (SB 1038), effective June 27, 2012. The
repealed section related to the certification of electricians and fire/life safety techni-
cians. For comparable provisions, see Lab C § 108.2.

DIVISION 4
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND INSURANCE

PART 1
SCOPE AND OPERATION

Chapter 1
General Provisions
§ 3201.5. Collective bargaining agreement provisions
establishing alternative dispute resolution systems
(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), the Department of
Industrial Relations and the courts of this state shall recognize as valid
and binding any provision in a collective bargaining agreement be-
tween a private employer or groups of employers engaged in construc-
tion, construction maintenance, or activities limited to rock, sand,
gravel, cement and asphalt operations, heavy-duty mechanics, survey-
ing, and construction inspection and a union that is the recognized or
certified exclusive bargaining representative that establishes any of
the following:
(1) An alternative dispute resolution system governing disputes be-
tween employees and employers or their insurers that supplements or
replaces all or part of those dispute resolution processes contained in
this division, including, but not limited to, mediation and arbitration.
Any system of arbitration shall provide that the decision of the arbiter
or board of arbitration is subject to review by the appeals board in the
same manner as provided for reconsideration of a final order, decision,
or award made and filed by a workers’ compensation administrative
law judge pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article 1 (commenc-
ing with Section 5900) of Chapter 7 of Part 4 of Division 4, and the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 867

court of appeals pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article 2 (com-

mencing with Section 5950) of Chapter 7 of Part 4 of Division 4, gov-
erning orders, decisions, or awards of the appeals board. The findings
of fact, award, order, or decision of the arbitrator shall have the same
force and effect as an award, order, or decision of a workers’ compensa-
tion administrative law judge. Any provision for arbitration established
pursuant to this section shall not be subject to Sections 5270, 5270.5,
5271, 5272, 5273, 5275, and 5277.
(2) The use of an agreed list of providers of medical treatment that
may be the exclusive source of all medical treatment provided under
this division.
(3) The use of an agreed, limited list of qualified medical evaluators
and agreed medical evaluators that may be the exclusive source of
qualified medical evaluators and agreed medical evaluators under this
division.
(4) Joint labor management safety committees.
(5) A light-duty, modified job or return-to-work program.
(6) A vocational rehabilitation or retraining program utilizing an
agreed list of providers of rehabilitation services that may be the exclu-
sive source of providers of rehabilitation services under this division.
(b) (1) Nothing in this section shall allow a collective bargaining
agreement that diminishes the entitlement of an employee to compen-
sation payments for total or partial disability, temporary disability,
vocational rehabilitation, or medical treatment fully paid by the em-
ployer as otherwise provided in this division. The portion of any
agreement that violates this paragraph shall be declared null and void.
(2) The parties may negotiate any aspect of the delivery of medical
benefits and the delivery of disability compensation to employees of the
employer or group of employers that are eligible for group health bene-
fits and nonoccupational disability benefits through their employer.
(c) Subdivision (a) shall apply only to the following:
(1) An employer developing or projecting an annual workers’ compen-
sation insurance premium, in California, of two hundred fifty thousand
dollars ($250,000) or more, or any employer that paid an annual work-
ers’ compensation insurance premium, in California, of two hundred
fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in at least one of the previous three
years.
(2) Groups of employers engaged in a workers’ compensation safety
group complying with Sections 11656.6 and 11656.7 of the Insurance
Code, and established pursuant to a joint labor management safety
committee or committees, that develops or projects annual workers’
compensation insurance premiums of two million dollars ($2,000,000)
or more.
(3) Employers or groups of employers that are self-insured in compli-
ance with Section 3700 that would have projected annual workers’
compensation costs that meet the requirements of, and that meet the
868 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

other requirements of, paragraph (1) in the case of employers, or para-

graph (2) in the case of groups of employers.
(4) Employers covered by an owner or general contractor provided
wrap-up insurance policy applicable to a single construction site that
develops workers’ compensation insurance premiums of two million
dollars ($2,000,000) or more with respect to those employees covered by
that wrap-up insurance policy.
(d) Employers and labor representatives who meet the eligibility re-
quirements of this section shall be issued a letter by the administrative
director advising each employer and labor representative that, based
upon the review of all documents and materials submitted as required
by the administrative director, each has met the eligibility require-
ments of this section.
(e) The premium rate for a policy of insurance issued pursuant to this
section shall not be subject to the requirements of Section 11732 or
11732.5 of the Insurance Code.
(f) No employer may establish or continue a program established un-
der this section until it has provided the administrative director with
all of the following:
(1) Upon its original application and whenever it is renegotiated
thereafter, a copy of the collective bargaining agreement and the ap-
proximate number of employees who will be covered thereby.
(2) Upon its original application and annually thereafter, a valid and
active license where that license is required by law as a condition of
doing business in the state within the industries set forth in subdivi-
sion (a) of Section 3201.5.
(3) Upon its original application and annually thereafter, a statement
signed under penalty of perjury, that no action has been taken by any
administrative agency or court of the United States to invalidate the
collective bargaining agreement.
(4) The name, address, and telephone number of the contact person
of the employer.
(5) Any other information that the administrative director deems
necessary to further the purposes of this section.
(g) No collective bargaining representative may establish or continue
to participate in a program established under this section unless all of
the following requirements are met:
(1) Upon its original application and annually thereafter, it has pro-
vided to the administrative director a copy of its most recent LM-2 or
LM-3 filing with the United States Department of Labor, along with a
statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that the document is a true
and correct copy.
(2) It has provided to the administrative director the name, address,
and telephone number of the contact person or persons of the collective
bargaining representative or representatives.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 869

(h) Commencing July 1, 1995, and annually thereafter, the Division

of Workers’ Compensation shall report to the Director of Industrial Re-
lations the number of collective bargaining agreements received and
the number of employees covered by these agreements.
(i) The data obtained by the administrative director pursuant to this
section shall be confidential and not subject to public disclosure under
any law of this state. However, the Division of Workers’ Compensation
shall create derivative works pursuant to subdivision (h) based on the
collective bargaining agreements and data. Those derivative works
shall not be confidential, but shall be public. On a monthly basis the
administrative director shall make available an updated list of employ-
ers and unions entering into collective bargaining agreements contain-
ing provisions authorized by this section.
Added Stats 1993 ch 117 § 1 (SB 983), effective July 16, 1993. Amended Stats 1994 ch
963 § 1 (SB 853), effective September 27, 1994; Stats 1995 ch 886 § 3 (SB 619); Stats
2002 ch 866 § 4 (AB 486); Stats 2004 ch 34 § 6 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats
2012 ch 363 § 8 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013 (ch 363 prevails), ch 728 § 118 (SB
71), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3201.7. Labor–management agreements; Requirements for

recognition; Applicability; Petition to negotiate; Reporting
and filing requirements; Reports to Director and Legislature;
Confidentiality
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the Department of Indus-
trial Relations and the courts of this state shall recognize as valid and
binding any labor-management agreement that meets all of the follow-
ing requirements:
(1) The labor-management agreement has been negotiated separate
and apart from any collective bargaining agreement covering affected
employees.
(2) The labor-management agreement is restricted to the establish-
ment of the terms and conditions necessary to implement this section.
(3) The labor-management agreement has been negotiated in accord-
ance with the authorization of the administrative director pursuant to
subdivision (d), between an employer or groups of employers and a un-
ion that is the recognized or certified exclusive bargaining representa-
tive that establishes any of the following:
(A) An alternative dispute resolution system governing disputes be-
tween employees and employers or their insurers that supplements or
replaces all or part of those dispute resolution processes contained in
this division, including, but not limited to, mediation and arbitration.
Any system of arbitration shall provide that the decision of the arbiter
or board of arbitration is subject to review by the appeals board in the
same manner as provided for reconsideration of a final order, decision,
or award made and filed by a workers’ compensation administrative
870 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

law judge pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article 1 (commenc-

ing with Section 5900) of Chapter 7 of Part 4 of Division 4, and the
court of appeals pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article 2 (com-
mencing with Section 5950) of Chapter 7 of Part 4 of Division 4, gov-
erning orders, decisions, or awards of the appeals board. The findings
of fact, award, order, or decision of the arbitrator shall have the same
force and effect as an award, order, or decision of a workers’ compensa-
tion administrative law judge. Any provision for arbitration established
pursuant to this section shall not be subject to Sections 5270, 5270.5,
5271, 5272, 5273, 5275, and 5277.
(B) The use of an agreed list of providers of medical treatment that
may be the exclusive source of all medical treatment provided under
this division.
(C) The use of an agreed, limited list of qualified medical evaluators
and agreed medical evaluators that may be the exclusive source of
qualified medical evaluators and agreed medical evaluators under this
division.
(D) Joint labor management safety committees.
(E) A light-duty, modified job, or return-to-work program.
(F) A vocational rehabilitation or retraining program utilizing an
agreed list of providers of rehabilitation services that may be the exclu-
sive source of providers of rehabilitation services under this division.
(b) (1) Nothing in this section shall allow a labor-management
agreement that diminishes the entitlement of an employee to compen-
sation payments for total or partial disability, temporary disability,
vocational rehabilitation, or medical treatment fully paid by the em-
ployer as otherwise provided in this division; nor shall any agreement
authorized by this section deny to any employee the right to represen-
tation by counsel at all stages during the alternative dispute resolution
process. The portion of any agreement that violates this paragraph
shall be declared null and void.
(2) The parties may negotiate any aspect of the delivery of medical
benefits and the delivery of disability compensation to employees of the
employer or group of employers that are eligible for group health bene-
fits and nonoccupational disability benefits through their employer.
(c) Subdivision (a) shall apply only to the following:
(1) An employer developing or projecting an annual workers’ compen-
sation insurance premium, in California, of fifty thousand dollars
($50,000) or more, and employing at least 50 employees, or any em-
ployer that paid an annual workers’ compensation insurance premium,
in California, of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), and employing at least
50 employees in at least one of the previous three years.
(2) Groups of employers engaged in a workers’ compensation safety
group complying with Sections 11656.6 and 11656.7 of the Insurance
Code, and established pursuant to a joint labor management safety
committee or committees, that develops or projects annual workers’
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 871

compensation insurance premiums of five hundred thousand dollars

($500,000) or more.
(3) Employers or groups of employers, including cities and counties,
that are self-insured in compliance with Section 3700 that would have
projected annual workers’ compensation costs that meet the require-
ments of, and that meet the other requirements of, paragraph (1) in the
case of employers, or paragraph (2) in the case of groups of employers.
(4) The State of California.
(d) Any recognized or certified exclusive bargaining representative in
an industry not covered by Section 3201.5, may file a petition with the
administrative director seeking permission to negotiate with an em-
ployer or group of employers to enter into a labor-management agree-
ment pursuant to this section. The petition shall specify the bargaining
unit or units to be included, the names of the employers or groups of
employers, and shall be accompanied by proof of the labor union’s sta-
tus as the exclusive bargaining representative. The current collective
bargaining agreement or agreements shall be attached to the petition.
The petition shall be in the form designated by the administrative di-
rector. Upon receipt of the petition, the administrative director shall
promptly verify the petitioner’s status as the exclusive bargaining rep-
resentative. If the petition satisfies the requirements set forth in this
subdivision, the administrative director shall issue a letter advising
each employer and labor representative of their eligibility to enter into
negotiations, for a period not to exceed one year, for the purpose of
reaching agreement on a labor-management agreement pursuant to
this section. The parties may jointly request, and shall be granted, by
the administrative director, an additional one-year period to negotiate
an agreement.
(e) No employer may establish or continue a program established un-
der this section until it has provided the administrative director with
all of the following:
(1) Upon its original application and whenever it is renegotiated
thereafter, a copy of the labor-management agreement and the approx-
imate number of employees who will be covered thereby.
(2) Upon its original application and annually thereafter, a statement
signed under penalty of perjury, that no action has been taken by any
administrative agency or court of the United States to invalidate the
labor-management agreement.
(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the contact person
of the employer.
(4) Any other information that the administrative director deems
necessary to further the purposes of this section.
(f) No collective bargaining representative may establish or continue
to participate in a program established under this section unless all of
the following requirements are met:
872 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(1) Upon its original application and annually thereafter, it has pro-
vided to the administrative director a copy of its most recent LM-2 or
LM-3 filing with the United States Department of Labor, where such
filing is required by law, along with a statement, signed under penalty
of perjury, that the document is a true and correct copy.
(2) It has provided to the administrative director the name, address,
and telephone number of the contact person or persons of the collective
bargaining representative or representatives.
(g) Commencing July 1, 2005, and annually thereafter, the Division
of Workers’ Compensation shall report to the Director of Industrial Re-
lations the number of labor-management agreements received and the
number of employees covered by these agreements.
(h) The data obtained by the administrative director pursuant to this
section shall be confidential and not subject to public disclosure under
any law of this state. However, the Division of Workers’ Compensation
shall create derivative works pursuant to subdivision (g) based on the
labor-management agreements and data. Those derivative works shall
not be confidential, but shall be public. On a monthly basis, the admin-
istrative director shall make available an updated list of employers and
unions entering into labor-management agreements authorized by this
section.
Added Stats 2003 ch 639 § 14.7 (SB 228). Amended Stats 2004 ch 34 § 7 (SB 899), effec-
tive April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 9 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013 (ch 363
prevails), ch 728 § 119 (SB 71), effective January 1, 2013.

Chapter 4
Compensation Insurance and Security
Article 1
Insurance and Security
§ 3700.1. Definitions
As used in this article:
(a) “Director” means the Director of Industrial Relations.
(b) “Private self-insurer” means a private employer which has se-
cured the payment of compensation pursuant to Section 3701.
(c) “Trustees” means the Board of Trustees of the Self-Insurers’ Secu-
rity Fund.
(d) “Member” means a private self-insurer which participates in the
Self-Insurers’ Security Fund.
(e) “Incurred liabilities for the payment of compensation” means the
sum of an estimate of future compensation, as compensation is defined
by Section 3207, plus an estimate of the amount necessary to provide
for the administration of claims, including legal costs.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 873

Added Stats 1986 ch 1128 § 2, effective September 25, 1986. Amended Stats 1987 ch
169 § 1, effective July 23, 1987; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 10 (SB 863), effective January 1,
2013.

§ 3701. Methods of securing private self–insuring employer’s

liabilities for payment of compensation
(a) Each year every private self-insuring employer shall secure in-
curred liabilities for the payment of compensation and the performance
of the obligations of employers imposed under this chapter by renewing
the prior year’s security deposit or by making a new deposit of security.
If a new deposit is made, it shall be posted within 60 days of the filing
of the self-insured employer’s annual report with the director, but in no
event later than May 1.
(b) The solvency risk and security deposit amount for each private
and group self-insurer shall be acceptable to the Self-Insurers’ Security
Fund.
(c) Unless otherwise permitted by regulation, the deposit shall be an
amount equal to the self-insurer’s projected losses, net of specific excess
insurance coverage, if any, and inclusive of incurred but not reported
(IBNR) liabilities, allocated loss adjustment expense, and unallocated
loss adjustment expense, calculated as of December 31 of each year.
The calculation of projected losses and expenses shall be reflected in a
written actuarial report that projects ultimate liabilities of the private
self-insured employer at the expected actuarial confidence level, to en-
sure that all claims and associated costs are recognized. The written
actuarial report shall be prepared by an actuary meeting the qualifica-
tions prescribed by the director in regulation.
(d) In determining the amount of the deposit required to secure in-
curred liabilities for the payment of compensation and the performance
of obligations of a self-insured employer imposed under this chapter,
the director shall offset estimated future liabilities for the same claims
covered by a self-insured plan under the federal Longshore and Harbor
Workers’ Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 901 et seq.), but in no event
shall the offset exceed the estimated future liabilities for the claims
under this chapter.
(e) The director may only accept as security, and the employer shall
deposit as security, cash, securities, surety bonds, or irrevocable letters
of credit in any combination the director, in his or her discretion, deems
adequate security. The current deposit shall include any amounts cov-
ered by terminated surety bonds or excess insurance policies, as shall
be set forth in regulations adopted by the director pursuant to Section
3702.10.
(f) Surety bonds, irrevocable letters of credit, and documents showing
issuance of any irrevocable letter of credit shall be deposited with, and
874 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

be in a form approved by, the director, shall be exonerated only accord-

ing to its terms and, in no event, by the posting of additional security.
(g) The director may accept as security a joint security deposit that
secures an employer’s obligation under this chapter and that also se-
cures that employer’s obligations under the federal Longshore and
Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
(h) The liability of the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, with respect to
any claims brought under both this chapter and under the federal
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, to pay for short-
falls in a security deposit shall be limited to the amount of claim liabil-
ity owing the employee under this chapter offset by the amount of any
claim liability owing under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’
Compensation Act, but in no event shall the liability of the fund exceed
the claim liability under this chapter. The employee shall be entitled to
pursue recovery under either or both the state and federal programs.
(i) Securities shall be deposited on behalf of the director by the self-
insured employer with the Treasurer. Securities shall be accepted by
the Treasurer for deposit and shall be withdrawn only upon written
order of the director.
(j) Cash shall be deposited in a financial institution approved by the
director, and in the account assigned to the director. Cash shall be
withdrawn only upon written order of the director.
(k) Upon the sending by the director of a request to renew, request to
post, or request to increase or decrease a security deposit, a perfected
security interest is created in the private self-insured’s assets in favor
of the director and the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund to the extent of any
then unsecured portion of the self-insured’s incurred liabilities. That
perfected security interest is transferred to any cash or securities
thereafter posted by the private self-insured with the director and is
released only upon either of the following:
(1) The acceptance by the director of a surety bond or irrevocable let-
ter of credit for the full amount of the incurred liabilities for the pay-
ment of compensation.
(2) The return of cash or securities by the director.
The private self-insured employer loses all right, title, and interest
in, and any right to control, all assets or obligations posted or left on
deposit as security. The director may liquidate the deposit as provided
in Section 3701.5 and apply it to the self-insured employer’s incurred
liabilities either directly or through the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1431 § 64; Stats 1st Ex Sess 1946 ch 7 § 2; Stat
1959 ch 951 § 1; Stats 1971 ch 1758 § 1; Stats 1973 ch 1040 § 1; Stats 1978 ch 1379 § 3;
Stats 1984 ch 252 § 1, effective June 27, 1984; Stats 1986 ch 1128 § 4, effective Sep-
tember 25, 1986; Stats 1987 ch 169 § 2, effective July 23, 1987. Amended Stats 1993 ch
917 § 1 (AB 424), ch 1242 § 24.5 (SB 223); Stats 1994 ch 56 § 1 (AB 968); Stats 2012 ch
363 § 11 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 875

§ 3701.3. Return of excess individual security to private self-

insured employer
The director shall return to a private self-insured employer all indi-
vidual security determined, with the consent of the Self-Insurers’ Secu-
rity Fund, to be in excess of that needed to ensure the administration
of the employer’s self insuring, including legal fees, and the payment of
any future claims. This section shall not apply to any security posted as
part of the composite deposit, or to any security turned over to the Self-
Insurers’ Security Fund following an order of default under Section
3701.5.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1128 § 5, effective September 25, 1986. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 12 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3701.5. Use of security deposit upon failure to pay

compensation; Determination; Procedure; Review
(a) If the director determines that a private self-insured employer has
failed to pay workers’ compensation as required by this division, the
security deposit shall be utilized to administer and pay the employer’s
compensation obligations.
(b) If the director determines the security deposit has not been im-
mediately made available for the payment of compensation, the direc-
tor shall determine the method of payment and claims administration
as appropriate, which may include, but is not limited to, payment by a
surety that issued the bond, or payment by an issuer of an irrevocable
letter of credit, and administration by a surety or by an adjusting agen-
cy, or through the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, or any combination
thereof. If the director arranges for administration and payment by any
person other than the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund after a default is
declared, the fund shall have no responsibility for claims administra-
tion or payment of the claims.
(c) If the director determines the payment of benefits and claims ad-
ministration shall be made through the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund,
the fund shall commence payment of the private self-insured employ-
er’s obligations for which it is liable under Section 3743 within 30 days
of notification. Payments shall be made to claimants whose entitlement
to benefits can be ascertained by the fund, with or without proceedings
before the appeals board. Upon the assumption of obligations by the
fund pursuant to the director’s determination, the fund shall have a
right to immediate possession of any posted security and the custodian,
surety, or issuer of any irrevocable letter of credit shall turn over the
security to the fund together with the interest that has accrued since
the date of the self-insured employer’s default or insolvency.
(d) The payment of benefits by the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund from
security deposit proceeds shall release and discharge any custodian of
876 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

the security deposit, surety, any issuer of a letter of credit, and the self-
insured employer, from liability to fulfill obligations to provide those
same benefits as compensation, but does not release any person from
any liability to the fund for full reimbursement. Payment by a surety
constitutes a full release of the surety’s liability under the bond to the
extent of that payment, and entitles the surety to full reimbursement
by the principal or his or her estate. Full reimbursement includes nec-
essary attorney fees and other costs and expenses, without prior claim
or proceedings on the part of the injured employee or other beneficiar-
ies. Any decision or determination made, or any settlement approved,
by the director or by the appeals board under subdivision (f) shall con-
clusively be presumed valid and binding as to any and all known
claims arising out of the underlying dispute, unless an appeal is made
within the time limit specified in Section 5950.
(e) The director shall advise the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund prompt-
ly after receipt of information indicating that a private self-insured
employer may be unable to meet its compensation obligations. The di-
rector shall also advise the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund of all determi-
nations and directives made or issued pursuant to this section. All fi-
nancial, actuarial, or claims information received by the director from
any self-insurer may be shared by the director with the Self-Insurers’
Security Fund.
(f) Disputes concerning the posting, renewal, termination, exonera-
tion, or return of all or any portion of the security deposit, or any liabil-
ity arising out of the posting or failure to post security, or adequacy of
the security or reasonableness of administrative costs, including legal
fees, and arising between or among a surety, the issuer of an agree-
ment of assumption and guarantee of workers’ compensation liabilities,
the issuer of a letter of credit, any custodian of the security deposit, a
self-insured employer, or the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund shall be re-
solved by the director. An appeal from the director’s decision or deter-
mination may be taken to the appropriate superior court by petition for
writ of mandate. Payment of claims from the security deposit or by the
Self-Insurers’ Security Fund shall not be stayed pending the resolution
of the disputes unless and until the superior court issues a determina-
tion staying a payment of claims decision or determination of the direc-
tor.
Added Stats 1984 ch 252 § 2, effective June 27, 1984. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1128 § 6,
effective September 25, 1986; Stats 1989 ch 1258 § 2; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 13 (SB 863),
effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3701.7. Conditions to operate under certificate of consent

for employer with prior unlawful uninsurance period
Where any employer requesting coverage under a new or existing
certificate of consent to self-insure has had a period of unlawful unin-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 877

surance, either for an applicant in its entirety or for a subsidiary or

member of a joint powers authority legally responsible for its own
workers’ compensation obligations, the following special conditions
shall apply before the director may determine if the requesting em-
ployer can operate under a certificate of consent to self-insure:
(a) The director may require a deposit of not less than 200 percent of
the outstanding liabilities remaining unpaid at the time of application,
which had been incurred during the uninsurance period.
(b) At the discretion of the director, where a public or private em-
ployer has been previously totally uninsured for workers’ compensation
pursuant to Section 3700, the director may require an additional depos-
it not to exceed 100 percent of the total outstanding liabilities for the
uninsured period, or the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars
($250,000), whichever is greater.
(c) In addition to the deposits required by subdivisions (a) and (b), a
penalty shall be paid to the Uninsured Employers Fund of 10 percent
per year of the remaining unpaid liabilities, for every year liabilities
remain outstanding. In addition, an additional application fee, not to
exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), plus assessments, pursuant to
Section 3702.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 3745, may be imposed by
the director and the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, respectively, against
private self-insured employers.
(d) A certificate of consent to self-insure shall not be granted to an
applicant that has had a period of unlawful uninsurance without the
written approval of the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund.
(e) An employer may retrospectively insure the outstanding liabilities
arising out of the uninsured period, either before or after an application
for self-insurance has been approved. Upon proof of insurance accepta-
ble to the director, no deposit shall be required for the period of unin-
surance.
The penalties to be paid to the Uninsured Employers Fund shall con-
sist of a one-time payment of 20 percent of the outstanding liabilities
for the period of uninsurance remaining unpaid at the time of applica-
tion, in lieu of any other penalty for being unlawfully uninsured pursu-
ant to this code.
(f) In the case of a subsidiary which meets all of the following condi-
tions, a certificate shall issue without penalty:
(1) The subsidiary has never had a certificate revoked for reasons set
forth in Section 3702.
(2) Employee injuries were reported to the Office of Self-Insurance
Plans in annual reports.
(3) The security deposit of the certificate holder was calculated to in-
clude the entity’s compensation liabilities.
(4) Application for a separate certificate or corrected certificate is
made within 90 days and completed within 180 days of notice from the
Office of Self-Insurance Plans. If the requirements of this subdivision
878 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

are not met, all penalties pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 3702.9
shall apply.
(g) The director may approve an application on the date the applica-
tion is substantially completed, subject to completion requirements,
and may make the certificate effective on an earlier date, covering a
period of uninsurance, if the employer complies with the requirements
of this section.
(h) Any decision by the director may be contested by an entity in the
manner provided in Section 3701.5.
(i) Nothing in this section shall abrogate the right of an employee to
bring an action against an uninsured employer pursuant to Section
3706.
(j) Nothing in this statute shall abrogate the right of a self-insured
employer to insure against known or unknown claims arising out of the
self-insurance period.
Added Stats 1989 ch 507 § 1. Amended Stats 1990 ch 704 § 1 (AB 3853); Stats 2012 ch
363 § 14 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3701.8. Alternative security system for securing aggregate

liabilities of private, self–insured employers through the Self–
Insurers’ Security Fund
(a) As an alternative to each private self-insuring employer securing
its own incurred liabilities as provided in Section 3701, the director
may provide by regulation for an alternative security system whereby
all private self-insureds designated for full participation by the director
shall collectively secure their aggregate incurred liabilities through the
Self-Insurers’ Security Fund. The regulations shall provide for the di-
rector to set a total security requirement for these participating self-
insured employers based on a review of their annual reports and any
other self-insurer information as may be specified by the director. The
Self-Insurers’ Security Fund shall propose to the director a combina-
tion of cash and securities, surety bonds, irrevocable letters of credit,
insurance, or other financial instruments or guarantees satisfactory to
the director sufficient to meet the security requirement set by the di-
rector. Upon approval by the director and posting by the Self-Insurers’
Security Fund on or before the date set by the director, that combina-
tion shall be the composite deposit. The noncash elements of the com-
posite deposit may be one-year or multiple-year instruments. If the
Self-Insurers’ Security Fund fails to post the required composite depos-
it by the date set by the director, then within 30 days after that date,
each private self-insuring employer shall secure its incurred liabilities
in the manner required by Section 3701. Self-insured employers not
designated for full participation by the director shall meet all require-
ments as may be set by the director pursuant to subdivision (g).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 879

(b) In order to provide for the composite deposit approved by the di-
rector, the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund shall assess, in a manner ap-
proved by the director, each fully participating private self-insuring
employer a deposit assessment payable within 30 days of assessment.
The amount of the deposit assessment charged each fully participating
self-insured employer shall be set by the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund,
based on its reasonable consideration of all the following factors:
(1) The total amount needed to provide the composite deposit.
(2) The self-insuring employer’s paid or incurred liabilities as reflect-
ed in its annual report.
(3) The financial strength and creditworthiness of the self-insured.
(4) Any other reasonable factors as may be authorized by regulation.
(5) In order to make a composite deposit proposal to the director and
set the deposit assessment to be charged each fully participating self-
insured, the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund shall have access to the an-
nual reports and other information submitted by all self-insuring em-
ployers to the director, under terms and conditions as may be set by the
director, to preserve the confidentiality of the self-insured’s financial
information.
(c) Upon payment of the deposit assessment and except as provided
herein, the self-insuring employer loses all right, title, and interest in
the deposit assessment. To the extent that in any one year the deposit
assessment paid by self-insurers is not exhausted in the purchase of
securities, surety bonds, irrevocable letters of credit, insurance, or oth-
er financial instruments to post with the director as part of the compo-
site deposit, the surplus shall remain posted with the director, and the
principal and interest earned on that surplus shall remain as part of
the composite deposit in subsequent years. In the event that in any one
year the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund fails to post the required compo-
site deposit by the date set the by the director, and the director re-
quires each private self-insuring employer to secure its incurred liabili-
ties in the manner required by Section 3701, then any deposit assess-
ment paid in that year shall be refunded to the self-insuring employer
that paid the deposit assessment.
(d) If any private self-insuring employer objects to the calculation,
posting, or any other aspect of its deposit assessment, upon payment of
the assessment in the time provided, the employer shall have the right
to appeal the assessment to the director, who shall have exclusive ju-
risdiction over this dispute. If any private self-insuring employer fails
to pay the deposit assessment in the time provided, the director shall
order the self-insuring employer to pay a penalty of not less than 10
percent of its deposit assessment, plus interest on any unpaid amount
at the prejudgment rate, and to post a separate security deposit in the
manner provided by Section 3701. The penalty and interest shall be
paid directly to the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund. The director may also
880 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

revoke the certificate of consent to self-insure of any self-insuring em-

ployer who fails to pay the deposit assessment in the time provided.
(e) Upon the posting by the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund of the com-
posite deposit with the director, the deposit shall be held until the di-
rector determines that a private self-insured employer has failed to pay
workers’ compensation as required by this division, and the director
orders the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund to commence payment. Upon
ordering the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund to commence payment, the
director shall make available to the fund that portion of the composite
deposit necessary to pay the workers’ compensation benefits of the de-
faulting self-insuring employer. In the event additional funds are need-
ed in subsequent years to pay the workers’ compensation benefits of
any self-insuring employer who defaulted in earlier years, the director
shall make available to the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund any portions of
the composite deposit as may be needed to pay those benefits. In mak-
ing the deposit available to the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, the direc-
tor shall also allow any amounts as may be reasonably necessary to
pay for the administrative and other activities of the fund.
(f) The cash portion of the composite deposit shall be segregated from
all other funds held by the director, and shall be invested by the direc-
tor for the sole benefit of the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund and the in-
jured workers of private self-insured employers, and may not be used
for any other purpose by the state. Alternatively, the director, in his
discretion, may allow the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund to hold, invest,
and draw upon the cash portion of the composite deposit as prescribed
by regulation.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the director
shall, by regulation, set minimum credit, financial, or other conditions
that a private self-insured must meet in order to be a fully participat-
ing self-insurer in the alternative security system. In the event any
private self-insuring employer is unable to meet the conditions set by
the director, or upon application of the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund to
exclude an employer for credit or financial reasons, the director shall
exclude the self-insuring employer from full participation in the alter-
native security system. In the event a self-insuring employer is exclud-
ed from full participation, the nonfully participating private self-
insuring employer shall post a separate security deposit in the manner
provided by Section 3701 and pay a deposit assessment set by the di-
rector. Alternatively, the director may order that the nonfully partici-
pating private self-insuring employer post a separate security deposit
to secure a portion of its incurred liabilities and pay a deposit assess-
ment set by the director.
(h) An employer who self-insures through group self-insurance and
an employer whose certificate to self-insure has been revoked may fully
participate in the alternative security system if both the director and
the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund approve the participation of the self-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 881

insurer. If not approved for full participation, or if an employer is is-

sued a certificate to self-insure after the composite deposit is posted,
the employer shall satisfy the requirements of subdivision (g) for non-
fully participating private self-insurers.
(i) At all times, a self-insured employer shall have secured its in-
curred workers’ compensation liabilities either in the manner required
by Section 3701 or through the alternative security system, and there
shall not be any lapse in the security.
Added Stats 2002 ch 866 § 7 (AB 486). Amended Stats 2012 ch 363 § 15 (SB 863), effec-
tive January 1, 2013.

§ 3701.9. Restriction on issuance of certificate of consent to

self-insure after January 1, 2013
(a) A certificate of consent to self-insure shall not be issued after
January 1, 2013, to any of the following:
(1) A professional employer organization.
(2) A leasing employer, as defined in Section 606.5 of the Unemploy-
ment Insurance Code.
(3) A temporary services employer, as defined in Section 606.5 of the
Unemployment Insurance Code.
(4) Any employer, regardless of name or form of organization, which
the director determines to be in the business of providing employees to
other employers.
(b) A certificate of consent to self-insure that has been issued to any
employer described in subdivision (a) shall be revoked by the director
not later than January 1, 2015.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 16 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3702. Revocation of certificate of consent; Appeal; Hearing

to determine good cause
(a) A certificate of consent to self-insure may be revoked by the direc-
tor at any time for good cause after a hearing. Good cause includes,
among other things, a recommendation by the Self-Insurers’ Security
Fund to revoke the certificate of consent, the impairment of the solven-
cy of the employer to the extent that there is a marked reduction of the
employer’s financial strength, failure to maintain a security deposit as
required by Section 3701, failure to pay assessments of the Self-
Insurers’ Security Fund, frequent or flagrant violations of state safety
and health orders, the failure or inability of the employer to fulfill his
or her obligations, or any of the following practices by the employer or
his or her agent in charge of the administration of obligations under
this division:
(1) Habitually and as a matter of practice and custom inducing
claimants for compensation to accept less than the compensation due
882 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

or making it necessary for them to resort to proceedings against the

employer to secure compensation due.
(2) Where liability for temporary disability indemnity is not in dis-
pute, intentionally failing to pay temporary disability indemnity with-
out good cause in order to influence the amount of permanent disability
benefits due.
(3) Intentionally refusing to comply with known and legally indisput-
able compensation obligations.
(4) Discharging or administering his or her compensation obligations
in a dishonest manner.
(5) Discharging or administering his or her compensation obligations
in such a manner as to cause injury to the public or those dealing with
the employer.
(b) Where revocation is in part based upon the director’s finding of a
marked reduction of the employer’s financial strength or the failure or
inability of the employer to fulfill his or her obligations, or a practice of
discharging obligations in a dishonest manner, it is a condition prece-
dent to the employer’s challenge or appeal of the revocation that the
employer have in effect insurance against liability to pay compensa-
tion.
(c) The director may hold a hearing to determine whether good cause
exists to revoke an employer’s certificate of consent to self-insure if the
employer is cited for a willful, or repeat serious violation of the stand-
ard adopted pursuant to Section 6401.7 and the citation has become
final.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1431 § 65; Stats 1978 ch 1379 § 4; Stats 1984 ch
252 § 3, effective June 27, 1984, ch 1521 § 1, operative July 1, 1985; Stats 1989 ch 1369
§ 2, effective October 2, 1989; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 17 (SB 863), effective January 1,
2013.

§ 3702.2. Annual report of self-insured employer; Aggregated

summary of all self-insured employers’ liability; Release of
data
(a) All self-insured employers shall file a self-insurer’s annual report
in a form prescribed by the director. Public self-insured employers shall
provide detailed information as the director determines necessary to
evaluate the costs of administration, workers’ compensation benefit
expenditures, and solvency and performance of the public self-insured
employer workers’ compensation programs, on a schedule established
by the director. The director may grant deferrals to public self-insured
employers that are not yet capable of accurately reporting the infor-
mation required, giving priority to bringing larger programs into com-
pliance with the more detailed reporting.
(b) To enable the director to determine the amount of the security
deposit required by subdivision (c) of Section 3701, the annual report of
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 883

a self-insured employer who has self-insured both state and federal

workers’ compensation liability shall also set forth (1) the amount of all
compensation liability incurred, paid-to-date, and estimated future lia-
bility under both this chapter and under the federal Longshore and
Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 901 et seq.), and (2)
the identity and the amount of the security deposit securing the em-
ployer’s liability under state and federal self-insured programs.
(c) The director shall annually prepare an aggregated summary of all
self-insured employer liability to pay compensation reported on the
self-insurers’ employers annual reports, including a separate summary
for public and private employer self-insurers. The summaries shall be
in the same format as the individual self-insured employers are re-
quired to report that liability on the employer self-insurer’s annual re-
port forms prescribed by the director. The aggregated summaries shall
be made available to the public on the self-insurance section of the de-
partment’s Internet Web site. Nothing in this subdivision shall author-
ize the director to release or make available information that is aggre-
gated by industry or business type, that identifies individual self-
insured filers, or that includes any individually identifiable claimant
information.
(d) The director may release a copy, or make available an electronic
version, of the data contained in any public sector employer self-
insurer’s annual reports received from an individual public entity self-
insurer or from a joint powers authority employer and its membership.
However, the release of any annual report information by the director
shall not include any portion of any listing of open indemnity claims
that contains individually identifiable claimant information, or any
portion of excess insurance coverage information that contains any in-
dividually identifiable claimant information.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1128 § 8, effective September 25, 1986. Amended Stats 1993 ch
917 § 2 (AB 424); Stats 2006 ch 115 § 1 (AB 2087), effective January 1, 2007; Stats
2012 ch 363 § 18 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3702.4. [Section repealed 2015.]

Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 19 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013, repealed January 1,
2015.

§ 3702.5. Cost of self–insured program; Revenues from fees

and penalties
(a) (1) The cost of administration of the public self-insured program
by the Director of Industrial Relations shall be borne by the Workers’
Compensation Administration Revolving Fund.
(2) The cost of administration of the private self-insured program by
the Director of Industrial Relations shall be borne by the private self-
insurers through payment of certificate fees which shall be established
884 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

by the director in broad ranges based on the comparative numbers of

employees insured by the private self-insurers and the number of ad-
justing locations. The director may assess other fees as necessary to
cover the costs of special audits or services rendered to private self-
insured employers. The director may assess a civil penalty for late fil-
ing as set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 3702.9.
(b) All revenues from fees and penalties paid by private self-insured
employers shall be deposited into the Self-Insurance Plans Fund,
which is hereby created for the administration of the private self-
insurance program. Any unencumbered balance in subdivision (a) of
Item 8350-001-001 of the Budget Act of 1983 shall be transferred to the
Self-Insurance Plans Fund. The director shall annually eliminate any
unused surplus in the Self-Insurance Plans Fund by reducing certifi-
cate fee assessments by an appropriate amount in the subsequent year.
Moneys paid into the Self-Insurance Plans Fund for administration of
the private self-insured program shall not be used by any other de-
partment or agency or for any purpose other than administration of the
private self-insurance program. Detailed accountability shall be main-
tained by the director for any security deposit or other funds held in
trust for the Self-Insurer’s Security Fund in the Self-Insurance Plans
Fund.
Moneys held by the director shall be invested in the Surplus Money
Investment Fund. Interest shall be paid on all moneys transferred to
the General Fund in accordance with Section 16310 of the Government
Code. The Treasurer’s and Controller’s administrative costs may be
charged to the interest earnings upon approval of the director.
Added Stats 1971 ch 1758 § 2. Amended Stats 1978 ch 1379 § 7; Stats 1984 ch 1734 § 1,
effective September 30, 1984, operative July 1, 1984. Amended Stats 1992 ch 532 § 2
(AB 2771); Stats 2012 ch 363 § 20 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3702.8. Discharge of continuing obligations of employers

who cease to be self–insured
(a) Employers who have ceased to be self-insured employers shall
discharge their continuing obligations to secure the payment of work-
ers’ compensation that accrued during the period of self-insurance, for
purposes of Sections 3700, 3700.5, 3706, and 3715, and shall comply
with all of the following obligations of current certificate holders:
(1) Filing annual reports as deemed necessary by the director to car-
ry out the requirements of this chapter.
(2) In the case of a private employer, depositing and maintaining a
security deposit for accrued liability for the payment of any workers’
compensation that may become due, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 3700 and Section 3701, except as provided in subdivision (c).
(3) Paying within 30 days all assessments of which notice is sent,
pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 3745, within 36 months from the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 885

last day the employer’s certificate of self-insurance was in effect. As-

sessments shall be based on the benefits paid by the employer during
the last full calendar year of self-insurance on claims incurred during
that year.
(b) In addition to proceedings to establish liabilities and penalties
otherwise provided, a failure to comply may be the subject of a proceed-
ing before the director. An appeal from the director’s determination
shall be taken to the appropriate superior court by petition for writ of
mandate.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any employer who is currently
self-insured or who has ceased to be self-insured may purchase a spe-
cial excess workers’ compensation policy to discharge any or all of the
employer’s continuing obligations as a self-insurer to pay compensation
or to secure the payment of compensation.
(1) The special excess workers’ compensation insurance policy shall
be issued by an insurer authorized to transact workers’ compensation
insurance in this state.
(2) Each carrier’s special excess workers’ compensation policy shall
be approved as to form and substance by the Insurance Commissioner,
and rates for special excess workers’ compensation insurance shall be
subject to the filing requirements set forth in Section 11735 of the In-
surance Code.
(3) Each special excess workers’ compensation insurance policy shall
be submitted by the employer to the director. The director shall adopt
and publish minimum insurer financial rating standards for companies
issuing special excess workers’ compensation policies.
(4) Upon acceptance by the director, a special excess workers’ com-
pensation policy shall provide coverage for all or any portion of the pur-
chasing employer’s claims for compensation arising out of injuries oc-
curring during the period the employer was self-insured in accordance
with Sections 3755, 3756, and 3757 of the Labor Code and Sections
11651 and 11654 of the Insurance Code. The director’s acceptance shall
discharge the Self-Insurer’s Security Fund, without recourse or liability
to the Self-Insurer’s Security Fund, of any continuing liability for the
claims covered by the special excess workers’ compensation insurance
policy.
(5) For public employers, no security deposit or financial guarantee
bond or other security shall be required. The director shall set mini-
mum financial rating standards for insurers issuing special excess
workers’ compensation policies for public employers.
(d) (1) In order for the special excess workers’ compensation insur-
ance policy to discharge the full obligations of a private employer to
maintain a security deposit with the director for the payment of self-
insured claims, applicable to the period to be covered by the policy, the
special excess policy shall provide coverage for all claims for compensa-
tion arising out of that liability. The employer shall maintain the re-
886 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

quired deposit for the period covered by the policy with the director for
a period of three years after the issuance date of the special excess poli-
cy.
(2) If the special workers’ compensation insurance policy does not
provide coverage for all of the continuing obligations for which the pri-
vate self-insured employer is liable, to the extent the employer’s obliga-
tions are not covered by the policy a private employer shall maintain
the required deposit with the director. In addition, the employer shall
maintain with the director the required deposit for the period covered
by the policy for a period of three years after the issuance date of the
special excess policy.
(e) The director shall adopt regulations pursuant to Section 3702.10
that are reasonably necessary to implement this section in order to
reasonably protect injured workers, employers, the Self-Insurers’ Secu-
rity Fund, and the California Insurance Guarantee Association.
(f) The posting of a special excess workers’ compensation insurance
policy with the director shall discharge the obligation of the Self-
Insurer’s Security Fund pursuant to Section 3744 to pay claims in the
event of an insolvency of a private employer to the extent of coverage of
compensation liabilities under the special excess workers’ compensa-
tion insurance policy. The California Insurance Guarantee Association
and the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund shall be advised by the director
whenever a special excess workers’ compensation insurance policy is
posted.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1128 § 11, effective September 25, 1986. Amended Stats 1989 ch
1258 § 3; Stats 1990 ch 704 § 2 (AB 3853). Amended Stats 1999 ch 721 § 7 (AB 1309);
Stats 2012 ch 363 § 21 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3702.10. Rules and regulations

The director, in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Sec-
tion 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code,
may adopt, amend, and repeal rules and regulations reasonably neces-
sary to carry out the purposes of Section 129 and Article 1 (commenc-
ing with Section 3700), Article 2 (commencing with Section 3710), and
Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 3740). This authorization in-
cludes, but is not limited to, the adoption of regulations to do all of the
following:
(a) Specifying what constitutes ability to self-insure and to pay any
compensation which may become due under Section 3700.
(b) Specifying what constitutes a marked reduction of an employer’s
financial strength.
(c) Specifying what constitutes a failure or inability to fulfill the em-
ployer’s obligations under Section 3702.
(d) Interpreting and defining the terms used.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 887

(e) Establishing procedures and standards for hearing and determi-

nations, and providing for those determinations to be appealed to the
appeals board.
(f) Specifying the standards, form, and content of agreements, forms,
and reports between parties who have obligations pursuant to this
chapter.
(g) Providing for the combinations and relative liabilities of security
deposits, assumptions, and guarantees used pursuant to this chapter.
(h) Disclosing otherwise confidential financial information concerning
self-insureds to courts or the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund and specify-
ing appropriate safeguards for that information.
(i) Requiring an amount to be added to each security deposit to se-
cure the cost of administration of claims and to pay all legal costs.
(j) Regulating the workers’ compensation self-insurance obligations of
self-insurance groups and professional employer organizations, leasing
employers as defined in Section 606.5 of the Unemployment Insurance
Code, or temporary services employers, as defined in Section 606.5 of
the Unemployment Insurance Code, holding certificates of consent to
self-insure.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1128 § 13, effective September 25, 1986. Amended Stats 1993 ch
121 § 26 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 22 (SB 863), effective
January 1, 2013.

Article 2.5
Self–Insurers’ Security Fund
§ 3742. Establishment of fund as nonprofit mutual benefit
corporation; Board of Trustees; Terms; Powers
(a) The Self-Insurers’ Security Fund shall be established as a Non-
profit Mutual Benefit Corporation pursuant to Part 3 (commencing
with Section 7110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code and
this article. If any provision of the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corpora-
tion Law conflicts with any provision of this article, the provisions of
this article shall apply. Each private self-insurer shall participate as a
member in the fund , unless its liabilities have been turned over to the
fund pursuant to Section 3701.5, at which time its membership in the
fund is relinquished.
(b) The fund shall be governed by a board of trustees with no more
than eight members, as established by the bylaws of the Self-Insurers’
Security Fund. The director shall hold ex officio status, with full pow-
ers equal to those of a trustee, except that the director shall not have a
vote. The director, or a delegate authorized in writing to act as the di-
rector’s representative on the board of trustees, shall carry out exclu-
sively the responsibilities set forth in Division 1 (commencing with Sec-
tion 50) through Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200) and shall
888 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

not have the obligations of a trustee under the Nonprofit Mutual Bene-
fit Corporation Law. The fund shall adopt bylaws to segregate the di-
rector from all matters that may involve fund litigation against the
department or fund participation in legal proceedings before the direc-
tor. Although not voting, the director or a delegate authorized in writ-
ing to represent the director, shall be counted toward a quorum of trus-
tees. The remaining trustees shall be representatives of private self-
insurers. The self-insurer trustees shall be elected by the members of
the fund, each member having one vote. Trustees shall be elected to
four-year terms, and shall serve until their successors are elected and
assume office pursuant to the bylaws of the fund.
(c) The fund shall establish bylaws as are necessary to effectuate the
purposes of this article and to carry out the responsibilities of the fund,
including, but not limited to, any obligations imposed by the director
pursuant to Section 3701.8. The fund may carry out its responsibilities
directly or by contract, and may purchase services and insurance and
borrow funds as it deems necessary for the protection of the members
and their employees. The fund may receive confidential information
concerning the financial condition of self-insured employers whose lia-
bilities to pay compensation may devolve upon it and shall adopt by-
laws to prevent dissemination of that information.
(d) The director may also require fund members to subscribe to fi-
nancial instruments or guarantees to be posted with the director in
order to satisfy the security requirements set by the director pursuant
to Section 3701.8.
Added Stats 1984 ch 252 § 5, effective June 27, 1984. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1128
§ 16, effective September 25, 1986. Amended Stats 2002 ch 866 § 8 (AB 486); Stats
2012 ch 363 § 23 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 3744. Reimbursement from insolvent self–insurer or

security deposit
(a) (1) The fund shall have the right and obligation to obtain reim-
bursement from an insolvent self-insurer up to the amount of the self-
insurer’s workers’ compensation obligations paid and assumed by the
fund, including reasonable administrative and legal costs. This right
includes, but is not limited to, a right to claim for wages and other ne-
cessities of life advanced to claimants as subrogee of the claimants in
any action to collect against the self-insured as debtor. For purposes of
this section, “insolvent self-insurer” includes the entity to which the
certificate of consent to self-insure was issued, any guarantor of the
entity’s liabilities under the certificate, any member of a self-insurance
group to which the certificate was issued, and any employer who ob-
tained employees from a self-insured employer under subdivision (d) of
Section 3602.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 889

(2) The Legislature finds and declares that the amendments made to
this subdivision by the act adding this paragraph are declaratory of
existing law.
(b) The fund shall have the right and obligation to obtain from the
security deposit of an insolvent self-insurer the amount of the self-
insurer’s compensation obligations, including reasonable administra-
tive and legal costs, paid or assumed by the fund. Reimbursement of
administrative costs, including legal costs, shall be subject to approval
by a majority vote of the fund’s trustees. The fund shall be a party in
interest in any action to obtain the security deposit for the payment of
compensation obligations of an insolvent self-insurer.
(c) The fund shall have the right to bring an action against any per-
son to recover compensation paid and liability assumed by the fund,
including, but not limited to, any excess insurance carrier of the self-
insured employer, and any person whose negligence or breach of any
obligation contributed to any underestimation of the self-insured em-
ployer’s total accrued liability as reported to the director.
(d) The fund may be a party in interest in any action brought by any
other person seeking damages resulting from the failure of an insolvent
self-insurer to pay workers’ compensation required pursuant to this
division.
(e) At the election of the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, venue shall be
in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Sacramen-
to, for any action under this section. All actions in which the Self-
Insurers’ Security Fund and two or more members or former members
of one self-insurance group are parties shall be consolidated if request-
ed by the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund.
Added Stats 1984 ch 252 § 5, effective June 27, 1984. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1128
§ 17, effective September 25, 1986; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 24 (SB 863), effective January
1, 2013.

§ 3745. Maintenance of liquid assets; Minimum amount;

Assessment of members
(a) The fund shall maintain cash, readily marketable securities, or
other assets, or a line of credit, approved by the director, sufficient to
immediately continue the payment of the compensation obligations of
an insolvent self-insurer pending assessment of the members. The di-
rector may establish the minimum amount to be maintained by, or
immediately available to, the fund for this purpose.
(b) The fund may assess each of its members a pro rata share of the
funding necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
(c) The trustees shall certify to the director the collection and receipt
of all moneys from assessments, noting any delinquencies. The trustees
shall take any action deemed appropriate to collect any delinquent as-
sessments.
890 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Added Stats 1984 ch 252 § 5, effective June 27, 1984. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1128
§ 18, effective September 25, 1986; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 25 (SB 863), effective January
1, 2013.

§ 3746. Audit and report on financial status

The fund shall annually contract for an independent certified audit of
the financial activities of the fund. An annual report on the financial
status of the fund as of June 30 shall be submitted to the director and
to each member, or at the election of the fund, posted on the fund’s In-
ternet Web site.
Added Stats 1984 ch 252 § 5, effective June 27, 1984. Amended Stats 2012 ch 363 § 26
(SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

Article 4
Construction Permit
§ 3800. Certificate of consent to self-insure or of insurance
(a) Every county or city which requires the issuance of a permit as a
condition precedent to the construction, alteration, improvement,
demolition, or repair of any building or structure shall require that
each applicant for the permit sign a declaration under penalty of per-
jury verifying workers’ compensation coverage or exemption from
coverage, as required by Section 19825 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) At the time of permit issuance, contractors shall show their valid
workers’ compensation insurance certificate, or the city or county may
verify the workers’ compensation coverage by electronic means.
Added Stats 1941 ch 1010 § 1. Amended Stats 1945 ch 1431 § 69.5; Stats 1953 ch 552
§ 1; Stats 1959 ch 361 § 1; Stats 1963 ch 1140 § 2; Stats 1988 ch 160 § 124. Amended
Stats 1994 ch 178 § 2 (AB 443); Stats 1999 ch 982 § 9 (AB 1678).

Chapter 7
Medical Examinations
Article 2
Determination of Medical Issues
§ 4061. Notice of permanent disability indemnity;
Comprehensive medical evaluation; Calculation of permanent
disability rating; Apportionment; Reconsideration;
Admissibility of evaluations in violation
This section shall not apply to the employee’s dispute of a utilization
review decision under Section 4610, nor to the employee’s dispute of
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 891

the medical provider network treating physician’s diagnosis or treat-

ment recommendations under Sections 4616.3 and 4616.4.
(a) Together with the last payment of temporary disability indemni-
ty, the employer shall, in a form prescribed by the administrative di-
rector pursuant to Section 138.4, provide the employee one of the fol-
lowing:
(1) Notice either that no permanent disability indemnity will be paid
because the employer alleges the employee has no permanent impair-
ment or limitations resulting from the injury or notice of the amount of
permanent disability indemnity determined by the employer to be pay-
able. If the employer determines permanent disability indemnity is
payable, the employer shall advise the employee of the amount deter-
mined payable and the basis on which the determination was made,
whether there is need for future medical care, and whether an indem-
nity payment will be deferred pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision
(b) of Section 4650.
(2) Notice that permanent disability indemnity may be or is payable,
but that the amount cannot be determined because the employee’s
medical condition is not yet permanent and stationary. The notice shall
advise the employee that his or her medical condition will be monitored
until it is permanent and stationary, at which time the necessary eval-
uation will be performed to determine the existence and extent of per-
manent impairment and limitations for the purpose of rating perma-
nent disability and to determine whether there will be the need for fu-
ture medical care, or at which time the employer will advise the em-
ployee of the amount of permanent disability indemnity the employer
has determined to be payable.
(b) If either the employee or employer objects to a medical determina-
tion made by the treating physician concerning the existence or extent
of permanent impairment and limitations or the need for future medi-
cal care, and the employee is represented by an attorney, a medical
evaluation to determine permanent disability shall be obtained as pro-
vided in Section 4062.2.
(c) If either the employee or employer objects to a medical determina-
tion made by the treating physician concerning the existence or extent
of permanent impairment and limitations or the need for future medi-
cal care, and if the employee is not represented by an attorney, the em-
ployer shall immediately provide the employee with a form prescribed
by the medical director with which to request assignment of a panel of
three qualified medical evaluators. Either party may request a com-
prehensive medical evaluation to determine permanent disability or
the need for future medical care, and the evaluation shall be obtained
only by the procedure provided in Section 4062.1.
(d) (1) Within 30 days of receipt of a report from a qualified medical
evaluator who has evaluated an unrepresented employee, the unrepre-
sented employee or the employer may each request one supplemental
892 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

report seeking correction of factual errors in the report. Any of these

requests shall be made in writing. A request made by the employer
shall be provided to the employee, and a request made by the employee
shall be provided to the employer, insurance carrier, or claims adminis-
trator at the time the request is sent to the evaluator. A request for
correction that is made by the employer shall also inform the employee
of the availability of information and assistance officers to assist him or
her in responding to the request, if necessary.
(2) The permanent disability rating procedure set forth in subdivision
(e) shall not be invoked by the unrepresented employee or the employer
when a request for correction pursuant to paragraph (1) is pending.
(e) The qualified medical evaluator who has evaluated an unrepre-
sented employee shall serve the comprehensive medical evaluation and
the summary form on the employee, employer, and the administrative
director. The unrepresented employee or the employer may submit the
treating physician’s evaluation for the calculation of a permanent disa-
bility rating. Within 20 days of receipt of the comprehensive medical
evaluation, the administrative director shall calculate the permanent
disability rating according to Section 4660 or 4660.1, as applicable, and
serve the rating on the employee and employer.
(f) Any comprehensive medical evaluation concerning an unrepre-
sented employee which indicates that part or all of an employee’s per-
manent impairment or limitations may be subject to apportionment
pursuant to Sections 4663 and 4664 shall first be submitted by the ad-
ministrative director to a workers’ compensation judge who may refer
the report back to the qualified medical evaluator for correction or clar-
ification if the judge determines the proposed apportionment is incon-
sistent with the law.
(g) Within 30 days of receipt of the rating, if the employee is unrepre-
sented, the employee or employer may request that the administrative
director reconsider the recommended rating or obtain additional infor-
mation from the treating physician or medical evaluator to address
issues not addressed or not completely addressed in the original com-
prehensive medical evaluation or not prepared in accord with the pro-
cedures promulgated under paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (j) of
Section 139.2. This request shall be in writing, shall specify the reasons
the rating should be reconsidered, and shall be served on the other par-
ty. If the administrative director finds the comprehensive medical
evaluation is not complete or not in compliance with the required pro-
cedures, the administrative director shall return the report to the
treating physician or qualified medical evaluator for appropriate action
as the administrative director instructs. Upon receipt of the treating
physician’s or qualified medical evaluator’s final comprehensive medi-
cal evaluation and summary form, the administrative director shall
recalculate the permanent disability rating according to Section 4660
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 893

or 4660.1, as applicable, and serve the rating, the comprehensive medi-

cal evaluation, and the summary form on the employee and employer.
(h) (1) If a comprehensive medical evaluation from the treating phy-
sician or an agreed medical evaluator or a qualified medical evaluator
selected from a three-member panel resolves any issue so as to require
an employer to provide compensation, the employer shall commence
the payment of compensation, except as provided pursuant to para-
graph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 4650, or promptly commence pro-
ceedings before the appeals board to resolve the dispute.
(2) If the employee and employer agree to a stipulated findings and
award as provided under Section 5702 or to compromise and release
the claim under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 5000) of Part 3,
or if the employee wishes to commute the award under Chapter 3
(commencing with Section 5100) of Part 3, the appeals board shall first
determine whether the agreement or commutation is in the best inter-
ests of the employee and whether the proper procedures have been fol-
lowed in determining the permanent disability rating. The administra-
tive director shall promulgate a form to notify the employee, at the
time of service of any rating under this section, of the options specified
in this subdivision, the potential advantages and disadvantages of each
option, and the procedure for disputing the rating.
(i) No issue relating to a dispute over the existence or extent of per-
manent impairment and limitations resulting from the injury may be
the subject of a declaration of readiness to proceed unless there has
first been a medical evaluation by a treating physician and by either an
agreed or qualified medical evaluator. With the exception of an evalua-
tion or evaluations prepared by the treating physician or physicians, no
evaluation of permanent impairment and limitations resulting from
the injury shall be obtained, except in accordance with Section 4062.1
or 4062.2. Evaluations obtained in violation of this prohibition shall not
be admissible in any proceeding before the appeals board.
Added Stats 1989 ch 892 § 28, operative January 1, 1991. Amended Stats 1990 ch 1550
§ 21 (AB 2910). Amended Stats 1993 ch 121 § 30 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993, ch
1241 § 6 (SB 147), ch 1242 § 28 (SB 223); Stats 2002 ch 6 § 51 (AB 749); Stats 2003 ch
639 § 16 (SB 228); Stats 2004 ch 34 § 13 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2011
ch 544 § 4 (AB 335), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 27 (SB 863), effec-
tive January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 287 § 4 (SB 375), effective January 1, 2014.

§ 4062. Objection to medical determination by treating

physician; Notice; Medical evaluation
(a) If either the employee or employer objects to a medical determina-
tion made by the treating physician concerning any medical issues not
covered by Section 4060 or 4061 and not subject to Section 4610, the
objecting party shall notify the other party in writing of the objection
within 20 days of receipt of the report if the employee is represented by
894 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

an attorney or within 30 days of receipt of the report if the employee is

not represented by an attorney. These time limits may be extended for
good cause or by mutual agreement. If the employee is represented by
an attorney, a medical evaluation to determine the disputed medical
issue shall be obtained as provided in Section 4062.2, and no other
medical evaluation shall be obtained. If the employee is not represent-
ed by an attorney, the employer shall immediately provide the employ-
ee with a form prescribed by the medical director with which to request
assignment of a panel of three qualified medical evaluators, the evalua-
tion shall be obtained as provided in Section 4062.1, and no other med-
ical evaluation shall be obtained.
(b) If the employee objects to a decision made pursuant to Section
4610 to modify, delay, or deny a request for authorization of a medical
treatment recommendation made by a treating physician, the objection
shall be resolved only in accordance with the independent medical re-
view process established in Section 4610.5.
(c) If the employee objects to the diagnosis or recommendation for
medical treatment by a physician within the employer’s medical pro-
vider network established pursuant to Section 4616, the objection shall
be resolved only in accordance with the independent medical review
process established in Sections 4616.3 and 4616.4.
Added Stats 2003 ch 639 § 17 (SB 228). Amended Stats 2004 ch 34 § 14 (SB 899), effec-
tive April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 28 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4062.2. Comprehensive medical evaluation to resolve

dispute over injuries on or after January 1, 2005, when
employee is represented by attorney
(a) Whenever a comprehensive medical evaluation is required to re-
solve any dispute arising out of an injury or a claimed injury occurring
on or after January 1, 2005, and the employee is represented by an at-
torney, the evaluation shall be obtained only as provided in this sec-
tion.
(b) No earlier than the first working day that is at least 10 days after
the date of mailing of a request for a medical evaluation pursuant to
Section 4060 or the first working day that is at least 10 days after the
date of mailing of an objection pursuant to Sections 4061 or 4062, ei-
ther party may request the assignment of a three-member panel of
qualified medical evaluators to conduct a comprehensive medical eval-
uation. The party submitting the request shall designate the specialty
of the medical evaluator, the specialty of the medical evaluator re-
quested by the other party if it has been made known to the party
submitting the request, and the specialty of the treating physician. The
party submitting the request form shall serve a copy of the request
form on the other party.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 895

(c) Within 10 days of assignment of the panel by the administrative

director, each party may strike one name from the panel. The remain-
ing qualified medical evaluator shall serve as the medical evaluator. If
a party fails to exercise the right to strike a name from the panel with-
in 10 days of assignment of the panel by the administrative director,
the other party may select any physician who remains on the panel to
serve as the medical evaluator. The administrative director may pre-
scribe the form, the manner, or both, by which the parties shall conduct
the selection process.
(d) The represented employee shall be responsible for arranging the
appointment for the examination, but upon his or her failure to inform
the employer of the appointment within 10 days after the medical
evaluator has been selected, the employer may arrange the appoint-
ment and notify the employee of the arrangements. The employee shall
not unreasonably refuse to participate in the evaluation.
(e) If an employee has received a comprehensive medical-legal evalu-
ation under this section, and he or she later ceases to be represented,
he or she shall not be entitled to an additional evaluation.
(f) The parties may agree to an agreed medical evaluator at any time,
except as to issues subject to the independent medical review process
established pursuant to Section 4610.5. A panel shall not be requested
pursuant to subdivision (b) on any issue that has been agreed to be
submitted to or has been submitted to an agreed medical evaluator un-
less the agreement has been canceled by mutual written consent.
Added Stats 2004 ch 34 § 18 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 29 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4062.3. Information provided to qualified medical evaluator;

Service on opposing party; Discovery; Ex parte
communications; Contempt; Evaluation and summary form;
New medical issues
(a) Any party may provide to the qualified medical evaluator selected
from a panel any of the following information:
(1) Records prepared or maintained by the employee’s treating physi-
cian or physicians.
(2) Medical and nonmedical records relevant to determination of the
medical issue.
(b) Information that a party proposes to provide to the qualified med-
ical evaluator selected from a panel shall be served on the opposing
party 20 days before the information is provided to the evaluator. If the
opposing party objects to consideration of nonmedical records within 10
days thereafter, the records shall not be provided to the evaluator. Ei-
ther party may use discovery to establish the accuracy or authenticity
of nonmedical records prior to the evaluation.
896 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(c) If an agreed medical evaluator is selected, as part of their agree-

ment on an evaluator, the parties shall agree on what information is to
be provided to the agreed medical evaluator.
(d) In any formal medical evaluation, the agreed or qualified medical
evaluator shall identify the following:
(1) All information received from the parties.
(2) All information reviewed in preparation of the report.
(3) All information relied upon in the formulation of his or her opin-
ion.
(e) All communications with a qualified medical evaluator selected
from a panel before a medical evaluation shall be in writing and shall
be served on the opposing party 20 days in advance of the evaluation.
Any subsequent communication with the medical evaluator shall be in
writing and shall be served on the opposing party when sent to the
medical evaluator.
(f) Communications with an agreed medical evaluator shall be in
writing, and shall be served on the opposing party when sent to the
agreed medical evaluator. Oral or written communications with physi-
cian staff or, as applicable, with the agreed medical evaluator, relative
to nonsubstantial matters such as the scheduling of appointments,
missed appointments, the furnishing of records and reports, and the
availability of the report, do not constitute ex parte communication in
violation of this section unless the appeals board has made a specific
finding of an impermissible ex parte communication.
(g) Ex parte communication with an agreed medical evaluator or a
qualified medical evaluator selected from a panel is prohibited. If a
party communicates with the agreed medical evaluator or the qualified
medical evaluator in violation of subdivision (e), the aggrieved party
may elect to terminate the medical evaluation and seek a new evalua-
tion from another qualified medical evaluator to be selected according
to Section 4062.1 or 4062.2, as applicable, or proceed with the initial
evaluation.
(h) The party making the communication prohibited by this section
shall be subject to being charged with contempt before the appeals
board and shall be liable for the costs incurred by the aggrieved party
as a result of the prohibited communication, including the cost of the
medical evaluation, additional discovery costs, and attorney’s fees for
related discovery.
(i) Subdivisions (e) and (g) shall not apply to oral or written commu-
nications by the employee or, if the employee is deceased, the employ-
ee’s dependent, in the course of the examination or at the request of the
evaluator in connection with the examination.
(j) Upon completing a determination of the disputed medical issue,
the medical evaluator shall summarize the medical findings on a form
prescribed by the administrative director and shall serve the formal
medical evaluation and the summary form on the employee and the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 897

employer. The medical evaluation shall address all contested medical

issues arising from all injuries reported on one or more claim forms
prior to the date of the employee’s initial appointment with the medical
evaluator.
(k) If, after a medical evaluation is prepared, the employer or the
employee subsequently objects to any new medical issue, the parties, to
the extent possible, shall utilize the same medical evaluator who pre-
pared the previous evaluation to resolve the medical dispute.
(l ) No disputed medical issue specified in subdivision (a) may be the
subject of declaration of readiness to proceed unless there has first
been an evaluation by the treating physician or an agreed or qualified
medical evaluator.
Added Stats 2004 ch 34 § 19 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 30 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4063. Evaluation requiring employer to provide

compensation
If a formal medical evaluation from an agreed medical evaluator or a
qualified medical evaluator selected from a three member panel re-
solves any issue so as to require an employer to provide compensation,
the employer shall, except as provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of
subdivision (b) of Section 4650, commence the payment of compensa-
tion or file a declaration of readiness to proceed.
Added Stats 1989 ch 892 § 28, operative January 1, 1991. Amended Stats 2012 ch 363
§ 31 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4064. Costs and attorney fees

(a) The employer shall be liable for the cost of each reasonable and
necessary comprehensive medical-legal evaluation obtained by the em-
ployee pursuant to Sections 4060, 4061, and 4062. Each comprehensive
medical-legal evaluation shall address all contested medical issues
arising from all injuries reported on one or more claim forms, except
medical treatment recommendations, which are subject to utilization
review as provided by Section 4610, and objections to utilization review
determinations, which are subject to independent medical review as
provided by Section 4610.5.
(b) For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2003, if an unrepre-
sented employee obtains an attorney after the evaluation pursuant to
subdivision (d) of Section 4061 or subdivision (b) of Section 4062 has
been completed, the employee shall be entitled to the same reports at
employer expense as an employee who has been represented from the
time the dispute arose and those reports shall be admissible in any
proceeding before the appeals board.
898 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(c) Subject to Section 4906, if an employer files a declaration of read-

iness to proceed and the employee is unrepresented at the time the dec-
laration of readiness to proceed is filed, the employer shall be liable for
any attorney’s fees incurred by the employee in connection with the
declaration of readiness to proceed.
(d) The employer shall not be liable for the cost of any comprehensive
medical evaluations obtained by the employee other than those author-
ized pursuant to Sections 4060, 4061, and 4062. However, no party is
prohibited from obtaining any medical evaluation or consultation at
the party’s own expense. In no event shall an employer or employee be
liable for an evaluation obtained in violation of subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 4060. All comprehensive medical evaluations obtained by any par-
ty shall be admissible in any proceeding before the appeals board ex-
cept as provided in Section 4060, 4061, 4062, 4062.1, or 4062.
Added Stats 1989 ch 892 § 28, operative January 1, 1991. Amended Stats 1990 ch 1550
§ 25 (AB 2910). Amended Stats 1993 ch 121 § 34 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993, ch
1242 § 30 (SB 223); Stats 1998 ch 485 § 124 (AB 2803); Stats 2002 ch 6 § 54 (AB 749);
Stats 2012 ch 363 § 32 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

PART 2
COMPUTATION OF COMPENSATION

Chapter 1
Average Earnings
§ 4453. Average annual earnings; Computation
(a) In computing average annual earnings for the purposes of tempo-
rary disability indemnity and permanent total disability indemnity
only, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at:
(1) Not less than one hundred twenty-six dollars ($126) nor more
than two hundred ninety-four dollars ($294), for injuries occurring on
or after January 1, 1983.
(2) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) nor more
than three hundred thirty-six dollars ($336), for injuries occurring on
or after January 1, 1984.
(3) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for perma-
nent total disability, and, for temporary disability, not less than the
lesser of one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) or 1.5 times the em-
ployee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, but in no event
less than one hundred forty-seven dollars ($147), nor more than three
hundred ninety-nine dollars ($399), for injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 1990.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 899

(4) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for perma-
nent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the
lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the em-
ployee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than
five hundred four dollars ($504), for injuries occurring on or after Jan-
uary 1, 1991.
(5) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for perma-
nent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the
lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the em-
ployee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than six
hundred nine dollars ($609), for injuries occurring on or after July 1,
1994.
(6) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for perma-
nent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the
lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the em-
ployee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than six
hundred seventy-two dollars ($672), for injuries occurring on or after
July 1, 1995.
(7) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for perma-
nent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the
lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the em-
ployee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than
seven hundred thirty-five dollars ($735), for injuries occurring on or
after July 1, 1996.
(8) Not less than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more
than nine hundred three dollars ($903), for injuries occurring on or af-
ter January 1, 2003.
(9) Not less than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more
than one thousand ninety-two dollars ($1,092), for injuries occurring on
or after January 1, 2004.
(10) Not less than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more
than one thousand two hundred sixty dollars ($1,260), for injuries oc-
curring on or after January 1, 2005. For injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 2006, average weekly earnings shall be taken at not less
than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more than one thou-
sand two hundred sixty dollars ($1,260) or 1.5 times the state average
weekly wage, whichever is greater. Commencing on January 1, 2007,
and each January 1 thereafter, the limits specified in this paragraph
shall be increased by an amount equal to the percentage increase in
the state average weekly wage as compared to the prior year. For pur-
poses of this paragraph, “state average weekly wage” means the aver-
age weekly wage paid by employers to employees covered by unem-
ployment insurance as reported by the United States Department of
Labor for California for the 12 months ending March 31 of the calendar
year preceding the year in which the injury occurred.
900 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) In computing average annual earnings for purposes of permanent

partial disability indemnity, except as provided in Section 4659, the
average weekly earnings shall be taken at:
(1) Not less than seventy-five dollars ($75), nor more than one hun-
dred ninety-five dollars ($195), for injuries occurring on or after Janu-
ary 1, 1983.
(2) Not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two
hundred ten dollars ($210), for injuries occurring on or after January 1,
1984.
(3) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the in-
jured employee is 15 percent or greater, but not more than 24.75 per-
cent: (A) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than
two hundred twenty-two dollars ($222), for injuries occurring on or af-
ter July 1, 1994; (B) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor
more than two hundred thirty-one dollars ($231), for injuries occurring
on or after July 1, 1995; (C) not less than one hundred five dollars
($105), nor more than two hundred forty dollars ($240), for injuries oc-
curring on or after July 1, 1996.
(4) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the in-
jured employee is 25 percent or greater, not less than one hundred five
dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred twenty-two dollars ($222),
for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1991.
(5) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the in-
jured employee is 25 percent or greater but not more than 69.75 per-
cent: (A) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than
two hundred thirty-seven dollars ($237), for injuries occurring on or
after July 1, 1994; (B) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor
more than two hundred forty-six dollars ($246), for injuries occurring
on or after July 1, 1995; and (C) not less than one hundred five dollars
($105), nor more than two hundred fifty-five dollars ($255), for injuries
occurring on or after July 1, 1996.
(6) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the in-
jured employee is less than 70 percent: (A) not less than one hundred
fifty dollars ($150), nor more than two hundred seventy-seven dollars
and fifty cents ($277.50), for injuries occurring on or after January 1,
2003; (B) not less than one hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents
($157.50), nor more than three hundred dollars ($300), for injuries oc-
curring on or after January 1, 2004; (C) not less than one hundred fifty-
seven dollars and fifty cents ($157.50), nor more than three hundred
thirty dollars ($330), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2005;
and (D) not less than one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195), nor more
than three hundred forty-five dollars ($345), for injuries occurring on or
after January 1, 2006.
(7) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the in-
jured employee is 70 percent or greater, but less than 100 percent: (A)
not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hun-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 901

dred fifty-two dollars ($252), for injuries occurring on or after July 1,

1994; (B) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than
two hundred ninety-seven dollars ($297), for injuries occurring on or
after July 1, 1995; (C) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor
more than three hundred forty-five dollars ($345), for injuries occurring
on or after July 1, 1996; (D) not less than one hundred fifty dollars
($150), nor more than three hundred forty-five dollars ($345), for inju-
ries occurring on or after January 1, 2003; (E) not less than one hun-
dred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($157.50), nor more than three
hundred seventy-five dollars ($375), for injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 2004; (F) not less than one hundred fifty-seven dollars and
fifty cents ($157.50), nor more than four hundred five dollars ($405), for
injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2005; and (G) not less than
one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195), nor more than four hundred
five dollars ($405), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2006.
(8) For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2013:
(A) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating is less than
55 percent, not less than two hundred forty dollars ($240) nor more
than three hundred forty-five dollars ($345).
(B) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating is 55 percent
or greater but less than 70 percent, not less than two hundred forty
dollars ($240) nor more than four hundred five dollars ($405).
(C) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating is 70 percent
or greater but less than 100 percent, not less than two hundred forty
dollars ($240) nor more than four hundred thirty-five dollars ($435).
(9) For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2014, not less than
two hundred forty dollars ($240) nor more than four hundred thirty-
five dollars ($435).
(c) Between the limits specified in subdivisions (a) and (b), the aver-
age weekly earnings, except as provided in Sections 4456 to 4459, shall
be arrived at as follows:
(1) Where the employment is for 30 or more hours a week and for five
or more working days a week, the average weekly earnings shall be the
number of working days a week times the daily earnings at the time of
the injury.
(2) Where the employee is working for two or more employers at or
about the time of the injury, the average weekly earnings shall be tak-
en as the aggregate of these earnings from all employments computed
in terms of one week; but the earnings from employments other than
the employment in which the injury occurred shall not be taken at a
higher rate than the hourly rate paid at the time of the injury.
(3) If the earnings are at an irregular rate, such as piecework, or on a
commission basis, or are specified to be by week, month, or other peri-
od, then the average weekly earnings mentioned in subdivision (a)
shall be taken as the actual weekly earnings averaged for this period of
902 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

time, not exceeding one year, as may conveniently be taken to deter-

mine an average weekly rate of pay.
(4) Where the employment is for less than 30 hours per week, or
where for any reason the foregoing methods of arriving at the average
weekly earnings cannot reasonably and fairly be applied, the average
weekly earnings shall be taken at 100 percent of the sum which rea-
sonably represents the average weekly earning capacity of the injured
employee at the time of his or her injury, due consideration being given
to his or her actual earnings from all sources and employments.
(d) Every computation made pursuant to this section beginning Jan-
uary 1, 1990, shall be made only with reference to temporary disability
or the permanent disability resulting from an original injury sustained
after January 1, 1990. However, all rights existing under this section
on January 1, 1990, shall be continued in force. Except as provided in
Section 4661.5, disability indemnity benefits shall be calculated accord-
ing to the limits in this section in effect on the date of injury and shall
remain in effect for the duration of any disability resulting from the
injury.
Added Stats 1977 ch 17 § 26, effective March 25, 1977. Amended Stats 1977 ch 1018
§ 1; Stats 1980 ch 1042 § 1; Stats 1982 ch 922 § 7; Stats 1989 ch 892 § 29, ch 893 § 3;
Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 29 (AB 2910). Amended Stats 1993 ch 121 § 37 (AB 110), effective
July 16, 1993; Stats 2002 ch 6 § 57 (AB 749), ch 866 § 9 (AB 486); Stats 2012 ch 363
§ 34 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

Chapter 2
Compensation Schedules
Article 2
Medical and Hospital Treatment
§ 4600. Medical treatment provided by employer; Liability for
reasonable expense; Medical provider network;
Predesignation of personal physician; Expenses incurred in
submitting to examination; Qualified interpreter
(a) Medical, surgical, chiropractic, acupuncture, and hospital treat-
ment, including nursing, medicines, medical and surgical supplies,
crutches, and apparatuses, including orthotic and prosthetic devices
and services, that is reasonably required to cure or relieve the injured
worker from the effects of his or her injury shall be provided by the
employer. In the case of his or her neglect or refusal reasonably to do
so, the employer is liable for the reasonable expense incurred by or on
behalf of the employee in providing treatment.
(b) As used in this division and notwithstanding any other law, medi-
cal treatment that is reasonably required to cure or relieve the injured
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 903

worker from the effects of his or her injury means treatment that is
based upon the guidelines adopted by the administrative director pur-
suant to Section 5307.27.
(c) Unless the employer or the employer’s insurer has established or
contracted with a medical provider network as provided for in Section
4616, after 30 days from the date the injury is reported, the employee
may be treated by a physician of his or her own choice or at a facility of
his or her own choice within a reasonable geographic area. A chiroprac-
tor shall not be a treating physician after the employee has received
the maximum number of chiropractic visits allowed by subdivision (c)
of Section 4604.5.
(d) (1) If an employee has notified his or her employer in writing prior
to the date of injury that he or she has a personal physician, the em-
ployee shall have the right to be treated by that physician from the
date of injury if the employee has health care coverage for nonoccupa-
tional injuries or illnesses on the date of injury in a plan, policy, or fund
as described in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 4616.7.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), a personal physician shall meet all
of the following conditions:
(A) Be the employee’s regular physician and surgeon, licensed pursu-
ant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the
Business and Professions Code.
(B) Be the employee’s primary care physician and has previously di-
rected the medical treatment of the employee, and who retains the em-
ployee’s medical records, including his or her medical history. “Personal
physician” includes a medical group, if the medical group is a single
corporation or partnership composed of licensed doctors of medicine or
osteopathy, which operates an integrated multispecialty medical group
providing comprehensive medical services predominantly for nonoccu-
pational illnesses and injuries.
(C) The physician agrees to be predesignated.
(3) If the employee has health care coverage for nonoccupational in-
juries or illnesses on the date of injury in a health care service plan
licensed pursuant to Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 1340) of
Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the employer is notified
pursuant to paragraph (1), all medical treatment, utilization review of
medical treatment, access to medical treatment, and other medical
treatment issues shall be governed by Chapter 2.2 (commencing with
Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code. Disputes
regarding the provision of medical treatment shall be resolved pursu-
ant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of Chapter 2.2 of
Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.
(4) If the employee has health care coverage for nonoccupational in-
juries or illnesses on the date of injury in a group health insurance pol-
icy as described in Section 4616.7, all medical treatment, utilization
review of medical treatment, access to medical treatment, and other
904 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

medical treatment issues shall be governed by the applicable provi-

sions of the Insurance Code.
(5) The insurer may require prior authorization of any nonemergency
treatment or diagnostic service and may conduct reasonably necessary
utilization review pursuant to Section 4610.
(6) An employee shall be entitled to all medically appropriate refer-
rals by the personal physician to other physicians or medical providers
within the nonoccupational health care plan. An employee shall be en-
titled to treatment by physicians or other medical providers outside of
the nonoccupational health care plan pursuant to standards estab-
lished in Article 5 (commencing with Section 1367) of Chapter 2.2 of
Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.
(e) (1) When at the request of the employer, the employer’s insurer,
the administrative director, the appeals board, or a workers’ compensa-
tion administrative law judge, the employee submits to examination by
a physician, he or she shall be entitled to receive, in addition to all oth-
er benefits herein provided, all reasonable expenses of transportation,
meals, and lodging incident to reporting for the examination, together
with one day of temporary disability indemnity for each day of wages
lost in submitting to the examination.
(2) Regardless of the date of injury, “reasonable expenses of transpor-
tation” includes mileage fees from the employee’s home to the place of
the examination and back at the rate of twenty-one cents ($0.21) a mile
or the mileage rate adopted by the Director of Human Resources pur-
suant to Section 19820 of the Government Code, whichever is higher,
plus any bridge tolls. The mileage and tolls shall be paid to the employ-
ee at the time he or she is given notification of the time and place of the
examination.
(f) When at the request of the employer, the employer’s insurer, the
administrative director, the appeals board, or a workers’ compensation
administrative law judge, an employee submits to examination by a
physician and the employee does not proficiently speak or understand
the English language, he or she shall be entitled to the services of a
qualified interpreter in accordance with conditions and a fee schedule
prescribed by the administrative director. These services shall be pro-
vided by the employer. For purposes of this section, “qualified inter-
preter” means a language interpreter certified, or deemed certified,
pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 11435.05) of Chapter
4.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, or Section 68566 of, the Gov-
ernment Code.
(g) If the injured employee cannot effectively communicate with his
or her treating physician because he or she cannot proficiently speak or
understand the English language, the injured employee is entitled to
the services of a qualified interpreter during medical treatment ap-
pointments. To be a qualified interpreter for purposes of medical
treatment appointments, an interpreter is not required to meet the re-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 905

quirements of subdivision (f), but shall meet any requirements estab-

lished by rule by the administrative director that are substantially sim-
ilar to the requirements set forth in Section 1367.04 of the Health and
Safety Code. The administrative director shall adopt a fee schedule for
qualified interpreter fees in accordance with this section. Upon request
of the injured employee, the employer or insurance carrier shall pay for
interpreter services. An employer shall not be required to pay for the
services of an interpreter who is not certified or is provisionally certi-
fied by the person conducting the medical treatment or examination
unless either the employer consents in advance to the selection of the
individual who provides the interpreting service or the injured worker
requires interpreting service in a language other than the languages
designated pursuant to Section 11435.40 of the Government Code.
(h) Home health care services shall be provided as medical treatment
only if reasonably required to cure or relieve the injured employee from
the effects of his or her injury and prescribed by a physician and sur-
geon licensed pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000)
of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, and subject to Sec-
tion 5307.1 or 5703.8. The employer shall not be liable for home health
care services that are provided more than 14 days prior to the date of
the employer’s receipt of the physician’s prescription.
Added Stats 2009 ch 565 § 2 (SB 186), effective January 1, 2010. See this section as
modified in Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 1 § 199 of 2011. Amended Stats 2012
ch 363 § 35 (SB 863) (ch 363 prevails), effective January 1, 2013, ch. 665 § 179 (SB
1308), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 793 § 1 (AB 1376), effective October 13,
2013; Stats 2014 ch 71 § 111 (SB 1304), effective January 1, 2015, ch 217 § 1 (AB 2732),
effective January 1, 2015 (ch 217 prevails).

§ 4603.2. Notice to employer of physician's name and address;

Objection to non-network physician; Reports by physician;
Payment for medical treatment; Contest of itemization by
employer; Interest or increase in compensation; Itemization
review; Jurisdiction over disputes
(a) (1) Upon selecting a physician pursuant to Section 4600, the em-
ployee or physician shall notify the employer of the name and address,
including the name of the medical group, if applicable, of the physician.
The physician shall submit a report to the employer within five work-
ing days from the date of the initial examination, as required by Sec-
tion 6409, and shall submit periodic reports at intervals that may be
prescribed by rules and regulations adopted by the administrative di-
rector.
(2) If the employer objects to the employee’s selection of the physician
on the grounds that the physician is not within the medical provider
network used by the employer, and there is a final determination that
the employee was entitled to select the physician pursuant to Section
906 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

4600, the employee shall be entitled to continue treatment with that

physician at the employer’s expense in accordance with this division,
notwithstanding Section 4616.2. The employer shall be required to pay
from the date of the initial examination if the physician’s report was
submitted within five working days of the initial examination. If the
physician’s report was submitted more than five working days after the
initial examination, the employer and the employee shall not be re-
quired to pay for any services prior to the date the physician’s report
was submitted.
(3) If the employer objects to the employee’s selection of the physician
on the grounds that the physician is not within the medical provider
network used by the employer, and there is a final determination that
the employee was not entitled to select a physician outside of the medi-
cal provider network, the employer shall have no liability for treatment
provided by or at the direction of that physician or for any consequenc-
es of the treatment obtained outside the network.
(b) (1) (A) A provider of services provided pursuant to Section 4600,
including, but not limited to, physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, inter-
preters, copy services, transportation services, and home health care
services, shall submit its request for payment with an itemization of
services provided and the charge for each service, a copy of all reports
showing the services performed, the prescription or referral from the
primary treating physician if the services were performed by a person
other than the primary treating physician, and any evidence of author-
ization for the services that may have been received. This section does
not prohibit an employer, insurer, or third-party claims administrator
from establishing, through written agreement, an alternative manual
or electronic request for payment with providers for services provided
pursuant to Section 4600.
(B) Effective for services provided on or after January 1, 2017, the
request for payment with an itemization of services provided and the
charge for each service shall be submitted to the employer within 12
months of the date of service or within 12 months of the date of dis-
charge for inpatient facility services. The administrative director shall
adopt rules to implement the 12-month limitation period. The rules
shall define circumstances that constitute good cause for an exception
to the 12-month period, including provisions to address the circum-
stances of a nonoccupational injury or illness later found to be a com-
pensable injury or illness. The request for payment is barred unless
timely submitted.
(C) Notwithstanding the requirements of this paragraph, a copy of
the prescription shall not be required with a request for payment for
pharmacy services, unless the provider of services has entered into a
written agreement, as provided in this paragraph, that requires a copy
of a prescription for a pharmacy service.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 907

(D) This section does not preclude an employer, insurer, pharmacy

benefits manager, or third-party claims administrator from requesting
a copy of the prescription during a review of any records of prescription
drugs that were dispensed by a pharmacy.
(2) Except as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 4603.4, or under
contracts authorized under Section 5307.11, payment for medical
treatment provided or prescribed by the treating physician selected by
the employee or designated by the employer shall be made at reasona-
ble maximum amounts in the official medical fee schedule, pursuant to
Section 5307.1, in effect on the date of service. Payments shall be made
by the employer with an explanation of review pursuant to Section
4603.3 within 45 days after receipt of each separate, itemization of
medical services provided, together with any required reports and any
written authorization for services that may have been received by the
physician. If the itemization or a portion thereof is contested, denied, or
considered incomplete, the physician shall be notified, in the explana-
tion of review, that the itemization is contested, denied, or considered
incomplete, within 30 days after receipt of the itemization by the em-
ployer. An explanation of review that states an itemization is incom-
plete shall also state all additional information required to make a de-
cision. A properly documented list of services provided and not paid at
the rates then in effect under Section 5307.1 within the 45-day period
shall be paid at the rates then in effect and increased by 15 percent,
together with interest at the same rate as judgments in civil actions
retroactive to the date of receipt of the itemization, unless the employer
does both of the following:
(A) Pays the provider at the rates in effect within the 45-day period.
(B) Advises, in an explanation of review pursuant to Section 4603.3,
the physician, or another provider of the items being contested, the
reasons for contesting these items, and the remedies available to the
physician or the other provider if he or she disagrees. In the case of an
itemization that includes services provided by a hospital, outpatient
surgery center, or independent diagnostic facility, advice that a request
has been made for an audit of the itemization shall satisfy the re-
quirements of this paragraph.
An employer’s liability to a physician or another provider under this
section for delayed payments shall not affect its liability to an employee
under Section 5814 or any other provision of this division.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the employer is a governmental
entity, payment for medical treatment provided or prescribed by the
treating physician selected by the employee or designated by the em-
ployer shall be made within 60 days after receipt of each separate item-
ization, together with any required reports and any written authoriza-
tion for services that may have been received by the physician.
(4) Duplicate submissions of medical services itemizations, for which
an explanation of review was previously provided, shall require no fur-
908 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ther or additional notification or objection by the employer to the medi-

cal provider and shall not subject the employer to any additional penal-
ties or interest pursuant to this section for failing to respond to the du-
plicate submission. This paragraph shall apply only to duplicate sub-
missions and does not apply to any other penalties or interest that may
be applicable to the original submission.
(c) Interest or an increase in compensation paid by an insurer pursu-
ant to this section shall be treated in the same manner as an increase
in compensation under subdivision (d) of Section 4650 for the purposes
of any classification of risks and premium rates, and any system of
merit rating approved or issued pursuant to Article 2 (commencing
with Section 11730) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 2 of the Insur-
ance Code.
(d) (1) Whenever an employer or insurer employs an individual or
contracts with an entity to conduct a review of an itemization submit-
ted by a physician or medical provider, the employer or insurer shall
make available to that individual or entity all documentation submit-
ted together with that itemization by the physician or medical provid-
er. When an individual or entity conducting an itemization review de-
termines that additional information or documentation is necessary to
review the itemization, the individual or entity shall contact the claims
administrator or insurer to obtain the necessary information or docu-
mentation that was submitted by the physician or medical provider
pursuant to subdivision (b).
(2) An individual or entity reviewing an itemization of service sub-
mitted by a physician or medical provider shall not alter the procedure
codes listed or recommend reduction of the amount of the payment un-
less the documentation submitted by the physician or medical provider
with the itemization of service has been reviewed by that individual or
entity. If the reviewer does not recommend payment for services as
itemized by the physician or medical provider, the explanation of re-
view shall provide the physician or medical provider with a specific ex-
planation as to why the reviewer altered the procedure code or changed
other parts of the itemization and the specific deficiency in the itemiza-
tion or documentation that caused the reviewer to conclude that the
altered procedure code or amount recommended for payment more ac-
curately represents the service performed.
(e) (1) If the provider disputes the amount paid, the provider may re-
quest a second review within 90 days of service of the explanation of
review or an order of the appeals board resolving the threshold issue as
stated in the explanation of review pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdi-
vision (a) of Section 4603.3. The request for a second review shall be
submitted to the employer on a form prescribed by the administrative
director and shall include all of the following:
(A) The date of the explanation of review and the claim number or
other unique identifying number provided on the explanation of review.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 909

(B) The item and amount in dispute.

(C) The additional payment requested and the reason therefor.
(D) The additional information provided in response to a request in
the first explanation of review or any other additional information pro-
vided in support of the additional payment requested.
(2) If the only dispute is the amount of payment and the provider
does not request a second review within 90 days, the bill shall be
deemed satisfied and neither the employer nor the employee shall be
liable for any further payment.
(3) Within 14 days of a request for second review, the employer shall
respond with a final written determination on each of the items or
amounts in dispute. Payment of any balance not in dispute shall be
made within 21 days of receipt of the request for second review. This
time limit may be extended by mutual written agreement.
(4) If the provider contests the amount paid, after receipt of the sec-
ond review, the provider shall request an independent bill review as
provided for in Section 4603.6.
(f) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (e), the appeals
board shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising out of this subdivi-
sion pursuant to Section 5304.
Added Stats 1975 ch 1259 § 6. Amended Stats 1984 ch 909 § 2; Stats 1990 ch 770 § 3
(SB 241). Amended Stats 1999 ch 124 § 2 (AB 775); Stats 2000 ch 1069 § 4 (SB 1732);
Stats 2001 ch 240 § 1 (AB 1179); Stats 2003 ch 639 § 25 (SB 228); Stats 2004 ch 34 § 24
(SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2006 ch 69 § 24 (AB 1806), effective July 12,
2006; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 36 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 129 § 1
(SB 146), effective August 19, 2013; Stats 2016 ch 214 § 1 (SB 1175), effective January
1, 2017.

§ 4603.3. Explanation of review upon payment, adjustment, or

denial of itemization of medical services
(a) Upon payment, adjustment, or denial of a complete or incomplete
itemization of medical services, an employer shall provide an explana-
tion of review in the manner prescribed by the administrative director
that shall include all of the following:
(1) A statement of the items or procedures billed and the amounts re-
quested by the provider to be paid.
(2) The amount paid.
(3) The basis for any adjustment, change, or denial of the item or pro-
cedure billed.
(4) The additional information required to make a decision for an in-
complete itemization.
(5) If a denial of payment is for some reason other than a fee dispute,
the reason for the denial.
(6) Information on whom to contact on behalf of the employer if a
dispute arises over the payment of the billing. The explanation of re-
910 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

view shall inform the medical provider of the time limit to raise any
objection regarding the items or procedures paid or disputed and how
to obtain an independent review of the medical bill pursuant to Section
4603.6.
(b) The administrative director may adopt regulations requiring the
use of electronic explanations of review.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 37 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4603.4. Adoption of certain rules and regulations by

administrative director; Standards
(a) The administrative director shall adopt rules and regulations to
do all of the following:
(1) Ensure that all health care providers and facilities submit medi-
cal bills for payment on standardized forms.
(2) Require acceptance by employers of electronic claims for payment
of medical services.
(3) Ensure confidentiality of medical information submitted on elec-
tronic claims for payment of medical services.
(4) Require the timely submission of paper or electronic bills in con-
formity with subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of
Section 4603.2.
(b) To the extent feasible, standards adopted pursuant to subdivision
(a) shall be consistent with existing standards under the federal Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
(c) Require all employers to accept electronic claims for payment of
medical services.
(d) Payment for medical treatment provided or prescribed by the
treating physician selected by the employee or designated by the em-
ployer shall be made with an explanation of review by the employer
within 15 working days after electronic receipt of an itemized electronic
billing for services at or below the maximum fees provided in the offi-
cial medical fee schedule adopted pursuant to Section 5307.1. If the
billing is contested, denied, or incomplete, payment shall be made with
an explanation of review of any uncontested amounts within 15 work-
ing days after electronic receipt of the billing, and payment of the bal-
ance shall be made in accordance with Section 4603.2.
Added Stats 2002 ch 6 § 62 (AB 749). Amended Stats 2003 ch 639 § 26 (SB 228); Stats
2012 ch 363 § 38 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2016 ch 214 § 2 (SB 1175),
effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4603.6. Request for independent review; Procedure

(a) If the only dispute is the amount of payment and the provider has
received a second review that did not resolve the dispute, the provider
may request an independent bill review within 30 calendar days of ser-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 911

vice of the second review pursuant to Section 4603.2 or 4622. If the

provider fails to request an independent bill review within 30 days, the
bill shall be deemed satisfied, and neither the employer nor the em-
ployee shall be liable for any further payment. If the employer has con-
tested liability for any issue other than the reasonable amount payable
for services, that issue shall be resolved prior to filing a request for in-
dependent bill review, and the time limit for requesting independent
bill review shall not begin to run until the resolution of that issue be-
comes final, except as provided for in Section 4622.
(b) A request for independent review shall be made on a form pre-
scribed by the administrative director, and shall include copies of the
original billing itemization, any supporting documents that were fur-
nished with the original billing, the explanation of review, the request
for second review together with any supporting documentation submit-
ted with that request, and the final explanation of the second review.
The administrative director may require that requests for independent
bill review be submitted electronically. A copy of the request, together
with all required documents, shall be served on the employer. Only the
request form and the proof of payment of the fee required by subdivi-
sion (c) shall be filed with the administrative director. Upon notice of
assignment of the independent bill reviewer, the requesting party shall
submit the documents listed in this subdivision to the independent bill
reviewer within 10 days.
(c) The provider shall pay to the administrative director a fee deter-
mined by the administrative director to cover no more than the reason-
able estimated cost of independent bill review and administration of
the independent bill review program. The administrative director may
prescribe different fees depending on the number of items in the bill or
other criteria determined by regulation adopted by the administrative
director. If any additional payment is found owing from the employer
to the medical provider, the employer shall reimburse the provider for
the fee in addition to the amount found owing.
(d) Upon receipt of a request for independent bill review and the re-
quired fee, the administrative director or the administrative director’s
designee shall assign the request to an independent bill reviewer with-
in 30 days and notify the medical provider and employer of the inde-
pendent reviewer assigned.
(e) The independent bill reviewer shall review the materials submit-
ted by the parties and make a written determination of any additional
amounts to be paid to the medical provider and state the reasons for
the determination. If the independent bill reviewer deems necessary,
the independent bill reviewer may request additional documents from
the medical provider or employer. The employer shall have no obliga-
tion to serve medical reports on the provider unless the reports are re-
quested by the independent bill reviewer. If additional documents are
requested, the parties shall respond with the documents requested
912 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

within 30 days and shall provide the other party with copies of any
documents submitted to the independent reviewer, and the independ-
ent reviewer shall make a written determination of any additional
amounts to be paid to the medical provider and state the reasons for
the determination within 60 days of the receipt of the administrative
director’s assignment. The written determination of the independent
bill reviewer shall be sent to the administrative director and provided
to both the medical provider and the employer.
(f) The determination of the independent bill reviewer shall be
deemed a determination and order of the administrative director. The
determination is final and binding on all parties unless an aggrieved
party files with the appeals board a verified appeal from the medical
bill review determination of the administrative director within 20 days
of the service of the determination. The medical bill review determina-
tion of the administrative director shall be presumed to be correct and
shall be set aside only upon clear and convincing evidence of one or
more of the following grounds for appeal:
(1) The administrative director acted without or in excess of his or
her powers.
(2) The determination of the administrative director was procured by
fraud.
(3) The independent bill reviewer was subject to a material conflict of
interest that is in violation of Section 139.5.
(4) The determination was the result of bias on the basis of race, na-
tional origin, ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, sexual ori-
entation, color, or disability.
(5) The determination was the result of a plainly erroneous express
or implied finding of fact, provided that the mistake of fact is a matter
of ordinary knowledge based on the information submitted for review
and not a matter that is subject to expert opinion.
(g) If the determination of the administrative director is reversed, the
dispute shall be remanded to the administrative director to submit the
dispute to independent bill review by a different independent review
organization. In the event that a different independent bill review or-
ganization is not available after remand, the administrative director
shall submit the dispute to the original bill review organization for re-
view by a different reviewer within the organization. In no event shall
the appeals board or any higher court make a determination of ulti-
mate fact contrary to the determination of the bill review organization.
(h) Once the independent bill reviewer has made a determination re-
garding additional amounts to be paid to the medical provider, the em-
ployer shall pay the additional amounts per the timely payment re-
quirements set forth in Sections 4603.2 and 4603.4.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 39 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 913

§ 4604. Determination of controversies by appeals board

Controversies between employer and employee arising under this
chapter shall be determined by the appeals board, upon the request of
either party, except as otherwise provided by Section 4610.5.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1965 ch 1513 § 88, operative January 15, 1966; Stats
2012 ch 363 § 40 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4604.5. Medical treatment utilization schedule and

recommended guidelines; Rebuttable presumption of
correctness; Limit on chiropractic, occupational and physical
therapy visits
(a) The recommended guidelines set forth in the medical treatment
utilization schedule adopted by the administrative director pursuant to
Section 5307.27 shall be presumptively correct on the issue of extent
and scope of medical treatment. The presumption is rebuttable and
may be controverted by a preponderance of the scientific medical evi-
dence establishing that a variance from the guidelines reasonably is
required to cure or relieve the injured worker from the effects of his or
her injury. The presumption created is one affecting the burden of
proof.
(b) The recommended guidelines set forth in the schedule adopted
pursuant to subdivision (a) shall reflect practices that are evidence and
scientifically based, nationally recognized, and peer reviewed. The
guidelines shall be designed to assist providers by offering an analyti-
cal framework for the evaluation and treatment of injured workers,
and shall constitute care in accordance with Section 4600 for all injured
workers diagnosed with industrial conditions.
(c) (1) Notwithstanding the medical treatment utilization schedule,
for injuries occurring on and after January 1, 2004, an employee shall
be entitled to no more than 24 chiropractic, 24 occupational therapy,
and 24 physical therapy visits per industrial injury.
(2) (A) Paragraph (1) shall not apply when an employer authorizes, in
writing, additional visits to a health care practitioner for physical med-
icine services. Payment or authorization for treatment beyond the lim-
its set forth in paragraph (1) shall not be deemed a waiver of the limits
set forth by paragraph (1) with respect to future requests for authoriza-
tion.
(B) The Legislature finds and declares that the amendments made to
subparagraph (A) by the act adding this subparagraph are declaratory
of existing law.
(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to visits for postsurgical physical
medicine and postsurgical rehabilitation services provided in compli-
ance with a postsurgical treatment utilization schedule established by
the administrative director pursuant to Section 5307.27.
914 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(d) For all injuries not covered by the official utilization schedule
adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27, authorized treatment shall be in
accordance with other evidence-based medical treatment guidelines
that are recognized generally by the national medical community and
scientifically based.
Added Stats 2003 ch 639 § 27 (SB 228). Amended Stats 2004 ch 34 § 25 (SB 899), effec-
tive April 19, 2004; Stats 2007 ch 621 § 1 (AB 1073), effective January 1, 2008; Stats
2008 ch 179 § 175 (SB 1498), effective January 1, 2009; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 41 (SB
863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4605. Employee’s right to provide own physicians

Nothing contained in this chapter shall limit the right of the employ-
ee to provide, at his or her own expense, a consulting physician or any
attending physicians whom he or she desires. Any report prepared by
consulting or attending physicians pursuant to this section shall not be
the sole basis of an award of compensation. A qualified medical evalua-
tor or authorized treating physician shall address any report procured
pursuant to this section and shall indicate whether he or she agrees or
disagrees with the findings or opinions stated in the report, and shall
identify the bases for this opinion.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 2012 ch 363 § 42 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4610. Employers to establish utilization review process;

Criteria; Administrative penalties (First of two; Repealed
January 1, 2018)
(a) For purposes of this section, “utilization review” means utilization
review or utilization management functions that prospectively, retro-
spectively, or concurrently review and approve, modify, or deny, based
in whole or in part on medical necessity to cure and relieve, treatment
recommendations by physicians, as defined in Section 3209.3, prior to,
retrospectively, or concurrent with the provision of medical treatment
services pursuant to Section 4600.
(b) Each employer shall establish a utilization review process in com-
pliance with this section, either directly or through its insurer or an
entity with which an employer or insurer contracts for these services.
(c) Each utilization review process shall be governed by written poli-
cies and procedures. These policies and procedures shall ensure that
decisions based on the medical necessity to cure and relieve of proposed
medical treatment services are consistent with the schedule for medical
treatment utilization adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27. These poli-
cies and procedures, and a description of the utilization process, shall
be filed with the administrative director and shall be disclosed by the
employer to employees, physicians, and the public upon request.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 915

(d) Unless otherwise indicated in this section, a physician providing

treatment under Section 4600 shall send any request for authorization
for medical treatment, with supporting documentation, to the claims
administrator for the employer, insurer, or other entity according to
rules adopted by the administrative director. If an employer, insurer,
or other entity subject to this section requests medical information
from a physician in order to determine whether to approve, modify, or
deny requests for authorization, that employer, insurer, or other entity
shall request only the information reasonably necessary to make the
determination. The employer, insurer, or other entity shall employ or
designate a medical director who holds an unrestricted license to prac-
tice medicine in this state issued pursuant to Section 2050 or 2450 of
the Business and Professions Code. The medical director shall ensure
that the process by which the employer or other entity reviews and ap-
proves, modifies, or denies requests by physicians prior to, retrospec-
tively, or concurrent with the provision of medical treatment services,
complies with the requirements of this section. Nothing in this section
shall be construed as restricting the existing authority of the Medical
Board of California.
(e) A person other than a licensed physician who is competent to
evaluate the specific clinical issues involved in the medical treatment
services, if these services are within the scope of the physician’s prac-
tice, requested by the physician , shall not modify or deny requests for
authorization of medical treatment for reasons of medical necessity to
cure and relieve.
(f) The criteria or guidelines used in the utilization review process to
determine whether to approve, modify, or deny medical treatment ser-
vices shall be all of the following:
(1) Developed with involvement from actively practicing physicians.
(2) Consistent with the schedule for medical treatment utilization
adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27.
(3) Evaluated at least annually, and updated if necessary.
(4) Disclosed to the physician and the employee, if used as the basis
of a decision to modify or deny services in a specified case under re-
view.
(5) Available to the public upon request. An employer shall only be
required to disclose the criteria or guidelines for the specific procedures
or conditions requested. An employer may charge members of the pub-
lic reasonable copying and postage expenses related to disclosing crite-
ria or guidelines pursuant to this paragraph. Criteria or guidelines
may also be made available through electronic means. A charge shall
not be required for an employee whose physician’s request for medical
treatment services is under review.
(g) In determining whether to approve, modify, or deny requests by
physicians prior to, retrospectively, or concurrent with the provisions of
916 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

medical treatment services to employees all of the following require-

ments shall be met:
(1) Prospective or concurrent decisions shall be made in a timely
fashion that is appropriate for the nature of the employee’s condition,
not to exceed five working days from the receipt of the information rea-
sonably necessary to make the determination, but in no event more
than 14 days from the date of the medical treatment recommendation
by the physician. In cases where the review is retrospective, a decision
resulting in denial of all or part of the medical treatment service shall
be communicated to the individual who received services, or to the in-
dividual’s designee, within 30 days of receipt of the information that is
reasonably necessary to make this determination. If payment for a
medical treatment service is made within the time prescribed by Sec-
tion 4603.2, a retrospective decision to approve the service need not
otherwise be communicated.
(2) If the employee’s condition is one in which the employee faces an
imminent and serious threat to his or her health, including, but not
limited to, the potential loss of life, limb, or other major bodily function,
or the normal timeframe for the decisionmaking process, as described
in paragraph (1), would be detrimental to the employee’s life or health
or could jeopardize the employee’s ability to regain maximum function,
decisions to approve, modify, or deny requests by physicians prior to, or
concurrent with, the provision of medical treatment services to employ-
ees shall be made in a timely fashion that is appropriate for the nature
of the employee’s condition, but not to exceed 72 hours after the receipt
of the information reasonably necessary to make the determination.
(3) (A) Decisions to approve, modify, or deny requests by physicians
for authorization prior to, or concurrent with, the provision of medical
treatment services to employees shall be communicated to the request-
ing physician within 24 hours of the decision. Decisions resulting in
modification or denial of all or part of the requested health care service
shall be communicated to physicians initially by telephone or facsimile,
and to the physician and employee in writing within 24 hours for con-
current review, or within two business days of the decision for prospec-
tive review, as prescribed by the administrative director. If the request
is not approved in full, disputes shall be resolved in accordance with
Section 4610.5, if applicable, or otherwise in accordance with Section
4062.
(B) In the case of concurrent review, medical care shall not be discon-
tinued until the employee’s physician has been notified of the decision
and a care plan has been agreed upon by the physician that is appro-
priate for the medical needs of the employee. Medical care provided
during a concurrent review shall be care that is medically necessary to
cure and relieve, and an insurer or self-insured employer shall only be
liable for those services determined medically necessary to cure and
relieve. If the insurer or self-insured employer disputes whether or not
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 917

one or more services offered concurrently with a utilization review were

medically necessary to cure and relieve, the dispute shall be resolved
pursuant to Section 4610.5, if applicable, or otherwise pursuant to Sec-
tion 4062. A compromise between the parties that an insurer or self-
insured employer believes may result in payment for services that were
not medically necessary to cure and relieve shall be reported by the
insurer or the self-insured employer to the licensing board of the pro-
vider or providers who received the payments, in a manner set forth by
the respective board and in a way that minimizes reporting costs both
to the board and to the insurer or self-insured employer, for evaluation
as to possible violations of the statutes governing appropriate profes-
sional practices. Fees shall not be levied upon insurers or self-insured
employers making reports required by this section.
(4) Communications regarding decisions to approve requests by phy-
sicians shall specify the specific medical treatment service approved.
Responses regarding decisions to modify or deny medical treatment
services requested by physicians shall include a clear and concise ex-
planation of the reasons for the employer’s decision, a description of the
criteria or guidelines used, and the clinical reasons for the decisions
regarding medical necessity. If a utilization review decision to deny a
medical service is due to incomplete or insufficient information, the
decision shall specify the reason for the decision and specify the infor-
mation that is needed.
(5) If the employer, insurer, or other entity cannot make a decision
within the timeframes specified in paragraph (1) or (2) because the
employer or other entity is not in receipt of all of the information rea-
sonably necessary and requested, because the employer requires con-
sultation by an expert reviewer, or because the employer has asked
that an additional examination or test be performed upon the employee
that is reasonable and consistent with good medical practice, the em-
ployer shall immediately notify the physician and the employee, in
writing, that the employer cannot make a decision within the required
timeframe, and specify the information requested but not received, the
expert reviewer to be consulted, or the additional examinations or tests
required. The employer shall also notify the physician and employee of
the anticipated date on which a decision may be rendered. Upon receipt
of all information reasonably necessary and requested by the employer,
the employer shall approve, modify, or deny the request for authoriza-
tion within the timeframes specified in paragraph (1) or (2).
(6) A utilization review decision to modify or deny a treatment rec-
ommendation shall remain effective for 12 months from the date of the
decision without further action by the employer with regard to a fur-
ther recommendation by the same physician for the same treatment
unless the further recommendation is supported by a documented
change in the facts material to the basis of the utilization review deci-
sion.
918 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(7) Utilization review of a treatment recommendation shall not be re-

quired while the employer is disputing liability for injury or treatment
of the condition for which treatment is recommended pursuant to Sec-
tion 4062.
(8) If utilization review is deferred pursuant to paragraph (7), and it
is finally determined that the employer is liable for treatment of the
condition for which treatment is recommended, the time for the em-
ployer to conduct retrospective utilization review in accordance with
paragraph (1) shall begin on the date the determination of the employ-
er’s liability becomes final, and the time for the employer to conduct
prospective utilization review shall commence from the date of the em-
ployer’s receipt of a treatment recommendation after the determination
of the employer’s liability.
(h) Each employer, insurer, or other entity subject to this section
shall maintain telephone access for physicians to request authorization
for health care services.
(i) If the administrative director determines that the employer, in-
surer, or other entity subject to this section has failed to meet any of
the timeframes in this section, or has failed to meet any other require-
ment of this section, the administrative director may assess, by order,
administrative penalties for each failure. A proceeding for the issuance
of an order assessing administrative penalties shall be subject to ap-
propriate notice to, and an opportunity for a hearing with regard to, the
person affected. The administrative penalties shall not be deemed to be
an exclusive remedy for the administrative director. These penalties
shall be deposited in the Workers’ Compensation Administration Re-
volving Fund.
(j) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2018, and
as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enact-
ed before January 1, 2018, deletes or extends that date.
Added Stats 2003 ch 639 § 28 (SB 228). Amended Stats 2012 ch 363 § 43 (SB 863), ef-
fective January 1, 2013; Stats 2016 ch 868 § 3 (SB 1160), effective January 1, 2017, ch
885 § 1.5 (AB 2503), effective January 1, 2017 (ch 885 prevails).

§ 4610. Employers to establish utilization review process;

Criteria; Administrative penalties (Second of two; Operative
January 1, 2018)
(a) For purposes of this section, “utilization review” means utilization
review or utilization management functions that prospectively, retro-
spectively, or concurrently review and approve, modify, or deny, based
in whole or in part on medical necessity to cure and relieve, treatment
recommendations by physicians, as defined in Section 3209.3, prior to,
retrospectively, or concurrent with the provision of medical treatment
services pursuant to Section 4600.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 919

(b) For all dates of injury occurring on or after January 1, 2018,

emergency treatment services and medical treatment rendered for a
body part or condition that is accepted as compensable by the employer
and is addressed by the medical treatment utilization schedule adopted
pursuant to Section 5307.7, by a member of the medical provider net-
work or health care organization, or by a physician predesignated pur-
suant to subdivision (d) of Section 4600, within the 30 days following
the initial date of injury, shall be authorized without prospective utili-
zation review, except as provided in subdivision (c). The services ren-
dered under this subdivision shall be consistent with the medical
treatment utilization schedule. In the event that the employee is not
subject to treatment with a medical provider network, health care or-
ganization, or predesignated physician pursuant to subdivision (d) of
Section 4600, the employee shall be eligible for treatment under this
section within 30 days following the initial date of injury if the treat-
ment is rendered by a physician or facility selected by the employer.
For treatment rendered by a medical provider network physician,
health care organization physician, a physician predesignated pursu-
ant to subdivision (d) of Section 4600, or an employer-selected physi-
cian, the report required under Section 6409 and a complete request for
authorization shall be submitted by the physician within five days fol-
lowing the employee’s initial visit and evaluation.
(c) Unless authorized by the employer or rendered as emergency
medical treatment, the following medical treatment services, as defined
in rules adopted by the administrative director, that are rendered
through a member of the medical provider network or health care or-
ganization, a predesignated physician, an employer-selected physician,
or an employer-selected facility, within the 30 days following the initial
date of injury, shall be subject to prospective utilization review under
this section:
(1) Pharmaceuticals, to the extent they are neither expressly ex-
empted from prospective review nor authorized by the drug formulary
adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27.
(2) Nonemergency inpatient and outpatient surgery, including all
presurgical and postsurgical services.
(3) Psychological treatment services.
(4) Home health care services.
(5) Imaging and radiology services, excluding X-rays.
(6) All durable medical equipment, whose combined total value ex-
ceeds two hundred fifty dollars ($250), as determined by the official
medical fee schedule.
(7) Electrodiagnostic medicine, including, but not limited to, electro-
myography and nerve conduction studies.
(8) Any other service designated and defined through rules adopted
by the administrative director.
920 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(d) Any request for payment for treatment provided under subdivi-
sion (b) shall comply with Section 4603.2 and be submitted to the em-
ployer, or its insurer or claims administrator, within 30 days of the
date the service was provided.
(e) If a physician fails to submit the report required under Section
6409 and a complete request for authorization, as described in subdivi-
sion (b), an employer may remove the physician’s ability under this
subdivision to provide further medical treatment to the employee that
is exempt from prospective utilization review.
(f) An employer may perform retrospective utilization review for any
treatment provided pursuant to subdivision (b) solely for the purpose of
determining if the physician is prescribing treatment consistent with
the schedule for medical treatment utilization, including, but not lim-
ited to, the drug formulary adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27.
(1) If it is found after retrospective utilization reviews that there is a
pattern and practice of the physician or provider failing to render
treatment consistent with the schedule for medical treatment utiliza-
tion, including the drug formulary, the employer may remove the abil-
ity of the predesignated physician, employer-selected physician, or the
member of the medical provider network or health care organization
under this subdivision to provide further medical treatment to any em-
ployee that is exempt from prospective utilization review. The employ-
er shall notify the physician or provider of the results of the retrospec-
tive utilization review and the requirement for prospective utilization
review for all subsequent medical treatment.
(2) The results of retrospective utilization review may constitute a
showing of good cause for an employer’s petition requesting a change of
physician or provider pursuant to Section 4603 and may serve as
grounds for termination of the physician or provider from the medical
provider network or health care organization.
(g) Each employer shall establish a utilization review process in com-
pliance with this section, either directly or through its insurer or an
entity with which an employer or insurer contracts for these services.
(1) Each utilization review process that modifies or denies requests
for authorization of medical treatment shall be governed by written
policies and procedures. These policies and procedures shall ensure
that decisions based on the medical necessity to cure and relieve of
proposed medical treatment services are consistent with the schedule
for medical treatment utilization, including the drug formulary, adopt-
ed pursuant to Section 5307.27.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated in this section, a physician providing
treatment under Section 4600 shall send any request for authorization
for medical treatment, with supporting documentation, to the claims
administrator for the employer, insurer, or other entity according to
rules adopted by the administrative director. The employer, insurer, or
other entity shall employ or designate a medical director who holds an
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 921

unrestricted license to practice medicine in this state issued pursuant

to Section 2050 or 2450 of the Business and Professions Code. The
medical director shall ensure that the process by which the employer or
other entity reviews and approves, modifies, or denies requests by phy-
sicians prior to, retrospectively, or concurrent with the provision of
medical treatment services complies with the requirements of this sec-
tion. Nothing in this section shall be construed as restricting the exist-
ing authority of the Medical Board of California.
(3) (A) A person other than a licensed physician who is competent to
evaluate the specific clinical issues involved in the medical treatment
services, if these services are within the scope of the physician’s prac-
tice, requested by the physician, shall not modify or deny requests for
authorization of medical treatment for reasons of medical necessity to
cure and relieve or due to incomplete or insufficient information under
subdivisions (i) and (j).
(B) (i) The employer, or any entity conducting utilization review on
behalf of the employer, shall neither offer nor provide any financial in-
centive or consideration to a physician based on the number of modifi-
cations or denials made by the physician under this section.
(ii) An insurer or third-party administrator shall not refer utilization
review services conducted on behalf of an employer under this section
to an entity in which the insurer or third-party administrator has a
financial interest as defined under Section 139.32. This prohibition
does not apply if the insurer or third-party administrator provides the
employer and the administrative director with prior written disclosure
of both of the following:
(I) The entity conducting the utilization review services.
(II) The insurer or third-party administrator’s financial interest in
the entity.
(C) The administrative director has authority pursuant to this sec-
tion to review any compensation agreement, payment schedule, or con-
tract between the employer, or any entity conducting utilization review
on behalf of the employer, and the utilization review physician. Any
information disclosed to the administrative director pursuant to this
paragraph shall be considered confidential information and not subject
to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Chapter
3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Gov-
ernment Code). Disclosure of the information to the administrative di-
rector pursuant to this subdivision shall not waive the provisions of the
Evidence Code relating to privilege.
(4) A utilization review process that modifies or denies requests for
authorization of medical treatment shall be accredited on or before July
1, 2018, and shall retain active accreditation while providing utiliza-
tion review services, by an independent, nonprofit organization to certi-
fy that the utilization review process meets specified criteria, including,
but not limited to, timeliness in issuing a utilization review decision,
922 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

the scope of medical material used in issuing a utilization review deci-

sion, peer-to-peer consultation, internal appeal procedure, and requir-
ing a policy preventing financial incentives to doctors and other provid-
ers based on the utilization review decision. The administrative direc-
tor shall adopt rules to implement the selection of an independent,
nonprofit organization for those accreditation purposes. Until those
rules are adopted, the administrative director shall designate URAC as
the accrediting organization. The administrative director may adopt
rules to do any of the following:
(A) Require additional specific criteria for measuring the quality of a
utilization review process for purposes of accreditation.
(B) Exempt nonprofit, public sector internal utilization review pro-
grams from the accreditation requirement pursuant to this section, if
the administrative director has adopted minimum standards applicable
to nonprofit, public sector internal utilization review programs that
meet or exceed the accreditation standards developed pursuant to this
section.
(5) On or before July 1, 2018, each employer, either directly or
through its insurer or an entity with which an employer or insurer con-
tracts for utilization review services, shall submit a description of the
utilization review process that modifies or denies requests for authori-
zation of medical treatment and the written policies and procedures to
the administrative director for approval. Approved utilization review
process descriptions and the accompanying written policies and proce-
dures shall be disclosed by the employer to employees and physicians
and made available to the public by posting on the employer’s, claims
administrator’s, or utilization review organization’s Internet Web site.
(h) The criteria or guidelines used in the utilization review process to
determine whether to approve, modify, or deny medical treatment ser-
vices shall be all of the following:
(1) Developed with involvement from actively practicing physicians.
(2) Consistent with the schedule for medical treatment utilization,
including the drug formulary, adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27.
(3) Evaluated at least annually, and updated if necessary.
(4) Disclosed to the physician and the employee, if used as the basis
of a decision to modify or deny services in a specified case under re-
view.
(5) Available to the public upon request. An employer shall only be
required to disclose the criteria or guidelines for the specific procedures
or conditions requested. An employer may charge members of the pub-
lic reasonable copying and postage expenses related to disclosing crite-
ria or guidelines pursuant to this paragraph. Criteria or guidelines
may also be made available through electronic means. A charge shall
not be required for an employee whose physician’s request for medical
treatment services is under review.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 923

(i) In determining whether to approve, modify, or deny requests by

physicians prior to, retrospectively, or concurrent with the provisions of
medical treatment services to employees, all of the following require-
ments shall be met:
(1) Except for treatment requests made pursuant to the formulary,
prospective or concurrent decisions shall be made in a timely fashion
that is appropriate for the nature of the employee’s condition, not to
exceed five working days from the receipt of a request for authorization
for medical treatment and supporting information reasonably neces-
sary to make the determination, but in no event more than 14 days
from the date of the medical treatment recommendation by the physi-
cian. Prospective decisions regarding requests for treatment covered by
the formulary shall be made no more than five working days from the
date of receipt of the medical treatment request. The request for au-
thorization and supporting documentation may be submitted electroni-
cally under rules adopted by the administrative director.
(2) In cases where the review is retrospective, a decision resulting in
denial of all or part of the medical treatment service shall be communi-
cated to the individual who received services, or to the individual’s de-
signee, within 30 days of the receipt of the information that is reasona-
bly necessary to make this determination. If payment for a medical
treatment service is made within the time prescribed by Section
4603.2, a retrospective decision to approve the service need not other-
wise be communicated.
(3) If the employee’s condition is one in which the employee faces an
imminent and serious threat to his or her health, including, but not
limited to, the potential loss of life, limb, or other major bodily function,
or the normal timeframe for the decisionmaking process, as described
in paragraph (1), would be detrimental to the employee’s life or health
or could jeopardize the employee’s ability to regain maximum function,
decisions to approve, modify, or deny requests by physicians prior to, or
concurrent with, the provision of medical treatment services to employ-
ees shall be made in a timely fashion that is appropriate for the nature
of the employee’s condition, but not to exceed 72 hours after the receipt
of the information reasonably necessary to make the determination.
(4) (A) Final decisions to approve, modify, or deny requests by physi-
cians for authorization prior to, or concurrent with, the provision of
medical treatment services to employees shall be communicated to the
requesting physician within 24 hours of the decision by telephone, fac-
simile, or, if agreed to by the parties, secure email.
(B) Decisions resulting in modification or denial of all or part of the
requested health care service shall be communicated in writing to the
employee, and to the physician if the initial communication under sub-
paragraph (A) was by telephone, within 24 hours for concurrent review,
or within two business days of the decision for prospective review, as
prescribed by the administrative director. If the request is modified or
924 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

denied, disputes shall be resolved in accordance with Section 4610.5, if

applicable, or otherwise in accordance with Section 4062.
(C) In the case of concurrent review, medical care shall not be discon-
tinued until the employee’s physician has been notified of the decision
and a care plan has been agreed upon by the physician that is appro-
priate for the medical needs of the employee. Medical care provided
during a concurrent review shall be care that is medically necessary to
cure and relieve, and an insurer or self-insured employer shall only be
liable for those services determined medically necessary to cure and
relieve. If the insurer or self-insured employer disputes whether or not
one or more services offered concurrently with a utilization review were
medically necessary to cure and relieve, the dispute shall be resolved
pursuant to Section 4610.5, if applicable, or otherwise pursuant to Sec-
tion 4062. A compromise between the parties that an insurer or self-
insured employer believes may result in payment for services that were
not medically necessary to cure and relieve shall be reported by the
insurer or the self-insured employer to the licensing board of the pro-
vider or providers who received the payments, in a manner set forth by
the respective board and in a way that minimizes reporting costs both
to the board and to the insurer or self-insured employer, for evaluation
as to possible violations of the statutes governing appropriate profes-
sional practices. Fees shall not be levied upon insurers or self-insured
employers making reports required by this section.
(5) Communications regarding decisions to approve requests by phy-
sicians shall specify the specific medical treatment service approved.
Responses regarding decisions to modify or deny medical treatment
services requested by physicians shall include a clear and concise ex-
planation of the reasons for the employer’s decision, a description of the
criteria or guidelines used, and the clinical reasons for the decisions
regarding medical necessity. If a utilization review decision to deny a
medical service is due to incomplete or insufficient information, the
decision shall specify all of the following:
(A) The reason for the decision.
(B) A specific description of the information that is needed.
(C) The date(s) and time(s) of attempts made to contact the physician
to obtain the necessary information.
(D) A description of the manner in which the request was communi-
cated.
(j) (1) Unless otherwise indicated in this section, a physician provid-
ing treatment under Section 4600 shall send any request for authoriza-
tion for medical treatment, with supporting documentation, to the
claims administrator for the employer, insurer, or other entity accord-
ing to rules adopted by the administrative director. If an employer, in-
surer, or other entity subject to this section requests medical infor-
mation from a physician in order to determine whether to approve,
modify, or deny requests for authorization, that employer, insurer, or
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 925

other entity shall request only the information reasonably necessary to

make the determination.
(2) If the employer, insurer, or other entity cannot make a decision
within the timeframes specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subdivi-
sion (i) because the employer or other entity is not in receipt of, or in
possession of, all of the information reasonably necessary to make a
determination, the employer shall immediately notify the physician
and the employee, in writing, that the employer cannot make a deci-
sion within the required timeframe, and specify the information that
must be provided by the physician for a determination to be made. Up-
on receipt of all information reasonably necessary and requested by the
employer, the employer shall approve, modify, or deny the request for
authorization within the timeframes specified in paragraph (1), (2), or
(3) of subdivision (i).
(k) A utilization review decision to modify or deny a treatment rec-
ommendation shall remain effective for 12 months from the date of the
decision without further action by the employer with regard to a fur-
ther recommendation by the same physician, or another physician
within the requesting physician’s practice group, for the same treat-
ment unless the further recommendation is supported by a documented
change in the facts material to the basis of the utilization review deci-
sion.
(l ) Utilization review of a treatment recommendation shall not be re-
quired while the employer is disputing liability for injury or treatment
of the condition for which treatment is recommended pursuant to Sec-
tion 4062.
(m) If utilization review is deferred pursuant to subdivision (l ), and it
is finally determined that the employer is liable for treatment of the
condition for which treatment is recommended, the time for the em-
ployer to conduct retrospective utilization review in accordance with
paragraph (2) of subdivision (i) shall begin on the date the determina-
tion of the employer’s liability becomes final, and the time for the em-
ployer to conduct prospective utilization review shall commence from
the date of the employer’s receipt of a treatment recommendation after
the determination of the employer’s liability.
(n) Each employer, insurer, or other entity subject to this section
shall maintain telephone access during California business hours for
physicians to request authorization for health care services and to con-
duct peer-to-peer discussions regarding issues, including the appropri-
ateness of a requested treatment, modification of a treatment request,
or obtaining additional information needed to make a medical necessity
decision.
(o) The administrative director shall develop a system for the manda-
tory electronic reporting of documents related to every utilization re-
view performed by each employer, which shall be administered by the
Division of Workers’ Compensation. The administrative director shall
926 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

adopt regulations specifying the documents to be submitted by the em-

ployer and the authorized transmission format and timeframe for their
submission. For purposes of this subdivision, “employer” means the
employer, the insurer of an insured employer, a claims administrator,
or a utilization review organization, or other entity acting on behalf of
any of them.
(p) If the administrative director determines that the employer, in-
surer, or other entity subject to this section has failed to meet any of
the timeframes in this section, or has failed to meet any other require-
ment of this section, the administrative director may assess, by order,
administrative penalties for each failure. A proceeding for the issuance
of an order assessing administrative penalties shall be subject to ap-
propriate notice to, and an opportunity for a hearing with regard to, the
person affected. The administrative penalties shall not be deemed to be
an exclusive remedy for the administrative director. These penalties
shall be deposited in the Workers’ Compensation Administration Re-
volving Fund.
(q) The administrative director shall contract with an outside, inde-
pendent research organization on or after March 1, 2019, to evaluate
the impact of the provision of medical treatment within the first 30
days after a claim is filed, for a claim filed on or after January 1, 2017,
and before January 1, 2019. The report shall be provided to the admin-
istrative director, the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Rela-
tions, and the Assembly Committee on Insurance before January 1,
2020.
(r) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2018.
Added Stats 2016 ch 868 § 4.5 (SB 1160), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4610.1. No entitlement to increase in compensation for

unreasonable delay
An employee shall not be entitled to an increase in compensation un-
der Section 5814 for unreasonable delay in the provision of medical
treatment for periods of time necessary to complete the utilization re-
view process in compliance with Section 4610. A determination by the
appeals board or a final determination of the administrative director
pursuant to independent medical review that medical treatment is ap-
propriate shall not be conclusive evidence that medical treatment was
unreasonably delayed or denied for purposes of penalties under Section
5814. In no case shall this section preclude an employee from entitle-
ment to an increase in compensation under Section 5814 when an em-
ployer has unreasonably delayed or denied medical treatment due to
an unreasonable delay in completion of the utilization review process
set forth in Section 4610.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 927

Added Stats 2003 ch 638 § 1 (AB 1557). Amended Stats 2012 ch 363 § 44 (SB 863),
effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4610.5. Review of utilization review decision

(a) This section applies to the following disputes:
(1) Any dispute over a utilization review decision regarding treat-
ment for an injury occurring on or after January 1, 2013.
(2) Any dispute over a utilization review decision if the decision is
communicated to the requesting physician on or after July 1, 2013, re-
gardless of the date of injury.
(3) Any dispute occurring on or after January 1, 2018, over medica-
tion prescribed pursuant to the drug formulary adopted pursuant to
Section 5307.27.
(b) A dispute described in subdivision (a) shall be resolved only in ac-
cordance with this section.
(c) For purposes of this section and Section 4610.6, the following def-
initions apply:
(1) “Disputed medical treatment” means medical treatment that has
been modified or denied by a utilization review decision on the basis of
medical necessity.
(2) “Medically necessary” and “medical necessity” mean medical
treatment that is reasonably required to cure or relieve the injured
employee of the effects of his or her injury and based on the following
standards, which shall be applied as set forth in the medical treatment
utilization schedule, including the drug formulary, adopted by the ad-
ministrative director pursuant to Section 5307.27:
(A) The guidelines, including the drug formulary, adopted by the ad-
ministrative director pursuant to Section 5307.27.
(B) Peer-reviewed scientific and medical evidence regarding the effec-
tiveness of the disputed service.
(C) Nationally recognized professional standards.
(D) Expert opinion.
(E) Generally accepted standards of medical practice.
(F) Treatments that are likely to provide a benefit to a patient for
conditions for which other treatments are not clinically efficacious.
(3) “Utilization review decision” means a decision pursuant to Section
4610 to modify or deny, based in whole or in part on medical necessity
to cure or relieve, a treatment recommendation or recommendations by
a physician prior to, retrospectively, or concurrent with, the provision
of medical treatment services pursuant to Section 4600 or subdivision
(c) of Section 5402. “Utilization review decision” may also mean a de-
termination, occurring on or after January 1, 2018, by a physician re-
garding the medical necessity of medication prescribed pursuant to the
drug formulary adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27.
928 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(4) Unless otherwise indicated by context, “employer” means the em-

ployer, the insurer of an insured employer, a claims administrator, or a
utilization review organization, or other entity acting on behalf of any
of them.
(d) If a utilization review decision denies or modifies a treatment rec-
ommendationrecommendation based on medical necessity, the employ-
ee may request an independent medical review as provided by this sec-
tion.
(e) A utilization review decision may be reviewed or appealed only by
independent medical review pursuant to this section. Neither the em-
ployee nor the employer shall have any liability for medical treatment
furnished without the authorization of the employer if the treatment is
modified or denied by a utilization review decision, unless the utiliza-
tion review decision is overturned by independent medical review in
accordance with this section.
(f) As part of its notification to the employee regarding an initial uti-
lization review decision based on medical necessity that denies or modi-
fies a treatment recommendation, the employer shall provide the em-
ployee with a one-page form prescribed by the administrative director,
and an addressed envelope, which the employee may return to the ad-
ministrative director or the administrative director’s designee to initi-
ate an independent medical review. The employee may also request
independent medical review electronically under rules adopted by the
administrative director. The employer shall include on the form any
information required by the administrative director to facilitate the
completion of the independent medical review. The form shall also in-
clude all of the following:
(1) Notice that the utilization review decision is final unless the em-
ployee requests independent medical review.
(2) A statement indicating the employee’s consent to obtain any nec-
essary medical records from the employer or insurer and from any
medical provider the employee may have consulted on the matter, to be
signed by the employee.
(3) Notice of the employee’s right to provide information or documen-
tation, either directly or through the employee’s physician, regarding
the following:
(A) The treating physician’s recommendation indicating that the dis-
puted medical treatment is medically necessary for the employee’s
medical condition.
(B) Medical information or justification that a disputed medical
treatment, on an urgent care or emergency basis, was medically neces-
sary for the employee’s medical condition.
(C) Reasonable information supporting the employee’s position that
the disputed medical treatment is or was medically necessary for the
employee’s medical condition, including all information provided to the
employee by the employer or by the treating physician, still in the em-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 929

ployee’s possession, concerning the employer’s or the physician’s deci-

sion regarding the disputed medical treatment, as well as any addi-
tional material that the employee believes is relevant.
(g) The independent medical review process may be terminated at
any time upon the employer’s written authorization of the disputed
medical treatment. Notice of the authorization, any settlement or
award that may resolve the medical treatment dispute, or the request-
ing physician withdrawing the request for treatment, shall be commu-
nicated to the independent medical review organization by the employ-
er within five days.
(h) (1) The employee may submit a request for independent medical
review to the division. The request may be made electronically under
rules adopted by the administrative director. The request shall be
made no later than as follows:
(A) For formulary disputes, 10 days after the service of the utilization
review decision to the employee.
(B) For all other medical treatment disputes, 30 days after the ser-
vice of the utilization review decision to the employee.
(2) If at the time of a utilization review decision the employer is also
disputing liability for the treatment for any reason besides medical ne-
cessity, the time for the employee to submit a request for independent
medical review to the administrative director or administrative direc-
tor’s designee is extended to 30 days after service of a notice to the em-
ployee showing that the other dispute of liability has been resolved.
(3) If the employer fails to comply with subdivision (f) at the time of
notification of its utilization review decision, the time limitations for
the employee to submit a request for independent medical review shall
not begin to run until the employer provides the required notice to the
employee.
(4) A provider of emergency medical treatment when the employee
faced an imminent and serious threat to his or her health, including,
but not limited to, the potential loss of life, limb, or other major bodily
function, may submit a request for independent medical review on its
own behalf. A request submitted by a provider pursuant to this para-
graph shall be submitted to the administrative director or administra-
tive director’s designee within the time limitations applicable for an
employee to submit a request for independent medical review.
(i) An employer shall not engage in any conduct that has the effect of
delaying the independent review process. Engaging in that conduct or
failure of the employer to promptly comply with this section is a viola-
tion of this section and, in addition to any other fines, penalties, and
other remedies available to the administrative director, the employer
shall be subject to an administrative penalty in an amount determined
pursuant to regulations to be adopted by the administrative director,
not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day that proper
notification to the employee is delayed. The administrative penalties
930 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

shall be paid to the Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving

Fund.
(j) For purposes of this section, an employee may designate a parent,
guardian, conservator, relative, or other designee of the employee as an
agent to act on his or her behalf. A designation of an agent executed
prior to the utilization review decision shall not be valid. The request-
ing physician may join with or otherwise assist the employee in seeking
an independent medical review, and may advocate on behalf of the em-
ployee.
(k) The administrative director or his or her designee shall expedi-
tiously review requests and immediately notify the employee and the
employer in writing as to whether the request for an independent med-
ical review has been approved, in whole or in part, and, if not approved,
the reasons therefor. If there appears to be any medical necessity issue,
the dispute shall be resolved pursuant to an independent medical re-
view, except that, unless the employer agrees that the case is eligible
for independent medical review, a request for independent medical re-
view shall be deferred if at the time of a utilization review decision the
employer is also disputing liability for the treatment for any reason
besides medical necessity.
(l ) Upon notice from the administrative director that an independent
review organization has been assigned, the employer shall electronical-
ly provide to the independent medical review organization under rules
adopted by the administrative director a copy and list of all of the fol-
lowing documents within 10 days of notice of assignment:
(1) A copy of all of the employee’s medical records in the possession of
the employer or under the control of the employer relevant to each of
the following:
(A) The employee’s current medical condition.
(B) The medical treatment being provided by the employer.
(C) The request for authorization and utilization review decision.
(2) A copy of all information provided to the employee by the employ-
er concerning employer and provider decisions regarding the disputed
treatment.
(3) A copy of any materials the employee or the employee’s provider
submitted to the employer in support of the employee’s request for the
disputed treatment.
(4) A copy of any other relevant documents or information used by
the employer or its utilization review organization in determining
whether the disputed treatment should have been provided, and any
statements by the employer or its utilization review organization ex-
plaining the reasons for the decision to deny or modify the recommend-
ed treatment on the basis of medical necessity. The employer shall con-
currently provide a copy of the documents required by this paragraph
to the employee and the requesting physician, except that documents
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 931

previously provided to the employee or physician need not be provided

again if a list of those documents is provided.
(m) Any newly developed or discovered relevant medical records in
the possession of the employer after the initial documents are provided
to the independent medical review organization shall be forwarded
immediately to the independent medical review organization. The em-
ployer shall concurrently provide a copy of medical records required by
this subdivision to the employee or the employee’s treating physician,
unless the offer of medical records is declined or otherwise prohibited
by law. The confidentiality of medical records shall be maintained pur-
suant to applicable state and federal laws.
(n) If there is an imminent and serious threat to the health of the
employee, as specified in subdivision (c) of Section 1374.33 of the
Health and Safety Code, all necessary information and documents re-
quired by subdivision (l ) shall be delivered to the independent medical
review organization within 24 hours of approval of the request for re-
view.
(o) The employer shall promptly issue a notification to the employee,
after submitting all of the required material to the independent medi-
cal review organization, that lists documents submitted and includes
copies of material not previously provided to the employee or the em-
ployee’s designee.
(p) The claims administrator who issued the utilization review deci-
sion in dispute shall notify the independent medical review organiza-
tion if there is a change in the claims administrator responsible for the
claim. Notice shall be given to the independent medical review organi-
zation within five working days of the change in administrator taking
effect.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 45 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2013
ch 287 § 5 (SB 375), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 217 § 2 (AB 2732), effec-
tive January 1, 2015; Stats 2016 ch 868 § 5 (SB 1160), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 4610.6. Independent medical review organization to conduct

review of utilization review decision; Procedure upon final
determination of review
(a) Upon receipt of a case pursuant to Section 4610.5, an independent
medical review organization shall conduct the review in accordance
with this article and any regulations or orders of the administrative
director. The organization’s review shall be limited to an examination
of the medical necessity of the disputed medical treatment.
(b) Upon receipt of information and documents related to a case, the
medical reviewer or reviewers selected to conduct the review by the
independent medical review organization shall promptly review all
pertinent medical records of the employee, provider reports, and any
other information submitted to the organization or requested from any
932 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

of the parties to the dispute by the reviewers. If the reviewers request

information from any of the parties, a copy of the request and the re-
sponse shall be provided to all of the parties. The reviewer or reviewers
shall also review relevant information related to the criteria set forth
in subdivision (c).
(c) Following its review, the reviewer or reviewers shall determine
whether the disputed health care service was medically necessary
based on the specific medical needs of the employee and the standards
of medical necessity as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 4610.5.
(d) (1) The organization shall complete its review and make its de-
termination in writing, and in layperson’s terms to the maximum ex-
tent practicable, and the determination shall be issued, as follows:
(A) For a dispute over medication prescribed pursuant to the drug
formulary submitted under subdivision (h) of Section 4610.5, within
five working days from the date of receipt of the request for review and
supporting documentation, or within less time as prescribed by the
administrative director.
(B) For all other medical treatment disputes submitted for review
under subdivision (h) of Section 4610.5, within 30 days of receipt of the
request for review and supporting documentation, or within less time
as prescribed by the administrative director.
(C) If the disputed medical treatment has not been provided and the
employee’s provider or the administrative director certifies in writing
that an imminent and serious threat to the health of the employee may
exist, including, but not limited to, serious pain, the potential loss of
life, limb, or major bodily function, or the immediate and serious dete-
rioration of the health of the employee, the analyses and determina-
tions of the reviewers shall be expedited and rendered within three
days of the receipt of the information.
(2) Subject to the approval of the administrative director, the dead-
lines for analyses and determinations involving both regular and expe-
dited reviews may be extended for up to three days in extraordinary
circumstances or for good cause.
(e) The medical professionals’ analyses and determinations shall
state whether the disputed health care service is medically necessary.
Each analysis shall cite the employee’s medical condition, the relevant
documents in the record, and the relevant findings associated with the
provisions of subdivision (c) to support the determination. If more than
one medical professional reviews the case, the recommendation of the
majority shall prevail. If the medical professionals reviewing the case
are evenly split as to whether the disputed health care service should
be provided, the decision shall be in favor of providing the service.
(f) The independent medical review organization shall provide the
administrative director, the employer, the employee, and the employ-
ee’s provider with the analyses and determinations of the medical pro-
fessionals reviewing the case, and a description of the qualifications of
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 933

the medical professionals. The independent medical review organiza-

tion shall keep the names of the reviewers confidential in all communi-
cations with entities or individuals outside the independent medical
review organization. If more than one medical professional reviewed
the case and the result was differing determinations, the independent
medical review organization shall provide each of the separate review-
er’s analyses and determinations.
(g) The determination of the independent medical review organiza-
tion shall be deemed to be the determination of the administrative di-
rector and shall be binding on all parties.
(h) A determination of the administrative director pursuant to this
section may be reviewed only by a verified appeal from the medical re-
view determination of the administrative director, filed with the ap-
peals board for hearing pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Sec-
tion 5500) of Part 4 and served on all interested parties within 30 days
of the date of mailing of the determination to the aggrieved employee
or the aggrieved employer. The determination of the administrative
director shall be presumed to be correct and shall be set aside only up-
on proof by clear and convincing evidence of one or more of the follow-
ing grounds for appeal:
(1) The administrative director acted without or in excess of the ad-
ministrative director’s powers.
(2) The determination of the administrative director was procured by
fraud.
(3) The independent medical reviewer was subject to a material con-
flict of interest that is in violation of Section 139.5.
(4) The determination was the result of bias on the basis of race, na-
tional origin, ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, sexual ori-
entation, color, or disability.
(5) The determination was the result of a plainly erroneous express
or implied finding of fact, provided that the mistake of fact is a matter
of ordinary knowledge based on the information submitted for review
pursuant to Section 4610.5 and not a matter that is subject to expert
opinion.
(i) If the determination of the administrative director is reversed, the
dispute shall be remanded to the administrative director to submit the
dispute to independent medical review by a different independent re-
view organization. In the event that a different independent medical
review organization is not available after remand, the administrative
director shall submit the dispute to the original medical review organi-
zation for review by a different reviewer in the organization. In no
event shall a workers’ compensation administrative law judge, the ap-
peals board, or any higher court make a determination of medical ne-
cessity contrary to the determination of the independent medical re-
view organization.
934 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(j) Upon receiving the determination of the administrative director

that a disputed health care service is medically necessary, the employ-
er shall promptly implement the decision as provided by this section
unless the employer has also disputed liability for any reason besides
medical necessity. In the case of reimbursement for services already
rendered, the employer shall reimburse the provider or employee,
whichever applies, within 20 days, subject to resolution of any remain-
ing issue of the amount of payment pursuant to Sections 4603.2 to
4603.6, inclusive. In the case of services not yet rendered, the employer
shall authorize the services within five working days of receipt of the
written determination from the independent medical review organiza-
tion, or sooner if appropriate for the nature of the employee’s medical
condition, and shall inform the employee and provider of the authoriza-
tion.
(k) Failure to pay for services already provided or to authorize ser-
vices not yet rendered within the time prescribed by subdivision (l ) is a
violation of this section and, in addition to any other fines, penalties,
and other remedies available to the administrative director, the em-
ployer shall be subject to an administrative penalty in an amount de-
termined pursuant to regulations to be adopted by the administrative
director, not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day the
decision is not implemented. The administrative penalties shall be paid
to the Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund.
(l ) The costs of independent medical review and the administration
of the independent medical review system shall be borne by employers
through a fee system established by the administrative director. After
considering any relevant information on program costs, the adminis-
trative director shall establish a reasonable, per-case reimbursement
schedule to pay the costs of independent medical review organization
reviews and the cost of administering the independent medical review
system, which may vary depending on the type of medical condition
under review and on other relevant factors.
(m) The administrative director may publish the results of independ-
ent medical review determinations after removing individually identi-
fiable information.
(n) If any provision of this section, or the application thereof to any
person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the section,
and the application of its provisions to other persons or circumstances,
shall not be affected thereby.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 46 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2016
ch 868 § 6 (SB 1160), effective January 1, 2017.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 935

Article 2.3
Medical Provider Networks
§ 4616. Establishment of medical provider network; Goal;
Requirements; Regulations
(a) (1) On or after January 1, 2005, an insurer, employer, or entity
that provides physician network services may establish or modify a
medical provider network for the provision of medical treatment to
injured employees. The network shall include physicians primarily
engaged in the treatment of occupational injuries. The administrative
director shall encourage the integration of occupational and nonoccu-
pational providers. The number of physicians in the medical provider
network shall be sufficient to enable treatment for injuries or condi-
tions to be provided in a timely manner. The provider network shall
include an adequate number and type of physicians, as described in
Section 3209.3, or other providers, as described in Section 3209.5, to
treat common injuries experienced by injured employees based on the
type of occupation or industry in which the employee is engaged, and
the geographic area where the employees are employed.
(2) Medical treatment for injuries shall be readily available at rea-
sonable times to all employees. To the extent feasible, all medical
treatment for injuries shall be readily accessible to all employees.
With respect to availability and accessibility of treatment, the admin-
istrative director shall consider the needs of rural areas, specifically
those in which health facilities are located at least 30 miles apart and
areas in which there is a health care shortage.
(3) Commencing January 1, 2014, a treating physician shall be in-
cluded in the network only if, at the time of entering into or renewing
an agreement by which the physician would be in the network, the
physician, or an authorized employee of the physician or the physi-
cian’s office, provides a separate written acknowledgment in which
the physician affirmatively elects to be a member of the network.
Copies of the written acknowledgment shall be provided to the ad-
ministrative director upon the administrative director’s request. This
paragraph shall not apply to a physician who is a shareholder, part-
ner, or employee of a medical group that elects to be part of the net-
work.
(4) (A) Commencing January 1, 2014, every medical provider net-
work shall post on its Internet Web site a roster of all treating physi-
cians in the medical provider network and shall update the roster at
least quarterly. Every network shall provide to the administrative
director the Internet Web site address of the network and of its roster
of treating physicians. The administrative director shall post, on the
division’s Internet Web site, the Internet Web site address of every
approved medical provider network.
936 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(B) Commencing January 1, 2016, every medical provider network

shall post on its Internet Web site information about how to contact
the medical provider network contact and medical access assistants,
and information about how to obtain a copy of any notification regard-
ing the medical provider network that is required to be given to an
employee by regulations adopted by the administrative director.
(5) Commencing January 1, 2014, every medical provider network
shall provide one or more persons within the United States to serve
as medical access assistants to help an injured employee find an
available physician of the employee’s choice, and subsequent physi-
cians if necessary, under Section 4616.3. Medical access assistants
shall have a toll-free telephone number that injured employees may
use and shall be available at least from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific
Standard Time, Monday through Saturday, inclusive, to respond to
injured employees, contact physicians’ offices during regular business
hours, and schedule appointments. The administrative director shall
promulgate regulations on or before July 1, 2013, governing the pro-
vision of medical access assistants.
(b) (1) An insurer, employer, or entity that provides physician net-
work services shall submit a plan for the medical provider network to
the administrative director for approval. The administrative director
shall approve the plan for a period of four years if he or she deter-
mines that the plan meets the requirements of this section. If the
administrative director does not act on the plan within 60 days of
submitting the plan, it shall be deemed approved. Commencing Jan-
uary 1, 2014, existing approved plans shall be deemed approved for a
period of four years from the approval date of the most recent applica-
tion or modification submitted prior to 2014. Plans for reapproval for
medical provider networks shall be submitted at least six months be-
fore the expiration of the four-year approval period. Commencing
January 1, 2016, a modification that updates an entire medical pro-
vider network plan to bring the plan into full compliance with all cur-
rent statutes and regulations shall be deemed approved for a period
of four years from the modification approval date. An approved modi-
fication that does not update an entire medical provider network plan
to bring the plan into full compliance with all current statutes and
regulations shall not alter the expiration of the medical provider net-
work’s four-year approval period. Upon a showing that the medical
provider network was approved or deemed approved by the adminis-
trative director, there shall be a conclusive presumption on the part
of the appeals board that the medical provider network was validly
formed.
(2) Every medical provider network shall establish and follow pro-
cedures to continuously review the quality of care, performance of
medical personnel, utilization of services and facilities, and costs.
(3) Every medical provider network shall submit geocoding of its
network for reapproval to establish that the number and geographic
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 937

location of physicians in the network meets the required access

standards.
(4) The administrative director shall at any time have the discre-
tion to investigate complaints and to conduct random reviews of ap-
proved medical provider networks.
(5) Approval of a plan may be denied, revoked, or suspended if the
medical provider network fails to meet the requirements of this arti-
cle. Any person contending that a medical provider network is not
validly constituted may petition the administrative director to sus-
pend or revoke the approval of the medical provider network. The
administrative director may adopt regulations establishing a sched-
ule of administrative penalties not to exceed five thousand dollars
($5,000) per violation, or probation, or both, in lieu of revocation or
suspension for less severe violations of the requirements of this arti-
cle. Penalties, probation, suspension, or revocation shall be ordered
by the administrative director only after notice and opportunity to be
heard. Unless suspended or revoked by the administrative director,
the administrative director’s approval of a medical provider network
shall be binding on all persons and all courts. A determination of the
administrative director may be reviewed only by an appeal of the de-
termination of the administrative director filed as an original pro-
ceeding before the reconsideration unit of the workers’ compensation
appeals board on the same grounds and within the same time limits
after issuance of the determination as would be applicable to a peti-
tion for reconsideration of a decision of a workers’ compensation ad-
ministrative law judge.
(c) Physician compensation may not be structured in order to
achieve the goal of reducing, delaying, or denying medical treatment
or restricting access to medical treatment.
(d) If the employer or insurer meets the requirements of this sec-
tion, the administrative director may not withhold approval or disap-
prove an employer’s or insurer’s medical provider network based sole-
ly on the selection of providers. In developing a medical provider net-
work, an employer or insurer shall have the exclusive right to deter-
mine the members of their network.
(e) All treatment provided shall be provided in accordance with the
medical treatment utilization schedule established pursuant to Sec-
tion 5307.27.
(f) No person other than a licensed physician who is competent to
evaluate the specific clinical issues involved in the medical treatment
services, when these services are within the scope of the physician’s
practice, may modify, delay, or deny requests for authorization of
medical treatment.
(g) Commencing January 1, 2013, every contracting agent that
sells, leases, assigns, transfers, or conveys its medical provider net-
works and their contracted reimbursement rates to an insurer, em-
938 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ployer, entity that provides physician network services, or another

contracting agent shall, upon entering or renewing a provider con-
tract, disclose to the provider whether the medical provider network
may be sold, leased, transferred, or conveyed to other insurers, em-
ployers, entities that provide physician network services, or another
contracting agent, and specify whether those insurers, employers,
entities that provide physician network services, or contracting
agents include workers’ compensation insurers.
(h) On or before November 1, 2004, the administrative director, in
consultation with the Department of Managed Health Care, shall
adopt regulations implementing this article. The administrative di-
rector shall develop regulations that establish procedures for purpos-
es of making medical provider network modifications.
Added Stats 2004 ch 34 § 27 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 47 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2015 ch 542 § 1 (SB 542), effective
January 1, 2016.

§ 4616.1. Economic profiling; Filing of policies and

procedures; Disclosure to public
(a) An insurer , employer, or entity that provides physician network
services that offers a medical provider network under this division
and that uses economic profiling shall file with the administrative
director a description of any policies and procedures related to eco-
nomic profiling utilized . The filing shall describe how these policies
and procedures are used in utilization review, peer review, incentive
and penalty programs, and in provider retention and termination de-
cisions. The insurer , employer, or entity that provides physician net-
work services shall provide a copy of the filing to an individual physi-
cian, provider, medical group, or individual practice association.
(b) The administrative director shall make each approved medical
provider network economic profiling policy filing available to the pub-
lic upon request. The administrative director may not publicly dis-
close any information submitted pursuant to this section that is de-
termined by the administrative director to be confidential pursuant to
state or federal law.
(c) For the purposes of this article, “economic profiling” shall mean
any evaluation of a particular physician, provider, medical group, or
individual practice association based in whole or in part on the eco-
nomic costs or utilization of services associated with medical care
provided or authorized by the physician, provider, medical group, or
individual practice association.
Added Stats 2004 ch 34 § 27 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 48 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 939

§ 4616.2. Continuity of care policy; Filing and approval;

Revisions; Notice; Completion of treatment by terminated
provider
(a) A medical provider network shall file a written continuity of
care policy with the administrative director.
(b) If approved by the administrative director, the provisions of the
written continuity of care policy shall replace all prior continuity of
care policies. A medical provider network shall file a revision of the
continuity of care policy with the administrative director if it makes a
material change to the policy.
(c) The medical provider network shall provide all employees enter-
ing the workers’ compensation system notice of the medical provider
network’s written continuity of care policy and information regarding
the process for an employee to request a review under the policy and,
upon request, a copy of the medical provider network’s written conti-
nuity of care policy .
(d) (1) At the request of an injured employee, completion of treat-
ment shall be provided by a terminated provider as set forth in this
section .
(2) The completion of treatment shall be provided by a terminated
provider to an injured employee who, at the time of the contract’s
termination, was receiving services from that provider for one of the
conditions described in paragraph (3).
(3) The employer or its claims administrator shall provide for the
completion of treatment for the following conditions subject to cover-
age through the workers’ compensation system:
(A) An acute condition. An acute condition is a medical condition
that involves a sudden onset of symptoms due to an illness, injury, or
other medical problem that requires prompt medical attention and
that has a limited duration. Completion of treatment shall be provid-
ed for the duration of the acute condition.
(B) A serious chronic condition. A serious chronic condition is a
medical condition due to a disease, illness, or other medical problem
or medical disorder that is serious in nature and that persists without
full cure or worsens over an extended period of time or requires ongo-
ing treatment to maintain remission or prevent deterioration. Com-
pletion of treatment shall be provided for a period of time necessary
to complete a course of treatment and to arrange for a safe transfer to
another provider, as determined by the employer or its claims admin-
istrator in consultation with the injured employee and the terminated
provider and consistent with good professional practice. Completion
of treatment under this paragraph shall not exceed 12 months from
the contract termination date.
(C) A terminal illness. A terminal illness is an incurable or irre-
versible condition that has a high probability of causing death within
940 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

one year or less. Completion of treatment shall be provided for the

duration of a terminal illness.
(D) Performance of a surgery or other procedure that is authorized
by the employer or its claims administrator as part of a documented
course of treatment and has been recommended and documented by
the provider to occur within 180 days of the contract’s termination
date.
(4) (A) The employer or its claims administrator may require the
terminated provider whose services are continued beyond the con-
tract termination date pursuant to this section to agree in writing to
be subject to the same contractual terms and conditions that were
imposed upon the provider prior to termination. If the terminated
provider does not agree to comply or does not comply with these con-
tractual terms and conditions, the employer or its claims administra-
tor is not required to continue the provider’s services beyond the con-
tract termination date.
(B) Unless otherwise agreed by the terminated provider and the
employer or its claims administrator, the services rendered pursuant
to this section shall be compensated at rates and methods of payment
similar to those used by the medical provider network for currently
contracting providers providing similar services who are practicing in
the same or a similar geographic area as the terminated provider.
The employer or its claims administrator is not required to continue
the services of a terminated provider if the provider does not accept
the payment rates provided for in this paragraph.
(5) An employer or its claims administrator shall ensure that the
requirements of this section are met.
(6) This section shall not require an employer or its claims adminis-
trator to provide for completion of treatment by a provider whose con-
tract with the medical provider network has been terminated or not
renewed for reasons relating to a medical disciplinary cause or rea-
son, as defined in paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 805 of
the Business and Professions Code, or fraud or other criminal activi-
ty.
(7) Nothing in this section shall preclude an employer or its claims
administrator from providing continuity of care beyond the require-
ments of this section.
Added Stats 2004 ch 34 § 27 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 49 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2015 ch 542 § 2 (SB 542), effective
January 1, 2016.

§ 4616.3. Initial medical evaluation; Notice of right to be

treated by physician of employee’s choice; Second and third
opinions; Specialists
(a) If the injured employee notifies the employer of the injury or
files a claim for workers’ compensation with the employer, the em-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 941

ployer shall arrange an initial medical evaluation and begin treat-

ment as required by Section 4600.
(b) The employer shall notify the employee of the existence of the
medical provider network established pursuant to this article, the
employee’s right to change treating physicians within the network
after the first visit, and the method by which the list of participating
providers may be accessed by the employee. The employer’s failure to
provide notice as required by this subdivision or failure to post the
notice as required by Section 3550 shall not be a basis for the employ-
ee to treat outside the network unless it is shown that the failure to
provide notice resulted in a denial of medical care.
(c) If an injured employee disputes either the diagnosis or the
treatment prescribed by the treating physician, the employee may
seek the opinion of another physician in the medical provider net-
work. If the injured employee disputes the diagnosis or treatment
prescribed by the second physician, the employee may seek the opin-
ion of a third physician in the medical provider network.
(d) (1) Selection by the injured employee of a treating physician and
any subsequent physicians shall be based on the physician’s specialty
or recognized expertise in treating the particular injury or condition
in question.
(2) Treatment by a specialist who is not a member of the medical
provider network may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if the
medical provider network does not contain a physician who can pro-
vide the approved treatment and the treatment is approved by the
employer or the insurer.
Added Stats 2004 ch 34 § 27 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 50 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4616.7. Requirements for approval; Health care

organization; Health care service plan; Group disability
insurance policy; Taft–Hartley health and welfare fund
(a) A health care organization certified pursuant to Section 4600.5
shall be deemed approved pursuant to this article if the requirements
of this article are met, as determined by the administrative director.
(b) A health care service plan, licensed pursuant to Chapter 2.2
(commencing with Section 1340) of Division 2 of the Health and Safe-
ty Code, shall be deemed approved for purposes of this article if it has
a reasonable number of physicians with competency in occupational
medicine, as determined by the administrative director.
(c) A group disability insurance policy, as defined in subdivision (b)
of Section 106 of the Insurance Code, that covers hospital, surgical,
and medical care expenses shall be deemed approved for purposes of
this article if it has a reasonable number of physicians with compe-
tency in occupational medicine, as determined by the administrative
942 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

director. For the purposes of this section, a group disability insurance

policy shall not include Medicare supplement, vision-only, dental-
only, and Champus-supplement insurance. For purposes of this sec-
tion, a group disability insurance policy shall not include hospital in-
demnity, accident-only, and specified disease insurance that pays
benefits on a fixed benefit, cash-payment-only basis.
(d) Any Taft-Hartley health and welfare fund shall be deemed ap-
proved for purposes of this article if it has a reasonable number of
physicians with competency in occupational medicine, as determined
by the administrative director.
Added Stats 2004 ch 34 § 27 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 51 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

Article 2.5
Medical–Legal Expenses
§ 4620. “Medical-legal expense”; “Contested claim”
(a) For purposes of this article, a medical-legal expense means any
costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of any party, the adminis-
trative director, or the board, which expenses may include X-rays,
laboratory fees, other diagnostic tests, medical reports, medical rec-
ords, medical testimony, and, as needed, interpreter’s fees by a certi-
fied interpreter pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section
11435.05) of Chapter 4.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, or Section
68566 of, the Government Code, for the purpose of proving or disprov-
ing a contested claim.
(b) A contested claim exists when the employer knows or reasonably
should know that the employee is claiming entitlement to any benefit
arising out of a claimed industrial injury and one of the following
conditions exists:
(1) The employer rejects liability for a claimed benefit.
(2) The employer fails to accept liability for benefits after the expi-
ration of a reasonable period of time within which to decide if it will
contest the claim.
(3) The employer fails to respond to a demand for payment of bene-
fits after the expiration of any time period fixed by statute for the
payment of indemnity.
(c) Costs of medical evaluations, diagnostic tests, and interpreters
incidental to the production of a medical report do not constitute med-
ical-legal expenses unless the medical report is capable of proving or
disproving a disputed medical fact, the determination of which is es-
sential to an adjudication of the employee’s claim for benefits. In de-
termining whether a report meets the requirements of this subdivi-
sion, a judge shall give full consideration to the substance as well as
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 943

the form of the report, as required by applicable statutes and regula-

tions.
(d) If the injured employee cannot effectively communicate with an
examining physician because he or she cannot proficiently speak or
understand the English language, the injured employee is entitled to
the services of a qualified interpreter during the medical examina-
tion. Upon request of the injured employee, the employer or insurance
carrier shall pay the costs of the interpreter services, as set forth in
the fee schedule adopted by the administrative director pursuant to
Section 5811. An employer shall not be required to pay for the ser-
vices of an interpreter who is provisionally certified unless either the
employer consents in advance to the selection of the individual who
provides the interpreting service or the injured worker requires in-
terpreting service in a language other than the languages designated
pursuant to Section 11435.40 of the Government Code.
Added Stats 1984 ch 596 § 4, effective July 19, 1984. Amended Stats 1985 ch 428 § 1,
effective July 30, 1985. Amended Stats 1993 ch 4 § 2 (SB 31), effective April 3, 1993;
Stats 2012 ch 363 § 52 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4622. Time limits for payment of expenses; Penalties for late

payment; Notice of employer contests; Regulations
All medical-legal expenses for which the employer is liable shall,
upon receipt by the employer of all reports and documents required
by the administrative director incident to the services, be paid to
whom the funds and expenses are due, as follows:
(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), within 60 days after
receipt by the employer of each separate, written billing and report,
and if payment is not made within this period, that portion of the
billed sum then unreasonably unpaid shall be increased by 10 per-
cent, together with interest thereon at the rate of 7 percent per an-
num retroactive to the date of receipt of the bill and report by the
employer. If the employer, within the 60-day period, contests the rea-
sonableness and necessity for incurring the fees, services, and ex-
penses using the explanation of review required by Section 4603.3,
payment shall be made within 20 days of the service of an order of the
appeals board or the administrative director pursuant to Section
4603.6 directing payment.
(2) The penalty provided for in paragraph (1) shall not apply if both
of the following occur:
(A) The employer pays the provider that portion of his or her charg-
es that do not exceed the amount deemed reasonable pursuant to
subdivision (e) within 60 days of receipt of the report and itemized
billing.
(B) The employer prevails.
(b) (1) If the provider contests the amount paid, the provider may
request a second review within 90 days of the service of the explana-
944 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

tion of review. The request for a second review shall be submitted to

the employer on a form prescribed by the administrative director and
shall include all of the following:
(A) The date of the explanation of review and the claim number or
other unique identifying number provided on the explanation of re-
view.
(B) The party or parties requesting the service.
(C) Any item and amount in dispute.
(D) The additional payment requested and the reason therefor.
(E) Any additional information requested in the original explana-
tion of review and any other information provided in support of the
additional payment requested.
(2) If the provider does not request a second review within 90 days,
the bill will be deemed satisfied and neither the employer nor the
employee shall be liable for any further payment.
(3) Within 14 days of the request for second review, the employer
shall respond with a final written determination on each of the items
or amounts in dispute, including whether additional payment will be
made.
(4) If the provider contests the amount paid, after receipt of the sec-
ond review, the provider shall request an independent bill review as
provided for in Section 4603.6.
(c) If the employer denies all or a portion of the amount billed for
any reason other than the amount to be paid pursuant to the fee
schedules in effect on the date of service, the provider may object to
the denial within 90 days of the service of the explanation of review.
If the provider does not object to the denial within 90 days, neither
the employer nor the employee shall be liable for the amount that
was denied. If the provider objects to the denial within 90 days of the
service of the explanation of review, the employer shall file a petition
and a declaration of readiness to proceed with the appeals board
within 60 days of service of the objection. If the employer prevails be-
fore the appeals board, the appeals board shall order the physician to
reimburse the employer for the amount of the paid charges found to
be unreasonable.
(d) If requested by the employee, or the dependents of a deceased
employee, within 20 days from the filing of an order of the appeals
board directing payment, and where payment is not made within that
period, that portion of the billed sum then unpaid shall be increased
by 10 percent, together with interest thereon at the rate of 7 percent
per annum retroactive to the date of the filing of the order of the
board directing payment.
(e) Using the explanation of review as described in Section 4603.3,
the employer shall notify the provider of the services, the employee,
or if represented, his or her attorney, if the employer contests the
reasonableness or necessity of incurring these expenses, and shall
indicate the reasons therefor.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 945

(1) Using the explanation of review as described in Section 4603.3,

the employer shall notify the provider of the services, the employee,
or if represented, his or her attorney, if the employer contests the
reasonableness or necessity of incurring these expenses, and shall
indicate the reasons therefor.
(2) The appeals board shall promulgate all necessary and reasona-
ble rules and regulations to insure compliance with this section, and
shall take such further steps as may be necessary to guarantee that
the rules and regulations are enforced.
(3) The provisions of Sections 5800 and 5814 shall not apply to this
section.
(f) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to create a
rebuttable presumption of entitlement to payment of an expense upon
receipt by the employer of the required reports and documents. This
section is not applicable unless there has been compliance with Sec-
tions 4620 and 4621.
Added Stats 1984 ch 596 § 4, effective July 19, 1984. Amended Stats 1993 ch 4 § 4 (SB
31), effective April 3, 1993; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 53 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

Article 3
Disability Payments
§ 4650. Time of first payment for temporary or permanent
disability indemnity; Increase for late payments;
Reimbursement of insurer; Salary continuation plan
(a) If an injury causes temporary disability, the first payment of
temporary disability indemnity shall be made not later than 14 days
after knowledge of the injury and disability, on which date all indem-
nity then due shall be paid, unless liability for the injury is earlier
denied.
(b) (1) If the injury causes permanent disability, the first payment
shall be made within 14 days after the date of last payment of tempo-
rary disability indemnity, except as provided in paragraph (2). When
the last payment of temporary disability indemnity has been made
pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4656, and regardless of whether
the extent of permanent disability can be determined at that date, the
employer nevertheless shall commence the timely payment required
by this subdivision and shall continue to make these payments until
the employer’s reasonable estimate of permanent disability indemnity
due has been paid, and if the amount of permanent disability indem-
nity due has been determined, until that amount has been paid.
(2) Prior to an award of permanent disability indemnity, a perma-
nent disability indemnity payment shall not be required if the em-
ployer has offered the employee a position that pays at least 85 per-
cent of the wages and compensation paid to the employee at the time
946 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

of injury or if the employee is employed in a position that pays at

least 100 percent of the wages and compensation paid to the employee
at the time of injury, provided that when an award of permanent dis-
ability indemnity is made, the amount then due shall be calculated
from the last date for which temporary disability indemnity was paid,
or the date the employee’s disability became permanent and station-
ary, whichever is earlier.
(c) Payment of temporary or permanent disability indemnity subse-
quent to the first payment shall be made as due every two weeks on
the day designated with the first payment.
(d) If any indemnity payment is not made timely as required by this
section, the amount of the late payment shall be increased 10 percent
and shall be paid, without application, to the employee, unless the
employer continues the employee’s wages under a salary continuation
plan, as defined in subdivision (g). No increase shall apply to any
payment due prior to or within 14 days after the date the claim form
was submitted to the employer under Section 5401. No increase shall
apply when, within the 14-day period specified under subdivision (a),
the employer is unable to determine whether temporary disability
indemnity payments are owed and advises the employee, in the man-
ner prescribed in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section
138.4, why payments cannot be made within the 14-day period, what
additional information is required to make the decision whether tem-
porary disability indemnity payments are owed, and when the em-
ployer expects to have the information required to make the decision.
(e) If the employer is insured for its obligation to provide compensa-
tion, the employer shall be obligated to reimburse the insurer for the
amount of increase in indemnity payments, made pursuant to subdi-
vision (d), if the late payment which gives rise to the increase in in-
demnity payments, is due less than seven days after the insurer re-
ceives the completed claim form from the employer. Except as speci-
fied in this subdivision, an employer shall not be obligated to reim-
burse an insurer nor shall an insurer be permitted to seek reim-
bursement, directly or indirectly, for the amount of increase in in-
demnity payments specified in this section.
(f) If an employer is obligated under subdivision (e) to reimburse
the insurer for the amount of increase in indemnity payments, the
insurer shall notify the employer in writing, within 30 days of the
payment, that the employer is obligated to reimburse the insurer and
shall bill and collect the amount of the payment no later than at final
audit. However, the insurer shall not be obligated to collect, and the
employer shall not be obligated to reimburse, amounts paid pursuant
to subdivision (d) unless the aggregate total paid in a policy year ex-
ceeds one hundred dollars ($100). The employer shall have 60 days,
following notice of the obligation to reimburse, to appeal the decision
of the insurer to the Department of Insurance. The notice of the obli-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 947

gation to reimburse shall specify that the employer has the right to
appeal the decision of the insurer as provided in this subdivision.
(g) For purposes of this section, “salary continuation plan” means a
plan that meets both of the following requirements:
(1) The plan is paid for by the employer pursuant to statute, collec-
tive bargaining agreement, memorandum of understanding, or estab-
lished employer policy.
(2) The plan provides the employee on his or her regular payday
with salary not less than the employee is entitled to receive pursuant
to statute, collective bargaining agreement, memorandum of under-
standing, or established employer policy and not less than the em-
ployee would otherwise receive in indemnity payments.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1947 ch 1033 § 5; Stats 1949 ch 408 § 1, ch 705 § 1; Stats
1959 ch 1189 § 11; Stats 1971 ch 1750 § 4, operative April 1, 1972; Stats 1973 ch 1021
§ 1, operative April 1, 1974; Stats 1989 ch 892 § 34; Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 41 (AB 2910).
Amended Stats 2004 ch 34 § 28 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363
§ 54 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4658. Permanent disability; Computation; Benefits

schedules; Increase or decrease in disability payments
depending on offer or termination of regular, modified or
alternative work
(a) For injuries occurring prior to January 1, 1992, if the injury
causes permanent disability, the percentage of disability to total dis-
ability shall be determined, and the disability payment computed and
allowed, according to paragraph (1). However, in no event shall the
disability payment allowed be less than the disability payment com-
puted according to paragraph (2).
(1)
Column 1—Range of Column 2—Number of weeks for
percentage of permanent which two-thirds of average weekly
disability incurred: earnings allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability within
percentage range:
Under 10 ................................ 3
10–19.75 ................................ 4
20–29.75 ................................ 5
30–49.75 ................................ 6
50–69.75 ................................ 7
70–99.75 ................................ 8
The number of weeks for which payments shall be allowed set forth
in column 2 above based upon the percentage of permanent disability
set forth in column 1 above shall be cumulative, and the number of
948 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

benefit weeks shall increase with the severity of the disability. The
following schedule is illustrative of the computation of the number of
benefit weeks:
Column 1—Percentage Column 2—Cumulative
of permanent disability number of benefit weeks:
incurred:
5 ............................................. 15
10 ........................................... 30.25
15 ........................................... 50.25
20 ........................................... 70.50
25 ........................................... 95.50
30 ........................................... 120.75
35 ........................................... 150.75
40 ........................................... 180.75
45 ........................................... 210.75
50 ........................................... 241.00
55 ........................................... 276.00
60 ........................................... 311.00
65 ........................................... 346.00
70 ........................................... 381.25
75 ........................................... 421.25
80 ........................................... 461.25
85 ........................................... 501.25
90 ........................................... 541.25
95 ........................................... 581.25
100 ......................................... for life
(2) Two-thirds of the average weekly earnings for four weeks for
each 1 percent of disability, where, for the purposes of this subdivi-
sion, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at not more than
seventy-eight dollars and seventy-five cents ($78.75).
(b) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 1992. If the injury causes permanent disability, the per-
centage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the
disability payment computed and allowed, according to paragraph (1).
However, in no event shall the disability payment allowed be less
than the disability payment computed according to paragraph (2).
(1)
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 949

Column 1—Range of Column 2—Number of weeks for

percentage of permanent which two-thirds of average weekly
disability incurred: earnings allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability within
percentage range:
Under 10 ................................ 3
10-19.75 ................................. 4
20-24.75 ................................. 5
25-29.75 ................................. 6
30-49.75 ................................. 7
50-69.75 ................................. 8
70-99.75 ................................. 9
The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the per-
centage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and shall
be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disability in
the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).
(2) Two-thirds of the average weekly earnings for four weeks for
each 1 percent of disability, where, for the purposes of this subdivi-
sion, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at not more than
seventy-eight dollars and seventy-five cents ($78.75).
(c) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 2004. If the injury causes permanent disability, the per-
centage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the
disability payment computed and allowed as follows:

Column 1—Range of Column 2—number of weeks for

percentage of permanent which two-thirds of average weekly
disability incurred: earnings allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability within per-
centage range:
Under 10 ................................ 4
10-19.75 ................................. 5
20-24.75 ................................. 5
25-29.75 ................................. 6
30-49.75 ................................. 7
50-69.75 ................................. 8
70-99.75 ................................. 9
The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the per-
centage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and shall
be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disability in
the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).
950 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(d) (1) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after

January 1, 2005, and as additionally provided in paragraph (4). If the
injury causes permanent disability, the percentage of disability to
total disability shall be determined, and the basic disability payment
computed as follows:
Column 1—Range of per- Column 2—Number of weeks for
centage of permanent disa- which two-thirds of average weekly
bility incurred: earnings allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability within
percentage range:
0.25-9.75 ................................ 3
10-14.75 ................................. 4
15-24.75 ................................. 5
25-29.75 ................................. 6
30-49.75 ................................. 7
50-69.75 ................................. 8
70-99.75 ................................. 16
The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the per-
centage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and shall
be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disability in
the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).
(2) If, within 60 days of a disability becoming permanent and sta-
tionary, an employer does not offer the injured employee regular
work, modified work, or alternative work, in the form and manner
prescribed by the administrative director, for a period of at least 12
months, each disability payment remaining to be paid to the injured
employee from the date of the end of the 60-day period shall be paid
in accordance with paragraph (1) and increased by 15 percent. This
paragraph shall not apply to an employer that employs fewer than 50
employees.
(3) (A) If, within 60 days of a disability becoming permanent and
stationary, an employer offers the injured employee regular work,
modified work, or alternative work, in the form and manner pre-
scribed by the administrative director, for a period of at least 12
months, and regardless of whether the injured employee accepts or
rejects the offer, each disability payment remaining to be paid to the
injured employee from the date the offer was made shall be paid in
accordance with paragraph (1) and decreased by 15 percent.
(B) If the regular work, modified work, or alternative work is ter-
minated by the employer before the end of the period for which disa-
bility payments are due the injured employee, the amount of each of
the remaining disability payments shall be paid in accordance with
paragraph (1) and increased by 15 percent. An employee who volun-
tarily terminates employment shall not be eligible for payment under
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 951

this subparagraph. This paragraph shall not apply to an employer

that employs fewer than 50 employees.
(4) For compensable claims arising before April 30, 2004, the
schedule provided in this subdivision shall not apply to the determi-
nation of permanent disabilities when there has been either a com-
prehensive medical-legal report or a report by a treating physician,
indicating the existence of permanent disability, or when the employ-
er is required to provide the notice required by Section 4061 to the
injured worker.
(e) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 2013. If the injury causes permanent disability, the per-
centage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the
disability payment computed and allowed as follows:
Column 1—Range of Column 2—Number of weeks for
percentage of permanent which two-thirds of average weekly
disability incurred: earnings allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability within
percentage range:
0.25–9.75 ............................... 3
10–14.75 ................................ 4
15–24.75 ................................ 5
25–29.75 ................................ 6
30–49.75 ................................ 7
50–69.75 ................................ 8
70–99.75 ................................ 16
(1) The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the
percentage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and
shall be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disa-
bility in the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).
(2) If the permanent disability directly caused by the industrial in-
jury is total, payment shall be made as provided in Section 4659.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1949 ch 1583 § 1; Stats 1959 ch 1189 § 13; Stats 1971 ch
1750 § 5, operative April 1, 1972; Stats 1973 ch 1023 § 6, operative April 1, 1974; Stats
1989 ch 892 § 37, ch 893 § 4. Amended Stats 2002 ch 6 § 66 (AB 749); Stats 2004 ch 34
§ 30 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 55 (SB 863), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2013.

§ 4658.5. Eligibility for supplemental job displacement for

injuries on or after January 1, 2004, and before January 1,
2013
(a) This section shall apply to injuries occurring on or after January
1, 2004, and before January 1, 2013.
952 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) Except as provided in Section 4658.6, if the injury causes per-

manent partial disability and the injured employee does not return to
work for the employer within 60 days of the termination of temporary
disability, the injured employee shall be eligible for a supplemental
job displacement benefit in the form of a nontransferable voucher for
education-related retraining or skill enhancement, or both, at state-
approved or accredited schools, as follows:
(1) Up to four thousand dollars ($4,000) for permanent partial disa-
bility awards of less than 15 percent.
(2) Up to six thousand dollars ($6,000) for permanent partial disa-
bility awards between 15 and 25 percent.
(3) Up to eight thousand dollars ($8,000) for permanent partial dis-
ability awards between 26 and 49 percent.
(4) Up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for permanent partial dis-
ability awards between 50 and 99 percent.
(c) The voucher may be used for payment of tuition, fees, books, and
other expenses required by the school for retraining or skill en-
hancement. No more than 10 percent of the voucher moneys may be
used for vocational or return-to-work counseling. The administrative
director shall adopt regulations governing the form of payment, direct
reimbursement to the injured employee upon presentation to the em-
ployer of appropriate documentation and receipts, and other matters
necessary to the proper administration of the supplemental job dis-
placement benefit.
(d) A voucher issued on or after January 1, 2013, shall expire two
years after the date the voucher is furnished to the employee or five
years after the date of injury, whichever is later. The employee shall
not be entitled to payment or reimbursement of any expenses that
have not been incurred and submitted with appropriate documenta-
tion to the employer prior to the expiration date.
(e) An employer shall not be liable for compensation for injuries in-
curred by the employee while utilizing the voucher.
Added Stats 2003 ch 635 § 14.4 (AB 227). Amended Stats 2005 ch 22 § 144 (SB 1108),
effective January 1, 2006; Stats 2008 ch 179 § 176 (SB 1498), effective January 1, 2009;
Stats 2011 ch 544 § 5 (AB 335), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 56 (SB
863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4658.6. Employer liability for supplemental job

displacement benefit
The employer shall not be liable for the supplemental job displace-
ment benefit pursuant to Section 4658.5 if the employer meets either
of the following conditions:
(a) Within 30 days of the termination of temporary disability in-
demnity payments, the employer offers, and the employee rejects, or
fails to accept, in the form and manner prescribed by the administra-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 953

tive director, modified work, accommodating the employee’s work re-

strictions, lasting at least 12 months.
(b) Within 30 days of the termination of temporary disability in-
demnity payments, the employer offers, and the employee rejects, or
fails to accept, in the form and manner prescribed by the administra-
tive director, alternative work meeting all of the following conditions:
(1) The employee has the ability to perform the essential functions
of the job provided.
(2) The job provided is in a regular position lasting at least 12
months.
(3) The job provided offers wages and compensation that are within
15 percent of those paid to the employee at the time of injury.
(4) The job is located within reasonable commuting distance of the
employee’s residence at the time of injury.
Added Stats 2003 ch 635 § 15 (AB 227). Amended Stats 2012 ch 363 § 57 (SB 863),
effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4658.7. Eligibility for supplemental job displacement for

injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2013
(a) This section shall apply to injuries occurring on or after January
1, 2013.
(b) If the injury causes permanent partial disability, the injured
employee shall be entitled to a supplemental job displacement benefit
as provided in this section unless the employer makes an offer of reg-
ular, modified, or alternative work, as defined in Section 4658.1, that
meets both of the following criteria:
(1) The offer is made no later than 60 days after receipt by the
claims administrator of the first report received from either the pri-
mary treating physician, an agreed medical evaluator, or a qualified
medical evaluator, in the form created by the administrative director
pursuant to subdivision (h), finding that the disability from all condi-
tions for which compensation is claimed has become permanent and
stationary and that the injury has caused permanent partial disabil-
ity.
(A) If the employer or claims administrator has provided the physi-
cian with a job description of the employee’s regular work, proposed
modified work, or proposed alternative work, the physician shall
evaluate and describe in the form whether the work capacities and
activity restrictions are compatible with the physical requirements
set forth in that job description.
(B) The claims administrator shall forward the form to the employ-
er for the purpose of fully informing the employer of work capacities
and activity restrictions resulting from the injury that are relevant to
potential regular, modified, or alternative work.
(2) The offer is for regular work, modified work, or alternative work
lasting at least 12 months.
954 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(c) The supplemental job displacement benefit shall be offered to

the employee within 20 days after the expiration of the time for mak-
ing an offer of regular, modified, or alternative work pursuant to par-
agraph (1) of subdivision (b).
(d) The supplemental job displacement benefit shall be in the form
of a voucher redeemable as provided in this section up to an aggre-
gate of six thousand dollars ($6,000).
(e) The voucher may be applied to any of the following expenses at
the choice of the injured employee:
(1) Payment for education-related retraining or skill enhancement,
or both, at a California public school or with a provider that is certi-
fied and on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List (EPTL), as au-
thorized by the federal Workforce Investment Act (P.L. 105-220), in-
cluding payment of tuition, fees, books, and other expenses required
by the school for retraining or skill enhancement.
(2) Payment for occupational licensing or professional certification
fees, related examination fees, and examination preparation course
fees.
(3) Payment for the services of licensed placement agencies, voca-
tional or return-to-work counseling, and résumé preparation, all up to
a combined limit of 10 percent of the amount of the voucher.
(4) Purchase of tools required by a training or educational program
in which the employee is enrolled.
(5) Purchase of computer equipment, up to one thousand dollars
($1,000).
(6) Up to five hundred dollars ($500) as a miscellaneous expense re-
imbursement or advance, payable upon request and without need for
itemized documentation or accounting. The employee shall not be en-
titled to any other voucher payment for transportation, travel ex-
penses, telephone or Internet access, clothing or uniforms, or inci-
dental expenses.
(f) The voucher shall expire two years after the date the voucher is
furnished to the employee, or five years after the date of injury,
whichever is later. The employee shall not be entitled to payment or
reimbursement of any expenses that have not been incurred and
submitted with appropriate documentation to the employer prior to
the expiration date.
(g) Settlement or commutation of a claim for the supplemental job
displacement benefit shall not be permitted under Chapter 2 (com-
mencing with Section 5000) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section
5100) of Part 3.
(h) The administrative director shall adopt regulations for the ad-
ministration of this section, including, but not limited to, both of the
following:
(1) The time, manner, and content of notices of rights under this
section.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 955

(2) The form of a mandatory attachment to a medical report to be

forwarded to the employer pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision
(b) for the purpose of fully informing the employer of work capacities
and of activity restrictions resulting from the injury that are relevant
to potential regular work, modified work, or alternative work.
(i) An employer shall not be liable for compensation for injuries in-
curred by the employee while utilizing the voucher.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 58 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4660. Percentages of permanent disability for injuries

occurring before January 1, 2013; How determined; Adjusted
rating schedule; Amendments and revisions to schedule
This section shall only apply to injuries occurring before January 1,
2013.
(a) In determining the percentages of permanent disability, account
shall be taken of the nature of the physical injury or disfigurement,
the occupation of the injured employee, and his or her age at the time
of the injury, consideration being given to an employee’s diminished
future earning capacity.
(b) (1) For purposes of this section, the “nature of the physical inju-
ry or disfigurement” shall incorporate the descriptions and measure-
ments of physical impairments and the corresponding percentages of
impairments published in the American Medical Association (AMA)
Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th Edition).
(2) For purposes of this section, an employee’s diminished future
earning capacity shall be a numeric formula based on empirical data
and findings that aggregate the average percentage of long–term loss
of income resulting from each type of injury for similarly situated
employees. The administrative director shall formulate the adjusted
rating schedule based on empirical data and findings from the Evalu-
ation of California’s Permanent Disability Rating Schedule, Interim
Report (December 2003), prepared by the RAND Institute for Civil
Justice, and upon data from additional empirical studies.
(c) The administrative director shall amend the schedule for the de-
termination of the percentage of permanent disability in accordance
with this section at least once every five years. This schedule shall be
available for public inspection and, without formal introduction in
evidence, shall be prima facie evidence of the percentage of perma-
nent disability to be attributed to each injury covered by the schedule.
(d) The schedule shall promote consistency, uniformity, and objec-
tivity. The schedule and any amendment thereto or revision thereof
shall apply prospectively and shall apply to and govern only those
permanent disabilities that result from compensable injuries received
or occurring on and after the effective date of the adoption of the
schedule, amendment or revision, as the fact may be. For compensa-
956 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ble claims arising before January 1, 2005, the schedule as revised

pursuant to changes made in legislation enacted during the 2003–04
Regular and Extraordinary Sessions shall apply to the determination
of permanent disabilities when there has been either no comprehen-
sive medical–legal report or no report by a treating physician indicat-
ing the existence of permanent disability, or when the employer is not
required to provide the notice required by Section 4061 to the injured
worker.
(e) On or before January 1, 2005, the administrative director shall
adopt regulations to implement the changes made to this section by
the act that added this subdivision.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1951 ch 1683 § 1; Stats 1965 ch 1513 § 91, operative
January 15, 1966. Amended Stats 1993 ch 121 § 53 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993;
Stats 2004 ch 34 § 32 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 59 (SB
863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4660.1. Percentages of permanent disability for injuries

occurring on or after January 1, 2013; How determined;
Adjusted rating schedule; Amendments and revisions to
schedule
This section shall apply to injuries occurring on or after January 1,
2013.
(a) In determining the percentages of permanent partial or perma-
nent total disability, account shall be taken of the nature of the phys-
ical injury or disfigurement, the occupation of the injured employee,
and his or her age at the time of injury.
(b) For purposes of this section, the “nature of the physical injury or
disfigurement” shall incorporate the descriptions and measurements
of physical impairments and the corresponding percentages of im-
pairments published in the American Medical Association (AMA)
Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th Edition)
with the employee’s whole person impairment, as provided in the
Guides, multiplied by an adjustment factor of 1.4.
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), there shall be no in-
creases in impairment ratings for sleep dysfunction, sexual dysfunc-
tion, or psychiatric disorder, or any combination thereof, arising out
of a compensable physical injury. Nothing in this section shall limit
the ability of an injured employee to obtain treatment for sleep dys-
function, sexual dysfunction, or psychiatric disorder, if any, that are a
consequence of an industrial injury.
(2) An increased impairment rating for psychiatric disorder shall
not be subject to paragraph (1) if the compensable psychiatric injury
resulted from either of the following:
(A) Being a victim of a violent act or direct exposure to a significant
violent act within the meaning of Section 3208.3.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 957

(B) A catastrophic injury, including, but not limited to, loss of a

limb, paralysis, severe burn, or severe head injury.
(d) The administrative director may formulate a schedule of age
and occupational modifiers and may amend the schedule for the de-
termination of the age and occupational modifiers in accordance with
this section. The Schedule for Rating Permanent Disabilities pursu-
ant to the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evalu-
ation of Permanent Impairment (5th Edition) and the schedule of age
and occupational modifiers shall be available for public inspection
and, without formal introduction in evidence, shall be prima facie ev-
idence of the percentage of permanent disability to be attributed to
each injury covered by the schedule. Until the schedule of age and
occupational modifiers is amended, for injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 2013, permanent disabilities shall be rated using the age
and occupational modifiers in the permanent disability rating sched-
ule adopted as of January 1, 2005.
(e) The schedule of age and occupational modifiers shall promote
consistency, uniformity, and objectivity.
(f) The schedule of age and occupational modifiers and any amend-
ment thereto or revision thereof shall apply prospectively and shall
apply to and govern only those permanent disabilities that result
from compensable injuries received or occurring on and after the ef-
fective date of the adoption of the schedule, amendment, or revision,
as the case may be.
(g) Nothing in this section shall preclude a finding of permanent to-
tal disability in accordance with Section 4662.
(h) In enacting the act adding this section, it is not the intent of the
Legislature to overrule the holding in Milpitas Unified School District
v. Workers’ Comp. Appeals Bd. (Guzman) (2010) 187 Cal.App.4th 808.
(i) The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensa-
tion shall conduct a study to compare average loss of earnings for em-
ployees who sustained work-related injuries with permanent disabil-
ity ratings under the schedule, and shall report the results of the
study to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legisla-
ture no later than January 1, 2016.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 60 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

Article 4
Death Benefits
§ 4701. Liability for burial expenses and death benefit
If an injury causes death, either with or without disability, the em-
ployer shall be liable, in addition to any other benefits provided by
this division, for all of the following:
958 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(a) Reasonable expenses of the employee’s burial, in accordance

with the following:
(1) Up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) for injuries occurring prior
to January 1, 1991 .
(2) Up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for injuries occurring on or
after January 1, 1991, and prior to January 1, 2013.
(3) Up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for injuries occurring on or
after January 1, 2013.
(b) A death benefit, to be allowed to the dependents when the em-
ployee leaves any person dependent upon him or her for support.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1943 ch 678 § 1; Stats 1949 ch 321 § 1; Stats 1959 ch
1189 § 15; Stats 1st Ex Sess 1968 ch 4 § 7, operative January 1, 1969; Stats 1978 ch
487 § 1; Stats 1985 ch 1567 § 1; Stats 1988 ch 584 § 1; Stats 1989 ch 892 § 39; Stats
2012 ch 363 § 61 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

PART 3
COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Chapter 1
Payment and Assignment
§ 4903. Liens against sum to be paid as compensation
The appeals board may determine, and allow as liens against any
sum to be paid as compensation, any amount determined as hereinaf-
ter set forth in subdivisions (a) through (i). If more than one lien is
allowed, the appeals board may determine the priorities, if any, be-
tween the liens allowed. The liens that may be allowed hereunder are
as follows:
(a) A reasonable attorney’s fee for legal services pertaining to any
claim for compensation either before the appeals board or before any
of the appellate courts, and the reasonable disbursements in connec-
tion therewith. No fee for legal services shall be awarded to any rep-
resentative who is not an attorney, except with respect to those
claims for compensation for which an application, pursuant to Section
5501, has been filed with the appeals board on or before December 31,
1991, or for which a disclosure form, pursuant to Section 4906, has
been sent to the employer, or insurer or third-party administrator, if
either is known, on or before December 31, 1991.
(b) The reasonable expense incurred by or on behalf of the injured
employee, as provided by Article 2 (commencing with Section 4600),
and to the extent the employee is entitled to reimbursement under
Section 4621, medical-legal expenses as provided by Article 2.5 (com-
mencing with Section 4620) of Chapter 2 of Part 2, except those dis-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 959

putes subject to independent medical review or independent bill re-

view.
(c) The reasonable value of the living expenses of an injured em-
ployee or of his or her dependents, subsequent to the injury.
(d) The reasonable burial expenses of the deceased employee, not to
exceed the amount provided for by Section 4701.
(e) The reasonable living expenses of the spouse or minor children
of the injured employee, or both, subsequent to the date of the injury,
where the employee has deserted or is neglecting his or her family.
These expenses shall be allowed in the proportion that the appeals
board deems proper, under application of the spouse, guardian of the
minor children, or the assignee, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section
11477 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, of the spouse, a former
spouse, or minor children. A collection received as a result of a lien
against a workers’ compensation award imposed pursuant to this
subdivision for payment of child support ordered by a court shall be
credited as provided in Section 695.221 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(f) The amount of unemployment compensation disability benefits
that have been paid under or pursuant to the Unemployment Insur-
ance Code in those cases where, pending a determination under this
division there was uncertainty whether the benefits were payable un-
der the Unemployment Insurance Code or payable hereunder; provid-
ed, however, that any lien under this subdivision shall be allowed and
paid as provided in Section 4904.
(g) The amount of unemployment compensation benefits and ex-
tended duration benefits paid to the injured employee for the same
day or days for which he or she receives, or is entitled to receive, tem-
porary total disability indemnity payments under this division; pro-
vided, however, that any lien under this subdivision shall be allowed
and paid as provided in Section 4904.
(h) The amount of family temporary disability insurance benefits
that have been paid to the injured employee pursuant to the Unem-
ployment Insurance Code for the same day or days for which that
employee receives, or is entitled to receive, temporary total disability
indemnity payments under this division, provided, however, that any
lien under this subdivision shall be allowed and paid as provided in
Section 4904.
(i) The amount of indemnification granted by the California Victims
of Crime Program pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section
13959) of Chapter 5 of Part 4 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Govern-
ment Code.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1945 ch 507 § 1; Stats 1947 ch 833 § 1; Stats 1949 ch 488
§ 1; Stats 1957 ch 1977 § 1; Stats 1963 ch 1556 § 1; Stats 1965 ch 1513 § 103, operative
January 15, 1966; Stats 1967 ch 1721 § 2; Stats 1980 ch 1041 § 2, ch 1370 § 5.1, effec-
tive October 1, 1980; Stats 1981 ch 809 § 1, effective September 25, 1981; Stats 1984 ch
1463 § 2.5, effective September 26, 1984; Stats 1987 ch 1434 § 1. Amended Stats 1991
ch 116 § 30 (SB 1218), ch 934 § 14 (AB 1673); Stats 1993 ch 876 § 28 (SB 1068), effec-
960 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

tive October 6, 1993; Stats 1994 ch 75 § 4 (AB 1702), effective May 20, 1994; Stats 1996
ch 1077 § 12 (AB 2898); Stats 2003 ch 797 § 1 (SB 727); Stats 2012 ch 363 § 62 (SB
863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2014 ch 217 § 3 (AB 2732), effective January 1,
2015.

§ 4903.05. Filing of written lien claim required; Form; Fee

(a) Every lien claimant shall file its lien with the appeals board in
writing upon a form approved by the appeals board. The lien shall be
accompanied by a full statement or itemized voucher supporting the
lien and justifying the right to reimbursement and proof of service
upon the injured worker or, if deceased, upon the worker’s depend-
ents, the employer, the insurer, and the respective attorneys or other
agents of record. Medical records shall be filed only if they are rele-
vant to the issues being raised by the lien.
(b) Any lien claim for expenses under subdivision (b) of Section
4903 or for claims of costs shall be filed with the appeals board elec-
tronically using the form approved by the appeals board. The lien
shall be accompanied by a proof of service and any other documents
that may be required by the appeals board. The service requirements
for Section 4603.2 are not modified by this section.
(c) All liens filed on or after January 1, 2013, for expenses under
subdivision (b) of Section 4903 or for claims of costs shall be subject to
a filing fee as provided by this subdivision.
(1) The lien claimant shall pay a filing fee of one hundred fifty dol-
lars ($150) to the Division of Workers’ Compensation prior to filing a
lien and shall include proof that the filing fee has been paid. The fee
shall be collected through an electronic payment system that accepts
major credit cards and any additional forms of electronic payment
selected by the administrative director. If the administrative director
contracts with a service provider for the processing of electronic pay-
ments, any processing fee shall be absorbed by the division and not
added to the fee charged to the lien filer.
(2) On or after January 1, 2013, a lien submitted for filing that does
not comply with paragraph (1) shall be invalid, even if lodged with
the appeals board, and shall not operate to preserve or extend any
time limit for filing of the lien.
(3) The claims of two or more providers of goods or services shall
not be merged into a single lien.
(4) The filing fee shall be collected by the administrative director.
All fees shall be deposited in the Workers’ Compensation Administra-
tion Revolving Fund and applied for the purposes of that fund.
(5) The administrative director shall adopt reasonable rules and
regulations governing the procedure for the collection of the filing fee,
including emergency regulations as necessary to implement this sec-
tion.
(6) Any lien filed for goods or services that are not the proper sub-
ject of a lien may be dismissed upon request of a party by verified pe-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 961

tition or on the appeals board’s own motion. If the lien is dismissed,

the lien claimant will not be entitled to reimbursement of the filing
fee.
(7) No filing fee shall be required for a lien filed by a health care
service plan licensed pursuant to Section 1349 of the Health and
Safety Code, a group disability insurer under a policy issued in this
state pursuant to the provisions of Section 10270.5 of the Insurance
Code, a self-insured employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in Sec-
tion 10121 of the Insurance Code, that is issued in this state, a Taft-
Hartley health and welfare fund, or a publicly funded program
providing medical benefits on a nonindustrial basis.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 §63 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4903.06. Fees for claims filed prior to January 1, 2013

(a) Any lien filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 4903 prior to
January 1, 2013, and any cost that was filed as a lien prior to Janu-
ary 1, 2013, shall be subject to a lien activation fee unless the lien
claimant provides proof of having paid a filing fee as previously re-
quired by former Section 4903.05 as added by Chapter 639 of the
Statutes of 2003.
(1) The lien claimant shall pay a lien activation fee of one hundred
dollars ($100) to the Division of Workers’ Compensation on or before
January 1, 2014. The fee shall be collected through an electronic
payment system that accepts major credit cards and any additional
forms of electronic payment selected by the administrative director. If
the administrative director contracts with a service provider for the
processing of electronic payments, any processing fee shall be ab-
sorbed by the division and not added to the fee charged to the lien
filer.
(2) The lien claimant shall include proof of payment of the filing fee
or lien activation fee with the declaration of readiness to proceed.
(3) The lien activation fee shall be collected by the administrative
director. All fees shall be deposited in the Workers’ Compensation
Administration Revolving Fund and applied for the purposes of that
fund. The administrative director shall adopt reasonable rules and
regulations governing the procedure for the collection of the lien acti-
vation fee and to implement this section, including emergency regula-
tions, as necessary.
(4) All lien claimants that did not file the declaration of readiness to
proceed and that remain a lien claimant of record at the time of a lien
conference shall submit proof of payment of the activation fee at the
lien conference. If the fee has not been paid or no proof of payment is
available, the lien shall be dismissed with prejudice.
(5) Any lien filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 4903 prior to
January 1, 2013, and any cost that was filed as a lien prior to Janu-
962 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ary 1, 2013, for which the filing fee or lien activation fee has not been
paid by January 1, 2014, is dismissed by operation of law.
(b) This section shall not apply to any lien filed by a health care
service plan licensed pursuant to Section 1349 of the Health and
Safety Code, a group disability insurer under a policy issued in this
state pursuant to the provisions of Section 10270.5 of the Insurance
Code, a self-insured employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in Sec-
tion 10121 of the Insurance Code, that is issued in this state, a Taft-
Hartley health and welfare fund, or a publicly funded program
providing medical benefits on a nonindustrial basis.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 64 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4903.07. Conditions for entitlement to order or award for

reimbursement of lien filing or activation fee
(a) A lien claimant shall be entitled to an order or award for reim-
bursement from the employer of a lien filing fee or lien activation fee,
together with interest at the rate allowed on civil judgments, only if
all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) Not less than 30 days before filing the lien for which the filing
fee was paid or filing the declaration of readiness for which the lien
activation fee was paid, the lien claimant has made written demand
for settlement of the lien claim for a clearly stated sum which shall be
inclusive of all claims of debt, interest, penalty, or other claims poten-
tially recoverable on the lien.
(2) The defendant fails to accept the settlement demand in writing
within 20 days of receipt of the demand for settlement, or within any
additional time as may be provide by the written demand.
(3) After submission of the lien dispute to the appeals board or an
arbitrator, a final award is made in favor of the lien claimant of a
specified sum that is equal to or greater than the amount of the set-
tlement demand. The amount of the interest and filing fee or lien ac-
tivation fee shall not be considered in determining whether the award
is equal to or greater than the demand.
(b) This section shall not preclude an order or award of reimburse-
ment of the filing fee or activation fee pursuant to the express terms
of an agreed disposition of a lien dispute.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 65 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2014
ch 217 § 4 (AB 2732), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 4903.1. Reimbursement of certain health and welfare

benefits plans
(a) The appeals board or arbitrator, before issuing an award or ap-
proval of any compromise of claim, shall determine, on the basis of
liens filed with it pursuant to Section 4903.05, whether any benefits
have been paid or services provided by a health care provider, a
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 963

health care service plan, a group disability policy, including a loss-of-

income policy or a self-insured employee welfare benefit plan, and its
award or approval shall provide for reimbursement for benefits paid
or services provided under these plans as follows:
(1) If the appeals board issues an award finding that an injury or
illness arises out of and in the course of employment, but denies the
applicant reimbursement for self-procured medical costs solely be-
cause of lack of notice to the applicant’s employer of his or her need
for hospital, surgical, or medical care, the appeals board shall never-
theless award a lien against the employee’s recovery, to the extent of
benefits paid or services provided, for the effects of the industrial in-
jury or illness, by a health care provider, a health care service plan, a
group disability policy or a self-insured employee welfare benefit
plan, subject to the provisions described in subdivision (b).
(2) If the appeals board issues an award finding that an injury or
illness arises out of and in the course of employment, and makes an
award for reimbursement for self-procured medical costs, the appeals
board shall allow a lien, to the extent of benefits paid or services pro-
vided, for the effects of the industrial injury or illness, by a health
care provider, a health care service plan, a group disability policy or a
self-insured employee welfare benefit plan, subject to the provisions
of subdivision (b). For purposes of this paragraph, benefits paid or
services provided by a self-insured employee welfare benefit plan
shall be determined notwithstanding the offiial medical fee schedule
adopted pursuant to Section 5307.1.
(3) (A) If the appeals board issues an award finding that an injury
or illness arises out of and in the course of employment and makes an
award for temporary disability indemnity, the appeals board shall
allow a lien as living expense under Section 4903, for benefits paid by
a group disability policy providing loss-of-time benefits and for loss-
of-time benefits paid by a self-insured employee welfare benefit plan.
The lien shall be allowed to the extent that benefits have been paid
for the same day or days for which temporary disability indemnity is
awarded and shall not exceed the award for temporary disability in-
demnity. A lien shall not be allowed hereunder unless the group disa-
bility policy or self-insured employee welfare benefit plan provides for
reduction, exclusion, or coordination of loss-of-time benefits on ac-
count of workers’ compensation benefits.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, “self-insured employee welfare
benefit plan” means any plan, fund, or program that is established or
maintained by an employer or by an employee organization, or by
both, to the extent that the plan, fund, or program was established or
is maintained for the purpose of providing for its participants or their
beneficiaries, other than through the purchase of insurance, either of
the following:
(i) Medical, surgical, or hospital care or benefits.
964 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(ii) Monetary or other benefits in the event of sickness, accident,

disability, death, or unemployment.
(4) If the parties propose that the case be disposed of by way of a
compromise and release agreement, in the event the lien claimant,
other than a health care provider, does not agree to the amount allo-
cated to it, then the appeals board shall determine the potential re-
covery and reduce the amount of the lien in the ratio of the appli-
cant’s recovery to the potential recovery in full satisfaction of its lien
claim.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), payment or reimbursement
shall not be allowed, whether payable by the employer or payable as a
lien against the employee’s recovery, for any expense incurred as pro-
vided by Article 2 (commencing with Section 4600) of Chapter 2 of
Part 2, nor shall the employee have any liability for the expense, if at
the time the expense was incurred the provider either knew or in the
exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that the condition
being treated was caused by the employee’s present or prior employ-
ment, unless at the time the expense was incurred at least one of the
following conditions was met:
(1) The expense was incurred for services authorized by the em-
ployer.
(2) The expense was incurred for services furnished while the em-
ployer failed or refused to furnish treatment as required by subdivi-
sion (c) of Section 5402.
(3) The expense was necessarily incurred for an emergency medical
condition, as defined by subdivision (b) of Section 1317.1 of the
Health and Safety Code.
(c) The changes made to this section by Senate Bill 457 of the 2011-
12 Regular Session do not modify in any way the rights or obligations
of the following:
(1) Any health care provider to file and prosecute a lien pursuant to
subdivision (b) of Section 4903.
(2) A payer to conduct utilization review pursuant to Section 4610.
(3) Any party in complying with the requirements under Section
4903.
Added Stats 1975 ch 1109 § 1. Amended Stats 1979 ch 855 § 1; Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 45
(AB 2910); Stats 2011 ch 564 § 1 (SB 457), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 363
§ 66 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013, ch 712 § 1.5 (SB 1105), effective January 1,
2013.

§ 4903.4. Dispute concerning lien for expenses

(a) If a dispute arises concerning a lien for expenses incurred by or
on behalf of the injured employee as provided by Article 2 (commenc-
ing with Section 4600) of Chapter 2 of Part 2, the appeals board may
resolve the dispute in a separate proceeding, which may include bind-
ing arbitration upon agreement of the employer, lien claimant, and
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 965

the employee, if the employee remains a party to the dispute, accord-

ing to the rules of practice and procedure.
(b) If the dispute is heard at a separate proceeding it shall be cal-
endared for hearing or hearings as determined by the appeals board
based upon the resources available to the appeals board and other
considerations as the appeals board deems appropriate and shall not
be subject to Section 5501.5.
Added Stats 1989 ch 892 § 42. Amended Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 46 (AB 2910); Stats 2012
ch 363 § 67 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 287 § 6 (SB 375), effec-
tive January 1, 2014.

§ 4903.5. Time period for filing lien for expenses; Applicability

(a) A lien claim for expenses as provided in subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 4903 shall not be filed after three years from the date the ser-
vices were provided, nor more than 18 months after the date the ser-
vices were provided, if the services were provided on or after July 1,
2013.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any health care service plan li-
censed pursuant to Section 1349 of the Health and Safety Code, group
disability insurer under a policy issued in this state pursuant to the
provisions of Section 10270.5 of the Insurance Code, self-insured em-
ployee welfare benefit plan issued in this state as defined in Section
10121 of the Insurance Code, Taft-Hartley health and welfare fund,
or publicly funded program providing medical benefits on a nonindus-
trial basis, may file a lien claim for expenses as provided in subdivi-
sion (b) of Section 4903 within 12 months after the entity first knew
or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that an
industrial injury is being claimed, but in no event later than five
years from the date the services were provided to the employee.
(c) The injured worker shall not be liable for any underlying obliga-
tion if a lien claim has not been filed and served within the allowable
period. Except when the lien claimant is the applicant as provided in
Section 5501 or as otherwise permitted by rules of practice and pro-
cedure adopted by the appeals board, a lien claimant shall not file a
declaration of readiness to proceed in any case until the case-in-chief
has been resolved.
(d) This section shall not apply to civil actions brought under the
Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16700) of Part 2
of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), the Unfair Prac-
tices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of
Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), or the federal Rack-
eteer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (Chapter 96 (com-
mencing with Section 1961) of Title 18 of the United States Code)
based on concerted action with other insurers that are not parties to
the case in which the lien or claim is filed.
966 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Added Stats 2002 ch 6 § 70 (AB 749). Amended Stats 2012 ch 363 § 68 (SB 863), effec-
tive January 1, 2013.

§ 4903.6. Lien claim or application for adjudication;

Requirements for Filing; Exemptions
(a) Except as necessary to meet the requirements of Section 4903.5,
a lien claim or application for adjudication shall not be filed or served
under subdivision (b) of Section 4903 until both of the following have
occurred:
(1) Sixty days have elapsed after the date of acceptance or rejection
of liability for the claim, or expiration of the time provided for inves-
tigation of liability pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 5402,
whichever date is earlier.
(2) Either of the following:
(A) The time provided for payment of medical treatment bills pur-
suant to Section 4603.2 has expired and, if the employer objected to
the amount of the bill, the reasonable fee has been determined pur-
suant to Section 4603.6, and, if authorization for the medical treat-
ment has been disputed pursuant to Section 4610, the medical neces-
sity of the medical treatment has been determined pursuant to Sec-
tions 4610.5 and 4610.6.
(B) The time provided for payment of medical-legal expenses pur-
suant to Section 4622 has expired and, if the employer objected to the
amount of the bill, the reasonable fee has been determined pursuant
to Section 4603.6.
(b) All lien claimants under Section 4903 shall notify the employer
and the employer’s representative, if any, and the employee and his
or her representative, if any, and the appeals board within five work-
ing days of obtaining, changing, or discharging representation by an
attorney or nonattorney representative. The notice shall set forth the
legal name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or nonat-
torney representative.
(c) A declaration of readiness to proceed shall not be filed for a lien
under subdivision (b) of Section 4903 until the underlying case has
been resolved or where the applicant chooses not to proceed with his
or her case.
(d) With the exception of a lien for services provided by a physician
as defined in Section 3209.3, a lien claimant shall not be entitled to
any medical information, as defined in subdivision (g) of Section 56.05
of the Civil Code, about an injured worker without prior written ap-
proval of the appeals board. Any order authorizing disclosure of medi-
cal information to a lien claimant other than a physician shall specify
the information to be provided to the lien claimant and include a find-
ing that the information is relevant to the proof of the matter for
which the information is sought. The appeals board shall adopt rea-
sonable regulations to ensure compliance with this section, and shall
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 967

take any further steps as may be necessary to enforce the regulations,

including, but not limited to, impositions of sanctions pursuant to
Section 5813.
(e) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to lien claims,
applications for adjudication, or declarations of readiness to proceed
filed by or on behalf of the employee, or to the filings by or on behalf
of the employer.
Added Stats 2006 ch 69 § 26 (AB 1806), effective July 12, 2006. Amended Stats 2012 ch
363 § 69 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 287 § 7 (SB 375), effective
January 1, 2014.

§ 4903.8. Person to whom payment of lien to be made;

Assignment of lien; Multiple assignments
(a) Any order or award for payment of a lien filed pursuant to sub-
division (b) of Section 4903 shall be made for payment only to the
person who was entitled to payment for the expenses as provided in
subdivision (b) of Section 4903 at the time the expenses were in-
curred, and not to an assignee unless the person has ceased doing
business in the capacity held at the time the expenses were incurred
and has assigned all right, title, and interests in the remaining ac-
counts receivable to the assignee.
(b) If there has been an assignment of a lien, either as an assign-
ment of all right, title, and interest in the accounts receivable or as an
assignment for collection, a true and correct copy of the assignment
shall be filed and served.
(1) If the lien is filed on or after January 1, 2013, and the assign-
ment occurs before the filing of the lien, the copy of the assignment
shall be served at the time the lien is filed.
(2) If the lien is filed on or after January 1, 2013, and the assign-
ment occurs after the filing of the lien, the copy of the assignment
shall be served within 20 days of the date of the assignment.
(3) If the lien is filed before January 1, 2013, the copy of the as-
signment shall be served by January 1, 2014, or with the filing of a
declaration of readiness or at the time of a lien hearing, whichever is
earliest.
(c) If there has been more than one assignment of the same receiva-
ble or bill, the appeals board may set the matter for hearing on
whether the multiple assignments constitute bad-faith actions or tac-
tics that are frivolous, harassing, or intended to cause unnecessary
delay or expense. If so found by the appeals board, appropriate sanc-
tions, including costs and attorney’s fees, may be awarded against the
assignor, assignee, and their respective attorneys.
(d) At the time of filing of a lien on or after January 1, 2013, or in
the case of a lien filed before January 1, 2013, at the earliest of the
filing of a declaration of readiness, a lien hearing, or January 1, 2014,
supporting documentation shall be filed including one or more decla-
968 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

rations under penalty of perjury by a natural person or persons com-

petent to testify to the facts stated, declaring both of the following:
(1) The services or products described in the bill for services or
products were actually provided to the injured employee.
(2) The billing statement attached to the lien truly and accurately
describes the services or products that were provided to the injured
employee.
(e) A lien submitted for filing on or after January 1, 2013, for ex-
penses provided in subdivision (b) of Section 4903, that does not com-
ply with the requirements of this section shall be deemed to be inva-
lid, whether or not accepted for filing by the appeals board, and shall
not operate to preserve or extend any time limit for filing of the lien.
(f) This section shall take effect without regulatory action. The ap-
peals board and the administrative director may promulgate regula-
tions and forms for the implementation of this section.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 70 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4904. Allowance and payment of liens for unemployment

compensation benefits
(a) If notice is given in writing to the insurer, or to the employer if
uninsured, setting forth the nature and extent of any claim that is
allowable as a lien in favor of the Employment Development Depart-
ment, the claim is a lien against any amount thereafter payable as
temporary or permanent disability compensation, subject to the de-
termination of the amount and approval of the lien by the appeals
board. When the Employment Development Department has served
an insurer or employer with a lien claim, the insurer or employer
shall notify the Employment Development Department, in writing, as
soon as possible, but in no event later than 15 working days after
commencing disability indemnity payments. When a lien has been
served on an insurer or an employer by the Employment Develop-
ment Department, the insurer or employer shall notify the Employ-
ment Development Department, in writing, within 10 working days of
filing an application for adjudication, a stipulated award, or a com-
promise and release with the appeals board.
(b) (1) In determining the amount of lien to be allowed for unem-
ployment compensation disability benefits under subdivision (f) of
Section 4903, the appeals board shall allow the lien in the amount of
benefits which it finds were paid for the same day or days of disability
for which an award of compensation for any permanent disability in-
demnity resulting solely from the same injury or illness or temporary
disability indemnity, or both, is made and for which the employer has
not reimbursed the Employment Development Department pursuant
to Section 2629.1 of the Unemployment Insurance Code.
(2) In determining the amount of lien to be allowed for unemploy-
ment compensation benefits and extended duration benefits under
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 969

subdivision (g) of Section 4903, the appeals board shall allow the lien
in the amount of benefits which it finds were paid for the same day or
days for which an award of compensation for temporary total disabil-
ity is made.
(3) In determining the amount of lien to be allowed for family tem-
porary disability insurance benefits under subdivision (h) of Section
4903, the appeals board shall allow the lien in the amount of benefits
that it finds were paid for the same day or days for which an award of
compensation for temporary total disability is made and for which the
employer has not reimbursed the Employment Development Depart-
ment pursuant to Section 2629.1 of the Unemployment Insurance
Code.
(c) In the case of agreements for the compromise and release of a
disputed claim for compensation, the applicant and defendant may
propose to the appeals board, as part of the compromise and release
agreement, an amount out of the settlement to be paid to any lien
claimant claiming under subdivision (f), (g), or (h) of Section 4903. If
the lien claimant objects to the amount proposed for payment of its
lien under a compromise and release settlement or stipulation, the
appeals board shall determine the extent of the lien claimant’s enti-
tlement to reimbursement on its lien and make and file findings on
all facts involved in the controversy over this issue in accordance with
Section 5313. The appeals board may approve a compromise and re-
lease agreement or stipulation which proposes the disallowance of a
lien, in whole or in part, only where there is proof of service upon the
lien claimant by the defendant, not less than 15 days prior to the ap-
peals board action, of all medical and rehabilitation documents and a
copy of the proposed compromise and release agreement or stipula-
tion. The determination of the appeals board, subject to petition for
reconsideration and to the right of judicial review, as to the amount of
lien allowed under subdivision (f), (g), or (h) of Section 4903, whether
in connection with an award of compensation or the approval of a
compromise and release agreement, shall be binding on the lien
claimant, the applicant, and the defendant, insofar as the right to
benefits paid under the Unemployment Insurance Code for which the
lien was claimed. The appeals board may order the amount of any
lien claim, as determined and allowed by it, to be paid directly to the
person entitled, either in a lump sum or in installments.
(d) Where unemployment compensation disability benefits, includ-
ing family temporary disability insurance benefits, have been paid
pursuant to the Unemployment Insurance Code while reconsideration
of an order, decision, or award is pending, or has been granted, the
appeals board shall determine and allow a final amount on the lien as
of the date the board is ready to issue its decision denying a petition
for reconsideration or affirming, rescinding, altering or amending the
original findings, order, decision, or award.
970 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(e) The appeals board shall not be prohibited from approving a

compromise and release agreement on all other issues and deferring
to subsequent proceedings the determination of a lien claimant’s enti-
tlement to reimbursement if the defendant in any of these proceed-
ings agrees to pay the amount subsequently determined to be due
under the lien claim.
(f) The amendments made to this section by the act adding this
subdivision are declaratory of existing law, and shall not constitute
good cause to reopen, rescind, or amend any final order, decision, or
award of the appeals board.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1957 ch 1977 § 2; Stats 1965 ch 157 § 6, ch 691 § 1, ch
1513 § 104, operative January 15, 1966; Stats 1967 ch 125 § 6, ch 1721 § 3; Stats 1970
ch 985 § 1; Stats 1989 ch 1280 § 2; Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 47 (AB 2910). Amended Stats
1993 ch 748 § 1 (SB 4); Stats 2003 ch 797 § 2 (SB 727); Stats 2012 ch 363 § 71 (SB 863),
effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4905. Payment where lien not requested

Except with regard to liens as permitted by subdivision (b) of Sec-
tion 4903, if it appears in any proceeding pending before the appeals
board that a lien should be allowed if it had been duly requested by
the party entitled thereto, the appeals board may, without any re-
quest for such lien having been made, order the payment of the claim
to be made directly to the person entitled, in the same manner and
with the same effect as though the lien had been regularly requested,
and the award to such person shall constitute a lien against unpaid
compensation due at the time of service of the award.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1965 ch 1513 § 105, operative January 15, 1966; Stats
2012 ch 363 § 72 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 4907. Loss of right to appear

(a) The privilege of any person, except attorneys admitted to prac-
tice in the Supreme Court of the state, to appear in any proceeding as
a representative of any party before the appeals board, or any of its
workers’ compensation administrative law judges, may, after a hear-
ing, be removed, denied, or suspended by the appeals board for either
of the following:
(1) For a violation of this chapter , the Rules of the Workers’ Com-
pensation Appeals Board, or the Rules of the Administrative Director.
(2) For other good cause, including, but not limited to, failure to pay
final order of sanctions, attorney’s fees, or costs issued under Section
5813.
(b) For purposes of this section, nonattorney representatives shall
be held to the same professional standards of conduct as attorneys.
Enacted 1937. Amended Stats 1965 ch 1513 § 107, operative January 15, 1966; Stats
2012 ch 363 § 73 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 971

PART 4
COMPENSATION PROCEEDINGS

Chapter 1
Jurisdiction
§ 5307.1. Adoption and periodic revision of official medical
fee schedule; Reasonable maximum fees; Reasonable
standards of service and care
(a) (1) The administrative director, after public hearings, shall
adopt and revise periodically an official medical fee schedule that
shall establish reasonable maximum fees paid for medical services
other than physician services, drugs and pharmacy services, health
care facility fees, home health care, and all other treatment, care,
services, and goods described in Section 4600 and provided pursuant
to this section. Except for physician services, all fees shall be in ac-
cordance with the fee-related structure and rules of the relevant Med-
icare and Medi-Cal payment systems, provided that employer liability
for medical treatment, including issues of reasonableness, necessity,
frequency, and duration, shall be determined in accordance with Sec-
tion 4600. Commencing January 1, 2004, and continuing until the
time the administrative director has adopted an official medical fee
schedule in accordance with the fee-related structure and rules of the
relevant Medicare payment systems, except for the components listed
in subdivision (j), maximum reasonable fees shall be 120 percent of
the estimated aggregate fees prescribed in the relevant Medicare
payment system for the same class of services before application of
the inflation factors provided in subdivision (g), except that for phar-
macy services and drugs that are not otherwise covered by a Medicare
fee schedule payment for facility services, the maximum reasonable
fees shall be 100 percent of fees prescribed in the relevant Medi-Cal
payment system. Upon adoption by the administrative director of an
official medical fee schedule pursuant to this section, the maximum
reasonable fees paid shall not exceed 120 percent of estimated aggre-
gate fees prescribed in the Medicare payment system for the same
class of services before application of the inflation factors provided in
subdivision (g). Pharmacy services and drugs shall be subject to the
requirements of this section, whether furnished through a pharmacy
or dispensed directly by the practitioner pursuant to subdivision (b) of
Section 4024 of the Business and Professions Code.
(2) (A) The administrative director, after public hearings, shall
adopt and review periodically an official medical fee schedule based
on the resource-based relative value scale for physician services and
972 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

nonphysician practitioner services, as defined by the administrative

director, provided that all of the following apply:
(i) Employer liability for medical treatment, including issues of rea-
sonableness, necessity, frequency, and duration, shall be determined
in accordance with Section 4600.
(ii) The fee schedule is updated annually to reflect changes in pro-
cedure codes, relative weights, and the adjustment factor provided in
subdivision (g).
(iii) The maximum reasonable fees paid shall not exceed 120 per-
cent of estimated annualized aggregate fees prescribed in the Medi-
care payment system for physician services as it appeared on July 1,
2012, before application of the adjustment factor provided in subdivi-
sion (g). For purposes of calculating maximum reasonable fees, any
service provided to injured workers that is not covered under the fed-
eral Medicare program shall be included at its rate of payment estab-
lished by the administrative director pursuant to subdivision (d).
(iv) There shall be a four-year transition between the estimated ag-
gregate maximum allowable amount under the official medical fee
schedule for physician services prior to January 1, 2014, and the max-
imum allowable amount based on the resource-based relative value
scale at 120 percent of the Medicare conversion factors as adjusted
pursuant to this section.
(B) The official medical fee schedule shall include payment ground
rules that differ from Medicare payment ground rules, including, as
appropriate, payment of consultation codes and payment evaluation
and management services provided during a global period of surgery.
(C) Commencing January 1, 2014, and continuing until the time the
administrative director has adopted an official medical fee schedule
in accordance with the resource-based relative value scale, the maxi-
mum reasonable fees for physician services and nonphysician practi-
tioner services, including, but not limited to, physician assistant,
nurse practitioner, and physical therapist services, shall be in accord-
ance with the fee-related structure and rules of the Medicare pay-
ment system for physician services and nonphysician practitioner
services, except that an average statewide geographic adjustment
factor of 1.078 shall apply in lieu of Medicare’s locality-specific geo-
graphic adjustment factors, and shall incorporate the following con-
version factors:
(i) For dates of service in 2014, forty-nine dollars and five thousand
three hundred thirteen ten thousandths cents ($49.5313) for surgery,
fifty-six dollars and two thousand three hundred twenty-nine ten
thousandths cents ($56.2329) for radiology, thirty dollars and six
hundred forty-seven ten thousandths cents ($30.0647) for anesthesia,
and thirty-seven dollars and one thousand seven hundred twelve ten
thousandths cents ($37.1712) for all other before application of the
adjustment factor provided in subdivision (g).
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 973

(ii) For dates of service in 2015, forty-six dollars and six thousand
three hundred fifty-nine ten thousandths cents ($46.6359) for sur-
gery, fifty-one dollars and one thousand thirty-six ten thousandths
cents ($51.1036) for radiology, twenty-eight dollars and six thousand
sixty-seven ten thousandths cents ($28.6067) for anesthesia, and thir-
ty-eight dollars and three thousand nine hundred fifty-eight ten
thousandths cents ($38.3958) for all other before application of the
adjustment factor provided in subdivision (g).
(iii) For dates of service in 2016, forty-three dollars and seven thou-
sand four hundred five ten thousandths cents ($43.7405) for surgery,
forty-five dollars and nine thousand seven hundred forty-four ten
thousandths cents ($45.9744) for radiology, twenty-seven dollars and
one thousand four hundred eighty-seven thousandths cents
($27.1487) for anesthesia, and thirty-nine dollars and six thousand
two hundred five ten thousandths cents ($39.6205) for all other before
application of the adjustment factor provided in subdivision (g).
(iv) For dates of service on or after January 1, 2017, 120 percent of
the 2012 Medicare conversion factor as updated pursuant to subdivi-
sion (g).
(b) In order to comply with the standards specified in subdivision
(f), the administrative director may adopt different conversion factors,
diagnostic-related group weights, and other factors affecting payment
amounts from those used in the Medicare payment system, provided
estimated aggregate fees do not exceed 120 percent of the estimated
aggregate fees paid for the same class of services in the relevant Med-
icare payment system.
(c) (1) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (d), the maximum facil-
ity fee for services performed in a hospital outpatient department,
shall not exceed 120 percent of the fee paid by Medicare for the same
services performed in a hospital outpatient department, and the max-
imum facility fee for services performed in an ambulatory surgical
center shall not exceed 80 percent of the fee paid by Medicare for the
same services performed in a hospital outpatient department.
(2) The department shall study the feasibility of establishing a facil-
ity fee for services that are performed in an ambulatory surgical cen-
ter and are not subject to a fee paid by Medicare for services per-
formed in an outpatient department, set at 85 percent of the diagnos-
tic-related group (DRG) fee paid by Medicare for the same services
performed in a hospital inpatient department. The department shall
report the finding to the Senate Labor Committee and Assembly In-
surance Committee no later than July 1, 2013.
(d) If the administrative director determines that a medical treat-
ment, facility use, product, or service is not covered by a Medicare
payment system, the administrative director shall establish maxi-
mum fees for that item, provided that the maximum fee paid shall not
exceed 120 percent of the fees paid by Medicare for services that re-
974 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

quire comparable resources. If the administrative director determines

that a pharmacy service or drug is not covered by a Medi-Cal pay-
ment system, the administrative director shall establish maximum
fees for that item. However, the maximum fee paid shall not exceed
100 percent of the fees paid by Medi-Cal for pharmacy services or
drugs that require comparable resources.
(e) (1) Prior to the adoption by the administrative director of a med-
ical fee schedule pursuant to this section, for any treatment, facility
use, product, or service not covered by a Medicare payment system,
including acupuncture services, the maximum reasonable fee paid
shall not exceed the fee specified in the official medical fee schedule
in effect on December 31, 2003, except as otherwise provided in this
subdivision.
(2) Any compounded drug product shall be billed by the compound-
ing pharmacy or dispensing physician at the ingredient level, with
each ingredient identified using the applicable National Drug Code
(NDC) of the ingredient and the corresponding quantity, and in ac-
cordance with regulations adopted by the California State Board of
Pharmacy. Ingredients with no NDC shall not be separately reim-
bursable. The ingredient-level reimbursement shall be equal to 100
percent of the reimbursement allowed by the Medi-Cal payment sys-
tem and payment shall be based on the sum of the allowable fee for
each ingredient plus a dispensing fee equal to the dispensing fee al-
lowed by the Medi-Cal payment systems. If the compounded drug
product is dispensed by a physician, the maximum reimbursement
shall not exceed 300 percent of documented paid costs, but in no case
more than twenty dollars ($20) above documented paid costs.
(3) For a dangerous drug dispensed by a physician that is a finished
drug product approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration,
the maximum reimbursement shall be according to the official medi-
cal fee schedule adopted by the administrative director.
(4) For a dangerous device dispensed by a physician, the reim-
bursement to the physician shall not exceed either of the following:
(A) The amount allowed for the device pursuant to the official medi-
cal fee schedule adopted by the administrative director.
(B) One hundred twenty percent of the documented paid cost, but
not less than 100 percent of the documented paid cost plus the mini-
mum dispensing fee allowed for dispensing prescription drugs pursu-
ant to the official medical fee schedule adopted by the administrative
director, and not more than 100 percent of the documented paid cost
plus two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(5) For any pharmacy goods dispensed by a physician not subject to
paragraph (2), (3), or (4), the maximum reimbursement to a physician
for pharmacy goods dispensed by the physician shall not exceed any
of the following:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 975

(A) The amount allowed for the pharmacy goods pursuant to the of-
ficial medical fee schedule adopted by the administrative director or
pursuant to paragraph (2), as applicable.
(B) One hundred twenty percent of the documented paid cost to the
physician.
(C) One hundred percent of the documented paid cost to the physi-
cian plus two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(6) For the purposes of this subdivision, the following definitions
apply:
(A) “Administer” or “administered” has the meaning defined by Sec-
tion 4016 of the Business and Professions Code.
(B) “Compounded drug product” means any drug product subject to
Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 1735) of Division 17 of Title 16
of the California Code of Regulations or other regulation adopted by
the State Board of Pharmacy to govern the practice of compounding.
(C) “Dispensed” means furnished to or for a patient as contemplated
by Section 4024 of the Business and Professions Code and does not
include “administered.”
(D) “Dangerous drug” and “dangerous device” have the meanings
defined by Section 4022 of the Business and Professions Code.
(E) “Documented paid cost” means the unit price paid for the specif-
ic product or for each component used in the product as documented
by invoices, proof of payment, and inventory records as applicable, or
as documented in accordance with regulations that may be adopted
by the administrative director, net of rebates, discounts, and any oth-
er immediate or anticipated cost adjustments.
(F) “Pharmacy goods” has the same meaning as set forth in Section
139.3.
(7) To the extent that any provision of paragraphs (2) to (6), inclu-
sive, is inconsistent with any provision of the official medical fee
schedule adopted by the administrative director on or after January
1, 2012, the provision adopted by the administrative director shall
govern.
(8) Notwithstanding paragraph (7), the provisions of this subdivi-
sion concerning physician-dispensed pharmacy goods shall not be su-
perseded by any provision of the official medical fee schedule adopted
by the administrative director unless the relevant official medical fee
schedule provision is expressly applicable to physician-dispensed
pharmacy goods.
(f) Within the limits provided by this section, the rates or fees es-
tablished shall be adequate to ensure a reasonable standard of ser-
vices and care for injured employees.
(g) (1) (A) Notwithstanding any other law, the official medical fee
schedule shall be adjusted to conform to any relevant changes in the
Medicare and Medi-Cal payment systems no later than 60 days after
the effective date of those changes, subject to the following provisions:
976 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(i) The annual inflation adjustment for facility fees for inpatient
hospital services provided by acute care hospitals and for hospital
outpatient services shall be determined solely by the estimated in-
crease in the hospital market basket for the 12 months beginning Oc-
tober 1 of the preceding calendar year.
(ii) The annual update in the operating standardized amount and
capital standard rate for inpatient hospital services provided by hos-
pitals excluded from the Medicare prospective payment system for
acute care hospitals and the conversion factor for hospital outpatient
services shall be determined solely by the estimated increase in the
hospital market basket for excluded hospitals for the 12 months be-
ginning October 1 of the preceding calendar year.
(iii) The annual adjustment factor for physician services shall be
based on the product of one plus the percentage change in the Medi-
care Economic Index and any relative value scale adjustment factor.
(B) The update factors contained in clauses (i) and (ii) of subpara-
graph (A) shall be applied beginning with the first update in the Med-
icare fee schedule payment amounts after December 31, 2003, and
the adjustment factor in clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall be ap-
plied beginning with the first update in the Medicare fee schedule
payment amounts after December 31, 2012.
(C) The maximum reasonable fees paid for pharmacy services and
drugs shall not include any reductions in the relevant Medi-Cal pay-
ment system implemented pursuant to Section 14105.192 of the Wel-
fare and Institutions Code.
(2) The administrative director shall determine the effective date of
the changes, and shall issue an order, exempt from Sections 5307.3
and 5307.4 and the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of
Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), informing the public of
the changes and their effective date. All orders issued pursuant to
this paragraph shall be published on the Internet Web site of the Di-
vision of Workers’ Compensation.
(3) For the purposes of this subdivision, the following definitions
apply:
(A) “Medicare Economic Index” means the input price index used by
the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to measure
changes in the costs of a providing physician and other services paid
under the resource-based relative value scale.
(B) “Hospital market basket” means the input price index used by
the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to measure
changes in the costs of providing inpatient hospital services provided
by acute care hospitals that are included in the Medicare prospective
payment system.
(C) “Hospital market basket for excluded hospitals” means the in-
put price index used by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medi-
caid Services to measure changes in the costs of providing inpatient
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 977

services by hospitals that are excluded from the Medicare prospective

payment system.
(D) “Relative value scale adjustment factor” means the annual fac-
tor applied by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
to the Medicare conversion factor to make changes in relative value
units for the physician fee schedule budget neutral.
(h) This section does not prohibit an employer or insurer from con-
tracting with a medical provider for reimbursement rates different
from those prescribed in the official medical fee schedule.
(i) Except as provided in Section 4626, the official medical fee
schedule shall not apply to medical-legal expenses, as that term is
defined by Section 4620.
(j) The following Medicare payment system components shall not
become part of the official medical fee schedule until January 1, 2005:
(1) Inpatient skilled nursing facility care.
(2) Home health agency services.
(3) Inpatient services furnished by hospitals that are exempt from
the prospective payment system for general acute care hospitals.
(4) Outpatient renal dialysis services.
(k) Except as revised by the administrative director, the official
medical fee schedule rates for physician services in effect on Decem-
ber 31, 2012, shall remain in effectuntil January 1, 2014.
(l ) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any explicit reductions in the
Medi-Cal fee schedule for pharmacy services and drugs to meet the
budgetary targets provided in Section 14105.192 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code shall not be reflected in the official medical fee
schedule .
(m) On or before July 1, 2013, the administrative director shall
adopt a regulation specifying an additional reimbursement for MS-
DRGs Medicare Severity Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRGs) 028,
029, 030, 453, 454, 455, and 456 to ensure that the aggregate reim-
bursement is sufficient to cover costs, including the implantable med-
ical device, hardware, and instrumentation. This regulation shall be
repealed as of January 1, 2014, unless extended by the administrative
director.
Added Stats 2003 ch 639 § 35 (SB 228). Amended Stats 2006 ch 538 § 491 (SB 1852),
effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2007 ch 697 § 1 (AB 1269), effective January 1, 2008;
Stats 2011 ch 545 § 4 (AB 378), effective January 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 74 (SB
863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 5307.7. Vocational expert fees

(a) On or before January 1, 2013, the administrative director shall
adopt, after public hearings, a fee schedule that shall establish rea-
sonable fees paid for services provided by vocational experts, includ-
ing, but not limited to, vocational evaluations and expert testimony
978 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

determined to be reasonable, actual, and necessary by the appeals

board.
(b) A vocational expert shall not be paid, and the appeals board
shall not allow, vocational expert fees in excess of those that are rea-
sonable, actual, and necessary, or that are not consistent with the fee
schedule adopted by the administrative director.
Added Stats 2011 ch 555 § 1 (AB 1168), effective January 1, 2012. Amended Stats 2012
ch 363 § 75 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 5307.8. Schedule of fees for services not covered by

Medicare or by Section 5307.1
Notwithstanding Section 5307.1, on or before July 1, 2013, the ad-
ministrative director shall adopt, after public hearings, a schedule for
payment of home health care services provided in accordance with
Section 4600 that are not covered by a Medicare fee schedule and are
not otherwise covered by the official medical fee schedule adopted
pursuant to Section 5307.1. The schedule shall set forth fees and re-
quirements for service providers, and shall be based on the maximum
service hours and fees as set forth in regulations adopted pursuant to
Article 7 (commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of
Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. No fees shall be pro-
vided for any services, including any services provided by a member
of the employee’s household, to the extent the services had been regu-
larly performed in the same manner and to the same degree prior to
the date of injury. If appropriate, an attorney’s fee for recovery of
home health care fees under this section may be awarded in accord-
ance with Section 4906 and any applicable rules or regulations.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 76 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 5307.9. Schedule of fees for copy and related services

On or before December 31, 2013, the administrative director, in
consultation with the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’
Compensation, shall adopt, after public hearings, a schedule of rea-
sonable maximum fees payable for copy and related services, includ-
ing, but not limited to, records or documents that have been repro-
duced or recorded in paper, electronic, film, digital, or other format.
The schedule shall specify the services allowed and shall require spec-
ificity in billing for these services, and shall not allow for payment for
services provided within 30 days of a request by an injured worker or
his or her authorized representative to an employer, claims adminis-
trator, or workers’ compensation insurer for copies of records in the
employer’s, claims administrator’s, or workers’ compensation insur-
er’s possession that are relevant to the employee’s claim. The sched-
ule shall be applicable regardless of whether payments of copy service
costs are claimed under the authority of Section 4600, 4620, or 5811,
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 979

or any other authority except a contract between the employer and

the copy service provider.
Added Stats 2012 ch 363 § 77 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013.

Chapter 2
Limitations of Proceedings
§ 5402. Employer’s knowledge of injury equivalent to service;
When presumed compensable; Authorization for treatment;
Liability limit
(a) Knowledge of an injury, obtained from any source, on the part of
an employer, his or her managing agent, superintendent, foreman, or
other person in authority, or knowledge of the assertion of a claim of
injury sufficient to afford opportunity to the employer to make an in-
vestigation into the facts, is equivalent to service under Section 5400.
(b) If liability is not rejected within 90 days after the date the claim
form is filed under Section 5401, the injury shall be presumed com-
pensable under this division. The presumption of this subdivision is
rebuttable only by evidence discovered subsequent to the 90-day peri-
od.
(c) Within one working day after an employee files a claim form un-
der Section 5401, the employer shall authorize the provision of all
treatment, consistent with Section 5307.27 , for the alleged injury
and shall continue to provide the treatment until the date that liabil-
ity for the claim is accepted or rejected. Until the date the claim is
accepted or rejected, liability for medical treatment shall be limited to
ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(d) Treatment provided under subdivision (c) shall not give rise to a
presumption of liability on the part of the employer.
Enacted Stats 1937 ch 90. Amended Stats 1975 ch 1099 § 2. Amended Stats 1989 ch
892 § 47; Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 57 (AB 2910); Stats 2000 ch 883 § 2 (AB 2043). Amended
Stats 2004 ch 34 § 40 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 79 (SB
863), effective January 1, 2013.

Chapter 3
Applications and Answers
§ 5502. Time for hearing; Priority calendar; Mandatory
settlement conference
(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (d), the hearing shall
be held not less than 10 days, and not more than 60 days, after the
date a declaration of readiness to proceed, on a form prescribed by the
appeals board, is filed. If a claim form has been filed for an injury oc-
980 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

curring on or after January 1, 1990, and before January 1, 1994, an

application for adjudication shall accompany the declaration of readi-
ness to proceed.
(b) The administrative director shall establish a priority calendar
for issues requiring an expedited hearing and decision. A hearing
shall be held and a determination as to the rights of the parties shall
be made and filed within 30 days after the declaration of readiness to
proceed is filed if the issues in dispute are any of the following, pro-
vided that if an expedited hearing is requested, no other issue may be
heard until the medical provider network dispute is resolved:
(1) The employee’s entitlement to medical treatment pursuant to
Section 4600, except for treatment issues determined pursuant to
Sections 4610 and 4610.5.
(2) Whether the injured employee is required to obtain treatment
within a medical provider network.
(3) A medical treatment appointment or medical-legal examination.
(4) The employee’s entitlement to, or the amount of, temporary dis-
ability indemnity payments.
(5) The employee’s entitlement to compensation from one or more
responsible employers when two or more employers dispute liability
as among themselves.
(6) Any other issues requiring an expedited hearing and determina-
tion as prescribed in rules and regulations of the administrative di-
rector.
(c) The administrative director shall establish a priority conference
calendar for cases in which the employee is represented by an attor-
ney or is or was employed by an illegally uninsured employer and the
issues in dispute are employment or injury arising out of employment
or in the course of employment. The conference shall be conducted by
a workers’ compensation administrative law judge within 30 days
after the declaration of readiness to proceed. If the dispute cannot be
resolved at the conference, a trial shall be set as expeditiously as pos-
sible, unless good cause is shown why discovery is not complete, in
which case status conferences shall be held at regular intervals. The
case shall be set for trial when discovery is complete, or when the
workers’ compensation administrative law judge determines that the
parties have had sufficient time in which to complete reasonable dis-
covery. A determination as to the rights of the parties shall be made
and filed within 30 days after the trial.
(d) (1) In all cases, a mandatory settlement conference, except a lien
conference or a mandatory settlement lien conference, shall be con-
ducted not less than 10 days, and not more than 30 days, after the
filing of a declaration of readiness to proceed. If the dispute is not re-
solved, the regular hearing, except a lien trial, shall be held within 75
days after the declaration of readiness to proceed is filed.
(2) The settlement conference shall be conducted by a workers’
compensation administrative law judge or by a referee who is eligible
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 981

to be a workers’ compensation administrative law judge or eligible to

be an arbitrator under Section 5270.5. At the mandatory settlement
conference, the referee or workers’ compensation administrative law
judge shall have the authority to resolve the dispute, including the
authority to approve a compromise and release or issue a stipulated
finding and award, and if the dispute cannot be resolved, to frame the
issues and stipulations for trial. The appeals board shall adopt any
regulations needed to implement this subdivision. The presiding
workers’ compensation administrative law judge shall supervise set-
tlement conference referees in the performance of their judicial func-
tions under this subdivision.
(3) If the claim is not resolved at the mandatory settlement confer-
ence, the parties shall file a pretrial conference statement noting the
specific issues in dispute, each party’s proposed permanent disability
rating, and listing the exhibits, and disclosing witnesses. Discovery
shall close on the date of the mandatory settlement conference. Evi-
dence not disclosed or obtained thereafter shall not be admissible un-
less the proponent of the evidence can demonstrate that it was not
available or could not have been discovered by the exercise of due dil-
igence prior to the settlement conference.
(e) In cases involving the Director of Industrial Relations in his or
her capacity as administrator of the Uninsured Employers Fund, this
section shall not apply unless proof of service, as specified in para-
graph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 3716, has been filed with the
appeals board and provided to the Director of Industrial Relations,
valid jurisdiction has been established over the employer, and the
fund has been joined.
(f) Except as provided in subdivision (a) , this section shall apply ir-
respective of the date of injury.
Added Stats 1989 ch 892 § 52. Amended Stats 1990 ch 1550 § 61 (AB 2910); Stats 1992
ch 1226 § 3 (AB 3758); Stats 1993 ch 121 § 64 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993; Stats
1994 ch 1118 § 10 (SB 1768); Stats 2002 ch 6 § 80 (AB 749), ch 866 § 14 (AB 486); Stats
2011 ch 559 § 16 (AB 1426), effective October 7, 2011; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 80 (SB 863)
(ch 363 prevails) effective January 1, 2013, ch 728 § 122 (SB71), effective January 1,
2013; Stats 2013 ch 76 § 144 (AB 383), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 71
§ 122 (SB 1304), effective January 1, 2015, ch 156 § 1 (AB 1746), effective January 1,
2015 (ch 156 prevails).

Chapter 5
Hearings
§ 5703. Evidence in addition to sworn testimony
The appeals board may receive as evidence either at or subsequent
to a hearing, and use as proof of any fact in dispute, the following
matters, in addition to sworn testimony presented in open hearing:
(a) Reports of attending or examining physicians.
982 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(1) Statements concerning any bill for services are admissible only
if made under penalty of perjury that they are true and correct to the
best knowledge of the physician.
(2) In addition, reports are admissible under this subdivision only if
the physician has further stated in the body of the report that there
has not been a violation of Section 139.3 and that the contents of the
report are true and correct to the best knowledge of the physician.
The statement shall be made under penalty of perjury.
(b) Reports of special investigators appointed by the appeals board
or a workers’ compensation judge to investigate and report upon any
scientific or medical question.
(c) Reports of employers, containing copies of timesheets, book ac-
counts, reports, and other records properly authenticated.
(d) Properly authenticated copies of hospital records of the case of
the injured employee.
(e) All publications of the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
(f) All official publications of the State of California and United
States governments.
(g) Excerpts from expert testimony received by the appeals board
upon similar issues of scientific fact in other cases and the prior deci-
sions of the appeals board upon similar issues.
(h) Relevant portions of medical treatment protocols published by
medical specialty societies. To be admissible, the party offering such a
protocol or portion of a protocol shall concurrently enter into evidence
information regarding how the protocol was developed, and to what
extent the protocol is evidence-based, peer-reviewed, and nationally
recognized. If a party offers into evidence a portion of a treatment
protocol, any other party may offer into evidence additional portions
of the protocol. The party offering a protocol, or portion thereof, into
evidence shall either make a printed copy of the full protocol available
for review and copying, or shall provide an Internet address at which
the entire protocol may be accessed without charge.
(i) The medical treatment utilization schedule in effect pursuant to
Section 5307.27 or the guidelines in effect pursuant to Section 4604.5.
(j) Reports of vocational experts. If vocational expert evidence is
otherwise admissible, the evidence shall be produced in the form of
written reports. Direct examination of a vocational witness shall not
be received at trial except upon a showing of good cause. A continu-
ance may be granted for rebuttal testimony if a report that was not
served sufficiently in advance of the close of discovery to permit re-
buttal is admitted into evidence.
(1) Statements concerning any bill for services are admissible only
if they comply with the requirements applicable to statements con-
cerning bills for services pursuant to subdivision (a).
(2) Reports are admissible under this subdivision only if the voca-
tional expert has further stated in the body of the report that the con-
tents of the report are true and correct to the best knowledge of the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 983

vocational expert. The statement shall be made in compliance with

the requirements applicable to medical reports pursuant to subdivi-
sion (a).
Enacted Stats 1937 ch 90. Amended Stats 1965 ch 1513 § 152, operative January 15,
1966; Stats 1985 ch 326 § 24; Stats 1993 ch 120 § 7 (AB 1300), effective July 16, 1993;
Stats 1994 ch 146 § 159 (AB 3601). Amended Stats 2003 ch 639 § 45 (SB 228); Stats
2004 ch 34 § 41 (SB 899), effective April 19, 2004; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 81 (SB 863),
effective January 1, 2013.

§ 5710. Depositions; Expenses and fees

(a) The appeals board, a workers’ compensation judge, or any party
to the action or proceeding, may, in any investigation or hearing be-
fore the appeals board, cause the deposition of witnesses residing
within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by
law for like depositions in civil actions in the superior courts of this
state under Title 4 (commencing with Section 2016.010) of Part 4 of
the Code of Civil Procedure. To that end the attendance of witnesses
and the production of records may be required. Depositions may be
taken outside the state before any officer authorized to administer
oaths. The appeals board or a workers’ compensation judge in any
proceeding before the appeals board may cause evidence to be taken
in other jurisdictions before the agency authorized to hear workers’
compensation matters in those other jurisdictions.
(b) If the employer or insurance carrier requests a deposition to be
taken of an injured employee, or any person claiming benefits as a
dependent of an injured employee, the deponent is entitled to receive
in addition to all other benefits:
(1) All reasonable expenses of transportation, meals, and lodging
incident to the deposition.
(2) Reimbursement for any loss of wages incurred during attend-
ance at the deposition.
(3) One copy of the transcript of the deposition, without cost.
(4) A reasonable allowance for attorney’s fees for the deponent, if
represented by an attorney licensed by the State Bar of this state.
The fee shall be discretionary with, and, if allowed, shall be set by,
the appeals board, but shall be paid by the employer or his or her in-
surer. The administrative director shall, on or before July 1, 2018,
determine the range of reasonable fees to be paid.
(5) If interpretation services are required because the injured em-
ployee or deponent does not proficiently speak or understand the Eng-
lish language, upon a request from either, the employer shall pay for
the services of a language interpreter certified or deemed certified
pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 11435.05) of Chapter
4.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, or Section 68566 of, the Gov-
ernment Code. The fee to be paid by the employer shall be in accord-
ance with the fee schedule adopted by the administrative director and
984 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

shall include any other deposition-related events as permitted by the

administrative director.
Enacted Stats 1937 ch 90. Amended Stats 1945 ch 168 § 1, ch 1431 § 76; Stats 1965 ch
1513 § 157, operative January 15, 1966; Stats 1971 ch 1416 § 1; Stats 1972 ch 1316 § 1;
Stats 1979 ch 603 § 1; Stats 1985 ch 326 § 26; Stats 1991 ch 116 § 32 (SB 1218); Stats
1993 ch 121 § 65 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993; Stats 1995 ch 938 § 76 (SB 523),
operative July 1, 1997. Amended Stats 1998 ch 931 § 348 (SB 2139), effective Septem-
ber 28, 1998; Stats 2004 ch 182 § 47 (AB 3081), operative July 1, 2005; Stats 2012 ch
363 § 82 (SB 863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2016 ch 868 § 11 (SB 1160), effective
January 1, 2017.

Chapter 6
Findings and Awards
§ 5811. Fees and costs
(a) No fees shall be charged by the clerk of any court for the per-
formance of any official service required by this division, except for
the docketing of awards as judgments and for certified copies of tran-
scripts thereof. In all proceedings under this division before the ap-
peals board, costs as between the parties may be allowed by the ap-
peals board.
(b) (1) It shall be the responsibility of any party producing a witness
requiring an interpreter to arrange for the presence of a qualified in-
terpreter.
(2) A qualified interpreter is a language interpreter who is certified,
or deemed certified, pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section
11435.05) of Chapter 4.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of, or Section
68566 of, the Government Code. The duty of an interpreter is to accu-
rately and impartially translate oral communications and translit-
erate written materials, and not to act as an agent or advocate. An
interpreter shall not disclose to any person who is not an immediate
participant in the communications the content of the conversations or
documents that the interpreter has interpreted or transliterated un-
less the disclosure is compelled by court order. An attempt by any
party or attorney to obtain disclosure is a bad faith tactic that is sub-
ject to Section 5813.
Interpreter fees that are reasonably, actually, and necessarily in-
curred shall be paid by the employer under this section, provided they
are in accordance with the fee schedule adopted by the administrative
director.
A qualified interpreter may render services during the following:
(A) A deposition.
(B) An appeals board hearing.
(C) A medical treatment appointment or medical-legal examination.
(D) During those settings which the administrative director deter-
mines are reasonably necessary to ascertain the validity or extent of
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 985

injury to an employee who does not proficiently speak or understand

the English language.
(c) The administrative director shall promulgate regulations estab-
lishing criteria to verify the identity and credentials of individuals
who provide interpreter services in all necessary settings and pro-
ceedings within the workers’ compensation system. Those regulations
shall be adopted no later than January 1, 2018.
Enacted Stats 1937 ch 90. Amended Stats 1945 ch 802 § 1; Stats 1965 ch 1513 § 168,
operative January 15, 1966; Stats 1993 ch 121 § 65.5 (AB 110), effective July 16, 1993;
Stats 1995 ch 938 § 77 (SB 523), operative July 1, 1997; Stats 2012 ch 363 § 83 (SB
863), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2016 ch 868 § 12 (SB 1160), effective January 1,
2017.

DIVISION 5
SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT

PART 1
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Chapter 6
Permit Requirements
§ 6501.5. Registration of persons doing asbestos–related work
Effective January 1, 1987, any employer or contractor who engages
in asbestos–related work, as defined in Section 6501.8, and which in-
volves 100 square feet or more of surface area of asbestos–containing
material, shall register with the division.
The division may grant registration based on a determination that
the employer has demonstrated evidence that the conditions, practic-
es, means, methods, operations, or processes used, or proposed to be
used, will provide a safe and healthful place of employment. This sec-
tion is not intended to supersede existing laws and regulations under
Title 8, California Administrative Code, Section 5208.
An application for registration shall contain such information and
attachments, given under penalty of perjury, as the division may
deem necessary to evaluate the safety and health of the proposed em-
ployment or place of employment. It shall include, but not be limited
to, all of the following:
(a) Every employer shall meet each of the following criteria:
(1) If the employer is a contractor, the contractor shall be certified
pursuant to Section 7058.5 of the Business and Professions Code.
(2) Provide health insurance coverage to cover the entire cost of
medical examinations and monitoring required by law and be insured
986 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

for workers’ compensation, or provide a five hundred dollar ($500)

trust account for each employee engaged in asbestos–related work.
The health insurance coverage may be provided through a union, as-
sociation, or employer.
(3) Train and certify all employees in accordance with all training
required by law and Title 8 of the California Administrative Code.
(4) Be proficient and have the necessary equipment to safely do as-
bestos–related work.
(b) Provide written notice to the division of each separate job or
phase of work, where the work process used is different or the work is
performed at noncontiguous locations, noting all of the following:
(1) The address of the job.
(2) The exact physical location of the job at that address.
(3) The start and projected completion date.
(4) The name of a certified supervisor with sufficient experience and
authority who shall be responsible for the asbestos–related work at
that job.
(5) The name of a qualified person, who shall be responsible for
scheduling any air sampling, laboratory calibration of air sampling
equipment, evaluation of sampling results, and conducting respirator
fit testing and evaluating the results of those tests.
(6) The type of work to be performed, the work practices that will be
utilized, and the potential for exposure.
Should any change be necessary, the employer or contractor shall
so inform the division at or before the time of the change. Any oral
notification shall be confirmed in writing.
(c) Post the location where any asbestos–related work occurs so as
to be readable at 20 feet stating, “Danger—Asbestos. Cancer and
Lung Hazard. Keep Out.”
(d) A copy of the registration shall be provided before the start of
the job to the prime contractor or other employers on the site and
shall be posted on the jobsite beside the Cal–OSHA poster.
(e) The division shall obtain the services of three industrial hygien-
ists and one clerical employee to implement and to enforce the re-
quirements of this section unless the director makes a finding that
these services are not necessary or that the services are not obtaina-
ble due to a lack of qualified hygienists applying for available posi-
tions. Funding may, at the director’s discretion, be appropriated from
the Asbestos Abatement Fund.
(f) Not later than January 1, 1987, the Division of Occupational
Safety and Health shall propose to the Occupational Safety and
Health Standards Board for review and adoption a regulation con-
cerning asbestos–related work, as defined in Section 6501.8, which
involves 100 square feet or more of surface area of asbestos–
containing material. The regulation shall protect most effectively the
health and safety of employees and shall include specific require-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 987

ments for certification of employees, supervisors with sufficient expe-

rience and authority to be responsible for asbestos–related work, and
a qualified person who shall be responsible for scheduling any air
sampling, for arranging for calibration of the air sampling equipment
and for analysis of the air samples by a NIOSH approved method, for
conducting respirator fit testing, and for evaluating the results of the
air sampling.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health shall also propose a
regulation to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board
for review and adoption specifying sampling methodology for use in
taking air samples.
Added Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 9, effective October 2, 1985. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1451
§ 10, effective September 30, 1986.

§ 6501.7. “Asbestos”
“Asbestos” means fibrous forms of various hydrated minerals, in-
cluding chrysotile (fibrous serpentine), crocidolite (fibrous riebeck-
tite), amosite (fibrous cummingtonite—grunerite), fibrous tremolite,
fibrous actinolite, and fibrous anthophyllite.
Added Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 11, effective October 2, 1985.

§ 6501.8. “Asbestos–related work;” “Asbestos containing

construction material”
(a) For purposes of this chapter, “asbestos–related work” means any
activity which by disturbing asbestos–containing construction mate-
rials may release asbestos fibers into the air and which is not related
to its manufacture, the mining or excavation of asbestos–bearing ore
or materials, or the installation or repair of automotive materials con-
taining asbestos.
(b) For purposes of this chapter, “asbestos containing construction
material” means any manufactured construction material that con-
tains more than one–tenth of 1 percent asbestos by weight.
(c) For purposes of this chapter, “asbestos–related work” does not
include the installation, repair, maintenance, or nondestructive re-
moval of asbestos cement pipe used outside of buildings, if the instal-
lation, repair, maintenance, or nondestructive removal of asbestos
cement pipe does not result in asbestos exposures to employees in
excess of the action level determined in accordance with Sections
1529 and 5208 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, and if
the employees and supervisors involved in the operation have re-
ceived training through a task–specific training program, approved
pursuant to Section 9021.9, with written certification of completion of
that training by the training entity responsible for the training.
988 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Added Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 12, effective October 2, 1985. Amended Stats 1986 ch 1451
§ 11, effective September 30, 1986; Stats 1993 ch 1075 § 1 (SB 877).

§ 6501.9. Duty to determine presence of asbestos before

commencing work
The owner of a commercial or industrial building or structure, em-
ployer, or contractor who engages in, or contracts for, asbestos–
related work shall make a good faith effort to determine if asbestos is
present before the work is begun. The contractor or employer shall
first inquire of the owner if asbestos is present in any building or
structure built prior to 1978.
Added Stats 1985 ch 1587 § 12.5, effective October 2, 1985. Amended Stats 1986 ch
1451 § 12, effective September 30, 1986.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 989

PENAL CODE

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

§ 23. Proceeding against person holding license to engage in

business or profession; Appearance of state agency
In any criminal proceeding against a person who has been issued a
license to engage in a business or profession by a state agency pursu-
ant to provisions of the Business and Professions Code or the Educa-
tion Code, or the Chiropractic Initiative Act, the state agency which
issued the license may voluntarily appear to furnish pertinent infor-
mation, make recommendations regarding specific conditions of pro-
bation, or provide any other assistance necessary to promote the in-
terests of justice and protect the interests of the public, or may be or-
dered by the court to do so, if the crime charged is substantially relat-
ed to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee.
For purposes of this section, the term “license” shall include a per-
mit or a certificate issued by a state agency.
For purposes of this section, the term “state agency” shall include
any state board, commission, bureau, or division created pursuant to
the provisions of the Business and Professions Code, the Education
Code, or the Chiropractic Initiative Act to license and regulate indi-
viduals who engage in certain businesses and professions.
Added Stats 1979 ch 1013 § 34. Amended Stats 1989 ch 388 § 6; Stats 2002 ch 545 § 3
(SB 1852).

PART 1
CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

TITLE 10
Crimes Against the Public Health and
Safety
§ 396. Overpricing of goods and services following state of
emergency or major disaster; Penalty; Definitions
(a) The Legislature hereby finds that during a state of emergency or
local emergency, including, but not limited to, an earthquake, flood,
fire, riot, storm, drought, plant or animal infestation or disease, or
990 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

other natural or manmade disaster, some merchants have taken un-

fair advantage of consumers by greatly increasing prices for essential
consumer goods and services. While the pricing of consumer goods
and services is generally best left to the marketplace under ordinary
conditions, when a declared state of emergency or local emergency
results in abnormal disruptions of the market, the public interest re-
quires that excessive and unjustified increases in the prices of essen-
tial consumer goods and services be prohibited. It is the intent of the
Legislature in enacting this act to protect citizens from excessive and
unjustified increases in the prices charged during or shortly after a
declared state of emergency or local emergency for goods and services
that are vital and necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of con-
sumers. Further, it is the intent of the Legislature that this section be
liberally construed so that its beneficial purposes may be served.
(b) Upon the proclamation of a state of emergency declared by the
President of the United States or the Governor, or upon the declara-
tion of a local emergency by an official, board, or other governing body
vested with authority to make such a declaration in any county, city,
or city and county, and for a period of 30 days following that procla-
mation or declaration, it is unlawful for a person, contractor, busi-
ness, or other entity to sell or offer to sell any consumer food items or
goods, goods or services used for emergency cleanup, emergency sup-
plies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing,
transportation, freight, and storage services, or gasoline or other mo-
tor fuels for a price of more than 10 percent above the price charged
by that person for those goods or services immediately prior to the
proclamation or declaration of emergency. However, a greater price
increase is not unlawful if that person can prove that the increase in
price was directly attributable to additional costs imposed on it by the
supplier of the goods, or directly attributable to additional costs for
labor or materials used to provide the services, provided that in those
situations where the increase in price is attributable to additional
costs imposed by the seller’s supplier or additional costs of providing
the good or service during the state of emergency or local emergency,
the price represents no more than 10 percent above the total of the
cost to the seller plus the markup customarily applied by the seller
for that good or service in the usual course of business immediately
prior to the onset of the state of emergency or local emergency.
(c) Upon the proclamation of a state of emergency declared by the
President of the United States or the Governor, or upon the declara-
tion of a local emergency by an official, board, or other governing body
vested with authority to make such a declaration in any county, city,
or city and county, and for a period of 180 days following that procla-
mation or declaration, it is unlawful for a contractor to sell or offer to
sell any repair or reconstruction services or any services used in
emergency cleanup for a price of more than 10 percent above the price
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 991

charged by that person for those services immediately prior to the

proclamation or declaration of emergency. However, a greater price
increase is not unlawful if that person can prove that the increase in
price was directly attributable to additional costs imposed on it by the
supplier of the goods, or directly attributable to additional costs for
labor or materials used to provide the services, provided that in those
situations where the increase in price is attributable to the additional
costs imposed by the contractor’s supplier or additional costs of
providing the service during the state of emergency or local emergen-
cy, the price represents no more than 10 percent above the total of the
cost to the contractor plus the markup customarily applied by the
contractor for that good or service in the usual course of business im-
mediately prior to the onset of the state of emergency or local emer-
gency.
(d) Upon the proclamation of a state of emergency declared by the
President of the United States or the Governor, or upon the declara-
tion of a local emergency by an official, board, or other governing body
vested with authority to make such a declaration in any county, city,
or city and county, and for a period of 30 days following that procla-
mation or declaration, it is unlawful for an owner or operator of a ho-
tel or motel to increase the hotel or motel’s regular rates, as adver-
tised immediately prior to the proclamation or declaration of emer-
gency, by more than 10 percent. However, a greater price increase is
not unlawful if the owner or operator can prove that the increase in
price is directly attributable to additional costs imposed on it for
goods or labor used in its business, to seasonal adjustments in rates
that are regularly scheduled, or to previously contracted rates.
(e) The provisions of this section may be extended for additional 30-
day periods, as needed, by a local legislative body, local official, the
Governor, or the California Legislature, if deemed necessary to pro-
tect the lives, property, or welfare of the citizens.
(f) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by im-
prisonment in a county jail for a period not exceeding one year, or by
a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that
fine and imprisonment.
(g) A violation of this section shall constitute an unlawful business
practice and an act of unfair competition within the meaning of Sec-
tion 17200 of the Business and Professions Code. The remedies and
penalties provided by this section are cumulative to each other, the
remedies under Section 17200 of the Business and Professions Code,
and the remedies or penalties available under all other laws of this
state.
(h) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the
following meanings:
(1) “State of emergency” means a natural or manmade emergency
resulting from an earthquake, flood, fire, riot, storm, drought, plant
992 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

or animal infestation or disease, or other natural or manmade disas-

ter for which a state of emergency has been declared by the President
of the United States or the Governor of California.
(2) “Local emergency” means a natural or manmade emergency re-
sulting from an earthquake, flood, fire, riot, storm, drought, plant or
animal infestation or disease, or other natural or manmade disaster
for which a local emergency has been declared by an official, board, or
other governing body vested with authority to make such a declara-
tion in any county, city, or city and county in California.
(3) “Consumer food item” means any article that is used or intended
for use for food, drink, confection, or condiment by a person or animal.
(4) “Repair or reconstruction services” means services performed by
any person who is required to be licensed under the Contractors’
State License Law (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Di-
vision 3 of the Business and Professions Code), for repairs to residen-
tial or commercial property of any type that is damaged as a result of
a disaster.
(5) “Emergency supplies” includes, but is not limited to, water,
flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, tem-
porary shelters, tape, toiletries, plywood, nails, and hammers.
(6) “Medical supplies” includes, but is not limited to, prescription
and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol,
and antibacterial products.
(7) “Building materials” means lumber, construction tools, windows,
and anything else used in the building or rebuilding of property.
(8) “Gasoline” means any fuel used to power any motor vehicle or
power tool.
(9) “Transportation, freight, and storage services” means any ser-
vice that is performed by any company that contracts to move, store,
or transport personal or business property or that rents equipment
for those purposes, including towing services.
(10) “Housing” means any rental housing with an initial lease term
of no longer than one year.
(11) “Goods” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (c) of
Section 1689.5 of the Civil Code.
(i) Nothing in this section shall preempt any local ordinance prohib-
iting the same or similar conduct or imposing a more severe penalty
for the same conduct prohibited by this section.
(j) A business offering an item for sale at a reduced price immedi-
ately prior to the proclamation or declaration of the emergency may
use the price at which it usually sells the item to calculate the price
pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c).
Added Stats 1st Ex Sess 1993–94 ch 52 § 2 (AB 36 X), effective November 30, 1994.
Amended Stats 1995 ch 91 § 123 (SB 975); Stats 2004 ch 492 § 2 (SB 1363); Stats 2016
ch 671 § 1 (AB 2820), effective January 1, 2017.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 993

TITLE 13
Crimes Against Property
Chapter 5
Larceny
Penal Code § 490a, enacted in 1927, provides that whenever any
statute refers to larceny, embezzlement, or stealing, it shall be read
and interpreted as if the word “theft” were substituted therefor.
§ 484b. Diversion of money received for construction of
improvements
Any person who receives money for the purpose of obtaining or pay-
ing for services, labor, materials or equipment and willfully fails to
apply such money for such purpose by either willfully failing to com-
plete the improvements for which funds were provided or willfully
failing to pay for services, labor, materials or equipment provided in-
cident to such construction, and wrongfully diverts the funds to a use
other than that for which the funds were received, shall be guilty of a
public offense and shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding ten
thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not
exceeding one year, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of
Section 1170, or by both that fine and that imprisonment if the
amount diverted is in excess of two thousand three hundred fifty dol-
lars ($2,350). If the amount diverted is less than or equal to two thou-
sand three hundred fifty dollars ($2,350), the person shall be guilty of
a misdemeanor.
Added Stats 1965 ch 1145 § 1. Amended Stats 1974 ch 910 § 1; Stats 1975 ch 464 § 1;
Stats 1976 ch 1139 § 219, operative July 1, 1977; Stats 1983 ch 1092 § 286, effective
September 27, 1983, operative January 1, 1984; Stats 2009 ch 35 § 9 (SB 174), effective
January 1, 2010; Stats 2009–2010 3d Ex Sess ch 28 § 14 (SB 18XXX), effective January
25, 2010; Stats 2011 ch 15 § 367 (AB 109), effective April 4, 2011, operative October 1,
2011.

§ 484c. Submission of false voucher to obtain construction

loan
Any person who submits a false voucher to obtain construction loan
funds and does not use the funds for the purpose for which the claim
was submitted is guilty of embezzlement.
Added Stats 1965 ch 1145 § 2.
994 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Chapter 8
False Personation and Cheats
§ 532e. Rebating money furnished for constructing
improvements
Any person who receives money for the purpose of obtaining or pay-
ing for services, labor, materials or equipment incident to construct-
ing improvements on real property and willfully rebates any part of
the money to or on behalf of anyone contracting with such person, for
provision of the services, labor, materials or equipment for which the
money was given, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, howev-
er, that normal trade discount for prompt payment shall not be con-
sidered a violation of this section.
Added Stats 1965 ch 1145 § 3.

Chapter 10
Crimes Against Insured Property and Insurers
§ 551. Referral to automotive repair dealer for consideration;
Discounts intended to offset deductible
(a) It is unlawful for any automotive repair dealer, contractor, or
employees or agents thereof to offer to any insurance agent, broker, or
adjuster any fee, commission, profit sharing, or other form of direct or
indirect consideration for referring an insured to an automotive re-
pair dealer or its employees or agents for vehicle repairs covered un-
der a policyholder’s automobile physical damage or automobile colli-
sion coverage, or to a contractor or its employees or agents for repairs
to or replacement of a structure covered by a residential or commer-
cial insurance policy.
(b) Except in cases in which the amount of the repair or replace-
ment claim has been determined by the insurer and the repair or re-
placement services are performed in accordance with that determina-
tion or in accordance with provided estimates that are accepted by
the insurer, it is unlawful for any automotive repair dealer, contrac-
tor, or employees or agents thereof to knowingly offer or give any dis-
count intended to offset a deductible required by a policy of insurance
covering repairs to or replacement of a motor vehicle or residential or
commercial structure. This subdivision does not prohibit an adver-
tisement for repair or replacement services at a discount as long as
the amount of the repair or replacement claim has been determined
by the insurer and the repair or replacement services are performed
in accordance with that determination or in accordance with provided
estimates that are accepted by the insurer.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 995

(c) A violation of this section is a public offense. Where the amount

at issue exceeds nine hundred fifty dollars ($950), the offense is pun-
ishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, or 2 or 3
years, by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by
both that imprisonment and fine; or by imprisonment in a county jail
not to exceed one year, by a fine of not more than one thousand dol-
lars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine. In all other cas-
es, the offense is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not to
exceed six months, by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars
($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
(d) Every person who, having been convicted of subdivision (a) or
(b), or Section 7027.3 or former Section 9884.75 of the Business and
Professions Code and having served a term therefor in any penal in-
stitution or having been imprisoned therein as a condition of proba-
tion for that offense, is subsequently convicted of subdivision (a) or
(b), upon a subsequent conviction of one of those offenses, shall be
punished by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, or 2 or 3
years, by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by
both that imprisonment and fine; or by imprisonment in a county jail
not to exceed one year, by a fine of not more than one thousand dol-
lars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
(e) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Automotive repair dealer” means a person who, for compensa-
tion, engages in the business of repairing or diagnosing malfunctions
of motor vehicles.
(2) “Contractor” has the same meaning as set forth in Section 7026
of the Business and Professions Code.
Added Stats 1992 ch 675 § 9 (AB 3067). Amended Stats 1993 ch 462 § 1 (AB 438), effec-
tive September 25, 1993; Stats 1995 ch 373 § 1 (SB 639); Stats. 2009, Ch. 28 (SBX3 18).

TITLE 16
General Provisions
§ 667.16. Enhanced sentence for fraud in repairing natural
disaster damage
(a) Any person convicted of a felony violation of Section 470, 487, or
532 as part of a plan or scheme to defraud an owner of a residential
or nonresidential structure, including a mobilehome or manufactured
home, in connection with the offer or performance of repairs to the
structure for damage caused by a natural disaster, shall receive a
one–year enhancement in addition and consecutive to the penalty
prescribed. The additional term shall not be imposed unless the alle-
gation is charged in the accusatory pleading and admitted by the de-
fendant or found to be true by the trier of fact.
996 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) This enhancement applies to natural disasters for which a state

of emergency is proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625
of the Government Code or for which an emergency or major disaster
is declared by the President of the United States.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, the court may strike the addi-
tional term provided in subdivision (a) if the court determines that
there are mitigating circumstances and states on the record the rea-
sons for striking the additional punishment.
Added Stats 1994 ch 175 § 5 (SB 634), effective July 9, 1994.

§ 670. Scheme to defraud owner of structure regarding

repairs for damage resulting from natural disaster for which
state of emergency has been declared; Punishment
(a) Any person who violates Section 7158 or 7159 of, or subdivision
(b), (c), (d), or (e) of Section 7161 of, the Business and Professions
Code or Section 470, 484, 487, or 532 of this code as part of a plan or
scheme to defraud an owner or lessee of a residential or nonresiden-
tial structure in connection with the offer or performance of repairs to
the structure for damage caused by a natural disaster specified in
subdivision (b), shall be subject to the penalties and enhancements
specified in subdivisions (c) and (d). The existence of any fact which
would bring a person under this section shall be alleged in the infor-
mation or indictment and either admitted by the defendant in open
court, or found to be true by the jury trying the issue of guilt or by the
court where guilt is established by a plea of guilty or nolo contendere
or by trial by the court sitting without a jury.
(b) This section applies to natural disasters for which a state of
emergency is proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625 of
the Government Code or for which an emergency or major disaster is
declared by the President of the United States.
(c) The maximum or prescribed amounts of fines for offenses subject
to this section shall be doubled. If the person has been previously
convicted of a felony offense specified in subdivision (a), the person
shall receive a one-year enhancement in addition to, and to run con-
secutively to, the term of imprisonment for any felony otherwise pre-
scribed by this subdivision.
(d) Additionally, the court shall order any person sentenced pursu-
ant to this section to make full restitution to the victim or to make
restitution to the victim based on the person’s ability to pay, as de-
fined in subdivision (e) of Section 1203.1b. The payment of the resti-
tution ordered by the court pursuant to this subdivision shall be
made a condition of any probation granted by the court for an offense
punishable under this section. Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, the period of probation shall be at least five years or until full
restitution is made to the victim, whichever first occurs.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 997

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the prosecuting

agency shall be entitled to recover its costs of investigation and prose-
cution from any fines imposed for a conviction under this section.
Added Stats 1st Ex Sess 1989–90 ch 36 § 4 (AB 9), effective September 22, 1990.
Amended Stats 2001 ch 854 § 38 (SB 205); Stats 2016 ch 86 § 226 (SB 1171), effective
January 1, 2017.

PART 2
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

TITLE 3
Additional Provisions Regarding Criminal
Procedure
Chapter 4.5
Peace Officers
§ 830.3. Investigators, inspectors, and other employees of
specified agencies
The following persons are peace officers whose authority extends to
any place in the state for the purpose of performing their primary du-
ty or when making an arrest pursuant to Section 836 as to any public
offense with respect to which there is immediate danger to person or
property, or of the escape of the perpetrator of that offense, or pursu-
ant to Section 8597 or 8598 of the Government Code. These peace of-
ficers may carry firearms only if authorized and under those terms
and conditions as specified by their employing agencies:
(a) Persons employed by the Division of Investigation of the De-
partment of Consumer Affairs and investigators of the Board of Den-
tal Examiners, who are designated by the Director of Consumer Af-
fairs, provided that the primary duty of these peace officers shall be
the enforcement of the law as that duty is set forth in Section 160 of
the Business and Professions Code.
(b) Voluntary fire wardens designated by the Director of Forestry
and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4156 of the Public Resources
Code, provided that the primary duty of these peace officers shall be
the enforcement of the law as that duty is set forth in Section 4156 of
that code.
(c) Employees of the Department of Motor Vehicles designated in
Section 1655 of the Vehicle Code, provided that the primary duty of
998 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

these peace officers shall be the enforcement of the law as that duty is
set forth in Section 1655 of that code.
(d) Investigators of the California Horse Racing Board designated
by the board, provided that the primary duty of these peace officers
shall be the enforcement of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section
19400) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code and Chap-
ter 10 (commencing with Section 330) of Title 9 of Part 1.
(e) The State Fire Marshal and assistant or deputy state fire mar-
shals appointed pursuant to Section 13103 of the Health and Safety
Code, provided that the primary duty of these peace officers shall be
the enforcement of the law as that duty is set forth in Section 13104
of that code.
(f) Inspectors of the food and drug section designated by the chief
pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 106500 of the Health and Safe-
ty Code, provided that the primary duty of these peace officers shall
be the enforcement of the law as that duty is set forth in Section
106500 of that code.
(g) All investigators of the Division of Labor Standards Enforce-
ment designated by the Labor Commissioner, provided that the pri-
mary duty of these peace officers shall be the enforcement of the law
as prescribed in Section 95 of the Labor Code.
(h) All investigators of the State Departments of Health Care Ser-
vices, Public Health, and Social Services, the Department of Toxic
Substances Control, the Office of Statewide Health Planning and De-
velopment, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System, provided
that the primary duty of these peace officers shall be the enforcement
of the law relating to the duties of his or her department or office.
Notwithstanding any other law, investigators of the Public Employ-
ees’ Retirement System shall not carry firearms.
(i) Either the Deputy Commissioner, Enforcement Branch of, or the
Fraud Division Chief of, the Department of Insurance and those in-
vestigators designated by the deputy or the chief, provided that the
primary duty of those investigators shall be the enforcement of Sec-
tion 550.
(j) Employees of the Department of Housing and Community Devel-
opment designated under Section 18023 of the Health and Safety
Code, provided that the primary duty of these peace officers shall be
the enforcement of the law as that duty is set forth in Section 18023
of that code.
(k) Investigators of the office of the Controller, provided that the
primary duty of these investigators shall be the enforcement of the
law relating to the duties of that office. Notwithstanding any other
law, except as authorized by the Controller, the peace officers desig-
nated pursuant to this subdivision shall not carry firearms.
(l ) Investigators of the Department of Business Oversight designat-
ed by the Commissioner of Business Oversight, provided that the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 999

primary duty of these investigators shall be the enforcement of the

provisions of law administered by the Department of Business Over-
sight. Notwithstanding any other law, the peace officers designated
pursuant to this subdivision shall not carry firearms.
(m) Persons employed by the Contractors’ State License Board des-
ignated by the Director of Consumer Affairs pursuant to Section
7011.5 of the Business and Professions Code, provided that the pri-
mary duty of these persons shall be the enforcement of the law as
that duty is set forth in Section 7011.5, and in Chapter 9 (commenc-
ing with Section 7000) of Division 3, of that code. The Director of
Consumer Affairs may designate as peace officers not more than 12
persons who shall at the time of their designation be assigned to the
special investigations unit of the board. Notwithstanding any other
law, the persons designated pursuant to this subdivision shall not
carry firearms.
(n) The Chief and coordinators of the Law Enforcement Branch of
the Office of Emergency Services.
(o) Investigators of the office of the Secretary of State designated by
the Secretary of State, provided that the primary duty of these peace
officers shall be the enforcement of the law as prescribed in Chapter 3
(commencing with Section 8200) of Division 1 of Title 2 of, and Sec-
tion 12172.5 of, the Government Code. Notwithstanding any other
law, the peace officers designated pursuant to this subdivision shall
not carry firearms.
(p) The Deputy Director for Security designated by Section 8880.38
of the Government Code, and all lottery security personnel assigned
to the California State Lottery and designated by the director, pro-
vided that the primary duty of any of those peace officers shall be the
enforcement of the laws related to assuring the integrity, honesty,
and fairness of the operation and administration of the California
State Lottery.
(q) Investigators employed by the Investigation Division of the Em-
ployment Development Department designated by the director of the
department, provided that the primary duty of those peace officers
shall be the enforcement of the law as that duty is set forth in Section
317 of the Unemployment Insurance Code. Notwithstanding any oth-
er law, the peace officers designated pursuant to this subdivision
shall not carry firearms.
(r) The chief and assistant chief of museum security and safety of
the California Science Center, as designated by the executive director
pursuant to Section 4108 of the Food and Agricultural Code, provided
that the primary duty of those peace officers shall be the enforcement
of the law as that duty is set forth in Section 4108 of the Food and
Agricultural Code.
(s) Employees of the Franchise Tax Board designated by the board,
provided that the primary duty of these peace officers shall be the
1000 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

enforcement of the law as set forth in Chapter 9 (commencing with

Section 19701) of Part 10.2 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation
Code.
(t) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a peace
officer authorized by this section shall not be authorized to carry fire-
arms by his or her employing agency until that agency has adopted a
policy on the use of deadly force by those peace officers, and until
those peace officers have been instructed in the employing agency’s
policy on the use of deadly force.
(2) Every peace officer authorized pursuant to this section to carry
firearms by his or her employing agency shall qualify in the use of the
firearms at least every six months.
(u) Investigators of the Department of Managed Health Care desig-
nated by the Director of the Department of Managed Health Care,
provided that the primary duty of these investigators shall be the en-
forcement of the provisions of laws administered by the Director of
the Department of Managed Health Care. Notwithstanding any other
law, the peace officers designated pursuant to this subdivision shall
not carry firearms.
(v) The Chief, Deputy Chief, supervising investigators, and investi-
gators of the Office of Protective Services of the State Department of
Developmental Services, the Office of Protective Services of the State
Department of State Hospitals, and the Office of Law Enforcement
Support of the California Health and Human Services Agency, pro-
vided that the primary duty of each of those persons shall be the en-
forcement of the law relating to the duties of his or her department or
office.
(w) This section shall become operative July 1, 2014.
Added Stats 2013 ch 515 § 38 (SB 304), effective January 1, 2014, operative July 1,
2014. Amended Stats 2014 ch 26 § 13 (AB 1468), effective June 20, 2014, operative July
1, 2014 (ch 26 prevails), ch 71 § 126 (SB 1304), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2016 ch
59 § 3 (SB 1474), effective January 1, 2017.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1001

PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE

DIVISION 2
GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART 1
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Chapter 4
Subletting and Subcontracting
§ 4100. Citation of chapter
This chapter may be cited as the “Subletting and Subcontracting
Fair Practices Act.”
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4101. Bid shopping and bid peddling

The Legislature finds that the practices of bid shopping and bid
peddling in connection with the construction, alteration, and repair of
public improvements often result in poor quality of material and
workmanship to the detriment of the public, deprive the public of the
full benefits of fair competition among prime contractors and subcon-
tractors, and lead to insolvencies, loss of wages to employees, and
other evils.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4103. Rights and remedies not diminished

Nothing in this chapter limits or diminishes any rights or remedies,
either legal or equitable, which:
(a) An original or substituted subcontractor may have against the
prime contractor, his or her successors or assigns.
(b) The state or any county, city, body politic, or public agency may
have against the prime contractor, his or her successors or assigns,
including the right to take over and complete the contract.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.
1002 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 4104. Listing of subcontractors in bid or offer

Any officer, department, board, or commission taking bids for the
construction of any public work or improvement shall provide in the
specifications prepared for the work or improvement or in the general
conditions under which bids will be received for the doing of the work
incident to the public work or improvement that any person making a
bid or offer to perform the work, shall, in his or her bid or offer, set
forth:
(a) (1) The name, the location of the place of business, and the Cali-
fornia contractor license number of each subcontractor who will per-
form work or labor or render service to the prime contractor in or
about the construction of the work or improvement, or a subcontrac-
tor licensed by the State of California who, under subcontract to the
prime contractor, specially fabricates and installs a portion of the
work or improvement according to detailed drawings contained in the
plans and specifications, in an amount in excess of one-half of 1 per-
cent of the prime contractor’s total bid or, in the case of bids or offers
for the construction of streets or highways, including bridges, in ex-
cess of one-half of 1 percent of the prime contractor’s total bid or ten
thousand dollars ($10,000), whichever is greater.
(2) An inadvertent error in listing the California contractor license
number provided pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not be grounds for
filing a bid protest or grounds for considering the bid nonresponsive if
the corrected contractor’s license number is submitted to the public
entity by the prime contractor within 24 hours after the bid opening
and provided the corrected contractor’s license number corresponds to
the submitted name and location for that subcontractor.
(3) (A) Subject to subparagraph (B), any information requested by
the officer, department, board, or commission concerning any subcon-
tractor who the prime contractor is required to list under this subdi-
vision, other than the subcontractor’s name, location of business, and
California contractor license number, may be submitted by the prime
contractor up to 24 hours after the deadline established by the officer,
department, board, or commission for receipt of bids by prime con-
tractors.
(B) A state or local agency may implement subparagraph (A) at its
option.
(b) The portion of the work that will be done by each subcontractor
under this act. The prime contractor shall list only one subcontractor
for each portion as is defined by the prime contractor in his or her bid.
(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2014.
Added Stats 2013 ch 258 § 2 (AB 44), effective January 1, 2014, operative July 1, 2014.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1003

§ 4104.5. Date and time for closing of bids

(a) The officer, department, board, or commission taking bids for
construction of any public work or improvement shall specify in the
bid invitation and public notice the place the bids of the prime con-
tractors are to be received and the time by which they shall be re-
ceived. The date and time shall be extended by no less than 72 hours
if the officer, department, board, or commission issues any material
changes, additions, or deletions to the invitation later than 72 hours
prior to the bid closing. Any bids received after the time specified in
the notice or any extension due to material changes shall be returned
unopened.
(b) As used in this section, the term “material change” means a
change with a substantial cost impact on the total bid as determined
by the awarding agency.
(c) As used in this section, the term “bid invitation” shall include
any documents issued to prime contractors that contain descriptions
of the work to be bid or the content, form, or manner of submission of
bids by bidders.
Added Stats 1998 ch 1010 § 2 (AB 1092). Amended Stats 2002 ch 204 § 1 (SB 937).

§ 4105. Circumvention of subcontractor listing requirement

Circumvention by a general contractor who bids as a prime contrac-
tor of the requirement under Section 4104 for him or her to list his or
her subcontractors, by the device of listing another contractor who
will in turn sublet portions constituting the majority of the work cov-
ered by the prime contract, shall be considered a violation of this
chapter and shall subject that prime contractor to the penalties set
forth in Sections 4110 and 4111.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4106. Failure to specify subcontractor

If a prime contractor fails to specify a subcontractor or if a prime
contractor specifies more than one subcontractor for the same portion
of work to be performed under the contract in excess of one–half of 1
percent of the prime contractor’s total bid, the prime contractor
agrees that he or she is fully qualified to perform that portion himself
or herself, and that the prime contractor shall perform that portion
himself or herself.
If after award of contract, the prime contractor subcontracts, except
as provided for in Sections 4107 or 4109, any such portion of the
work, the prime contractor shall be subject to the penalties named in
Section 4111.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.
1004 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 4107. Substitution, assignment, and subletting; Notice and

hearing
A prime contractor whose bid is accepted may not:
(a) Substitute a person as subcontractor in place of the subcontractor
listed in the original bid, except that the awarding authority, or its du-
ly authorized officer, may, except as otherwise provided in Section
4107.5, consent to the substitution of another person as a subcontractor
in any of the following situations:
(1) When the subcontractor listed in the bid, after having had a rea-
sonable opportunity to do so, fails or refuses to execute a written con-
tract for the scope of work specified in the subcontractor’s bid and at
the price specified in the subcontractor’s bid, when that written con-
tract, based upon the general terms, conditions, plans, and specifica-
tions for the project involved or the terms of that subcontractor’s writ-
ten bid, is presented to the subcontractor by the prime contractor.
(2) When the listed subcontractor becomes insolvent or the subject of
an order for relief in bankruptcy.
(3) When the listed subcontractor fails or refuses to perform his or
her subcontract.
(4) When the listed subcontractor fails or refuses to meet the bond
requirements of the prime contractor as set forth in Section 4108.
(5) When the prime contractor demonstrates to the awarding au-
thority, or its duly authorized officer, subject to the further provisions
set forth in Section 4107.5, that the name of the subcontractor was
listed as the result of an inadvertent clerical error.
(6) When the listed subcontractor is not licensed pursuant to the
Contractors License Law.
(7) When the awarding authority, or its duly authorized officer, de-
termines that the work performed by the listed subcontractor is sub-
stantially unsatisfactory and not in substantial accordance with the
plans and specifications, or that the subcontractor is substantially
delaying or disrupting the progress of the work.
(8) When the listed subcontractor is ineligible to work on a public
works project pursuant to Section 1777.1 or 1777.7 of the Labor Code.
(9) When the awarding authority determines that a listed subcon-
tractor is not a responsible contractor.
Prior to approval of the prime contractor’s request for the substitu-
tion, the awarding authority, or its duly authorized officer, shall give
notice in writing to the listed subcontractor of the prime contractor’s
request to substitute and of the reasons for the request. The notice
shall be served by certified or registered mail to the last known ad-
dress of the subcontractor. The listed subcontractor who has been so
notified has five working days within which to submit written objec-
tions to the substitution to the awarding authority. Failure to file
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1005

these written objections constitutes the listed subcontractor’s consent

to the substitution.
If written objections are filed, the awarding authority shall give no-
tice in writing of at least five working days to the listed subcontractor
of a hearing by the awarding authority on the prime contractor’s re-
quest for substitution.
(b) Permit a subcontract to be voluntarily assigned or transferred or
allow it to be performed by anyone other than the original subcon-
tractor listed in the original bid, without the consent of the awarding
authority, or its duly authorized officer.
(c) Other than in the performance of “change orders” causing
changes or deviations from the original contract, sublet or subcon-
tract any portion of the work in excess of one-half of 1 percent of the
prime contractor’s total bid as to which his or her original bid did not
designate a subcontractor.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1. Amended Stats 1998 ch 443 § 2 (AB 1569); Stats 1999
ch 972 § 3 (AB 574); Stats 2003 ch 180 § 1 (AB 902); Stats 2009 Ch. 500 (AB 1059).

§ 4107.2. Subcontracting by carpeting subcontractor

No subcontractor listed by a prime contractor under Section 4104 as
furnishing and installing carpeting, shall voluntarily sublet his or her
subcontract with respect to any portion of the labor to be performed
unless he or she specified the subcontractor in his or her bid for that
subcontract to the prime contractor.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4107.5. Clerical errors in listing of subcontractors;

Procedure for substitution
The prime contractor as a condition to assert a claim of inadvertent
clerical error in the listing of a subcontractor shall within two work-
ing days after the time of the prime bid opening by the awarding au-
thority give written notice to the awarding authority and copies of
that notice to both the subcontractor he or she claims to have listed in
error and the intended subcontractor who had bid to the prime con-
tractor prior to bid opening.
Any listed subcontractor who has been notified by the prime contrac-
tor in accordance with this section as to an inadvertent clerical error
shall be allowed six working days from the time of the prime bid open-
ing within which to submit to the awarding authority and to the prime
contractor written objection to the prime contractor’s claim of inadvert-
ent clerical error. Failure of the listed subcontractor to file the written
notice within the six working days shall be primary evidence of his or
her agreement that an inadvertent clerical error was made.
1006 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

The awarding authority shall, after a public hearing as provided in

Section 4107 and in the absence of compelling reasons to the contra-
ry, consent to the substitution of the intended subcontractor:
(a) If (1) the prime contractor, (2) the subcontractor listed in error,
and (3) the intended subcontractor each submit an affidavit to the
awarding authority along with such additional evidence as the parties
may wish to submit that an inadvertent clerical error was in fact made,
provided that the affidavits from each of the three parties are filed
within eight working days from the time of the prime bid opening, or
(b) If the affidavits are filed by both the prime contractor and the
intended subcontractor within the specified time but the subcontrac-
tor whom the prime contractor claims to have listed in error does not
submit within six working days, to the awarding authority and to the
prime contractor, written objection to the prime contractor’s claim of
inadvertent clerical error as provided in this section.
If the affidavits are filed by both the prime contractor and the in-
tended subcontractor but the listed subcontractor has, within six
working days from the time of the prime bid opening, submitted to
the awarding authority and to the prime contractor written objection
to the prime contractor’s claim of inadvertent clerical error, the
awarding authority shall investigate the claims of the parties and
shall hold a public hearing as provided in Section 4107 to determine
the validity of those claims. Any determination made shall be based
on the facts contained in the declarations submitted under penalty of
perjury by all three parties and supported by testimony under oath
and subject to cross–examination. The awarding authority may, on its
own motion or that of any other party, admit testimony of other con-
tractors, any bid registries or depositories, or any other party in pos-
session of facts which may have a bearing on the decision of the
awarding authority.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4107.7. Failure to pay hazardous waste hauler

If a contractor who enters into a contract with a public entity for
investigation, removal or remedial action, or disposal relative to the
release or presence of a hazardous material or hazardous waste fails
to pay a subcontractor registered as a hazardous waste hauler pursu-
ant to Section 25163 of the Health and Safety Code within 10 days
after the investigation, removal or remedial action, or disposal is
completed, the subcontractor may serve a stop notice upon the public
entity in accordance with Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 9350)
of Title 3 of Part 6 of Division 4 of the Civil Code.
Added Stats 1987 ch 746 § 2. Amended Stats 2010 ch 697 § 43 (SB 189), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2011, operative July 1, 2012.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1007

§ 4108. Bonds
(a) It shall be the responsibility of each subcontractor submitting
bids to a prime contractor to be prepared to submit a faithful perfor-
mance and payment bond or bonds if so requested by the prime con-
tractor.
(b) In the event any subcontractor submitting a bid to a prime con-
tractor does not, upon the request of the prime contractor and at the
expense of the prime contractor at the established charge or premium
therefor, furnish to the prime contractor a bond or bonds issued by an
admitted surety wherein the prime contractor shall be named the ob-
ligee, guaranteeing prompt and faithful performance of the subcon-
tract and the payment of all claims for labor and materials furnished
or used in and about the work to be done and performed under the
subcontract, the prime contractor may reject the bid and make a sub-
stitution of another subcontractor subject to Section 4107.
(c)(1) The bond or bonds may be required under this section only if
the prime contractor in his or her written or published request for
subbids clearly specifies the amount and requirements of the bond or
bonds.
(2) If the expense of the bond or bonds required under this section is
to be borne by the subcontractor, that requirement shall also be speci-
fied in the prime contractor’s written or published request for sub-
bids.
(3) The prime contractor’s failure to specify bond requirements, in
accordance with this subdivision, in the written or published request
for subbids shall preclude the prime contractor from imposing bond
requirements under this section.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1. Amended Stats 1991 ch 754 § 1 (SB 580).

§ 4109. Subletting or subcontracting in cases of public

emergency or necessity
Subletting or subcontracting of any portion of the work in excess of
one–half of 1 percent of the prime contractor’s total bid as to which no
subcontractor was designated in the original bid shall only be permit-
ted in cases of public emergency or necessity, and then only after a
finding reduced to writing as a public record of the awarding authori-
ty setting forth the facts constituting the emergency or necessity.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4110. Options of awarding authority upon violation of

chapter
A prime contractor violating any of the provisions of this chapter
violates his or her contract and the awarding authority may exercise
1008 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

the option, in its own discretion, of (1) canceling his or her contract or
(2) assessing the prime contractor a penalty in an amount of not more
than 10 percent of the amount of the subcontract involved, and this
penalty shall be deposited in the fund out of which the prime contract
is awarded. In any proceedings under this section the prime contrac-
tor shall be entitled to a public hearing and to five days’ notice of the
time and place thereof.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4111. Disciplinary action by Contractors State License

Board
Violation of this chapter by a licensee under Chapter 9 (commenc-
ing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions
Code constitutes grounds for disciplinary action by the Contractors
State License Board, in addition to the penalties prescribed in Section
4110.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4112. Noncompliance by contractor on defense in action by

subcontractor
The failure on the part of a contractor to comply with any provision
of this chapter does not constitute a defense to the contractor in any
action brought against the contractor by a subcontractor.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4113. “Subcontractor”; “Prime contractor”

As used in this chapter, the word “subcontractor” shall mean a con-
tractor, within the meaning of the provisions of Chapter 9 (commenc-
ing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions
Code, who contracts directly with the prime contractor.
“Prime contractor” shall mean the contractor who contracts directly
with the awarding authority.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1.

§ 4114. Delegation of functions by board of supervisors

The county board of supervisors, when it is the awarding authority,
may delegate its functions under Sections 4107 and 4110 to any of-
ficer designated by the board.
The authorized officer shall make a written recommendation to the
board of supervisors. The board of supervisors may adopt the recom-
mendation without further notice or hearing, or may set the matter
for a de novo hearing before the board.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1009

Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 42.1. Amended Stats 1989 ch 43 § 1.

Chapter 6
Awarding of Contracts
§ 6100. Verification of contractor’s license
(a) A state agency , as defined in Section 10335.7 that is subject to
this code, shall, prior to awarding a contract for work to be performed
by a contractor, as defined by Section 7026 of the Business and Pro-
fessions Code, verify with the Contractors State License Board that
the person seeking the contract is licensed in a classification appro-
priate to the work to be undertaken. Verification as required by this
section need only be made once every two years with respect to the
same contractor.
(b) In lieu of the verification, the state entity may require the per-
son seeking the contract to present his or her pocket license or certifi-
cate of licensure and provide a signed statement which swears, under
penalty of perjury, that the pocket license or certificate of licensure
presented is his or hers, is current and valid, and is in a classification
appropriate to the work to be undertaken.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1230 § 2. Amended Stats 2015 ch 303 § 419 (AB 731), effective
January 1, 2016.

Chapter 6.3
Construction Manager/General Contractor
Authority: Department of Transportation
§ 6700. Alternative procurement procedure
(a) This chapter provides for an alternative procurement procedure
for certain transportation projects performed by the Department of
Transportation.
(b) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to
establish a pilot program to test the utilization of a Construction
Manager/General Contractor method as a cost-effective option for
constructing transportation projects, including the potential for part-
nering with local entities to deliver projects on the state highway sys-
tem.
(2) The Construction Manager/General Contractor method allows
the department to engage a construction manager during the design
process to provide input on the design. During the design phase, the
construction manager provides advice including, but not limited to,
scheduling, pricing, and phasing to assist the department to design a
more constructible project.
1010 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(c) The Legislature finds and declares that utilizing a Construction

Manager/General Contractor method requires a clear understanding
of the roles and responsibilities of each participant in the process. The
Legislature also finds and declares that cost-effective benefits are
achieved by shifting the liability and risk for cost containment and
project schedule to the construction manager and by permitting the
coherent phasing of projects into discrete contract increments.
Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6701. Requirements for use of Construction

Manager/General Contractor method
(a) The Construction Manager/General Contractor method provided
by this chapter may be used by the department, but is not limited to,
when it is anticipated that it will reduce project costs or expedite pro-
ject completion in a manner that is not achievable through the de-
sign-bid-build method. Notwithstanding any other law, for projects
utilizing the Construction Manager/General Contractor method pro-
vided by this chapter, the department shall advertise, award, and
administer the Construction Manager/General Contractor contract.
The department shall not delegate the contracting authority.
(b) The department may use the Construction Manager/General
Contractor method on no more than 12 projects, at least 10 of which
shall have construction costs greater than ten million dollars
($10,000,000).
(c) On at least eight of the projects utilizing the Construction Man-
ager/General Contractor method provided by this chapter, the de-
partment shall use department employees or consultants under con-
tract with the department to perform all project design and engineer-
ing services related to design required for Construction Manag-
er/General Contractor project delivery consistent with Article XXII of
the California Constitution. On all 12 projects, the department shall
use department employees or consultants under contract with the
department to perform all construction inspection services required
for Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery con-
sistent with Article XXII of the California Constitution. Department
resources, including personnel requirements, necessary to perform all
services described in this subdivision shall be included in the depart-
ment’s capital outlay support program for workload purposes in the
annual Budget Act.
(d) (1) The department shall prepare and submit to the Legislature,
no later than July 1 of each year during which any project using the
Construction Manager/General Contractor method is ongoing, a re-
port that describes each project and provides relevant data, including,
but not limited to, the stage of completion, district, cost, description,
status, and estimated time to completion.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1011

(2) The department shall prepare and submit to the Legislature, no

later than July 1 of the year after any project using the Construction
Manager/General Contractor method has been completed, a report
that includes, in addition to the data in paragraph (1), all of the fol-
lowing:
(A) Data on initial cost estimates, actual cost upon completion, and
the reasons for any difference.
(B) Estimated time for completion, actual time of completion, and
the reasons for any difference.
(C) The number and dollar value of any change orders for all pro-
jects completed using the Construction Manager/General Contractor
method.
(e) (1) A report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (d) shall be
submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(2) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the
requirement for submitting a report imposed under subdivision (d) is
inoperative on July 1 of the year following the submission of the final
report upon completion of the fourth project of the department that
uses the Construction Manager/General Contractor method.
Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2016
ch 750 § 1 (AB 2126), effective January 1, 2017.

§ 6702. Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following
meanings:
(a) “Construction manager” means a partnership, corporation, or
other legal entity that is able to provide appropriately licensed con-
tracting and engineering services as needed pursuant to a Construc-
tion Manager/General Contractor method contract.
(b) “Construction Manager/General Contractor method” means a
project delivery method in which a construction manager is procured
to provide preconstruction services during the design phase of the
project and construction services during the construction phase of the
project. The contract for construction services may be entered into at
the same time as the contract for preconstruction services, or at a lat-
er time. The execution of the design and the construction of the pro-
ject may be in sequential phases or concurrent phases.
(c) “Department” means the Department of Transportation as es-
tablished under Part 5 (commencing with Section 14000) of Division 3
of the Government Code.
(d) “Preconstruction services” means advice during the design phase
including, but not limited to, scheduling, pricing, and phasing to as-
sist the department to design a more constructible project.
(e) “Project” means the construction of a highway, bridge, or tunnel.
1012 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6703. Evaluation and selection of Construction

Manager/General Contractor
Construction Manager/General Contractor method projects shall
progress as follows:
(a) (1) The department shall establish a procedure for the evalua-
tion and selection of a construction manager through a request for
qualifications (RFQ). The RFQ shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(A) If the entity is a partnership, limited partnership, or other asso-
ciation, a list of all of the partners, general partners, or association
members known at the time of the bid submission who will partici-
pate in the Construction Manager/General Contractor method con-
tract, including, but not limited to, subcontractors.
(B) Evidence that the members of the entity have completed, or
demonstrated the experience, competency, capability, and capacity to
complete projects of similar size, scope, or complexity, and that pro-
posed key personnel have sufficient experience and training to com-
petently manage and complete the construction of the project, as well
as a financial statement that assures the department that the entity
has the capacity to complete the project, construction expertise, and
an acceptable safety record.
(C) The licenses, registration, and credentials required to construct
the project, including information on the revocation or suspension of
any license, registration, or credential.
(D) Evidence that establishes that the entity has the capacity to ob-
tain all required payment and performance bonding, liability insur-
ance, and errors and omissions insurance.
(E) Any prior serious or willful violation of the California Occupa-
tional Safety and Health Act of 1973, contained in Part 1 (commenc-
ing with Section 6300) of Division 5 of the Labor Code, or the federal
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (Public Law 91–596), set-
tled against any member of the entity, and information concerning
workers’ compensation experience history and worker safety pro-
gram.
(F) Information concerning any debarment, disqualification, or re-
moval from a federal, state, or local government public works project.
Any instance in which an entity, its owners, officers, or managing
employees submitted a bid on a public works project and were found
to be nonresponsive, or were found by an awarding body not to be a
responsible bidder.
(G) Any instance in which the entity, or its owners, officers, or
managing employees, defaulted on a construction contract.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1013

(H) Any violations of the Contractors’ State License Law (Chapter 9

(commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and
Professions Code), excluding alleged violations of federal or state law
including the payment of wages, benefits, apprenticeship require-
ments, or personal income tax withholding, or of the Federal Insur-
ance Contributions Act (26 U.S.C. Sec. 3101, et seq.) withholding re-
quirements settled against any member of the entity.
(I) Information concerning the bankruptcy or receivership of any
member of the entity, including information concerning any work
completed by a surety.
(J) Information concerning all settled adverse claims, disputes, or
lawsuits between the owner of a public works project and any mem-
ber of the entity during the five years preceding submission of a bid
pursuant to this section, in which the claim, settlement, or judgment
exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Information shall also be
provided concerning any work completed by a surety during this peri-
od.
(K) In the case of a partnership or other association that is not a le-
gal entity, a copy of the agreement creating the partnership or associ-
ation and specifying that all partners or association members agree to
be fully liable for the performance under the contract.
(L) For the purposes of this paragraph, a construction manager’s
safety record shall be deemed acceptable if his or her experience mod-
ification rate for the most recent three-year period is an average of
1.00 or less, and his or her average total recordable injury/illness rate
and average lost work rate for the most recent three-year period does
not exceed the applicable statistical standards for its business catego-
ry or if he or she is a party to an alternative dispute resolution sys-
tem as provided for in Section 3201.5 of the Labor Code.
(2) The information required pursuant to this subdivision shall be
verified under oath by the entity and its members in the manner in
which civil pleadings in civil actions are verified. Information that is
not a public record pursuant to the California Public Records Act
(Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1
of the Government Code) shall not be open to public inspection.
(b) For each RFQ, the department shall generate a final list of qual-
ified persons or firms that participated in the RFQ prior to entering
into negotiations on the contract or contracts to which the RFQ ap-
plies.
(c) (1) For each contract included in the RFQ, the department shall
enter into separate negotiations for the contract with the highest
qualified person or firm on the final list for that contract. However, if
the RFQ is for multiple contracts and specifies that all of the multiple
contracts will be awarded to a single construction manager, there
may be a single negotiation for all of the multiple contracts. The ne-
gotiations shall include consideration of compensation and other con-
1014 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

tract terms that the department determines to be fair and reasonable

to the department. In making this decision, the department shall take
into account the estimated value, the scope, the complexity, and the
nature of the professional services or construction services to be ren-
dered. If the department is not able to negotiate a satisfactory con-
tract with the highest qualified person or firm on the final list, re-
garding compensation and on other contract terms the department
determines to be fair and reasonable, the department shall formally
terminate negotiations with that person or firm. The department may
undertake negotiations with the next most qualified person or firm on
the final list in sequence until an agreement is reached or a determi-
nation is made to reject all persons or firms on the final list.
(2) If a contract for construction services is entered into pursuant to
this chapter and includes preconstruction services by the construction
manager, the department shall enter into a written contract with the
construction manager for preconstruction services under which con-
tract the department shall pay the construction manager a fee for
preconstruction services in an amount agreed upon by the depart-
ment and the construction manager. The preconstruction services
contract may include fees for services to be performed during the con-
tract period provided, however, the department shall not request or
obtain a fixed price or a guaranteed maximum price for the construc-
tion contract from the construction manager or enter into a construc-
tion contract with the construction manager until after the depart-
ment has entered into a services contract. A preconstruction services
contract shall provide for the subsequent negotiation for construction
of all or any discreet phase or phases of the project.
(3) A contract for construction services shall be awarded after the
plans have been sufficiently developed and either a fixed price or a
guaranteed maximum price has been successfully negotiated. In the
event that a fixed price or a guaranteed maximum price is not negoti-
ated, the department shall not award the contract for construction
services.
(4) The department is not required to award the construction ser-
vices contract.
(5) Construction shall not commence on any phase, package, or el-
ement until the department and construction manager agree in writ-
ing on either a fixed price that the department will pay for the con-
struction to be commenced or a guaranteed maximum price for the
construction to be commenced and construction schedule for the pro-
ject. The construction manager shall perform not less than 30 percent
of the work covered by the fixed price or guaranteed maximum price
agreement reached. Work that is not performed directly by the con-
struction manager shall be bid to subcontractors pursuant to Section
6705.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1015

Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6704. Construction manager to obtain bonding

(a) Any construction manager that is selected to construct a project
pursuant to this chapter shall possess or obtain sufficient bonding to
cover the contract amount for construction services and risk and lia-
bility insurance as the department may require.
(b) Any payment or performance bond written for the purposes of
this chapter shall be written using a bond form developed by the de-
partment.
Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6705. Subcontractors under construction manager

All subcontractors bidding on contracts pursuant to this chapter
shall be afforded the protections contained in Chapter 4 (commencing
with Section 4100) of Part 1. The construction manager shall do all of
the following:
(a) Provide public notice of the availability of work to be subcon-
tracted in accordance with the publication requirements applicable to
the competitive bidding process of the department.
(b) Provide a fixed date and time on which the subcontracted work
will be awarded in accordance with the procedure established pursu-
ant to this chapter
(c) Comply with any subcontracting procedures adopted by the de-
partment that were included in the department’s RFQ. If the depart-
ment has adopted procedures to prequalify public works contractors,
the construction manager may use the procedures to prequalify sub-
contractors.
Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6706. Department verification of compliance

The department may retain the services of a design professional or
construction project manager, or both, throughout the course of the
project in order to ensure compliance with this chapter.
Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6707. Length of contract

Contracts awarded pursuant to this chapter shall be valid until the
project is completed.
Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.
1016 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 6708. Effect on other rights and remedies

Nothing in this chapter is intended to affect, expand, alter, or limit
any rights or remedies otherwise available at law.
Added Stats 2012 ch 752 § 1 (AB 2498), effective January 1, 2013.

Chapter 6.6
Alternative Project Delivery Program:
Construction Manager/General Contractor
Authority
§ 6950. Legislative findings and declarations
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The alternative public works project delivery methods author-
ized under this chapter should be evaluated for the purposes of ex-
ploring whether the potential exists for reduced project costs, expe-
dited project completion, or design features that are not achievable
through the traditional project delivery methods.
(b) The design sequencing and Construction Manager/General Con-
tractor project delivery methods rely on existing design-bid-build and
design-build procurement methods respectively and have been suc-
cessfully used by both public and private sector entities in California
and other states for over a decade on projects that require a quick
startup as they allow construction to begin before the design plans
are complete for the entire project.
(c) Both methods also have the benefit of allowing for earlier collab-
oration between the project owner and construction contractor.
(d) This chapter shall not be deemed to provide a preference for
these project delivery methods over other delivery methodologies.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6951. Definitions
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a) “Alternative project delivery method” means either Construction
Manager/General Contractor method or design sequencing.
(b) “Construction Manager/General Contractor method” or “CMGC”
means a project delivery method using a best value procurement pro-
cess in which a construction manager is procured to provide precon-
struction services during the design phase of the project and con-
struction services during the construction phase of the project. The
execution of the design and the construction of the project may be in
sequential phases or concurrent phases.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1017

(c) “Construction manager” means a partnership, corporation, or

other legal entity that is able to provide appropriately licensed con-
tracting and engineering services as needed pursuant to a CMGC
contract.
(d) “Design sequencing” means a method of project delivery that
enables the sequencing of design activities to permit each construc-
tion phase to commence when the design for that phase is complete,
instead of requiring design for the entire project to be completed be-
fore commencing construction.
(e) “Department” means the Department of Transportation as es-
tablished under Part 5 (commencing with Section 14000) of Division 3
of the Government Code.
(f) “San Diego Association of Governments” means the consolidated
agency created pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section
132350) of Division 12.7 of the Public Utilities Code.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6952. Alternative project delivery method; Contracts;

Findings
(a) Subject to the limitations of this chapter, the San Diego Associa-
tion of Governments may utilize the alternative project delivery
methods for public transit projects within the jurisdiction of the San
Diego Association of Governments.
(b) The San Diego Association of Governments may enter into an al-
ternative project delivery method contract pursuant to this chapter if,
after evaluation of the traditional design-bid-build process of con-
struction and of the alternative project delivery method in a public
meeting, the San Diego Association of Governments makes a written
finding that use of the alternative project delivery method on the spe-
cific project under consideration will accomplish one or more of the
following objectives: reduce project costs, expedite the project’s com-
pletion, or provide features not achievable through the design-bid-
build method. This finding must be made prior to the San Diego As-
sociation of Governments entering into an alternative project delivery
method contract. In the alternative project delivery method proposal,
the written findings shall be included as part of any application for
state funds pursuant to this chapter.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6953. Reimbursement of costs of performing prevailing

wage monitoring and enforcement
(a) Except as specified in subdivision (b), the San Diego Association
of Governments shall comply with subdivision (f) of Section 1771.5 of
the Labor Code and shall reimburse the Department of Industrial
1018 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Relations for its reasonable and directly related costs of performing

prevailing wage monitoring and enforcement on public works projects
pursuant to rates established by the department as set forth in sub-
division (h) of that section on projects using an alternative project
delivery method under this chapter. All moneys collected pursuant to
this subdivision shall be deposited in the State Public Works En-
forcement Fund, created by Section 1771.3 of the Labor Code, and
shall be used only for enforcement of prevailing wage requirements
on those projects.
(b) In lieu of complying with subdivision (a), the San Diego Associa-
tion of Governments may elect to enter into a collective bargaining
agreement that binds all of the contractors performing work on the
project and that includes a mechanism for resolving disputes about
the payment of wages.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6954. Contract for preconstruction and construction

services
(a) If a contract for CMGC services is entered into pursuant to this
chapter and includes preconstruction services by the construction
manager, the San Diego Association of Governments shall enter into
a written contract with the construction manager for preconstruction
services, under which the San Diego Association of Governments
shall pay the construction manager a fee for preconstruction services
in an amount agreed upon by the San Diego Association of Govern-
ments and the construction manager. The preconstruction services
contract may include fees for services to be performed during the con-
tract period; provided, however, the San Diego Association of Gov-
ernments shall not request or obtain a fixed price or a guaranteed
maximum price for the construction contract from the construction
manager or enter into a construction contract with the construction
manager until after the San Diego Association of Governments has
entered into a services contract. A preconstruction services contract
shall provide for the subsequent negotiation for construction of all or
any discrete phase or phases of the project and shall provide for the
San Diego Association of Governments to own the design plans and
other preconstruction services work product.
(b) A contract for construction services will be awarded after the
plans have been sufficiently developed and either a fixed price or a
guaranteed maximum price has been successfully negotiated. In the
event that a fixed price or a guaranteed maximum price is not negoti-
ated, the San Diego Association of Governments may award the con-
tract for construction services utilizing any other procurement meth-
od authorized by law.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1019

(c) The construction manager shall perform not less than 30 percent
of the work covered by the fixed price or guaranteed maximum price
agreement reached. Work that is not performed directly by the con-
struction manager shall be bid to subcontractors pursuant to Section
6955.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6955. Protections afforded to subcontractors bidding on

contracts
All subcontractors bidding on contracts pursuant to this chapter
shall be afforded the protections contained in Chapter 4 (commencing
with Section 4100).
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6956. Remedies
Nothing in this chapter affects, expands, alters, or limits any rights
or remedies otherwise available at law.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6957. Progress report

(a) Upon completion of a project using an alternative project deliv-
ery method, the San Diego Association of Governments shall prepare
a progress report to its governing body. The progress report shall in-
clude, but shall not be limited to, all of the following information:
(1) A description of the project.
(2) The entity that was awarded the project.
(3) The estimated and actual costs of the project.
(4) The estimated and actual schedule for project completion.
(5) A description of any written protests concerning any aspect of
the solicitation, bid, proposal, or award of the project, including, but
not limited to, the resolution of the protests.
(6) An assessment of the prequalification process and criteria uti-
lized under this chapter if the CMGC procurement method is used.
(7) A description of the method used to evaluate the bid or proposal,
including the weighting of each factor and an assessment of the im-
pact of this requirement on a project.
(8) A description of any challenges or unexpected problems that
arose during the construction of the project and a description of the
solutions that were considered and ultimately implemented to ad-
dress those challenges and problems.
(9) Recommendations to improve the alternative project delivery
methods authorized under this chapter.
1020 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) The progress report shall be made available on the San Diego
Association of Governments’ Internet Web site.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 6958. Severability of chapter provisions; Validity of

contract
(a) The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provision of
this chapter or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not
affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without
the invalid provision or application.
(b) Contracts awarded pursuant to this section shall be valid until
the project is completed.
Added Stats 2012 ch 767 § 1 (SB 1549), effective January 1, 2013.

Chapter 7
Contract Clauses
§ 7106. Form of required declaration
Every bid on every public works contract of a public entity shall in-
clude a declaration under penalty of perjury under the laws of the
State of California, in the following form:
“NONCOLLUSION DECLARATION TO BE EXECUTED BY BID-
DER AND SUBMITTED WITH BID
The undersigned declares:
I am the ________________________________________ of
_____________________________________, the party making the forego-
ing bid.
The bid is not made in the interest of, or on behalf of, any undis-
closed person, partnership, company, association, organization, or
corporation. The bid is genuine and not collusive or sham. The bidder
has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other bidder to
put in a false or sham bid. The bidder has not directly or indirectly
colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed with any bidder or anyone
else to put in a sham bid, or to refrain from bidding. The bidder has
not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, com-
munication, or conference with anyone to fix the bid price of the bid-
der or any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element
of the bid price, or of that of any other bidder. All statements con-
tained in the bid are true. The bidder has not, directly or indirectly,
submitted his or her bid price or any breakdown thereof, or the con-
tents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any
corporation, partnership, company association, organization, bid de-
pository, or to any member or agent thereof to effectuate a collusive
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1021

or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity
for such purpose.
Any person executing this declaration on behalf of a bidder that is a
corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, lim-
ited liability partnership, or any other entity, hereby represents that
he or she has full power to execute, and does execute, this declaration
on behalf of the bidder.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of
California that the foregoing is true and correct and that this declara-
tion is executed on ____________ [date], at ___________________ [city],
___________________ [state].”
Added Stats 1988 ch 1548 § 1. Amended Stats 2011 ch 432 § 37 (SB 944), effective Jan-
uary 1, 2012.

§ 7201. Applicability to contracts entered into on or after

January 1, 2012 relating to construction of public work of
improvement; Retention proceeds withheld from payments;
Limitations. (Repealed January 1, 2018)
(a) (1) This section shall apply with respect to all contracts entered
into on or after January 1, 2012, between a public entity and an orig-
inal contractor, between an original contractor and a subcontractor,
and between all subcontractors thereunder, relating to the construc-
tion of any public work of improvement.
(2) Under no circumstances shall any provision of this section be
construed to limit the ability of any public entity to withhold 150 per-
cent of the value of any disputed amount of work from the final pay-
ment, as provided for in subdivision (c) of Section 7107. In the event
of a good faith dispute, nothing in this section shall be construed to
require a public entity to pay for work that is not approved or accept-
ed in accordance with the proper plans or specifications.
(3) For purposes of this section, “public entity” means the state, in-
cluding every state agency, office, department, division, bureau,
board, or commission, the California State University, the University
of California, a city, county, city and county, including charter cities
and charter counties, district, special district, public authority, politi-
cal subdivision, public corporation, or nonprofit transit corporation
wholly owned by a public agency and formed to carry out the purpos-
es of the public agency.
(b) (1) The retention proceeds withheld from any payment by a pub-
lic entity from the original contractor, by the original contractor from
any subcontractor, and by a subcontractor from any subcontractor
thereunder shall not exceed 5 percent of the payment. In no event
shall the total retention proceeds withheld exceed 5 percent of the
contract price. In a contract between the original contractor and a
subcontractor, and in a contract between a subcontractor and any
1022 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

subcontractor thereunder, the percentage of the retention proceeds

withheld shall not exceed the percentage specified in the contract be-
tween the public entity and the original contractor.
(2) This subdivision shall not apply if the contractor provides writ-
ten notice to the subcontractor, pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section
4108, prior to, or at, the time that the bid is requested, that bonds
shall be required, and the subcontractor subsequently is unable or
refuses to furnish to the contractor a performance and payment bond
issued by an admitted surety insurer.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision, the re-
tention proceeds withheld from any payment by an awarding entity
set forth in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Sec-
tion 10106, from the original contractor, by the original contractor
from any subcontractor, and by a subcontractor from any subcontrac-
tor thereunder, may exceed 5 percent on specific projects where the
director of the department has made a finding prior to the bid that
the project is substantially complex and therefore requires a higher
retention amount than 5 percent and the department includes in the
bid documents details explaining the basis for the finding and the
actual retention amount. In a contract between the original contrac-
tor and a subcontractor, and in a contract between a subcontractor
and any subcontractor thereunder, the percentage of the retention
proceeds withheld shall not exceed the percentage specified in the
contract between the department and the original contractor.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision, the re-
tention proceeds withheld from any payment by the awarding entity
of a city, county, city and county, including charter cities and charter
counties, district, special district, public authority, political subdivi-
sion, public corporation, or nonprofit transit corporation wholly
owned by a public agency and formed to carry out the purposes of the
public agency, from the original contractor, by the original contractor
from any subcontractor, and by a subcontractor from any subcontrac-
tor thereunder, may exceed 5 percent on specific projects where the
governing body of the public entity or designee, including, but not
limited to, a general manager or other director of an appropriate de-
partment, has approved a finding, on a project by project basis, dur-
ing a properly noticed and normally scheduled public hearing and
prior to bid that the project is substantially complex and therefore
requires a higher retention amount than 5 percent and the awarding
entity includes in the bid documents details explaining the basis for
the finding and the actual retention amount. In a contract between
the original contractor and a subcontractor, and in a contract between
a subcontractor and any subcontractor thereunder, the percentage of
the retention proceeds withheld shall not exceed the percentage speci-
fied in the contract between the department and the original contrac-
tor.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1023

(5) Any finding by a public entity that a project is substantially

complex shall include a description of the specific project and why it
is a unique project that is not regularly, customarily, or routinely per-
formed by the agency or licensed contractors.
(c) A party identified in subdivision (a) shall not require any other
party to waive any provision of this section.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2018,
and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is
enacted before January 1, 2018, deletes or extends that date.
Added Stats 2011 ch 700 § 5 (SB 293), effective January 1, 2012, repealed January 1,
2016. Amended Stats 2014 ch 670 § 1 (AB 1705), effective January 1, 2015, repealed
January 1, 2018.

§ 7202. Withholding retention proceeds prohibited when

making progress payments to contractor for work performed
on transportation project (Repealed January 1, 2020)
(a) The Department of Transportation is prohibited from withhold-
ing retention proceeds when making progress payments to a contrac-
tor for work performed on a transportation project.
(b) Nothing in this section shall alter, amend, or impair the rights,
duties, and obligations of an original contractor, its subcontractors,
and all subcontractors thereunder, relating to the construction of any
public work of improvement as set forth in Section 7200 of the Public
Contract Code.
(c) The department shall promptly notify the appropriate policy
committees of the Legislature if the state’s best interests are com-
promised because retention was not withheld on a transportation pro-
ject.
(d) This section shall become inoperative and shall be repealed on
January 1, 2020.
Added Stats 2008 ch 341 § 1 (SB 593), effective January 1, 2009, repealed January 1,
2014. Amended Stats 2012 ch 290 § 2 (AB 1671), effective January 1, 2013, repealed
January 1, 2020.

§ 7203. Enforceability of delay damages clause

(a) A public works contract entered into on or after January 1, 2016,
that contains a clause that expressly requires a contractor to be re-
sponsible for delay damages is not enforceable unless the delay dam-
ages have been liquidated to a set amount and identified in the public
works contract.
(b) “Delay damages” as used in this section, means damages in-
curred by the public agency for each day after the date on which the
work was to be completed by the contractor pursuant to the public
works contract. Delay damages shall not include damages incurred by
1024 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

a public agency after the filing of a notice of completion or, in the ab-
sence of a notice of completion, the acceptance by the public agency of
the public work as complete.
(c) “Public agency” shall include the state, the Regents of the Uni-
versity of California, a city, charter city, county, charter county, dis-
trict, public authority, municipal utility, and any other political sub-
division or public corporation of the state.
(d) This section shall not be construed to limit a right or remedy
that the public agency has to enforce the express terms of the public
works contract, except for a clause that expressly requires a contrac-
tor to be liable for delay damages.
(e) This section shall not be construed to preclude a public agency
from including more than one clause for delay damages for specified
portions of work when the delay damages have been liquidated to a
set amount for each individual clause and identified in the public
works contract.
(f) This section shall not apply to departments identified in Section
10106.
Added Stats 2015 ch 434 § 2 (AB 552), effective January 1, 2016.

PART 2
CONTRACTING BY STATE AGENCIES

Chapter 1
State Contract Act
Article 1
Scope of Chapter and General Provisions
§ 10111.2. Providing electronic copy of project’s contract
documents to contractor plan room
A department shall, upon request from a contractor plan room ser-
vice, provide an electronic copy of a project’s contract documents at no
charge to the contractor plan room.
Added Stats 2010 ch 371 § 1 (AB 2036), effective January 1, 2011.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1025

Article 4
Bids and Bidders
§ 10164. State licensing requirements where project involves
federal funds
In all state projects where federal funds are involved, no bid sub-
mitted shall be invalidated by the failure of the bidder to be licensed
in accordance with the laws of this state. However, at the time the
contract is awarded, the contractor shall be properly licensed in ac-
cordance with the laws of this state. The contract shall not be award-
ed unless the state agency has verified that the contractor has a valid
license in the appropriate classification for the work performed. Any
bidder or contractor not so licensed shall be subject to all legal penal-
ties imposed by law, including, but not limited to, any appropriate
disciplinary action by the Contractors State License Board. The de-
partment shall include a statement to that effect in the standard form
of prequalification questionnaire and financial statement. Failure of
the bidder to obtain proper and adequate licensing for an award of a
contract shall constitute a failure to execute the contract as provided
in Section 10181 and shall result in the forfeiture of the security of
the bidder.
Enacted Stats 1981 ch 306 § 2. Amended Stats 1983 ch 810 § 1; Stats 1994 ch 432 § 1
(AB 3365).

§ 10167. Sealed bids; Bidder’s security

(a) All bids shall be presented under sealed cover and accompanied
by one of the following forms of bidder’s security:
(1) An electronic bidder’s bond by an admitted surety insurer sub-
mitted using an electronic registry service approved by the depart-
ment advertising the contract.
(2) A signed bidder’s bond by an admitted surety insurer received
by the department advertising the contract.
(3) Cash, a cashier’s check, or certified check received by, and made
payable to, the director of the department advertising the contract.
(b) The required bidder’s security shall be in an amount equal to at
least 10 percent of the amount bid. A bid shall not be considered un-
less one of the forms of bidder’s security is enclosed with it.
(c) All bids submitted pursuant to this section shall also comply
with the provisions of Section 1601 of the Public Contract Code.
Enacted Stats 1981 ch 306 § 2. Amended Stats 2012 ch 290 § 3 (AB 1671), effective
January 1, 2013, operative until January 1, 2020.
1026 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Article 8
Modifications; Performance; Payment
§ 10261. Payments upon contracts; Progress payments;
Substantially complex projects will include a description
(First of two; Repealed January 1, 2018)
(a) Payments upon contracts shall be made as the department pre-
scribes upon estimates made and approved by the department, but
progress payments shall not be made in excess of 100 percent of the
percentage of actual work completed plus a like percentage of the
value of material delivered on the ground or stored subject to or un-
der the control of the state, and unused, except as otherwise provided
in this section. The department shall withhold not more than 5 per-
cent of the contract price until final completion and acceptance of the
project. However, at any time after 95 percent of the work has been
completed, the department may reduce the funds withheld to an
amount not less than 125 percent of the estimated value of the work
yet to be completed, as determined by the department, if the reduc-
tion has been approved, in writing, by the surety on the performance
bond and by the surety on the payment bond. The Controller shall
draw his or her warrants upon estimates so made and approved by
the department and the Treasurer shall pay them. The funds may be
released by electronic transfer if that procedure is requested by the
contractor, in writing, and if the department has, in place at the time
of the request, the mechanism for the transfer.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), when the director of the de-
partment has made a finding prior to the bid that a specified project
is substantially complex and therefore requires a higher retention
amount than 5 percent, and the department includes in the bid doc-
uments details explaining the basis for the finding and the actual re-
tention amount, then payments upon contracts by the department
shall be made as the department prescribes upon estimates made and
approved by the department. However, progress payments shall not
be made in excess of 95 percent of the percentage of actual work com-
pleted, plus a like percentage of the value of material delivered on the
ground or stored, subject to, or under the control of the state, and un-
used, except as otherwise provided in this section. At any time after
95 percent of the work has been completed, the department may re-
duce the funds withheld to an amount not less than 125 percent of
the estimated value of the work yet to be completed, as determined by
the department, if the reduction has been approved, in writing, by the
surety on the performance bond and by the surety on the payment
bond. The Controller shall draw his or her warrants upon estimates
so made and approved by the department and the Treasurer shall pay
them with funds appropriated therefor. The funds may be released by
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1027

electronic transfer if that procedure is requested by the contractor, in

writing, and if the department has, in place at the time of the re-
quest, the mechanism for the transfer.
(2) Any finding by the director of a department that a project is
substantially complex shall include a description of the specific pro-
ject and why it is a unique project that is not regularly, customarily,
or routinely performed by the agency or licensed contractors.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2018,
and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is
enacted before January 1, 2018, deletes or extends that date.
Enacted Stats 1981 ch 306 § 2. Amended Stats 1998 ch 857 § 9 (AB 2084); Stats 2011
ch 700 § 6 (SB 293), effective January 1, 2012, repealed January 1, 2016; Stats 2014 ch
670 § 2 (AB 1705), effective January 1, 2015, repealed January 1, 2018.

§ 10261. Payments upon contracts; Progress payments

(Second of two; Operative January 1, 2018)
(a) On and after January 1, 2018, payments upon contracts shall be
made as the department prescribes upon estimates made and ap-
proved by the department, but progress payments shall not be made
in excess of 95 percent of the percentage of actual work completed
plus a like percentage of the value of material delivered on the
ground or stored subject to or under the control of the state, and un-
used, except as otherwise provided in this section. The department
shall withhold not less than 5 percent of the contract price until final
completion and acceptance of the project. However, at any time after
95 percent of the work has been completed, the department may re-
duce the funds withheld to an amount not less than 125 percent of
the estimated value of the work yet to be completed, as determined by
the department, if the reduction has been approved, in writing, by the
surety on the performance bond and by the surety on the payment
bond. The Controller shall draw his or her warrants upon estimates
so made and approved by the department and the Treasurer shall pay
them. The funds may be released by electronic transfer if that proce-
dure is requested by the contractor, in writing, and if the public enti-
ty has, in place at the time of the request, the mechanism for the
transfer.
(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2018.
Added Stats 2011 ch 700 § 7 (SB 293), effective January 1, 2012, operative January 1,
2016. Amended Stats 2014 ch 670 § 3 (AB 1705), effective January 1, 2015, operative
January 1, 2018.

§ 10262. Payment to subcontractors

The contractor shall pay to his or her subcontractors, within seven
days of receipt of each progress payment, the respective amounts al-
1028 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

lowed the contractor on account of the work performed by his or her

subcontractors, to the extent of each subcontractor’s interest therein.
The payments to subcontractors shall be based on estimates made
pursuant to Section 10261. Any diversion by the contractor of pay-
ments received for prosecution of a contract, or failure to reasonably
account for the application or use of the payments constitutes ground
for actions prescribed in Section 10253, in addition to disciplinary
action by the Contractors’ State License Board. The subcontractor
shall notify, in writing, the Contractors’ State License Board and the
department of any payment less than the amount or percentage ap-
proved for the class or item of work as set forth in Section 10261.
Enacted Stats 1981 ch 306 § 2. Amended Stats 1998 ch 857 § 10 (AB 2084); Stats 2011
ch 700 § 8 (SB 293), effective January 1, 2012.

Chapter 2
State Acquisition of Goods and Services
Article 2
Approval of Contracts
§ 10295.4. State agency contracts with contractors appearing
on tax delinquency list prohibited; Application
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a state agency shall not enter
into any contract for the acquisition of goods or services with a con-
tractor whose name appears on either list of the 500 largest tax de-
linquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code. Any contract entered into in violation of this subdivi-
sion is void and unenforceable.
(b) This section shall apply to any contract executed on or after July
1, 2012.
Added Stats 2011 ch 455 § 5 (AB 1424), effective January 1, 2012.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1029

PART 3
CONTRACTING BY LOCAL AGENCIES

Chapter 1
Local Agency Public Construction Act
Article 1
Title
§ 20103.5. Effect of license requirement on bid
In all contracts subject to this part where federal funds are in-
volved, no bid submitted shall be invalidated by the failure of the bid-
der to be licensed in accordance with the laws of this state. However,
at the time the contract is awarded, the contractor shall be properly
licensed in accordance with the laws of this state. The first payment
for work or material under any contract shall not be made unless and
until the Registrar of Contractors verifies to the agency that the rec-
ords of the Contractors’ State License Board indicate that the con-
tractor was properly licensed at the time the contract was awarded.
Any bidder or contractor not so licensed shall be subject to all legal
penalties imposed by law, including, but not limited to, any appropri-
ate disciplinary action by the Contractors’ State License Board. The
agency shall include a statement to that effect in the standard form of
prequalification questionnaire and financial statement. Failure of the
bidder to obtain proper and adequate licensing for an award of a con-
tract shall constitute a failure to execute the contract and shall result
in the forfeiture of the security of the bidder.
Added Stats 1990 ch 321 § 2 (SB 929) as § 20104, effective July 16, 1990. Renumbered
§ 20103.5 by Stats 1990 ch 1414 § 1 (AB 4165).

§ 20103.7. Providing electronic copy of project’s contract

documents to contractor plan room
A local agency subject to this chapter taking bids for the construc-
tion of a public work or improvement shall, upon request from a con-
tractor plan room service, provide an electronic copy of a project’s con-
tract documents at no charge to the contractor plan room.
Added Stats 2010 ch 371 § 2 (AB 2036), effective January 1, 2011.
1030 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

Article 3
School Districts
§ 20111.6. Public projects using funds from Leroy F. Greene
School Facilities Act of 1998 or state school bond (Inoperative
January 1, 2019; Repealed July 1, 2019)
(a) This section applies only to public projects, as defined in subdi-
vision (c) of Section 22002, for which the governing board of the school
district uses funds received pursuant to the Leroy F. Greene School
Facilities Act of 1998 (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section
17070.10) of Part 10 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code) or
any funds received, including funds reimbursed, from any future
state school bond for a public project that involves a projected ex-
penditure of one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more.
(b) If the governing board of the school district enters into a con-
tract meeting the criteria of subdivision (a), then the governing board
of the school district shall require that prospective bidders for a con-
struction contract complete and submit to the governing board of the
school district a standardized prequalification questionnaire and fi-
nancial statement. The questionnaire and financial statement shall
be verified under oath by the bidder in the manner in which civil
pleadings in civil actions are verified. The questionnaires and finan-
cial statements are not public records and shall not be open to public
inspection.
(c) The governing board of the school district shall adopt and apply
a uniform system of rating bidders on the basis of the completed
questionnaires and financial statements. This system shall also apply
to a person, firm, or corporation that constructs a building described
in Section 17406 or 17407 of the Education Code.
(d) The questionnaire and financial statement described in subdivi-
sion (b), and the uniform system of rating bidders described in subdi-
vision (c), shall cover, at a minimum, the issues covered by the stand-
ardized questionnaire and model guidelines for rating bidders devel-
oped by the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to subdivi-
sion (a) of Section 20101.
(e) Each prospective bidder shall be furnished by the school district
letting the contract with a standardized proposal form that, when
completed and executed, shall be submitted as his or her bid. Bids not
presented on the forms so furnished shall be disregarded.
(f) A proposal form required pursuant to subdivision (e) shall not be
accepted from any person or other entity that is required to submit a
completed questionnaire and financial statement for prequalification
pursuant to subdivision (b) or from any person or other entity that
uses a subcontractor that is required to submit a completed question-
naire and financial statement for prequalification pursuant to subdi-
vision (b), but has not done so at least 10 business days before the
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1031

date fixed for the public opening of sealed bids or has not been
prequalified for at least five business days before that date. The
school district may require the completed questionnaire and financial
statement for prequalification to be submitted more than 10 business
days before the fixed date for the public opening of sealed bids. The
school district may also require the prequalification more than five
business days before the fixed date.
(g) (1) The governing board of the school district may establish a
process for prequalifying prospective bidders pursuant to this section
on a quarterly or annual basis and a prequalification pursuant to this
process shall be valid for one calendar year following the date of ini-
tial prequalification.
(2) The governing board of the school district shall establish a pro-
cess to prequalify a person, firm, or corporation, including, but not
limited to, the prime contractor and, if used, an electrical, mechani-
cal, and plumbing subcontractor, to construct a building described in
Section 17406 or 17407 of the Education Code on a quarterly or an-
nual basis. A prequalification pursuant to this process shall be valid
for one calendar year following the date of initial prequalification.
(h) This section does not preclude the governing board of the school
district from prequalifying or disqualifying a subcontractor of any
specialty classification described in Section 7058 of the Business and
Professions Code.
(i) For purposes of this section, bidders shall include both of the fol-
lowing:
(1) A prime contractor, as defined in Section 4113, that is either of
the following:
(A) A general engineering contractor described in Section 7056 of
the Business and Professions Code.
(B) A general building contractor described in Section 7057 of the
Business and Professions Code.
(2) If utilized, each electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractor,
whether as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor, as defined in
Section 4113.
(j) If a public project covered by this section includes electrical, me-
chanical, or plumbing components that will be performed by electri-
cal, mechanical, or plumbing contractors, a list of prequalified general
contractors and electrical, mechanical, and plumbing subcontractors
shall be made available by the school district to all bidders at least
five business days before the dates fixed for the public opening of
sealed bids. The school district may require the list to be made avail-
able more than five business days before the fixed dates for the public
opening of sealed bids.
(k) For purposes of this section, electrical, mechanical, and plumb-
ing subcontractors are contractors licensed pursuant to Section 7058
of the Business and Professions Code, specifically contractors holding
C-4, C-7, C-10, C-16, C-20, C-34, C-36, C-38, C-42, C-43, and C-46 li-
1032 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

censes, pursuant to regulations of the Contractors’ State License

Board.
(l ) This section does not apply to a school district with an average
daily attendance of less than 2,500.
(m) (1) This section applies only to contracts awarded on or after
January 1, 2014.
(2) The amendments made to this section by Chapter 408 of the
Statutes of 2014 apply only to contracts awarded on or after January
1, 2015.
(n) (1) On or before January 1, 2018, the Director of Industrial Re-
lations shall (A) submit a report to the Legislature evaluating wheth-
er, during the years this section has applied to contracts, violations of
the Labor Code on school district projects have decreased as com-
pared to the same number of years immediately preceding the enact-
ment of this section, and (B) recommend improvements to the system
for prequalifying contractors and subcontractors on school district
projects.
(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be
submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(o) This section shall become inoperative on January 1, 2019, and,
as of July 1, 2019, is repealed.
Added Stats 2012 ch 808 § 1 (AB 1565), effective January 1, 2013, inoperative January
1, 2019, repealed July 1, 2019. Amended Stats 2014 ch 408 § 5 (AB 1581), effective
January 1, 2015, inoperative January 1, 2019, repealed July 1, 2019; Stats 2015 ch 214
§ 4 (AB 566), effective January 1, 2016, inoperative January 1, 2019, repealed July 1,
2019; Stats 2016 ch 86 § 251 (SB 1171), effective January 1, 2017, inoperative January
1, 2019, repealed July 1, 2019.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1033

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE

DIVISION 15

ENERGY CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Chapter 3
State Energy Resources Conservation and
Development Commission
§ 25228. Evaluation and recommendation of policies and
implementation strategies to overcome barriers to
deployment and use of geothermal heat pump and geothermal
ground loop technologies
(a) The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Com-
mission, cities, counties, special districts, and other stakeholders,
shall evaluate and recommend policies and implementation strategies
to overcome barriers to the deployment and use of geothermal heat
pump and geothermal ground loop technologies. In evaluating these
policies and strategies, the commission shall consider all of the follow-
ing:
(1) The quantitative benefits and costs to ratepayers specific to saf-
er, more reliable, or less costly gas or electrical service and through
greater energy efficiency, reduction of health and environmental im-
pacts from air pollution, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
related to electricity and natural gas production and use, through the
use of geothermal heat pump and geothermal ground loop technolo-
gies.
(2) The existing statutory and permit requirements that impact the
use of geothermal heat pumps and geothermal ground loop technolo-
gies and any other existing legal impediments to the use of geother-
mal heat pump and geothermal ground loop technologies.
(3) The impact of the use of the geothermal heat pump and geo-
thermal ground loop technologies on achieving the state’s goals pur-
suant to the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Divi-
sion 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety
Code) and achieving the state’s energy efficiency goals.
(b) The commission shall include the evaluations and recommenda-
tions made pursuant to this section in the integrated energy policy
1034 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

report that is required to be adopted for calendar year 2013, pursuant

to subdivision (a) of Section 25302.
Added Stats 2012 ch 608 § 1 (AB 2339), effective January 1, 2013.

Chapter 5
Energy Resources Conservation
§ 25402.11. Establishment of administrative enforcement
process for violation of a regulation and assessment of
administrative civil penalty; Considerations; Orders; Cost;
Exceptions
(a) (1) The commission may adopt regulations establishing an ad-
ministrative enforcement process for a violation of a regulation
adopted pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 25402 and for the as-
sessment of an administrative civil penalty not to exceed two thou-
sand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each violation. The process
shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 4 (commencing with
Section 11400) and Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11500) of
Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(2) In assessing the amount of an administrative penalty, the com-
mission shall consider all of the following factors:
(A) The nature and seriousness of the violation.
(B) The number of violations.
(C) The persistence of the violation.
(D) The length of time over which the violation occurred.
(E) The willfulness of the violation.
(F) The violator’s assets, liabilities, and net worth.
(G) The harm to consumers and to the state that resulted from the
amount of energy wasted due to the violation.
(b) If the commission finds that a violation of the regulations adopt-
ed pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 25402 has occurred or is
threatening to occur, the commission may refer the matter to the At-
torney General to petition a court to enjoin the violation. The court
may grant prohibitory or mandatory injunctive relief as warranted by
issuing a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or
permanent injunction, and may assess a civil penalty not to exceed
two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each violation, consid-
ering the factors specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).
(c) Penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in-
to the Appliance Efficiency Enforcement Subaccount, which is hereby
established in the Energy Resources Program Account. The moneys
in the Appliance Efficiency Enforcement Subaccount may be expend-
ed by the commission, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the
education of the public regarding appliance energy efficiency and for
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1035

the enforcement of the regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision

(c) of Section 25402.
(d) An order imposing an administrative civil penalty shall be sub-
ject to judicial review pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section
25534.2.
(e) A person shall not be liable for a civil penalty pursuant to subdi-
vision (b) if that person is subject to an administrative civil penalty
pursuant to subdivision (a).
(f) In a civil action brought on behalf of the commission pursuant to
this section, upon granting relief, the court shall award to the com-
mission the reasonable costs incurred by the commission in investi-
gating and prosecuting the action.
(g) The commission shall not initiate an administrative enforcement
process pursuant to the regulations adopted pursuant to this section
against an entity for the unlawful sale or the unlawful offer for sale of
an appliance if both of the following apply:
(1) The appliance fully complies with all of the requirements of the
regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 25402.
(2) The only basis for the commission’s potential enforcement action
is that the appliance is not considered to be in compliance because of
the commission’s delay in reviewing and processing information sub-
mitted to it that demonstrates full compliance.
(h) In addition to the prohibitions specified in subdivision (g), the
commission shall not initiate an administrative enforcement process
pursuant to the regulations adopted pursuant to this section for a vio-
lation of a standard adopted pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section
25402 until both of the following occur:
(1) No fewer than 60 days have elapsed since the date when the
standard was published in the California Register.
(2) No fewer than 30 days have elapsed since the date when the al-
leged violator received written notice of the alleged violation and date
when the commission provided public notice of the standard.
Added Stats 2011 ch 591 § 3 (SB 454), effective January 1, 2012.

§ 25402.12. Plan to promote compliance with regulations in

the installation of central air-conditioning and heat pumps
(a) On or before January 1, 2019, the commission, in consultation
with the Contractors’ State License Board, local building officials, and
other stakeholders, shall approve a plan that will promote compliance
with Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations in the
installation of central air-conditioning and heat pumps.
(b) Prior to approving the plan described in subdivision (a), the
commission shall do all of the following:
(1) Evaluate the best available technological and economic infor-
mation to ensure that data collection and its use is feasible and
1036 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

achievable at a reasonable cost to government, industry, and home-

owners.
(2) Consider the impact of the plan on all of the following:
(A) Property owners.
(B) The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning industry, includ-
ing manufacturers, distributors, and contractors.
(C) Local governments.
(D) Building officials.
(E) The Contractors’ State License Board.
(3) Provide the public with the opportunity to review and comment
on the proposed plan.
(c) The commission may adopt regulations to increase compliance
with permitting and inspection requirements for central air-
conditioning and heat pumps, and associated sales and installations,
consistent with the plan approved pursuant to subdivision (a).
Added Stats 2016 ch 678 § 1 (SB 1414), effective January 1, 2017.

Chapter 10
Enforcement and Judicial Review
§ 25900. Injunctive relief
Except as provided in Sections 25402.11 and 25531, if the commis-
sion finds that any provision of this division is violated, or a violation
is threatening to take place that constitutes an emergency requiring
immediate action to protect the public health, welfare, or safety, the
Attorney General, upon request of the commission, shall petition a
court to enjoin the violation. The court may grant prohibitory or
mandatory injunctive relief as warranted by way of temporary re-
straining order, preliminary injunction, and permanent injunction.
Added Stats 1974 ch 276 § 2, operative January 7, 1975. Amended Stats 2011 ch 591 §
4 (SB 454), effective January 1, 2012.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1037

PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE

DIVISION 1

REGULATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

PART 1

PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT

Chapter 2.3
Electrical Restructuring
Article 16
California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program
§ 399.4. Policy and intent to administer cost-effective energy
efficiency programs; Rebates or incentives for an energy
efficiency improvement or installation; Evaluation of
investments
(a) (1) In order to ensure that prudent investments in energy effi-
ciency continue to be made that produce cost-effective energy savings,
reduce customer demand, and contribute to the safe and reliable op-
eration of the electric distribution grid, it is the policy of this state
and the intent of the Legislature that the commission shall continue
to administer cost-effective energy efficiency programs authorized
pursuant to existing statutory authority.
(2) As used in this section, the term “energy efficiency” includes, but
is not limited to, cost-effective activities to achieve peak load reduc-
tion that improve end-use efficiency, lower customers’ bills, and re-
duce system needs.
(b) (1) Any rebates or incentives offered by a public utility for an
energy efficiency improvement or installation of energy efficient com-
ponents, equipment, or appliances in buildings shall be provided only
if the recipient of the rebate or incentive certifies that the improve-
ment or installation has complied with any applicable permitting re-
quirements and, if a contractor performed the installation or im-
provement, that the contractor holds the appropriate license for the
work performed.
1038 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(2) This subdivision does not imply or create authority or responsi-

bility, or expand existing authority or responsibility, of a public utility
for the enforcement of the building energy and water efficiency
standards adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 25402
of the Public Resources Code, or appliance efficiency standards and
certification requirements adopted pursuant to subdivision (c) of Sec-
tion 25402 of the Public Resources Code.
(c) The commission, in evaluating energy efficiency investments
under its existing statutory authority, shall also ensure that local and
regional interests, multifamily dwellings, and energy service industry
capabilities are incorporated into program portfolio design and that
local governments, community-based organizations, and energy effi-
ciency service providers are encouraged to participate in program im-
plementation where appropriate.
Added Stats 2000 ch 1050 § 4 (SB 1194). Amended Stats 2006 ch 512 § 28 (SB 1250),
effective September 27, 2006; Stats 2011 ch 591 § 5 (SB 454), effective January 1, 2012.

DIVISION 12

COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONS

Chapter 2
Creation of Commissions
§ 130051.22. Establishment of prequalification program for
bidders on contracts; Prequalification standardized
questionnaire and financial statement
(a) The authority may establish and maintain a prequalification
program for bidders on contracts not covered by subdivision (b).
(b) On public projects, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 22002
of the Public Contract Code, the authority shall require, at a mini-
mum, that prospective bidders for a construction contract complete
and submit to the authority a prequalification standardized ques-
tionnaire and financial statement in a form specified by the authority,
pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 20101 of the Public Contract
Code.
Added Stats 2012 ch 703 § 3 (AB 2440), effective January 1, 2013.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1039

Chapter 4
Powers and Functions
Article 2
Contracts
§ 130232. Competitive bidding for contracts; Bid
requirements
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (f), purchase of all supplies,
equipment, and materials, and the construction of all facilities and
works, when the expenditure required exceeds twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000), shall be by contract let to the lowest responsible
bidder. Notice requesting bids shall be published at least once in a
newspaper of general circulation. The publication shall be made at
least 10 days before the date for the receipt of the bids. The commis-
sion, at its discretion, may reject any and all bids and readvertise.
(b) Except as provided for in subdivision (f), whenever the expected
expenditure required exceeds one thousand dollars ($1,000), but not
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), the commission shall obtain a
minimum of three quotations, either written or oral, that permit pric-
es and terms to be compared.
(c) Where the expenditure required by the bid price is less than fifty
thousand dollars ($50,000), the executive director may act for the
commission.
(d) All bids for construction work submitted pursuant to this section
shall be presented under sealed cover and shall be accompanied by
one of the following forms of bidder’s security:
(1) Cash.
(2) A cashier’s check made payable to the commission.
(3) A certified check made payable to the commission.
(4) A bidder’s bond executed by an admitted surety insurer, made
payable to the commission.
(e) Upon an award to the lowest bidder, the security of an unsuc-
cessful bidder shall be returned in a reasonable period of time, but in
no event shall that security be held by the commission beyond 60
days from the date that the award was made.
(f) The following provisions apply only to the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority:
(1) The contract shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder or, in
the authority’s discretion, to the person who submitted a proposal
that provides the best value to the commission on the basis of the fac-
tors identified in the solicitation when the purchase price of all sup-
plies, equipment, and materials exceeds one hundred fifty thousand
dollars ($150,000). “Best value” means the overall combination of
1040 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

quality, price, and other elements of a proposal that, when considered

together, provide the greatest overall benefit in response to require-
ments described in the solicitation documents. The contract shall be
let to the lowest responsible bidder when the purchase price of the
construction of all facilities exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars
($25,000).
(2) The authority shall obtain a minimum of three quotations, ei-
ther written or oral, that permit prices and terms to be compared
whenever the expected expenditure required exceeds three thousand
dollars ($3,000), but not one hundred fifty thousand dollars
($150,000).
(3) The authority may purchase supplies, equipment, and materials
from a public auction sale, including public auctions held via the In-
ternet, using the procedures established for all other participants in
the public auction.
(4) The authority may participate in a procurement agreement in-
volving other public entities that is identified by a procuring public
entity or entities as a cooperative procuring agreement from which
other public entities may make purchases or enter into contracts, and
the authority may procure, and enter into contracts for, items pur-
chased pursuant to that procurement agreement, notwithstanding
that the authority may not be the procuring public entity, provided
the procurement agreement is awarded or entered into by either of
the following:
(A) One or more public entities or an organization of public entities,
which may include the authority.
(B) A federal, state, or local public entity.
(5) (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law requiring the
authority to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, the au-
thority may, except as to contracts for professional services involving
private architectural, landscape architectural, engineering, environ-
mental, land surveying, or construction management as defined in
Sections 4525 and 4529.10 of the Government Code, do any of the fol-
lowing in facilitating contract awards with small business enterprises
and disabled veteran business enterprises:
(i) Provide for a small business preference in construction, the con-
struction component of a design-build team, the procurement of
goods, or the delivery of services. The preference to a small business
shall be 5 percent of the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifica-
tions that provides for small business participation.
(ii) Establish a subcontracting participation goal for small business
enterprises on contracts financed with nonfederal funds and grant a
preference of 5 percent to the lowest responsible bidders who meet
the goal.
(iii) Require bidders, prior to the time bids are opened, to comply
with the small business enterprise and disabled veteran business en-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1041

terprise goals and requirements established by the authority on con-

tracts financed with nonfederal funds.
(iv) In awarding contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, award
the contract to the lowest responsible bidder meeting the small busi-
ness enterprise and disabled veteran business enterprise goals.
(v) Set aside work for competition among certified small business
enterprises and award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder
whenever the expected expenditure required exceeds five thousand
dollars ($5,000) but is less than three million dollars ($3,000,000), as
long as price quotations are obtained by the authority from three or
more certified small business enterprises. If the authority awards
contracts under this clause, the authority, for purposes of legislative
oversight, shall, on or before December 31, 2017, prepare and submit
a report to the Legislature regarding contracts awarded pursuant to
this clause. The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section
9795 of the Government Code.
(B) A small business enterprise recommended for a contract award
through use of a set aside shall be performing a commercially useful
function. A small business enterprise shall be presumed to be per-
forming a commercially useful function if it performs and exercises
responsibility of at least 30 percent of the total cost of the contract
work with its own workforce.
(C) “Small business enterprise” as used in this paragraph, means a
business enterprise that is classified as a small business under Unit-
ed States Small Business Administration rules and meets the current
small business enterprise size standards found in Part 121 of Title 13
of the Code of Federal Regulations appropriate to the type of work the
enterprise seeks to perform. The authority may establish limitations
regarding the average annual gross receipts of a small business over
the previous three fiscal years and establish limitations regarding the
personal net worth of the owner of the small business, exclusive of the
value of the owner’s personal residence.
(D) “Disabled veteran business enterprise” as used in this para-
graph has the meaning as defined in Section 999 of the Military and
Veterans Code.
(E) “Goal” as used in this paragraph means a numerically expressed
objective that bidders are required to achieve.
Added Stats 1986 ch 195 § 137.2. Amended Stats 1989 ch 1163 § 64; Stats 1990 ch 808
§ 59 (SB 886). Amended Stats 1999 ch 1007 § 9 (SB 532); Stats 2006 ch 814 § 2 (SB
1687), effective January 1, 2007; Stats 2007 ch 116 § 2 (AB 1326), effective January 1,
2008; Stats 2009 ch 536 § 4 (AB 1471), effective January 1, 2010; Stats 2010 ch 494 § 1
(SB 1341), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2012 ch 703 § 4 (AB 2440), effective Janu-
ary 1, 2013; Stats 2016 ch 204 § 1 (AB 2690), effective January 1, 2017.
1042 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

§ 130242. Authority to contract with private entities

regarding transit systems and facilities on real property;
Exceptions; Selection of subcontractors
(a) In addition to the other powers it possesses, the Los Angeles
County Metropolitan Transportation Authority may enter into con-
tracts with private entities, the scope of which may combine within a
single contract all or some of the planning, design, permitting, devel-
opment, joint development, construction, construction management,
acquisition, leasing, installation, and warranty of all or components of
(1) transit systems, including, without limitation, passenger loading
or intermodal station facilities, and (2) facilities on real property
owned or to be owned by the authority.
(b) The authority may award contracts pursuant to subdivision (a)
after a finding, by a two-thirds vote of the members of the authority,
that awarding the contract under this section will achieve for the au-
thority, among other things, certain private sector efficiencies in the
integration of design, project work, and components.
(c) A contract awarded pursuant to this section may include opera-
tion and maintenance elements, if the inclusion of those elements (1)
is necessary, in the reasonable judgment of the authority, to assess
vendor representations and warranties, performance guarantees, or
life-cycle efficiencies, and (2) does not conflict with collective bargain-
ing agreements to which the authority is a party.
(d) Any construction, alteration, demolition, repairs, or other works
of improvement performed under a contract awarded pursuant to this
section shall be considered a public works project subject to Chapter 1
(commencing with Section 1720) of Part 7 of Division 2 of the Labor
Code, and shall be enforced by the Department of Industrial Rela-
tions in the same way it carries out this responsibility under the La-
bor Code.
(e) A contract under this section shall be let to the lowest responsi-
ble bidder whose bid is responsive to the criteria set forth in the invi-
tation for bids, or, at the authority’s discretion, to a contractor chosen
by a competitive bidding process that employs objective selection cri-
teria that may include, but are not limited to, the proposed design
approach, features, functions, life-cycle costs, and other criteria
deemed appropriate by the authority, in addition to price. Notice re-
questing bids or proposals shall be published at least once in a news-
paper of general circulation. For contracts estimated to exceed ten
million dollars ($10,000,000), publication shall be made at least 60
days before the receipt of the bids or price proposals. For contracts
estimated not to exceed ten million dollars ($10,000,000), publication
shall be made at least 30 days before the receipt of the bids or price
proposals. The authority, at its discretion, may reject any and all bid-
sand proposals, and may readvertise. All bids and price proposals
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1043

submitted pursuant to this section shall be presented under sealed

cover and shall be accompanied by one of the following forms of bid-
der security: (1) cash, (2) a cashier’s check made payable to the au-
thority, (3) a certified check made payable to the authority, or (4) a
bidder’s bond executed by an admitted surety insurer, made payable
to the authority. Upon an award , the security of each unsuccessful
bidder shall be returned in a reasonable period of time, but in no
event shall that security be held by the authority beyond 60 days
from the time the award is made.
(f) When the design of portions of the project permits the selection
of subcontractors, the contractor shall competitively bid those por-
tions. The contractor shall provide to the authority a list of subcon-
tractors whose work is in excess of one-half of 1 percent of the total
project cost as soon as the subcontractors are identified. Once listed,
the subcontractors shall have the rights provided in the Subletting
and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with
Section 4100) of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code).
Added Stats 1993 ch 642 § 2 (SB 616). Amended Stats 1994 ch 1220 § 22 (AB 3132),
effective September 30, 1994; Stats 2012 ch 703 § 5 (AB 2440), effective January 1,
2013.
1044 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

REVENUE AND TAXATION CODE

DIVISION 2

OTHER TAXES

PART 1

SALES AND USE TAXES

Chapter 2
The Sales Tax
Article 2
Permits
§ 6070.5. Failure to resolve outstanding liabilities or to
comply with terms of installment payment agreement as
grounds for refusal to issue or revoke a seller’s permit;
Notice; Reconsideration
(a) The board may refuse to issue a permit to any person submitting
an application for a permit as required in Section 6066 if the person
desiring to engage in or conduct business as a seller within this state
has an outstanding final liability with the board for any amount due
under this part.
(b) In addition to the provisions of subdivision (a), the board may
also refuse to issue a permit if the person desiring to engage in or
conduct business as a seller within this state is not a natural person
or individual and any person controlling the person desiring to en-
gage in or conduct business as a seller within this state has an out-
standing final liability with the board as provided in subdivision (a).
For the purposes of this section, “controlling” has the same meaning
as defined in Section 22971 of the Business and Professions Code.
(c) For purposes of this section, a liability will not be deemed to be
outstanding if the person has entered into an installment payment
agreement pursuant to Section 6832 for any liability and is in full
compliance with the terms of the installment payment agreement.
(d) If the person submitting an application for a seller’s permit has
entered into an installment payment agreement as provided in subdi-
vision (c) and fails to comply with the terms of the installment pay-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1045

ment agreement, the board may seek revocation of the seller’s permit
obtained by the person pursuant to this section.
(e) (1) Whenever any person desiring to engage in or conduct busi-
ness as a seller within this state is denied a permit pursuant to this
section, the board shall give to the person written notice of the denial.
The notice of the denial may be served personally, by mail, or by oth-
er means deemed appropriate by the board. If served by mail, the no-
tice shall be placed in a sealed envelope, with postage paid, addressed
to the person at the address as it appears in the records of the board.
The giving of notice shall be deemed complete at the time of deposit of
the notice at the United States Postal Service, or a mailbox, subpost
office, substation or mail chute, or other facility regularly maintained
or provided by the United States Postal Service, without extension of
time for any reason. In lieu of mailing, a notice may be served per-
sonally by delivering to the person to be served and service shall be
deemed complete at the time of the delivery. Delivery of notice by
other means deemed appropriate by the board may include, but is not
limited to, electronic transmission. Personal service or delivery by
other means deemed appropriate by the board to a corporation may
be made by delivery of a notice to any person listed on the application
as an officer.
(2) Any person who is denied a seller’s permit pursuant to this sec-
tion may request reconsideration of the board’s denial of the permit.
This request shall be submitted in writing within 30 days of the date
of the notice of denial. Timely submission of a written request for re-
consideration shall afford the person a hearing in a manner that is
consistent with a hearing provided for by Section 6070. If a request
for reconsideration is not filed within the 30-day period, the denial
becomes final at the end of the 30-day period.
(f) The board shall consider offers in compromise when determining
whether to issue a seller’s permit.
Added Stats 2011 ch 734 § 2 (AB 1307), effective January 1, 2012.
1046 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

PART 10.2

ADMINISTRATION OF FRANCHISE AND INCOME TAX LAWS

Chapter 7
Administration of Tax
Article 1
Powers and Duties of Franchise Tax Board
§ 19528. Provision by various boards of information with
respect to licensees; Notice to licensee failing to provide
information
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the Franchise Tax Board may
require any board, as defined in Section 22 of the Business and Pro-
fessions Code, and the State Bar, the Bureau of Real Estate, and the
Insurance Commissioner (hereinafter referred to as licensing board)
to provide to the Franchise Tax Board the following information with
respect to every licensee:
(1) Name.
(2) Address or addresses of record.
(3) Federal employer identification number , if the licensee is a
partnership, or the licensee’s individual taxpayer identification num-
ber or social security number of all other licensees.
(4) Type of license.
(5) Effective date of license or renewal.
(6) Expiration date of license.
(7) Whether license is active or inactive, if known.
(8) Whether license is new or renewal.
(b) The Franchise Tax Board may do the following:
(1) Send a notice to any licensee failing to provide the federal em-
ployer identification number, individual taxpayer identification num-
ber, or social security number as required by subdivision (a) of Sec-
tion 30 of the Business and Professions Code and subdivision (a) of
Section 1666.5 of the Insurance Code, describing the information that
was missing, the penalty associated with not providing it, and that
failure to provide the information within 30 days will result in the
assessment of the penalty.
(2) After 30 days following the issuance of the notice described in
paragraph (1), assess a one-hundred-dollar ($100) penalty, due and
payable upon notice and demand, for any licensee failing to provide
either its federal employer identification number (if the licensee is a
partnership) or his or her individual taxpayer identification number
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1047

or social security number (for all others) as required in Section 30 of

the Business and Professions Code and Section 1666.5 of the Insur-
ance Code.
(c) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of
Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, the information fur-
nished to the Franchise Tax Board pursuant to Section 30 of the
Business and Professions Code or Section 1666.5 of the Insurance
Code shall not be deemed to be a public record and shall not be open
to the public for inspection.
Added Stats 1993 ch 31 § 26 (SB 3), effective June 15, 1993, operative January 1, 1994.
Amended Stats 2013 ch 352 § 514 (AB 1317), effective September 26, 2013, operative
July 1, 2013; Stats 2014 ch 752 § 11 (SB 1159), effective January 1, 2015.
1048 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CODE

DIVISION 1
UNEMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITY
COMPENSATION

PART 1
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Chapter 2
Administration
Article 1
Employment Development Department
§ 329. Chairperson of Joint Enforcement Strike Force on
Underground Economy; Duties of strike force; Membership of
strike force; Reporting
(a) The director, or his or her designee, shall serve as Chairperson
of the Joint Enforcement Strike Force on the Underground Economy
provided for in Executive Order W–66–93. The strike force shall in-
clude, but not be limited to, representatives of the Employment De-
velopment Department, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the
Department of Industrial Relations, the Department of Insurance,
and the Office of Criminal Justice Planning. Other agencies that are
not part of the administration, such as the Franchise Tax Board, the
State Board of Equalization, and the Department of Justice, are en-
couraged to participate in the strike force.
(b) The strike force shall have the following duties:
(1) To facilitate and encourage the development and sharing of in-
formation by the participating agencies necessary to combat the un-
derground economy.
(2) To improve the coordination of activities among the participat-
ing agencies.
(3) To develop methods to pool, focus, and target the enforcement
resources of the participating agencies in order to deter tax evasion
and maximize recoveries from blatant tax evaders and violators of
cash–pay reporting laws.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1049

(4) To reduce enforcement costs wherever possible by eliminating

duplicative audits and investigations.
(c) In addition, the strike force shall be empowered to:
(1) Form joint enforcement teams when appropriate to utilize the
collective investigative and enforcement capabilities of the participat-
ing members.
(2) Establish committees and rules of procedure to carry out the ac-
tivities of the strike force.
(3) To solicit the cooperation and participation of district attorneys
and other state and local agencies in carrying out the objectives of the
strike force.
(4) Establish procedures for soliciting referrals from the public, in-
cluding, but not limited to, an advertised telephone hotline.
(5) Develop procedures for improved information sharing among the
participating agencies, such as shared automated information data-
base systems, the use of a common business identification number,
and a centralized debt collection system.
(6) Develop procedures to permit the participating agencies to use
more efficient and effective civil sanctions in lieu of criminal actions
wherever possible.
(7) Evaluate, based on its activities, the need for any statutory
change to do any of the following:
(A) Eliminate barriers to interagency information sharing.
(B) Improve the ability of the participating agencies to audit, inves-
tigate, and prosecute tax and cash–pay violations.
(C) Deter violations and improve voluntary compliance.
(D) Eliminate duplication and improve cooperation among the par-
ticipating agencies.
(E) Establish shareable information databases.
(F) Establish a common business identification number for use by
participating agencies.
(G) Establish centralized, automated debt collection services for the
participating agencies.
(H) Strengthen civil penalty procedures to allow the strike force to
emphasize civil rather than criminal penalties wherever possible.
(d) The strike force shall report to the Governor and the Legislature
annually during the period of its existence, by June 30, of each year,
regarding its activities.
The report shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) The number of cases of blatant violations and noncompliance
with tax and cash–pay laws identified, audited, investigated, or pros-
ecuted through civil action or referred for criminal prosecution.
(2) Actions taken by the strike force to publicize its activities.
(3) Efforts made by the strike force to establish an advertised tele-
phone hotline for receiving referrals from the public.
(4) Procedures for improving information sharing among the agen-
cies represented on the strike force.
1050 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(5) Steps taken by the strike force to improve cooperation among

participating agencies, reduce duplication of effort, and improve vol-
untary compliance.
(6) Recommendations for any statutory changes needed to accom-
plish the goals described in paragraph (7) of subdivision (c).
Added Stats 1994 ch 1117 § 5 (SB 1490), operative until January 1, 2000. Amended
Stats 1999 ch 306 § 2 (SB 319), operative until January 1, 2006; Stats 2001 ch 180 § 1
(AB 202), repealed January 1, 2006; Stats 2002 ch 29 § 4 (AB 1729), repealed January
1, 2006. Amended Stats 2004 ch 685 § 6 (AB 3020).

Chapter 4
Contributions and Reports
Article 6
Records, Reports and Contribution Payments
§ 1088.5. Information to be reported relating to new employees
(a) In addition to information reported in accordance with Section
1088, effective July 1, 1998, each employer shall file, with the de-
partment, the information provided for in subdivision (b) on new em-
ployees.
(b) Each employer shall report the hiring of any employee who
works in this state and to whom the employer anticipates paying
wages, and also shall report the hiring of any employee who previous-
ly worked for the employer but had been separated from that prior
employment for at least 60 consecutive days.
(c) (1) This section shall not apply to any department, agency, or in-
strumentality of the United States.
(2) State agency employers shall not be required to report employ-
ees performing intelligence or counterintelligence functions, if the
head of the agency has determined that reporting pursuant to this
section would endanger the safety of the employee or compromise an
ongoing investigation or intelligence mission.
(d) (1) Employers shall submit a report as described in paragraph
(4) within 20 days of hiring any employee whom the employer is re-
quired to report pursuant to this section.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), employers transmitting reports
magnetically or electronically shall submit the report by two monthly
transmissions not less than 12 days and not more than 16 days apart.
(3) For purposes of this section, an employer that has employees in
two or more states and that transmits reports magnetically or elec-
tronically may designate one state in which the employer has em-
ployees to which the employer will transmit the report described in
paragraph (4). Any employer that transmits reports pursuant to this
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1051

paragraph shall notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services

in writing as to which state the employer designates for the purpose
of sending reports.
(4) The report shall contain the following:
(A) The name, address, and social security number of the employ-
ees.
(B) The employer’s name, address, state employer identification
number (if one has been issued), and identifying number assigned to
the employer under Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.
(C) The first date the employee worked.
(5) Employers may report pursuant to this section by submitting a
copy of the employee’s W-4 form, a form provided by the department,
or any other hiring document transmitted by first-class mail, mag-
netically, or electronically.
(e) For each failure to report the hiring of an employee, as required
and within the time required by this section, unless the failure is due
to good cause, the department may assess a penalty of twenty-four
dollars ($24), or four hundred ninety dollars ($490) if the failure is the
result of conspiracy between the employer and employee not to supply
the required report or to supply a false or incomplete report.
(f) (1) On and after January 1, 2013, and before January 1, 2019, in-
formation collected pursuant to this section may be used for the fol-
lowing purposes:
(A) Administration of this code, including, but not limited to,
providing employer or employee information to participating mem-
bers of the Joint Enforcement Strike Force on the Underground
Economy pursuant to Section 329 for the purposes of auditing, inves-
tigating, and prosecuting violations of tax and cash-pay reporting
laws.
(B) Locating individuals for purposes of establishing paternity and
establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support obligations.
(C) Administration of employment security and workers’ compensa-
tion programs.
(D) Providing employer or employee information to the Franchise
Tax Board and the State Board of Equalization for the purpose of tax
or fee enforcement.
(E) Verification of eligibility of applicants for, or recipients of, the
public assistance programs listed in Section 1320b-7(b) of Title 42 of
the United States Code.
(F) Providing employer or employee information to the Contractors’
State License Board and the State Compensation Insurance Fund for
the purpose of workers’ compensation payroll reporting.
(G) Providing employer or employee information to the State De-
partment of Health Care Services, the California Health Benefit Ex-
1052 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

change, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, and county de-
partments and agencies for the purpose of:
(i) Verifying or determining the eligibility of an applicant for, or a
recipient of, state health subsidy programs, limited to the Medi-Cal
program, provided pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section
14000) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code,
the Healthy Families Program, provided pursuant to Part 6.2 (com-
mencing with Section 12693) of Division 2 of the Insurance Code, and
the Access for Infants and Mothers Program, provided pursuant to
Part 6.3 (commencing with Section 12695) of Division 2 of the Insur-
ance Code, where the verification or determination is directly con-
nected with, and limited to, the administration of the state health
subsidy programs referenced in this clause.
(ii) Verifying or determining the eligibility of an applicant for, or a
recipient of, federal subsidies offered through the California Health
Benefit Exchange, provided pursuant to Title 22 (commencing with
Section 100500) of the Government Code, including federal tax credits
and cost-sharing assistance pursuant to the federal Patient Protec-
tion and Affordable Care Act, (Public Law 111-148), as amended by
the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010
(Public Law 111-152), where the verification or determination is di-
rectly connected with, and limited to, the administration of the Cali-
fornia Health Benefit Exchange.
(iii) Verifying or determining the eligibility of employees and em-
ployers for health coverage through the Small Business Health Op-
tions Program, provided pursuant to Section 100502 of the Govern-
ment Code, where the verification or determination is directly con-
nected with, and limited to, the administration of the Small Business
Health Options Program.
(2) On and after January 1, 2019, information collected pursuant to
this section may be used for the following purposes:
(A) Administration of this code.
(B) Locating individuals for purposes of establishing paternity and
establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support obligations.
(C) Administration of employment security and workers’ compensa-
tion programs.
(D) Providing employer or employee information to the Franchise
Tax Board and to the State Board of Equalization for the purposes of
tax or fee enforcement.
(E) Verification of eligibility of applicants for, or recipients of, the
public assistance programs listed in Section 1320b-7(b) of Title 42 of
the United States Code.
(F) Providing employer or employee information to the State De-
partment of Health Care Services, the California Health Benefit Ex-
change, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, and county de-
partments and agencies for the purpose of:
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1053

(i) Verifying or determining the eligibility of an applicant for, or a

recipient of, state health subsidy programs, limited to the Medi-Cal
program, provided pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section
14000) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code,
the Healthy Families Program, provided pursuant to Part 6.2 (com-
mencing with Section 12693) of Division 2 of the Insurance Code, and
the Access for Infants and Mothers Program, provided pursuant to
Part 6.3 (commencing with Section 12695) of Division 2 of the Insur-
ance Code, where the verification or determination is directly con-
nected with, and limited to, the administration of the state health
subsidy programs referenced in this clause.
(ii) Verifying or determining the eligibility of an applicant for, or a
recipient of, federal subsidies offered through the California Health
Benefit Exchange, provided pursuant to Title 22 (commencing with
Section 100500) of the Government Code, including federal tax credits
and cost-sharing assistance pursuant to the federal Patient Protec-
tion and Affordable Care Act, (Public Law 111-148), as amended by
the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010
(Public Law 111-152), where the verification or determination is di-
rectly connected with, and limited to, the administration of the Cali-
fornia Health Benefit Exchange.
(iii) Verifying or determining the eligibility of employees and em-
ployers for health coverage through the Small Business Health Op-
tions Program, provided pursuant to Section 100502 of the Govern-
ment Code, where the verification or determination is directly con-
nected with, and limited to, the administration of the Small Business
Health Options Program.
(g) For purposes of this section, “employer” includes a labor union
hiring hall.
(h) This section shall become operative on July 1, 1998.
Added Stats 1997 ch 606 § 14 (AB 67), effective October 3, 1997, operative July 1, 1998.
Amended Stats 1998 ch 858 § 8 (AB 2169); Stats 2011 ch 296 § 293 (AB 1023), effective
January 1, 2012; Stats 2012 ch 783 § 7 (AB 1845), effective January 1, 2013, ch 811 § 1
(AB 1794), effective January 1, 2013, ch 815 § 3.3 (AB 174), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 1095. Purposes for which director must permit use of

information in his or her possession
The director shall permit the use of any information in his or her
possession to the extent necessary for any of the following purposes
and may require reimbursement for all direct costs incurred in
providing any and all information specified in this section, except in-
formation specified in subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive:
(a) To enable the director or his or her representative to carry out
his or her responsibilities under this code.
(b) To properly present a claim for benefits.
1054 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(c) To acquaint a worker or his or her authorized agent with his or

her existing or prospective right to benefits.
(d) To furnish an employer or his or her authorized agent with in-
formation to enable him or her to fully discharge his or her obliga-
tions or safeguard his or her rights under this division or Division 3
(commencing with Section 9000).
(e) To enable an employer to receive a reduction in contribution
rate.
(f) To enable federal, state, or local governmental departments or
agencies, subject to federal law, to verify or determine the eligibility
or entitlement of an applicant for, or a recipient of, public social ser-
vices provided pursuant to Division 9 (commencing with Section
10000) of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or Part A of Subchapter
IV of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 601 et seq.), when
the verification or determination is directly connected with, and lim-
ited to, the administration of public social services.
(g) To enable county administrators of general relief or assistance,
or their representatives, to determine entitlement to locally provided
general relief or assistance, when the determination is directly con-
nected with, and limited to, the administration of general relief or
assistance.
(h) To enable state or local governmental departments or agencies
to seek criminal, civil, or administrative remedies in connection with
the unlawful application for, or receipt of, relief provided under Divi-
sion 9 (commencing with Section 10000) of the Welfare and Institu-
tions Code or to enable the collection of expenditures for medical as-
sistance services pursuant to Part 5 (commencing with Section 17000)
of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(i) To provide any law enforcement agency with the name, address,
telephone number, birth date, social security number, physical de-
scription, and names and addresses of present and past employers, of
any victim, suspect, missing person, potential witness, or person for
whom a felony arrest warrant has been issued, when a request for
this information is made by any investigator or peace officer as de-
fined by Sections 830.1 and 830.2 of the Penal Code, or by any federal
law enforcement officer to whom the Attorney General has delegated
authority to enforce federal search warrants, as defined under Sec-
tions 60.2 and 60.3 of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as
amended, and when the requesting officer has been designated by the
head of the law enforcement agency and requests this information in
the course of and as a part of an investigation into the commission of
a crime when there is a reasonable suspicion that the crime is a felo-
ny and that the information would lead to relevant evidence. The in-
formation provided pursuant to this subdivision shall be provided to
the extent permitted by federal law and regulations, and to the extent
the information is available and accessible within the constraints and
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1055

configurations of existing department records. Any person who re-

ceives any information under this subdivision shall make a written
report of the information to the law enforcement agency that employs
him or her, for filing under the normal procedures of that agency.
(1) This subdivision shall not be construed to authorize the release
to any law enforcement agency of a general list identifying individu-
als applying for or receiving benefits.
(2) The department shall maintain records pursuant to this subdi-
vision only for periods required under regulations or statutes enacted
for the administration of its programs.
(3) This subdivision shall not be construed as limiting the infor-
mation provided to law enforcement agencies to that pertaining only
to applicants for, or recipients of, benefits.
(4) The department shall notify all applicants for benefits that re-
lease of confidential information from their records will not be pro-
tected should there be a felony arrest warrant issued against the ap-
plicant or in the event of an investigation by a law enforcement agen-
cy into the commission of a felony.
(j) To provide public employee retirement systems in California
with information relating to the earnings of any person who has ap-
plied for or is receiving a disability income, disability allowance, or
disability retirement allowance, from a public employee retirement
system. The earnings information shall be released only upon written
request from the governing board specifying that the person has ap-
plied for or is receiving a disability allowance or disability retirement
allowance from its retirement system. The request may be made by
the chief executive officer of the system or by an employee of the sys-
tem so authorized and identified by name and title by the chief execu-
tive officer in writing.
(k) To enable the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement in the
Department of Industrial Relations to seek criminal, civil, or adminis-
trative remedies in connection with the failure to pay, or the unlawful
payment of, wages pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section
200) of Part 1 of Division 2 of, and Chapter 1 (commencing with Sec-
tion 1720) of Part 7 of Division 2 of, the Labor Code.
(l ) To enable federal, state, or local governmental departments or
agencies to administer child support enforcement programs under
Part D of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec.
651 et seq.).
(m) To provide federal, state, or local governmental departments or
agencies with wage and claim information in its possession that will
assist those departments and agencies in the administration of the
Victims of Crime Program or in the location of victims of crime who,
by state mandate or court order, are entitled to restitution that has
been or can be recovered.
1056 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(n) To provide federal, state, or local governmental departments or

agencies with information concerning any individuals who are or
have been:
(1) Directed by state mandate or court order to pay restitution,
fines, penalties, assessments, or fees as a result of a violation of law.
(2) Delinquent or in default on guaranteed student loans or who
owe repayment of funds received through other financial assistance
programs administered by those agencies. The information released
by the director for the purposes of this paragraph shall not include
unemployment insurance benefit information.
(o) To provide an authorized governmental agency with any or all
relevant information that relates to any specific workers’ compensa-
tion insurance fraud investigation. The information shall be provided
to the extent permitted by federal law and regulations. For the pur-
poses of this subdivision, “authorized governmental agency” means
the district attorney of any county, the office of the Attorney General,
the Contractors’ State License Board, the Department of Industrial
Relations, and the Department of Insurance. An authorized govern-
mental agency may disclose this information to the State Bar, the
Medical Board of California, or any other licensing board or depart-
ment whose licensee is the subject of a workers’ compensation insur-
ance fraud investigation. This subdivision shall not prevent any au-
thorized governmental agency from reporting to any board or de-
partment the suspected misconduct of any licensee of that body.
(p) To enable the Director of Consumer Affairs, or his or her repre-
sentatives, to access unemployment insurance quarterly wage data on
a case-by-case basis to verify information on school administrators,
school staff, and students provided by those schools who are being
investigated for possible violations of Chapter 8 (commencing with
Section 94800) of Part 59 of Division 10 of Title 3 of the Education
Code.
(q) To provide employment tax information to the tax officials of
Mexico, if a reciprocal agreement exists. For purposes of this subdivi-
sion, “reciprocal agreement” means a formal agreement to exchange
information between national taxing officials of Mexico and taxing
authorities of the State Board of Equalization, the Franchise Tax
Board, and the Employment Development Department. Furthermore,
the reciprocal agreement shall be limited to the exchange of infor-
mation that is essential for tax administration purposes only. Taxing
authorities of the State of California shall be granted tax information
only on California residents. Taxing authorities of Mexico shall be
granted tax information only on Mexican nationals.
(r) To enable city and county planning agencies to develop economic
forecasts for planning purposes. The information shall be limited to
businesses within the jurisdiction of the city or county whose plan-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1057

ning agency is requesting the information, and shall not include in-
formation regarding individual employees.
(s) To provide the State Department of Developmental Services
with wage and employer information that will assist in the collection
of moneys owed by the recipient, parent, or any other legally liable
individual for services and supports provided pursuant to Chapter 9
(commencing with Section 4775) of Division 4.5 of, and Chapter 2
(commencing with Section 7200) and Chapter 3 (commencing with
Section 7500) of Division 7 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(t) To provide the State Board of Equalization with employment tax
information that will assist in the administration of tax programs.
The information shall be limited to the exchange of employment tax
information essential for tax administration purposes to the extent
permitted by federal law and regulations.
(u) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or permit
the use of information obtained in the administration of this code by
any private collection agency.
(v) The disclosure of the name and address of an individual or busi-
ness entity that was issued an assessment that included penalties
under Section 1128 or 1128.1 shall not be in violation of Section 1094
if the assessment is final. The disclosure may also include any of the
following:
(1) The total amount of the assessment.
(2) The amount of the penalty imposed under Section 1128 or
1128.1 that is included in the assessment.
(3) The facts that resulted in the charging of the penalty under Sec-
tion 1128 or 1128.1.
(w) To enable the Contractors’ State License Board to verify the
employment history of an individual applying for licensure pursuant
to Section 7068 of the Business and Professions Code.
(x) To provide any peace officer with the Division of Investigation in
the Department of Consumer Affairs information pursuant to subdi-
vision (i) when the requesting peace officer has been designated by
the chief of the Division of Investigation and requests this infor-
mation in the course of and as part of an investigation into the com-
mission of a crime or other unlawful act when there is reasonable
suspicion to believe that the crime or act may be connected to the in-
formation requested and would lead to relevant information regard-
ing the crime or unlawful act.
(y) To enable the Labor Commissioner of the Division of Labor
Standards Enforcement in the Department of Industrial Relations to
identify, pursuant to Section 90.3 of the Labor Code, unlawfully unin-
sured employers. The information shall be provided to the extent
permitted by federal law and regulations.
(z) To enable the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges,
in accordance with the requirements of Section 84754.5 of the Educa-
1058 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

tion Code, to obtain quarterly wage data, commencing January 1,

1993, on students who have attended one or more community colleg-
es, to assess the impact of education on the employment and earnings
of students, to conduct the annual evaluation of district-level and in-
dividual college performance in achieving priority educational out-
comes, and to submit the required reports to the Legislature and the
Governor. The information shall be provided to the extent permitted
by federal statutes and regulations.
(aa) To enable the Public Employees’ Retirement System to seek
criminal, civil, or administrative remedies in connection with the un-
lawful application for, or receipt of, benefits provided under Part 3
(commencing with Section 20000) of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Gov-
ernment Code.
(ab) To enable the State Department of Education, the University of
California, the California State University, and the Chancellor of the
California Community Colleges, pursuant to the requirements pre-
scribed by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5), to obtain quarterly wage data, commencing
July 1, 2010, on students who have attended their respective systems
to assess the impact of education on the employment and earnings of
those students, to conduct the annual analysis of district-level and
individual district or postsecondary education system performance in
achieving priority educational outcomes, and to submit the required
reports to the Legislature and the Governor. The information shall be
provided to the extent permitted by federal statutes and regulations.
(ac) To provide the Agricultural Labor Relations Board with em-
ployee, wage, and employer information, for use in the investigation
or enforcement of the Alatorre-Zenovich-Dunlap-Berman Agricultural
Labor Relations Act of 1975 (Part 3.5 (commencing with Section 1140)
of Division 2 of the Labor Code). The information shall be provided to
the extent permitted by federal statutes and regulations.
(ad) (1) To enable the State Department of Health Care Services,
the California Health Benefit Exchange, the Managed Risk Medical
Insurance Board, and county departments and agencies to obtain in-
formation regarding employee wages, California employer names and
account numbers, employer reports of wages and number of employ-
ees, and disability insurance and unemployment insurance claim in-
formation, for the purpose of:
(A) Verifying or determining the eligibility of an applicant for, or a
recipient of, state health subsidy programs, limited to the Medi-Cal
program, provided pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section
14000) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code,
and the Access for Infants and Mothers Program, provided pursuant
to Part 6.3 (commencing with Section 12695) of Division 2 of the In-
surance Code, when the verification or determination is directly con-
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1059

nected with, and limited to, the administration of the state health
subsidy programs referenced in this subparagraph.
(B) Verifying or determining the eligibility of an applicant for, or a
recipient of, federal subsidies offered through the California Health
Benefit Exchange, provided pursuant to Title 22 (commencing with
Section 100500) of the Government Code, including federal tax credits
and cost-sharing assistance pursuant to the federal Patient Protec-
tion and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), as amended by
the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010
(Public Law 111-152), when the verification or determination is di-
rectly connected with, and limited to, the administration of the Cali-
fornia Health Benefit Exchange.
(C) Verifying or determining the eligibility of employees and em-
ployers for health coverage through the Small Business Health Op-
tions Program, provided pursuant to Section 100502 of the Govern-
ment Code, when the verification or determination is directly con-
nected with, and limited to, the administration of the Small Business
Health Options Program.
(2) The information provided under this subdivision shall be subject
to the requirements of, and provided to the extent permitted by, fed-
eral law and regulations, including Part 603 of Title 20 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
(ae) To provide any peace officer with the Investigations Division of
the Department of Motor Vehicles with information pursuant to sub-
division (i), when the requesting peace officer has been designated by
the Chief of the Investigations Division and requests this information
in the course of, and as part of, an investigation into identity theft,
counterfeiting, document fraud, or consumer fraud, and there is rea-
sonable suspicion that the crime is a felony and that the information
would lead to relevant evidence regarding the identity theft, counter-
feiting, document fraud, or consumer fraud. The information provided
pursuant to this subdivision shall be provided to the extent permitted
by federal law and regulations, and to the extent the information is
available and accessible within the constraints and configurations of
existing department records. Any person who receives any infor-
mation under this subdivision shall make a written report of the in-
formation to the Investigations Division of the Department of Motor
Vehicles, for filing under the normal procedures of that division.
(af) Until January 1, 2020, to enable the Department of Finance to
prepare and submit the report required by Section 13084 of the Gov-
ernment Code that identifies all employers in California that employ
100 or more employees who receive benefits from the Medi-Cal pro-
gram (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) of Part 3 of Divi-
sion 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code). The information used for
this purpose shall be limited to information obtained pursuant to Sec-
tion 11026.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and from the ad-
1060 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

ministration of personal income tax wage withholding pursuant to

Division 6 (commencing with Section 13000) and the disability insur-
ance program and may be disclosed to the Department of Finance on-
ly for the purpose of preparing and submitting the report and only to
the extent not prohibited by federal law.
(ag) To provide, to the extent permitted by federal law and regula-
tions, the Student Aid Commission with wage information in order to
verify the employment status of an individual applying for a Cal
Grant C award pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 69439 of the
Education Code.
(ah) To enable the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to
obtain quarterly wage data of former inmates who have been incar-
cerated within the prison system in order to assess the impact of re-
habilitation services or the lack of these services on the employment
and earnings of these former inmates. Quarterly data for a former
inmate’s employment status and wage history shall be provided for a
period of one year, three years, and five years following release. The
data shall only be used for the purpose of tracking outcomes for for-
mer inmates in order to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation
strategies on the wages and employment histories of those formerly
incarcerated. The information shall be provided to the department to
the extent not prohibited by federal law.
(ai) To enable federal, state, or local government departments or
agencies, or their contracted agencies, subject to federal law, includ-
ing the confidentiality, disclosure, and other requirements set forth in
Part 603 of Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations, to evaluate,
research, or forecast the effectiveness of public social services pro-
grams administered pursuant to Division 9 (commencing with Section
10000) of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or Part A of Subchapter
IV of Chapter 7 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 601
et seq.), when the evaluation, research, or forecast is directly connect-
ed with, and limited to, the administration of the public social ser-
vices programs.
(aj) To enable the California Workforce Development Board, the
Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, the Superintendent
of Public Instruction, the Department of Rehabilitation, the State
Department of Social Services, the Bureau for Private Postsecondary
Education, the Department of Industrial Relations, the Division of
Apprenticeship Standards, and the Employment Training Panel to
access any relevant quarterly wage data necessary for the evaluation
and reporting of their respective program performance outcomes as
required and permitted by various state and federal laws pertaining
to performance measurement and program evaluation under the fed-
eral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113-128);
the workforce performance metrics dashboard pursuant to paragraph
(1) of subdivision (i) of Section 14013; the Adult Education Block
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1061

Grant Program consortia performance metrics pursuant to Section

84920 of the Education Code; the economic and workforce develop-
ment program performance measures pursuant to Section 88650 of
the Education Code; and the California Community Colleges Econom-
ic and Workforce Development Program performance measures estab-
lished in Part 52.5 (commencing with Section 88600) of Division 7 of
Title 3 of the Education Code.
Enacted Stats 1953 ch 308. Amended Stats 1971 ch 578 § 13, effective August 13, 1971,
operative October 1, 1971; Stats 1973 ch 1206 § 57, ch 1207 § 57, ch 1212 § 157, opera-
tive July 1, 1974; Stats 1977 ch 1252 § 406, operative July 1, 1978; Stats 1979 ch 288
§ 2; Stats 1982 ch 1080 § 2; Stats 1983 ch 175 § 1, effective July 11, 1983; Stats 1984 ch
1127 § 5; Stats 1985 ch 543 § 4; Stats 1986 ch 331 § 1; Stats 1987 ch 855 § 3; Stats 1990
ch 1024 § 1 (AB 3092), ch 1084 § 2 (SB 2053); Stats 1991 ch 659 § 6 (AB 1137); Stats
1992 ch 1352 § 9 (AB 3660), effective September 30, 1992; Stats 1993 ch 295 § 8 (SB
774), ch 891 § 3 (AB 1881), ch 1144 § 19 (SB 857); Stats 1994 ch 146 § 216 (AB 3601),
ch 1049 § 4 (AB 3086) (ch 1049 prevails); Stats 1995 ch 313 § 16 (AB 817), effective
August 3, 1995, ch 701 § 1 (SB 488); Stats 1996 ch 1124 § 1 (SB 1524), effective Sep-
tember 30, 1996; Stats 1997 ch 78 § 4 (AB 71), ch 810 § 1.4 (SB 132); Stats 1998 ch 217
§ 2 (AB 2017); Stats 1999 ch 83 § 185 (SB 966); Stats 2002 ch 744 § 11 (SB 1953); Stats
2003 ch 789 § 26 (SB 364); Stats 2007 ch 272 § 1 (AB 798), effective January 1, 2008; ch
662 § 3.5 (SB 869), effective January 1, 2008; Stats 2008 ch 369 § 8 (AB 1844), effective
January 1, 2009; Stats 2009–2010 5th Ex Sess ch 2 § 22 (SBX5 1), effective April 13,
2010; Stats 2010 ch 139 § 1 (AB 2433), effective January 1, 2011; Stats 2012 ch 815 § 4
(AB 174), effective January 1, 2013, ch 832 § 2 (SB 691), effective January 1, 2013;
Stats 2013 ch 553 § 1 (AB 908), effective January 1, 2014; Stats 2014 ch 692 § 2 (SB
1028), effective January 1, 2015, ch 751 § 1 (SB 1141), effective January 1, 2015, ch 889
§ 3.8 (AB 1792), effective January 1, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 20 § 14 (SB 79), effective June
24, 2015; Stats 2015 ch 358 § 1 (AB 145), effective September 30, 2015; Stats 2016 ch
31 § 277 (SB 836), effective June 27, 2016.
1062 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

DIVISION 3
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAMS

PART 1
EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY SERVICES

Chapter 4
Programs
Article 1
Eligibility
§ 10501. Exemption of assistance recipient from examination
or certification fees
Any public assistance recipient who successfully completes a job
training program approved under this part shall be exempted from
the payment of those fees normally associated with any examination
or certification required by state law if the employment opportunity is
for the job for which the recipient was trained.
Added Stats 1972 ch 1281 § 1.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1063

VEHICLE CODE

DIVISION 12
EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES

Chapter 2
Lighting Equipment
Article 3
Rear Lighting Equipment
§ 24615. Slow moving vehicle emblem
It is unlawful to operate upon a public highway any vehicle or com-
bination of vehicles, which is designed to be and is operated at a
speed of 25 miles per hour or less, unless the rearmost vehicle dis-
plays a “slow–moving vehicle emblem,” except upon vehicles used by
a utility, whether publicly or privately owned, for the construction,
maintenance, or repair of its own facilities or upon vehicles used by
highway authorities or bridge or highway districts in highway
maintenance, inspection, survey, or construction work, while such
vehicle is engaged in work at the jobsite upon a highway. Any other
vehicle or combination of vehicles, when operated at a speed of 25
miles per hour or less, may display such emblem. The emblem shall
be mounted on the rear of the vehicle, base down, and at a height of
not less than three nor more than five feet from ground to base. Such
emblem shall consist of a truncated equilateral triangle having a min-
imum height of 14 inches with a red reflective border not less than
1¾ inches in width and a fluorescent orange center.
This emblem shall not be displayed except as permitted or required
by this section.
Added Stats 1969 ch 949 § 1. Amended Stats 1971 ch 287 § 1.

Article 7
Flashing and Colored Lights
§ 25260.1. Warning lights on vehicles engaged in construction,
removal, or inspection of oil or gas pipeline
Vehicles actually engaged in the construction, removal, mainte-
nance, or inspection of any oil or gas pipeline may display flashing
1064 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

amber warning lights to the front, sides, or rear when necessarily

parked on a highway or when necessarily moving at a speed slower
than the normal flow of traffic and only in accordance with Section
25268.
Added Stats 1978 ch 120 § 1.

Article 14
Vehicles Exempted
§ 25801. Special construction and maintenance equipment
The provisions of Sections 24012, 24250, 24251, 24254, 24400 to
24404, inclusive, 24600 to 24604, inclusive, 24606 to 24610, inclusive,
Section 25950, and Articles 4 (commencing with Section 24800), 5
(commencing with Section 24950), 6 (commencing with Section
25100), 9 (commencing with Section 25350), 11 (commencing with
Section 25450), 12 (commencing with Section 25500), and 13 (com-
mencing with Section 25650) shall not apply to special construction or
maintenance equipment, nor to motortrucks equipped with snow re-
moval or sanding devices, but shall apply to motortrucks and auto-
mobiles used independently of such equipment.
The provisions of Section 25803 shall be applicable to such equip-
ment.
Enacted 1959 ch 3. Amended Stats 1961 ch 1659 § 9; Stats 1972 ch 618 § 148.

Chapter 5
Other Equipment
Article 1
Horns, Sirens, and Amplification Devices
§ 27000. Horns; Backup device or alarm and video camera on
garbage trucks
(a) A motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, shall be
equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting
sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less
than 200 feet, but no horn shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh
sound. An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with, and
use in conjunction with the siren on that vehicle, an air horn that
emits sounds that do not comply with the requirements of this sec-
tion.
(b) A refuse or garbage truck shall be equipped with an automatic
backup audible alarm that sounds on backing and is capable of emit-
ting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1065

less than 100 feet or shall be equipped with an automatic backup de-
vice that is in good working order, located at the rear of the vehicle
and that immediately applies the service brake of the vehicle on con-
tact by the vehicle with any obstruction to the rear. The backup de-
vice or alarm shall also be capable of operating automatically when
the vehicle is in neutral or a forward gear but rolls backward.
(c) A refuse or garbage truck, except a vehicle, known as a rolloff
vehicle, that is used for the express purpose of transporting waste
containers such as open boxes or compactors, purchased after Janu-
ary 1, 2010, shall also be equipped with a functioning camera provid-
ing a video display for the driver that enhances or supplements the
driver’s view behind the truck for the purpose of safely maneuvering
the truck.
(d) (1) A construction vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) in excess of 14,000 pounds that operates at, or transports
construction or industrial materials to and from, a mine or construc-
tion site, or both, shall be equipped with an automatic backup audible
alarm that sounds on backing and is capable of emitting sound audi-
ble under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet.
(2) As used in this subdivision, “construction vehicle” includes, but
is not limited to, all of the following:
(A) A vehicle designed to transport concrete, cement, clay, lime-
stone, aggregate material as defined in subdivision (d) of Section
23114, or other similar construction or industrial material, including
a transfer truck or a tractor trailer combination used exclusively to
pull bottom dump, end dump, or side dump trailers.
(B) A vehicle that is a concrete mixer truck, a truck with a concrete
placing boom, a water tank truck, a single engine crane with a load
rating of 35 tons or more, or a tractor that exclusively pulls a low-boy
trailer.
Enacted Stats 1959 ch 3. Amended Stats 1965 ch 1015 § 1; Stats 1982 ch 926 § 1, effec-
tive September 13, 1982; Stats 1983 ch 1144 § 8, effective September 28, 1983; Stats
1997 ch 945 § 27 (AB 1561); Stats 2005 ch 166 § 2 (AB 1637), effective January 1, 2006;
Stats 2011 ch 235 § 1 (SB 341), effective January 1, 2012.

Article 3.5
Headsets and Earplugs
§ 27400. Wearing of headsets, earplugs, or earphones
A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a head-
set covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or insert-
ed in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to any of the follow-
ing:
(a) A person operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in
Section 165.
1066 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(b) A person engaged in the operation of either special construction

equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any highway.
(c) A person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment
who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs.
(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of
earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious
noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as
to not inhibit the wearer’s ability to hear a siren or horn from an
emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.
(e) A person using a prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing.
Added Stats 1973 ch 87 § 1. Amended Stats 1975 ch 495 § 1; Stats 1977 ch 348 § 1;
Stats 1980 ch 107 § 1, effective May 20, 1980; Stats 1982 ch 542 § 1, effective August
18, 1982; Stats 1985 ch 736 § 2. Amended Stats 2003 ch 594 § 45 (SB 315); Stats 2015
ch 451 § 55 (SB 491), effective January 1, 2016.

DIVISION 14.8
SAFETY REGULATIONS

§ 34510.5. Construction transportation services; Surety bond;

Violations; Penalties
(a) (1) A broker of construction trucking services, as defined in Sec-
tion 3322 of the Civil Code, shall not furnish construction transporta-
tion services to any construction project unless it has secured a surety
bond of not less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) executed by
an admitted surety insurer. The surety bond shall ensure the pay-
ment of the claims of a contracted motor carrier of property in dump
truck equipment if the broker fails to pay the contracted motor carri-
er within the time period specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a)
of Section 3322 of the Civil Code.
(2) (A) A broker of construction trucking services annually shall
provide written evidence of the broker’s valid surety bond to a third-
party nonprofit organization that is related to the industry and regu-
larly maintains a published database of bonded brokers or post a cur-
rent copy of the surety bond on the broker’s Internet Web site.
(B) When a copy of a surety bond is provided to a third-party non-
profit organization, the broker shall notify the third-party nonprofit
organization if at any time the surety bond is cancelled or expired.
When a copy of the surety bond is posted on the broker’s Internet
Web site, the broker shall remove the copy of the surety bond from his
or her Internet Web site if at any time the surety bond is cancelled or
expired.
(C) A third-party nonprofit organization shall not charge a broker
for posting evidence of a valid surety bond or limit the posting of the
bond only to the organization’s members.
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1067

(D) A third-party nonprofit organization shall not be liable for any

damages caused by the publication of any information provided pur-
suant to this paragraph that is erroneous or outdated.
(b) A broker of construction trucking services shall not hire, or oth-
erwise engage the services of, a motor carrier of property to furnish
construction transportation services unless the broker provides, prior
to the commencement of work each calendar year, written evidence of
the broker’s valid surety bond to any person that hires, or otherwise
engages the services of, the broker to furnish construction transporta-
tion services and also to the hired motor carrier of property.
(c) A broker of construction trucking services who furnishes con-
struction transportation services in violation of this section is guilty
of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to five thousand dollars
($5,000).
(d) In any civil action brought against a broker of construction
trucking services by a motor carrier of property in dump truck
equipment with whom the broker contracted during any period of
time in which the broker did not have a surety bond in violation of
this section, the failure to have the bond shall create a rebuttable
presumption that the broker failed to pay to the motor carrier the
amount due and owing.
(e) For purposes of this section, “a broker of construction trucking
services” does not include a facility that meets all the following re-
quirements:
(1) Arranges for transportation services of its product.
(2) Primarily handles raw materials to produce a new product.
(3) Is a rock product operation (such as an “aggregate” operation), a
hot mixing asphalt plant, or a concrete, concrete product, or Portland
cement product manufacturing facility.
(4) Does not accept a fee for the arrangement.
(f) For the purposes of this section, “written evidence of the broker’s
valid surety bond” includes a copy of the surety bond, a certificate of
insurance, a continuation certificate, or other similar documentation
originally issued from the surety that includes the surety’s and bro-
ker’s name, the bond number, and the effective and expiration dates
of the bond.
Added Stats 2010 ch 429 § 1 (AB 145), effective January 1, 2011. Amended Stats 2012
ch 490 § 1 (SB 1092), effective January 1, 2013; Stats 2013 ch 76 § 197 (AB 383), effec-
tive January 1, 2014.
1068 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

WATER CODE

DIVISION 6
CONSERVATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND
UTILIZATION OF STATE WATER RESOURCES

PART 2.4
RAINWATER CAPTURE ACT OF 2012

§ 10570. Citation of part

This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Cap-
ture Act of 2012.
Added Stats 2012 ch 537 § 2 (AB 1750), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 10571. Legislative findings and declarations

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) As California has grown and developed, the amount of storm-
water flowing off buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious
surfaces into surface water streams, flood channels, and storm sewers
has increased, thereby reducing the volume of water allowed to infil-
trate into groundwater aquifers and increasing water and pollution
flowing to the ocean and other surface waters. At the same time, re-
curring droughts and water shortages in California have made local
water supply augmentation and water conservation efforts a priority.
(b) Historical patterns of precipitation are predicted to change, with
two major implications for water supply. First, an increasing amount
of California’s water is predicted to fall not as snow in the mountains,
but as rain in other areas of the state. This will likely have a pro-
found and transforming effect on California’s hydrologic cycle and
much of that water will no longer be captured by California’s reser-
voirs, many of which are located to capture snowmelt. Second, runoff
resulting from snowmelt is predicted to occur progressively earlier in
the year, and reservoirs operated for flood control purposes must re-
lease water early in the season to protect against later storms, there-
by reducing the amount of early season snowmelt that can be stored.
(c) Rainwater and stormwater, captured and properly managed, can
contribute significantly to local water supplies by infiltrating and re-
charging groundwater aquifers, thereby increasing available supplies
of drinking water. In addition, the onsite capture, storage, and use of
LAWS RELATED TO CSLB LAWS & REGULATIONS 1069

rainwater for nonpotable uses significantly reduces demand for pota-

ble water, contributing to the statutory objective of a 20-percent re-
duction in urban per capita water use in California by December 31,
2020.
(d) Expanding opportunities for rainwater capture to augment wa-
ter supply will require efforts at all levels, from individual landown-
ers to state and local agencies and watershed managers.
Added Stats 2012 ch 537 § 2 (AB 1750), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 10572. Limitations of part

Nothing in this part shall be construed to do any of the following:
(a) Alter or impair any existing rights.
(b) Change existing water rights law.
(c) Authorize a landscape contractor to engage in or perform activi-
ties that require a license pursuant to the Professional Engineers Act
(Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3 of the Busi-
ness and Professions Code).
(d) Impair the authority of the California Building Standards
Commission to adopt and implement building standards for rainwa-
ter capture systems pursuant to existing law.
(e) Affect use of rainwater on agricultural lands.
(f) Impair the authority of a water supplier pursuant to Subchapter
1 of Chapter 5 of Division 1 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regu-
lations.
Added Stats 2012 ch 537 § 2 (AB 1750), effective January 1, 2013.

§ 10573. Definitions
Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context other-
wise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this
part:
(a) “Developed or developing lands” means lands that have one or
more of the characteristics described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), in-
clusive, of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 56375.3 of the
Government Code.
(b) “Rain barrel system” is a type of rainwater capture system that
does not use electricity or a water pump and is not connected to or
reliant on a potable water system.
(c) “Rainwater” means precipitation on any public or private parcel
that has not entered an offsite storm drain system or channel, a flood
control channel, or any other stream channel, and has not previously
been put to beneficial use.
(d) “Rainwater capture system” means a facility designed to cap-
ture, retain, and store rainwater flowing off a building rooftop for
subsequent onsite use.
1070 SECTION VII. APPENDIX

(e) “Stormwater” has the same meaning as defined in Section

10561.5.
Added Stats 2012 ch 537 § 2 (AB 1750), effective January 1, 2013. Amended Stats 2014
ch 555 § 6 (SB 985), effective January 1, 2015.

§ 10574. Rainwater collection does not require water right

permit
Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water
right permit pursuant to Section 1201.
Added Stats 2012 ch 537 § 2 (AB 1750), effective January 1, 2013.

DIVISION 7
WATER QUALITY

Chapter 10
Water Wells and Cathodic Protection Wells
Article 3
Reports
§ 13750.5. Requirement of water well contractor’s license
No person shall undertake to dig, bore, or drill a water well, cathod-
ic protection well, groundwater monitoring well, or geothermal heat
exchange well, to deepen or reperforate such a well, or to abandon or
destroy such a well, unless the person responsible for that construc-
tion, alteration, destruction, or abandonment possesses a C–57 Water
Well Contractor’s License.
Added Stats 1986 ch 1373 § 2.5. Amended Stats 1996 ch 581 § 5 (AB 2334).
 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
All California codes listed below can be accessed through the
California State Legislature’s Website, www.leginfo.ca.gov.

SUBJECT RESOURCE

ACCESS FOR PERSONS

WITH PHYSICAL
DISABILITIES

Disability Access California Code of Regulations,

Requirements Title 24
Part 2 (State Building Code)
Part 3 (State Electrical Code)
Part 5 (State Plumbing Code)
(See also Parts 1, 8 and 12)

Federal:
The Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA)
The ADA Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG)

California:
1988 Fair Housing Amendments
Act

Publications California:

California Access Compliance Copies are available through

Reference Manual builders bookstores throughout
California or the Division of the
State Architect

California Code of Division of the State Architect or

Regulations, Title 24 your local technical bookstore

1071
1072 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SUBJECT RESOURCE

Access Guide: Survey Checklist Disability Access Services

Section, Department of
Rehabilitation
(916) 558-5755, Fax (916) 558-
5757; TTY: (916) 558-5758

A Guide to California Multi- California Building Officials

Family Disability Access 1225 8th Street, Suite 425
Regulations Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 457-1103, Fax (916) 442-
3616
www.calbo.org

Technical Assistance Manual Federal:

on compliance U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Disability Rights Section – NYAV
Washington, DC 20530
(800) 514-0301, (800) 514-0383
(TDD)

Americans with Disabilities U.S. Access Board

Act Accessibility Guidelines 1331 F Street NW, Suite1000
(ADAAG) Washington, DC 20004-1111
(800) 872-2253, Fax (202) 272-
0081
(800) 993-2822 (TTY)
www.access-board.gov

Telephone Assistance

Begin by contacting Local building department or

jurisdiction
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 1073

SUBJECT RESOURCE

Code interpretations regarding Division of the State Architect,

all publicly funded buildings Office of Universal Design Access
and privately funded Compliance
buildings open to the general 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100
public Sacramento CA 95811
(916) 445-8100, Fax (916) 445-
3521
www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov

Technical information or Division of the State Architect

access policy, regulations and (916) 445-8100
interpretations, or for
information on plans approval
processes for publicly funded
schools, colleges, or
universities

General information regarding Department of Rehabilitation,

access requirements contained Disability Access Services Section
in Title 24 of the California P.O. Box 944222
Code of Regulations and the Sacramento, CA 94299-9222
ADA requirements (916) 558-5755, Fax (916) 558-
5757; TTY: (916) 558-5758
www.dor.ca.gov

Code interpretations relating Department of Housing and

to privately funded Community
multifamily buildings Development/Codes and
Standards Division
1800 3rd Street, Room 260
Sacramento CA 95814
(916) 445-9471, Fax (916) 327-
4712
www.hcd.ca.gov

Federal accessibility Department of Justice or the

requirements Access Board, as listed above
1074 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SUBJECT RESOURCE

ADVERTISING: ILLEGAL
PRACTICES AND
PENALTIES

Advertising Business & Professions Code

Division 7, Part 3, Chapter 1

BONDS

Bond and Undertaking Law Code of Civil Procedure Title 14,

Chapter 2

BUILDING STANDARDS

State Housing Law, Building California Health and Safety

Standards Law Code Division 13

California Building California Code of Regulations

Standards Code Title 24

Publications

California Building International Code Council

Standards Code with 5360 Workman Mill Road
California Amendments (Title Whittier, CA 90601-2298
24) (888) ICC-SAFE (422-7233),
Fax (562) 908-5524
www.iccsafe.org
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 1075

SUBJECT RESOURCE

Other responsible agencies Department of Industrial

Relations
Division of Occupational Safety
and Health
Division of the State Architect
Department of Housing and
Community Development
Division of Housing Codes and
Standards
Department of Health Services
California Energy Commission
Office of State Health Planning
and Development
State Fire Marshal

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY U.S. Department of Justice,

VERIFICATION Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS),
Office of Business

Responsible Agency Liaison:

Employer Information Line (800)
357-2099
National Customer Service
Center
(800) 375-5283, Fax (202) 305-
2523
http://uscis.gov

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

California Fair Employment Government Code Title 2,

and Housing Act Division 3, Part 2.8
1076 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SUBJECT RESOURCE

EMPLOYMENT TAXES,
FEDERAL

Responsible Agencies Internal Revenue Service

(800) 829-1040
www.irs.ustreas.gov

Social Security Administration

(800) 772-1213
www.socialsecurity.gov

Publications

Circular E Employer’s Tax Internal Revenue Service

Guide

Employment Taxes and Internal Revenue Service

Information Returns

EMPLOYMENT TAXES,
STATE

Responsible Agencies Employment Development

Department (EDD)
www.edd.ca.gov or contact your
local office

Franchise Tax Board (FTB)

www.ftb.ca.gov or contact your
local office
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 1077

SUBJECT RESOURCE

Publications

California Unemployment Employment Development

Insurance Code Department
Business Operations Planning
and Support
Division, MIC 62
P.O. Box 826880 Sacramento, CA
94280-0001
Workforce Div.: (916) 654-6856

California Employer’s Tax Employment Development

Guide Department

LABOR CODE

Department of Industrial Labor Code, Division 1

Relations

Employment Regulation and Labor Code, Division 2

Supervision Part 1. Compensation
Part 2. Working Hours
Part 3. Privileges and Immunities
Part 4. Employees
Part 7. Public Works and Public
Agencies
Part 9. Health

Federal Fair Labor Standards Code of Federal Regulations, Title

Act of 1938 29

Employment Relations Labor Code, Division 3

1078 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SUBJECT RESOURCE

Workers’ Compensation Labor Code, Division 4

Part 1. Scope and Operation
Part 2. Computation of
Compensation
Part 3. Compensation Claims
Part 4. Compensation
Proceedings

Safety in Employment Labor Code, Division 5

Part 1. Occupational Safety and
Health
Part 3. Safety on Building
Part 7. Volatile Flammable
Liquids
Part 10. Use of Carcinogens

PUBLIC INFORMATION
ACCESS

Open Meeting Act Government Code: Title 2,

Division 3, Part 1

California Public Records Act Government Code: Title 1,

Division 7, Ch. 3.5.

Information Practices Act of Civil Code: Title 1.8, Division 3,

1977 Part 4, Ch. 1

Business Records Civil Code: Title 1.82, Division 3,

Part 4, Ch. 1-3

District Attorney Government Code: Title 3, Div. 2,

Part 3, Ch. 1
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 1079

SUBJECT RESOURCE

SAFETY AND HEALTH

Publications

California Occupational Barclay’s Official Code of

Safety and Health Regulations
Standards— Title 8 California P.O. Box 2006
Code of Regulations San Francisco, CA 94126
(800) 888-3600
Cal/OSHA Guide for the Fax (415) 344-3906
Construction Industry barclaysccr@thomson.com
or

Guide to Cal/OSHA DOSH

1221 Farmers Lane, Suite 300
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 576-2388
Fax (707) 576-2598
www.dir.ca.gov

Guide to Developing Your Department of Industrial

Workplace Injury and Illness Relations
Prevention Program P.O. Box 420603
San Francisco, CA 94142-0603
(800) 963-9424, (916) 574-2339
www.bni-books.com

Information concerning Cal/OSHA Consultation Services

Occupational Safety and (see list at the end of Chapter 7)
Health requirements

STATE SALES AND USE

TAX

Responsible Agency California State Board of

Equalization
(800) 400-7115
www.boe.ca.gov
 Abbreviations Key for Cited Index Codes
B&P Business and Professions Code
CC Civil Code
CCP Code of Civil Procedure
CCR California Code of Regulations
FC Family Code
GC Government Code
H&S Health and Safety Code
IC Insurance Code
LC Labor Code
PC Penal Code
PCC Public Contract Code
PRC Public Resources Code
PUC Public Utilities Code
RTC Revenue and Taxation Code
UIC Unemployment Insurance Code
VC Vehicle Code
WC Water Code

Index
_________

A ACCIDENT PREVENTION
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
ABANDONMENT OF CONTRACT, Injury and illness prevention program
B&P 7107 p. 378 (IIPP). (See Safety and Health)

ABATEMENT, ORDER OF, B&P ACCOUNTING CONTROL

7028.6 p. 298, B&P 7028.7 p. 299 Financial responsibility and control.
Violations, criteria to evaluate gravity (See Business Management)
of, T16 CCR 887 p. 557
ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
ACCESS, PERSONS WITH Construction defect actions,
DISABILITIES requirements, CC 895 to 945.5
Applicants, p. 12 pp. 590 to 613
Examinations, pp. 16, 17 Employer and employee
Laws, regulations, and information, Unfair immigration-related
where to find, p. 1071 practices, LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC
1019 p. 817

1081
1082 INDEX

ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS— AIDING AND ABETTING, B&P 7114

Cont’d p. 383
Public works
Prevailing wage ALARM COMPANIES
Contractor recovery of increased Definitions, B&P 7590.1 p. 582
costs from hiring party, LC
1784 p. 859 ALARM (SECURITY) COMPANY
Enforcement of requirement, LC OPERATORS, LICENSE
1771.2 p. 830 EXEMPTION, B&P 7054 p. 317

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, p. 1071 ALIENS

Consumer affairs, department of
ADDRESS, CHANGE OF, B&P 136 Citizenship or immigration status
p. 204, B&P 7083 to 7083.1 pp. 359, of applicant not to affect
360 licensure by entities within
department, B&P 135.5 p.203
ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES Employment
Misuse of license, B&P 7114.2 p. 384 Unfair immigration-related
practices, LC 1019 p. 817, LC
ADVERTISING, B&P 7027 to 7027.4 1019.1 p. 819
pp. 292 to 294
Alphabetical or classified directory, ALTERNATE DISPUTE
B&P 7099.10 p. 375 RESOLUTION, B&P 465.5 to 471.5
Asbestos-related work, B&P 7099.11 pp. 236 to 243
p. 376 Agreements resolving disputes
Bonds, reference in, B&P 7071.13 Enforcement, admissibility into
p. 344 evidence, tolling statute of
Display on vehicle, B&P 7029.6 p. 305 limitations, B&P 467.4 p. 239
Drill rigs, electrical sign contractor, Anonymity of parties, B&P 467.6
plumbing contractor, B&P p. 239
7029.5 p. 305 Applications for funding, procedures
False or misleading, B&P 7160 to Contents, B&P 468.2 p. 240
7161 p. 442 Criteria, funding priorities, B&P
Insured or bonded 468.3 p. 241
Requirements for including terms Funding priorities, B&P 468.3
in advertising, B&P 7027.4 p. 241
p. 293 Selection of programs, B&P 468.1
License number, inclusion in or p. 240
required on, B&P 137 p. 204, B&P Communications during mediation
7030.5 p. 307, T16 CCR 861 p. 504 process, B&P 467.5 p. 239
Minor work exemption, voided by, Confidential information
B&P 7048 p. 315 Anonymity of parties, B&P 467.6
Public officials, used in, B&P 7190 p. 239
p. 456 Contract requirements, county
Unlicensed persons, B&P 7027.1 programs, B&P 467.1 p. 237
p. 292, B&P 7027.2 p. 292 Criminal complaints
In alphabetical or classified Withdrawal from process, B&P
directory, B&P 7099.10 p. 375 467.7 p. 239
Dispute resolution advisory council,
AHERA (ASBESTOS HAZARD B&P 467 p. 237
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT), Eligibility for program funding, B&P
REQUIREMENTS, p. 144 467.2 p. 238
INDEX 1083

ALTERNATE DISPUTE APPLICATIONS—Cont’d

RESOLUTION—Cont’d Denial of, B&P 7073 p. 350
Establishment and administration of Digital signatures, B&P 7067.6 p. 328
programs, B&P 467 to 467.7 Disabled applicants, reasonable
pp. 237 to 240 testing accommodations for, p. 12
Funding, B&P 470.1 to 470.6 pp. 241 Electronic transmission, B&P 7067.6
to 242 p. 328
Acceptance of funds by grant Experience requirement, B&P 7068
recipients, B&P 470.1 p. 241 p. 328, T16 CCR 825 p. 470
Carry over of moneys and fees, Apprenticeship training, credit for,
B&P 470.6 p. 243 pp. 5, 6
County’s share of funding, B&P Education, credit for, pp. 5, 6
470.2 p. 241 Education requirement, p. 5
Criteria, funding priorities, B&P Falsified experience, certifying to,
468.3 p. 241 B&P 7114.1 p. 384
Monthly distributions from filing Registrar to pass on experience,
fees, B&P 470.5 p. 241 B&P 7068 p. 328, T16 CCR 826
Legal considerations and remedies, p. 471
pp. 108 to 113 Technical training, credit for, pp. 5,
Legislative intent, B&P 465.5 p. 236 6
Records False statement, B&P 475 p. 247
Statistical records, B&P 467.6 Fees, B&P 7072 p.349, B&P 7137
p. 239 p. 399, T16 CCR 811 p. 466
Right to counsel, waiver, B&P 467.7 Fingerprint requirement, B&P 7069
p. 239 p.332, B&P 7153.1 p.415, T16 CCR
Rules and regulations 869.1 to 869.5 pp. 509 to 511
Annual provision of statistical data, Hazardous waste applications,
B&P 471.5 p. 243 p. 11
Statewide uniformity, B&P 471.3 Home improvement salesperson
p. 243 registration, review of application,
Withdrawal from process, B&P 467.7 T16 CCR 828 p. 473
p. 239 Inactive licenses, p. 14
Written statement, provision to Investigation required, T16 CCR 824
parties p. 469
Contents, B&P 467.3 p. 238 Joint venture license
Procedure, pp. 15, 16
ANTI-ENTRAPMENT DEVICES, Misrepresentation by applicant, B&P
H&S 116064.2 p. 779 7112 p. 382
Misrepresentation, in support of
APPLICATIONS, pp. 12 to 16 others, B&P 499 p. 265
Abandonment of, B&P 7145 p. 410, Operating capital
T16 CCR 813 p. 467 Defined, T16 CCR 817 p. 468
Additional classification, B&P 7059 Original license form, B&P 7066
p. 322 p. 327, T16 CCR 816 p. 467
Approval, p. 15 Posting names of applicants, B&P
Blank forms, B&P 7066.5 p. 327 7080.5 p. 358
Bona fide employee, direct Receipt, acknowledgment of, p. 14
supervision and control, T16 CCR Reciprocity with other states, p. 3,
823 p. 469 B&P 7065.4 p. 327
Corporations, requirements for, T16 Rejection, p. 15
CCR 819 p. 469
Criminal history, B&P 7069 p. 332
1084 INDEX

APPLICATIONS—Cont’d ARMED FORCES—Cont’d

Review of application for original Business and occupational licenses,
license, additional classification or reinstatement after expiration—
replacement of qualifying Cont’d
individual, T16 CCR 827 p. 471 Inquiry as to military status, B&P
Signatures on, B&P 7067.6 p. 328 114.5 p. 188
Status of application, p. 15 Military training and experience,
Time required for completion of application towards licensure,
process, p. 14 B&P 114.5 p. 188
Voiding of, factors causing, B&P 7074 Privileges of members, B&P 7071.3
p. 351 p. 334
Withdrawal of, B&P 118 p. 189
ASBESTOS
APPOINTING POWER, DEFINED, Advertising for removal, certification
B&P 23.6 p. 164 and registration required, B&P
7099.11 p. 376
APPRENTICESHIP Asbestos-containing construction
Licensing experience, as credit for, material, defined, p. 143, LC 6501.8
pp. 5, 6, T16 CCR 825 p. 470 p. 987
Public works, employment of Asbestos-related work
apprentices, LC 1777.5 p. 854 Registration requirement, B&P
Sponsorship of apprenticeship 7058.6 p. 319
programs, LC 3075 p. 865 Requirements generally, pp. 142,
143
ARBITRATION, B&P 7085 p. 360 Carcinogen control requirements,
Advantages, p. 111 p. 143
Arbitrators, minimum qualifications, Certification
T16 CCR 890 p. 558 Contracting with uncertified
Awards, B&P 7085.2 p. 361 contractor, p. 143, B&P 7118.5
Enforcement of, B&P 7085.7 p. 368 p. 386
Failure to comply with, B&P 7085.6 Contractor working without
p. 367 certification, penalty, p. 144,
CSLB program, pp. 111, 112 B&P 7028.1 p.296, B&P 7118.5
Disclosure of complaint referred to, p. 386
B&P 7085.9 p. 368 Examination, open book, B&P
Notice, B&P 7085.3 p. 361 7058.5 p. 319
Referral to, B&P 7085.4 p. 361 Completion as prerequisite to
Rules of, B&P 7085.5 p. 362 license, p. 12
Overlay of other classifications,
ARCHITECTS AND p. 10
ARCHITECTURE, B&P 5537 p. 579, Stand-alone classification, pp. 10,
B&P 5537.2 p. 580 11
License exemption, B&P 7051 p. 316 Classification
Asbestos abatement contractors (C-
ARMED FORCES 22), T16 CCR 832.22 p. 480
Business and occupational licenses, Stand-alone specialty contractor
reinstatement after expiration, classification, T16 CCR 833
B&P 114 p. 186 p. 488
Applicability, B&P 115 p. 188 Stand-alone classification, pp. 10,
Expedited process, honorably 11
discharged veterans, B&P 115.4
p. 188
INDEX 1085

ASBESTOS—Cont’d ASBESTOS—Cont’d
Consultants Schools—Cont’d
Attorneys, application to, B&P Asbestos-related work in, p. 144
7189.7 p. 456 Waste containing asbestos, disposal
Building owners or operators of, p. 145
contracts with certified persons,
B&P 7180.5 p. 451 ASBESTOS ABATEMENT
Certification, B&P 7180 to 7184 CONTRACTORS (C-22)
pp. 451 to 454 Classifications of contractors, T16
Conflict of interest, B&P 7187 CCR 832.22 p. 480
p. 454 Stand-alone classification, pp. 10, 11
Defined, B&P 7181 p. 452 Stand-alone specialty contractor
Penalties, B&P 7189 p. 455 classification, T16 CCR 833 p. 488
Site surveillance technicians, B&P
7182 to 7189 pp. 452 to 456 ASBESTOS CONSULTANTS, B&P
State agencies, B&P 7189.7 p. 456 7180 to 7189.7 pp. 451 to 456
Contract, separate, H&S 25914.2
p. 772 ASBESTOS HAZARD EMERGENCY
Definitions RESPONSE ACT (AHERA),
Asbestos and hazardous substance REQUIREMENTS, p. 145
removal contracts, H&S 25914.1
p. 771 AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION
Asbestos defined, LC 6501.7 p. 987 Conviction of substantially related
Demolition, asbestos-containing crimes, B&P 490 p. 252
materials suspected, NESHAP Failure to comply with arbitration
requirements, p. 145 award, B&P 7085.6 p. 367
Determination of presence of asbestos Failure to comply with order of
required before start of work, citation, B&P 7090.1 p. 369
p. 143, LC 6501.9 p. 988 Failure to notify of disassociation of
Emergency conditions, H&S 25914.2 qualifying individual, B&P 7068.2
p. 772 p. 331
Federal regulations, pp. 9 to 12 Failure to pay civil penalty, B&P
Inspections, B&P 7118.4 p. 386 7090.1 p. 369
Registration with DOSH Fraud, license obtained by, B&P 498
Posting of registration at job site, p. 264
p. 144, LC 6501.5 p. 985 Interim order, B&P 494 p. 253
Public agencies, p. 145 Misrepresentation, in support of
Required, LC 6501.5 p. 985 other’s application, B&P 499 p. 265
Removal contracts, H&S 25914 to Misrepresentation, license obtained
25914.3 pp. 771, 772 by, B&P 498 p. 264
Removal, information, B&P 7058.8
p. 322 AWARDING AUTHORITY, p. 120
Renovation, asbestos-containing
materials suspected, NESHAP
requirements, p. 145 B
Sampling of air, soil and other
contaminated materials, BALANCE SHEET, pp. 91, 92
designation of “qualified person”, Assets, p. 93
LC 6501.5 p. 985
Schools BANKRUPTCY
Accreditation requirement, p. 145 Disciplinary action, effect on, B&P
AHERA requirements, p. 144 7113.5 p. 383
1086 INDEX

BANKRUPTCY—Cont’d BONDS—Cont’d
Reinstatement of license, effect on, Alternatives to, p. 27, B&P 7071.12
B&P 7102 p. 377 p. 342, T16 CCR 856 p. 490
Bank or financial institution
BARBECUES accounts, p. 29
Landscape Contractor (C-27) Cash in lieu of bond, p. 29
Design authority, B&P 7027.5 General requirements, p. 30
p. 294 Bearer bonds, pp. 29, 30
Blanket performance and payment
BID ON PUBLIC WORKS bond, T16 CCR 858 to 858.9
PROJECTS pp. 492 to 504
License requirement, B&P 7028.15 Code of civil procedure
p. 301 Bonds and undertakings, CCP
Registration of contractor as 995.010 to 996.560 pp. 680 to 710
qualification to bid, LC 1771.1 Construction trucking services, VC
p.829 34510.5 p. 1066
Contract bond, p. 80
BOARD, DEFINED, B&P 22 p. 163 Contractor bonds, p. 27
Acceptance by registrar, B&P
BOILER, HOT-WATER HEATING 7071.7 p. 336
AND STEAM FITTING Action on claim against bond, B&P
CONTRACTOR (C-4), T16 CCR 7071.11 p. 340
832.04 p. 476 After suspension or revocation of
license, disciplinary bond, B&P
BONA FIDE EMPLOYEE, DIRECT 7071.8 p. 337
SUPERVISION AND CONTROL, Approved alternatives to, p. 28
T16 CCR 823 p. 469 Cash in lieu of bond, p. 29, B&P
7071.12 p. 342
BONDED STOP NOTICE, p. 120 Civil penalties, no payment against
bond, B&P 7099.7 p. 375
BONDS
Condition of license issuance, p. 25,
Actions, bonds and undertakings,
B&P 7071.6 p. 335
CCP 995.010 to 995.960 pp. 680 to
Condition precedent to LLC license,
699
B&P 7071.6.5 p. 336
Cancellation of bond or withdrawal
Criminal convictions, report to
of sureties, CCP 996.310 to
registrar, B&P 7071.18 p. 347
996.360 pp. 704, 705
Deposit in lieu of, B&P 7071.12
Enforcement lien, CCP 996.510 to
p. 342
996.560 pp. 709, 710
Discrimination, B&P 7071.14
Insufficient and excessive bonds,
p. 344
CCP 996.010 to 996.030 pp. 700,
Failure to maintain sufficient bond,
701
effect of, p. 31, B&P 7071.15
Liability of principal and sureties,
p. 344
CCP 996.410 to 996.495 pp. 706
Judgment bond, B&P 7071.6 p. 335
to 709
LLC licenses, B&P 7071.6.5 p. 336
New, additional and supplemental
Liability insurance requirement,
bonds, CCP 996.210 to 996.250
B&P 7071.19 p. 347
pp. 702 to 704
Persons benefited, B&P 7071.5
Release or substitution of sureties
p. 334
on bond, CCP 996.110 to 996.150
Reference in advertising, B&P
pp. 701, 702
7071.13 p. 344
INDEX 1087

BONDS—Cont’d BUSINESS LICENSE, CITY OR

Contractor bonds—Cont’d COUNTY, B&P 7033 p. 309
Suspension of license, p. 31
Contractor license bonds, p. 81 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, pp. 73 to
Disciplinary bond, p. 28, B&P 7071.8 125
p. 337 Commercial general liability
General requirements, p. 30 insurance (CGL), pp. 81, 82
Infrastructure financing, GC 5956.6 Contractor manager, pp. 73, 74
p. 741 Debt, pp. 101, 102
Agreements between agency and Long-term debt, pp. 101, 102
private entity, GC 5956.6 p. 741 Short-term debt, p. 102
Licensing Character, capacity, and
For revenue, by cities, GC 5956.6 certainty, p. 102
p. 741 Establishing your business, pp. 77 to
Limited liability company surety 88
bond, p. 81 Bonds, p. 80
Limited liability surety bond, p. 25, Expert advisors, p. 124
pp. 27, 28 Financial management, pp. 100, 101
Maintaining, pp. 30, 31 Capitalization, pp. 100, 101
Payment bond, p. 80 Equity, p. 101
Performance bond, p. 80 Sources of financing, p. 101
Qualifying individual, bond of, p. 25 Financial responsibility and control,
Beneficiaries, B&P 7071.10 p. 339 pp. 88 to 100
Exemption, B&P 7071.9 p. 338, Accounting methods, pp. 89, 90
B&P 7083 p. 359 Accrual basis of accounting, p. 90
Form, filing, B&P 7071.10 p. 339 Balance sheet, pp. 91, 92
Requirement for, B&P 7071.9 Cash basis of accounting, pp. 89, 90
p. 338 Current ratio, pp. 98, 99
Termination of, B&P 7083 p. 359 Financial analysis and ratios, p. 98
Required for court to stay decision, Financial statements, p. 91
B&P 7100 p. 376 Fundamental terms of accounting,
Security in lieu of cash deposit, T16 pp. 89 to 91
CCR 856 p. 490 Income statement, pp. 95 to 100
Cost of operations, p. 96
BUILDING MOVING OR Direct labor, pp. 96, 97
DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR (C- Direct labor burden, p. 97
21), T16 CCR 832.21 p. 479 General and administrative
expenses, p. 97
BUILDING PERMITS. (See Permits) Income, p. 96
Materials used, p. 97
BUILDING STANDARDS LAW, Net profit for year, p. 97
STATE REFERENCE, p. 1040, H&S Other direct costs, p. 97
17926 to 25281 pp. 755 to 763 Pretax income, p. 97
Rules and regulations, B&P 26 p. 165 Statement of change in financial
Violation of, B&P 7110 p. 381 position, p. 98
Liabilities, p. 94
BUREAU, DEFINED, B&P 22 p. 163 Quick ratio, p. 99
Records, p. 89
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS Statement of changes in financial
CODE, Appx pp. 579 to 587 position, p. 98

BUSINESS, FORMS OF, pp. 77 to 79

1088 INDEX

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT—Cont’d BUSINESS TAXES, LOCAL, B&P

Forms of business, pp. 77 to 79 7000.2 p. 277
Corporation, p. 78
Limited liability company, pp. 78,
79 C
“S” chapter corporation, p. 78
General partnership, pp. 77, 78 CABINET, MILLWORK AND
Limited partnership, p. 78 FINISH CARPENTRY (C-6), T16
Sole ownership, p. 77 CCR 832.06 p. 477
Government contracts, bidding on,
p. 124 CALIFORNIA CODE OF
Insurance REGULATIONS, GC 11344 p. 747,
Commercial general liability Title 16 Division 8 pp. 498 to 558
insurance (CGL), pp. 81, 82
$1 million liability insurance CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
minimum, p. 82 Mechanics liens, CA Const Art XIV §3
Legal considerations and remedies, p. 579
pp. 108 to 113
Mechanics liens and stop notices, CALIFORNIA-MADE
pp. 112, 113 Made in California program
Management, principles of, pp. 74 to Unfair competition or deceptive
76 trade practices, CC 1770 p. 630
Behavioral aspects, pp. 75, 76
Functional areas, pp. 74, 75 CALIFORNIA UNIFORM
Guidelines, p. 76 CONSTRUCTION COST
Operations management, pp. 102 to ACCOUNTING COMMISSION
108 Transfer of funds for exclusive use of
Bidding and estimation (planning), the commission, B&P 7137.5 p. 402
pp. 103, 104
Construction process (coordination CAL/OSHA (OCCUPATIONAL
and control), p. 104 SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT),
Controlling costs, p. 107 PROGRAM ENFORCEMENT,
Job selection, p. 102 p. 127
Marketing management, p. 108 Poster requirement, p. 129
Risk management, pp. 107, 108
Permits, p. 80 CANCELLATION
Resources, inventory of, p. 79 Of contractor’s license, pp. 45 to 47,
Taxes, p. 80 B&P 7076 p. 353
Address record required after, B&P
BUSINESS NAME 7083.1 p. 360
Change of, p. 39, B&P 7083 p. 359 Continuation of license or business
Compatibility with classification, after, p. 47, B&P 7076 p. 353
B&P 7059.1 p. 323 Effective date of, p. 46, B&P 7076
Variance from license, B&P 7117 p. 353
p. 385 How to cancel, pp. 45, 46
Of home improvement contract, CC
BUSINESS OPERATIONS, 1689.6 to 1689.15 pp. 621 to 629
CHANGES IN BUSINESS Commencement of work, right of
ADDRESS, p. 39, B&P 7083 p. 359 cancellation, CC 1689.15 p. 629
Business name, p. 39, B&P 7083 Disasters, contract void under
p. 359 certain circumstances, CC
1689.14 p. 628
INDEX 1089

CANCELLATION—Cont’d CITATIONS, CONTRACTORS

Of home improvement contract—Cont’d LICENSE LAW—Cont’d
Exemption, CC 1689.9 p. 627 Authority to issue, B&P 12.5 p. 163
Goods, return of, CC 1689.11 p. 627 Civil penalties, B&P 7099.2 p. 373
Notice of rights, CC 1689.7 p. 623 Bond exemption from, B&P 7099.7
Payment, return of, CC 1689.10 p. 375
p. 627 Failure to comply, B&P 7099.6 p. 375
Waiver, invalidity, CC 1689.12 Failure to contest, B&P 7099.4 p. 374
p. 628 Failure to pay civil penalty, B&P
Of voluntarily surrendered license, 7090.1 p. 369
B&P 7076.1 p. 356 Issuance of, B&P 12.5 p. 163, B&P
Under what circumstances 7099 p. 373
(Reasons for), p. 45 Nonlicensure
Appeal, B&P 7028.10 p. 300, T16
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CCR 885 p. 557
Detection devices Civil penalties, B&P 7028.6 p. 298,
Enforcement, suspension of, H&S T16 CCR 884 p. 554
17926.2 p. 756 Failure to comply, misdemeanor,
Installation, H&S 17926 p. 755 B&P 7028.17 p. 303
Finality; time period for notice of
CARCINOGENS intent to appeal, B&P 7028.11
Asbestos. (See Asbestos) p. 300
Control generally, pp. 142 to 145 Hearings, decision, procedure, B&P
Registration requirements, p. 142 7028.12 p. 300
Regulation of, p. 142 Judgment for amount of civil
Reporting requirements, p. 142 penalty, B&P 7028.13 p. 300
Orders of abatement, B&P 7028.6
CARPET p. 298, B&P 7028.7 p. 299
Retailers, license exemption, B&P Violations, criteria to evaluate
7026.3 p. 291 gravity of, T16 CCR 887 p. 557
Specialty (Flooring and Floor Procedures and regulations, B&P
Covering) Contractors, B&P 7058 7028.7 p. 299
p. 318, T16 CCR 832.15 p. 478 Service of, B&P 7028.8 p. 299
Time for issuance, B&P 7028.9
CASH IN LIEU OF BOND, p. 29, B&P p. 299
7071.12 p. 342 Waiver, B&P 7028.14 p. 301
Notice of intent to contest, B&P
CERTIFIED LIST, DEFINED, B&P 7099.5 p. 374
494.5 p. 256 Order of correction, B&P 7099.1
p. 373
CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS, Responsibility for compliance, B&P
T16 CCR 872.1 pp. 549 to 553 7121.1 p. 388, B&P 7122.1 p. 391,
B&P 7122.2 p. 391
CHILD SUPPORT, B&P 29.5 p. 167,
Responsibility of disassociated
B&P 31 p.171, FC 17520 p. 711
member, B&P 7121.1 p. 388
Tax obligation
Service of, T16 CCR 886 p. 557
Defined, B&P 31 p. 171
CIVIL CODE, Appx pp. 588 to 677
CITATIONS, CONTRACTORS
Construction defects
LICENSE LAW
Actions for construction defects,
Advertising without proper license,
requirements, CC 895 to 945.5
B&P 7099.10 p. 375
pp. 590 to 614
Appeal of, B&P 7099.3 p. 374
1090 INDEX

CIVIL PROCEDURE CODE, Appx COMPENSATION—Cont’d

pp. 678 to 710 Payment of wages
Release of claim, requiring not
CLAIM OF LIEN, p. 113 allowed, B&P 7110.1 p. 381, LC
Defined, p. 120 206.5 p. 814
Suit for, by unlicensed contractor,
CLASSIFICATIONS, pp. 6, 7 B&P 7031 p. 307
Adding classifications, pp. 35, 36 Unlicensed contractor, no right to sue
Asbestos abatement contractors (C- for, B&P 7031 p. 307
22)
Stand-alone specialty contractor COMPLAINTS, VIOLATION OF
classification, T16 CCR 833 CONTRACTORS LAW
p. 488 Against licensed contractors, pp. 57 to
Branches of contracting business, 61
B&P 7055 p. 317 Against unlicensed contractors,
Class C specialty contractor, list of pp. 60, 61
classifications, pp. 7 to 9 Computerized enforcement tracking
Contracting outside of, B&P 7117.6 system, B&P 7020 p. 287
p. 385 Interagency agreement for
General building contractor, B&P information to protect the public,
7057 p. 317 B&P 7021 p. 287
Limitations on, B&P 7059 p. 322, Contractor license search by ZIP code
T16 CCR 830 p. 474, T16 CCR or geographic location, B&P 7018
834 p. 489 p. 286
General engineering contractor, B&P Criminal charges
7056 p. 317 Unlicensed contractors, p. 61
Limitations on, B&P 7059 p. 322, Violation established, p. 59
T16 CCR 830 p. 474, T16 CCR Criminal convictions, payment of
834 p. 489 penalties, B&P 7028.2 p. 297
Incidental and supplemental work, Disclosure of complaints, pp. 59, 60
B&P 7059 p. 322, T16 CCR 831 Dismissal with no penalties, p. 59
p. 474 Double penalty for same offense,
Limitation of classifications, T16 CCR prohibited, B&P 7011.3 p. 281
830 p. 474, T16 CCR 834 p. 489 Enforcement of licensing provisions,
Limitation of operations, B&P 7059 B&P 7011.4 p. 281
p. 322 Failure of licensee to cooperate, B&P
List of, T16 CCR 832 to 832.62 7111.1 p. 382
pp. 474 to 488 False, B&P 7011.8 p. 283
Necessity of, T16 CCR 830 p. 474 Injunction against unlawful activity,
Specialty contractors, B&P 7058 p. 59
p. 318, T16 CCR 832 p. 474 Interagency agreement for
Limitations on, B&P 7059 p. 322, information to protect the public,
T16 CCR 830 p. 474, T16 CCR B&P 7021 p. 287
834 p. 489 Investigation of
Computerized enforcement
COMPENSATION tracking system, B&P 7020
Consumer Affairs, Department of p. 287
Payment to employee, cash Confidential information, GC 11183
transactions, B&P 140 p. 206 p. 745
Contracting with licensed
professionals, B&P 7019 p. 286
INDEX 1091

COMPLAINTS, VIOLATION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION,

CONTRACTORS LAW—Cont’d GC 11183 p. 745
Investigation of—Cont’d Alternate dispute resolution
Contractor license search by ZIP Anonymity of parties, B&P 467.6
code or geographic location, B&P p. 239
7018 p. 286
Employee complaint, LC 98.7 CONFINED SPACES, p. 146
p. 793
Interagency agreement for CONSERVATION
information to protect the public, Water conservation
B&P 7021 p. 287 Water-conserving plumbing
Peace officers, B&P 7011.5 p. 282 retrofits, CC 1101.1 to 1101.9
Powers in connection with pp. 615 to 619
investigations, GC 11181 p. 744
Registrar and board, B&P 7011.7 CONSTRUCTION AND
p. 282 INTERPRETATION OF CODE,
Judicial relief, LC 98.7 p. 793 B&P 8 p. 162
Notice to complainant, B&P 7104 Headings, effect of, B&P 9 p. 163
p. 378
Public disclosure of, B&P 7124.6 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
p. 393, T16 CCR 863 p. 505 EDUCATION SPONSORSHIP
Complaints referred to arbitration, ACT, B&P 7139 to 7139.10 pp. 403 to
B&P 7085.9 p. 368 408
Statute of limitations, B&P 7091
p. 371 CONSTRUCTION ZONE TRAFFIC
Violation established, pp. 57, 58 CONTROL CONTRACTOR (C-31),
Advisory notice, p. 57 T16 CCR 832.31 p. 482
Citation, p. 58
Civil penalty, p. 58 CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
Costs, recovery of, p. 59 DEPARTMENT OF, B&P 100 p. 178
Criminal charges, p. 59 Adjustment of license renewal dates,
Dismissal, p. 59 B&P 152.5 p. 210
Injunction against unlawful Authority to adjust renewal dates,
activity, p. 59 B&P 152.6 p. 211
Restitution, p. 58 Administration of oaths, B&P 159
Revocation of license, pp. 58, 59 p. 215
Stay of suspension or revocation, Adoption of regulations, B&P 115.5
p. 59 p. 188
Suspension of license, p. 59 Appeals
Review of board decisions, B&P 109
CONCRETE CONTRACTOR (C-8), p. 184
T16 CCR 832.08 p. 477 Board decisions, finality of, B&P 109
p. 184
CONCRETE HAULING AND Boards
DELIVERY Assumption of duties of boards
Public works created by initiative, B&P 102
Hauling and delivery of ready- p. 180
mixed concrete as public work, Composition of department, B&P
LC 1720.9 p. 826 101 p. 178
Meetings of boards, B&P 101.7
p. 180
1092 INDEX

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, CONSUMER AFFAIRS,

DEPARTMENT OF—Cont’d DEPARTMENT OF—Cont’d
Boards—Cont’d Expenses of prosecution, B&P 157
Members p. 214
Compensation, B&P 103 p. 181 Expert witness, defense of in civil
Holdover term, B&P 105.5 p. 182 action, B&P 154.5 p. 212
Removal, B&P 106 to 106.5 p. 182 Fee for duplicate license, B&P 122
Tenure, B&P 105.5 p. 182 p. 191
BreEZe system Fingerprints
Contract with vendor, B&P 210 Criminal background checks,
p. 223 required, B&P 144 p. 209
Certificate as evidence, B&P 162 Fiscal analysis of pending legislation,
p. 215 B&P 165 p. 217
Checks, dishonored, B&P 206 p. 223 Functions of boards, B&P 108 p. 183
Citations, B&P 125.9 p. 198 Health Quality Investigation Unit,
Citizenship status of applicant not to B&P 159.5 p. 215
affect licensure by entities within Immigration status of applicant not to
department, B&P 135.5 p.203 affect licensure by entities within
Complaint-handling requirements, department, B&P 135.5 p.203
B&P 129 p. 201 Information, Internet, B&P 27
Composition of department, B&P 101 pp. 165 to 167
p. 178 Injunction, restitution,
Conspiracy with unlicensed persons, reimbursement, B&P 125.5 p. 194
B&P 125 p. 193 Interagency agreements, B&P 102.3
Consumer Affairs Act, B&P 300 p. 181
p. 225 Investigations
Contractors’ License Fund, B&P 200.1 Review of board decisions, B&P 109
p. 218 p. 184
Criminal background checks, Laws governing, summary, p. 161
required, B&P 144 p. 209 Legal services, Department of Justice,
Definitions, B&P 302 p. 225 B&P 202.5 p. 219
Delinquency and reinstatement fees, Legislative intent, B&P 301 p. 225
B&P 163.5 p. 216 License, inactive, B&P 462 p. 235
Directories of licensees, B&P 112 License number, inclusion in
p. 185 advertising, B&P 137 p. 204
Division of consumer services, B&P License obtained while in armed
303 p. 226 services, B&P 115 p. 188
Employment of personnel, B&P 154 Expedited process, honorably
p. 211 discharged veterans, B&P 115.4
Examinations p. 188
Development, B&P 139 p. 205 License, retired, B&P 464 p. 235
Evaluation of, B&P 139 p. 205 Licenses, form and content of, B&P
Policy, B&P 139 p. 205 164 p. 217
Repeated, B&P 135 p. 203 Licensure offenses, B&P 119 p. 189
Subversion of, B&P 123 p.191, B&P Meetings of boards, B&P 101.7 p. 180
123.5 p. 192, B&P 496 p. 264 Peace officers, designated as
Executive Officer, appointment of, investigators, PC 830.3 p. 997
B&P 107 p. 183 Professions and vocations fund, B&P
Expedited licensure process, certain 205 pp. 219 to 223
applicants, B&P 115.5 p. 188 Pro rata change for administrative
Honorably discharged veterans, expenses, B&P 201 p. 219, B&P
B&P 115.4 p. 188 7136 p. 399
INDEX 1093

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, CONSUMER AFFAIRS,

DEPARTMENT OF—Cont’d DEPARTMENT OF—Cont’d
Prorated initial license fees, B&P 134 Unlawful sale of goods or services,
p. 203 B&P 128 p. 200
Public members Unprofessional conduct
Age requirements, B&P 450.6 Discrimination, B&P 125.6 p. 195
p. 233 Wages, payment to employee, cash
Board defined, B&P 452 p. 233 transactions, B&P 140 p. 206
Conflicting financial interests, B&P War
450.3 p. 232 License expiration during time of,
Conflicting pursuits, B&P 450.5 B&P 114 p. 186
p. 232 Applicability, B&P 115 p. 188
Delegation of authority, B&P 451 Waiver of fees and requirements,
p. 233 B&P 114.3 p. 187
Qualifications, prohibited Withdrawal of application; surrender
relationships, B&P 450 p. 232 of license, B&P 118 p. 189
Purpose, B&P 101.6 p. 179 Witness fees, B&P 108.5 p. 183
Records and other property, B&P 110 Written notice, defined, B&P 124
p. 184 p. 192
Examination commissioners, B&P
111 p. 185 CONSUMER AFFAIRS, DIRECTOR
Examination questions, B&P 110 OF, B&P 150 p. 210
p. 184 Administration of department, B&P
Fee for certification of, B&P 163 152 p. 210
p. 216 Administrative powers, B&P 305
Sale of copies of, B&P 161 p. 215 p. 226
Reduction of license fees, B&P 128.5 Alcohol and drug treatment
p. 200 Retention of records by providers of
Refund of fees, B&P 158 p. 214 services related to treatment for
Renewal of licensure, B&P 121 p. 190 alcohol or drug impairment, B&P
Reports 156.1 p. 213
Director, submission to, B&P 127 Annual report, B&P 312 p. 228
p. 200 Appointment of, B&P 151 p. 210
Governor, submission to, B&P 126 Complaints
p. 199 Notification of, B&P 326 p. 231
Restraining orders, B&P 125.7 p. 196 Paging services, B&P 325.3 p. 230
Against licensees, B&P 125.8 p. 197 Reception of, B&P 325 p. 230
Sale of goods or services, unlawful, Conferences, B&P 113 p. 185
B&P 128 p. 200 Consumer information bibliography,
Seal, official, B&P 107.5 p. 183 publication, B&P 313.5 p. 228
Substance abuse coordination Contracts for service, B&P 307 p. 226
committee Examinations, lease of space for, B&P
Cease practice order, B&P 315.2 156.5 p. 214
p. 228 Interagency contracts, B&P 156
Violation of probation or diversion p. 213
program, B&P 315.4 p. 229 Interdepartmental committee, B&P
Temporary restraining order, B&P 311 p. 227
125.7 p. 196 Intervention by, B&P 320 p. 229
Against licensees, B&P 125.8 p. 197 Investigation, Division of, B&P 159.5
Terms of office, B&P 130 p. 202 p. 215
Limit on terms, B&P 131 p. 203 Investigations by, B&P 153 p. 211
1094 INDEX

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, DIRECTOR CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE

OF—Cont’d BOARD—Cont’d
Investigators, employment of, B&P Cooperation in enforcement of
155 p. 212 legislation relating to construction
Legal proceedings, commencement of, industry, B&P 7012 p. 283
B&P 321 p. 230 Field offices, p. xix
Organization of department, B&P 152 Final authority, B&P 7013 p. 283
p. 210 Powers, B&P 7010 p. 281
Personnel, B&P 306 p. 226 Priority, B&P 7000.6 p. 278
Powers and duties of, B&P 310 p. 227 Public protection, B&P 7000.6
Records p. 278
Retention of records by providers of Public information phone number,
services related to treatment for website, p. xx
alcohol or drug impairment, B&P Quorum, B&P 7007 p. 280
156.1 p. 213 Records, B&P 7014 p. 284
Registrar of Contractors, B&P 7011
CONSUMER LEGAL REMEDIES p. 281
Deceptive practices, CC 1770 p. 630 Reports
Complaints, case aging statistics,
CONSUMER WARRANTIES B&P 7017.3 p. 284
Roof warranty obligations, CC Rules and regulations, B&P 7008
1797.90 to 1797.93 pp. 635, 636 p. 280, T16 CCR 810 to 890 pp. 466
to 559
CONTINUANCE OF LICENSE, p. 47, Seal, B&P 7015 p. 284
B&P 7076 p. 353, T16 CCR 864 to 865 Transcript of witness as evidence,
p. 506 B&P 7013.5 p. 283
Extension, p. 47
CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE
CONTINUING EDUCATION, B&P LAW, B&P 7000 to 7199.7 pp. 277 to
166 p. 217 461
Citation of chapter, B&P 7000 p. 277
CONTRACTOR’S BOND. (See Bonds)
CONTRACTS
CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE. (See Abandonment of contract, B&P 7107
License, Contractors) p. 378
Arbitration, provisions in residential
CONTRACTORS’ LICENSE FUND, contracts, B&P 7191 p. 457
B&P 200.1 p. 218 Home improvement contract. (See
Home Improvement)
CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE Home solicitation contract. (See
BOARD, B&P 7000.5 p. 277 Home Improvement)
Board members, B&P 7000.5 p. 277 Awarding of contracts
Composition, B&P 7002 p. 278 Credit sales, CC 1804.3 p. 636
Meetings, B&P 7006 p. 280 Extinction of contracts, CC 1689.5
Oaths, B&P 7009 p. 280 p. 620
Per diem, B&P 7016 p. 284 Verification of contractor’s license,
Qualifications of, B&P 7001 p. 278 PCC 6100 p. 1009
Removal, B&P 7005 p. 280 Indemnify promisee against liability,
Terms, B&P 7003 p. 279 invalidity of provisions to, B&P
Vacancies, B&P 7003 p. 279 7034 p.310, CC 2782 p. 637
Committees, B&P 7008 p. 280
INDEX 1095

CONTRACTS—Cont’d CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY

Indemnify promisee against liability, Water-conserving plumbing retrofits
invalidity of provisions to—Cont’d Disclosures as to noncompliant
Construction contracts on which plumbing fixtures, CC 1102.155
wrap-up insurance policy p. 619
applicable, CC 2782.9 p. 644
Contracts for design professional CORPORATE LICENSE, p. 78
services, CC 2782.8 p. 643 Application requirement for, B&P
Professional engineer or geologist, 7065 p. 323, T16 CCR 819 p. 469
exception for hazardous Change of business name, p. 39, B&P
materials, CC 2782.6 p. 641 7083 p. 359
Insurance Change of officers, p. 37
Wrap-up insurance covering, Change of ownership of business,
indemnity agreements p. 23
Private residential improvements, Examination waiver, B&P 7065.1
CC 2782.95 p. 645 p. 325
Public works, CC 2782.96 p. 646 License defined, B&P 23.7 p. 164
Licensee’s statement on contracts, Qualifying individual, p. 23, B&P
B&P 7030 p. 305 7068.1 p. 330
License number required on all, B&P Replacement of Qualifying Individual,
7030.5 p. 307 p. 37, B&P 7068.2 p. 331
License suspension disclosure, B&P Rights of individuals listed on license
7030.1 p. 306 to contract independently, B&P
Lien rights, waiver of prohibited, 7028.5 p. 298
B&P 7034 p. 310 Secretary of State, proper registration
Notice requirements, B&P 7030 and standing with, B&P 7076.2
p. 305 p. 356
Retail seller contract
Security interests, CC 1804.3 p. 636 COURT OFFICERS, LICENSE
Undelivered goods, finance charge, EXEMPTION, B&P 7041 p. 310
CC 1805.6 p. 636, CC 1810.10
p. 637 CRIME
Roof warranty obligations Alternate dispute resolution
Application of chapter, CC 1797.90 Criminal complaints, withdrawal
p. 635 from process, B&P 467.7 p. 239
Beneficiaries, CC 1797.92 p. 635 Arrest of licensee or home
Contracts, CC 1797.91 p. 635 improvement salesperson, B&P
Lifetime warranties, CC 1797.93 7069.1 p. 333
p. 636 Bonds
Swimming pool contract, B&P 7167 Criminal convictions, report to
p. 450 registrar, B&P 7071.18 p. 347
Copy, legible, delivery of, B&P 7165 Conviction of, B&P 7.5 p. 162
p. 447 As cause for denial of license, B&P
Financing by third-party lender, 480 p.248
B&P 7165 p. 447 As cause for disciplinary action,
Inapplicable conditions, B&P 7166 B&P 7123 p. 392
p. 450 Defined, B&P 490 p. 252
Noncompliance voids contract, B&P Overpricing following disaster,
7167 p. 450 B&P 7123.5 p. 392
Notice to buyer, B&P 7165 p. 447 Suspension or revocation of license,
Violation of, B&P 7113 p. 383 substantial relationship
required, B&P 490 p. 252
1096 INDEX

CRIME—Cont’d CRIMINAL HISTORY—Cont’d

Criteria for determining if acts or Consumer Affairs, Department of
crimes are substantially related to Criminal background checks,
contracting business, T16 CCR 868 required, B&P 144 p. 209
p. 507
Criteria for related crimes required,
B&P 481 p. 249 D
Denial of license, grounds for, p. 24,
B&P 480 p. 248, B&P 7069 p. 332, DAMAGES
B&P 7153.1 p. 415 Public works contracts
Dismissed conviction, not cause for Damages for contractor delay
denial of license, B&P 480 p.248 Enforceability of delay damages
Employer and employee clause, PCC 7203 p. 1023
Political activities of employees, Liquidated damages, LC 1742.1
protection of, LC 1102.5 p. 820, p. 827
LC 1103 p. 822 Prevailing wage
False statement, suspension or Contractor recovery of increased
revocation of license, B&P 490 costs from hiring party, LC
p. 252 1784 p. 859
Fraud in repairing natural disaster Liquidated damages, LC 1771.2
damage, enhanced sentence, PC p. 830
667.16 p. 995
Health and safety, crimes against DECEPTIVE PRACTICES, pp. 630 to
Price gouging following state of 635
emergency or major disaster, PC
396 p. 989 DEFECTS, STRUCTURAL, B&P 7091
Licenses p. 371, T16 CCR 861.5 p. 504
Criminal convictions, report to Actions for construction defects,
registrar, B&P 7071.18 p. 347 requirements, CC 895 to 945.5
Proceedings against licensee, pp. 590 to 613
appearance of state agency, PC
23 p. 989 DEFINITIONS
Rehabilitation, B&P 480 p. 248, B&P Alteration
482 p. 249, T16 CCR 869 p. 508 Hazardous waste and other
Revelation of arrest record on hazardous substances, H&S
application, prohibition of, B&P 25536.7 p. 768
461 p. 234 Apprenticeable occupation
Unlicensed or unlawful engaging in Hazardous waste and other
business, B&P 7028 p.295 hazardous substances, H&S
25536.7 p. 768
CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS Approved advanced safety training for
Payment of penalties, B&P 7028.2 workers at high hazard facilities
p. 297 Hazardous waste and other
hazardous substances, H&S
CRIMINAL HISTORY 25536.7 p. 768
Applications, pp. 24, 25 Asbestos and hazardous substance
Background checks, p. 25 removal contracts, H&S 25914.1
Corporations, requirements for, p. 771
B&P 7069 p. 332 Building and construction trades
Background checks, p. 25 Hazardous waste and other
hazardous substances, H&S
25536.7 p. 768
INDEX 1097

DEFINITIONS—Cont’d DEFINITIONS—Cont’d
Commercial real property Installation
Water-conserving plumbing Hazardous waste and other
retrofits, CC 1101.3 p. 616 hazardous substances, H&S
Construction 25536.7 p. 768
Hazardous waste and other Legal excavation start date and time
hazardous substances, H&S Public utilities, protection of, GC
25536.7 p. 768 4216 p. 722
Construction defects, CC 895 p. 590 License
Consultant Unfair immigration-related
Contractors’ state license law, B&P practice, LC 1019 p. 817
7026.1 p. 288 Local agency
Contractor Public utilities, protection of, GC
Contractors’ state license law, B&P 4216 p. 722
7026 p. 288, B&P 7026.1 p. 288, Locate and field mark
B&P 7026.2 p. 290, B&P 7026.3 Public utilities, protection of, GC
p. 291 4216 p. 722
Public works contracts, LC 1784 Maintenance
p. 859 Hazardous waste and other
Contractors state license board, code hazardous substances, H&S
of regulations, T16 CCR 810 p. 466 25536.7 p. 768
Demolition Manufactured home
Hazardous waste and other Contractors’ state license law, B&P
hazardous substances, H&S 7026.2 p. 290
25536.7 p. 768 Medically necessary
Disputed medical treatment Workers’ compensation benefits, LC
Workers’ compensation benefits, LC 4610.5 p. 927
4610.5 p. 927 Medical necessity
Employer Workers’ compensation benefits, LC
Workers’ compensation benefits, LC 4610.5 p. 927
4610.5 p. 927 Members of the personnel of record
Facility event Contractors’ state license law, B&P
Public utilities, protection of, GC 7025 p. 288
4216.6 p. 730 Mobilehome
Hand tool Contractors’ state license law, B&P
Public utilities, protection of, GC 7026.2 p. 290
4216 p. 722 Mobilehome accessory building or
High priority subsurface installation structure
Public utilities, protection of, GC Contractors’ state license law, B&P
4216 p. 722 7026.2 p. 290
Hiring party Multifamily residential real property
Public works contracts, LC 1784 Water-conserving plumbing
p. 859 retrofits, CC 1101.3 p. 616
Inactive subsurface installation Noncompliant plumbing fixtures
Public utilities, protection of, GC Water-conserving plumbing
4216 p. 722 retrofits, CC 1101.3 p. 616
Inquiry identification number Onsite work
Public utilities, protection of, GC Hazardous waste and other
4216 p. 722 hazardous substances, H&S
25536.7 p. 768
1098 INDEX

DEFINITIONS—Cont’d DEFINITIONS—Cont’d
Operator State agency
Public utilities, protection of, GC Public utilities, protection of, GC
4216 p. 722 4216 p. 722
Person Statewide information
Contractors’ state license law, B&P Public utilities, protection of, GC
7025 p. 288 4216.6 p. 730
Prevailing hourly wage rate Subsurface installation
Hazardous waste and other Public utilities, protection of, GC
hazardous substances, H&S 4216 p. 722
25536.7 p. 768 Ticket
Qualified person Public utilities, protection of, GC
Public utilities, protection of, GC 4216 p. 722
4216 p. 722 Tolerance zone
Qualifier Public utilities, protection, GC 4216
Contractors’ state license law, B&P p. 722
7025 p. 288 Unexpected occurrence
Qualifying individual Public utilities, protection, GC 4216
Contractors’ state license law, B&P p. 722
7025 p. 288 Unfair immigration-related practice,
Qualifying person LC 1019 p. 817
Contractors’ state license law, B&P Utilization review decision
7025 p. 288 Workers’ compensation benefits, LC
Regional notification center 4610.5 p. 927
Public utilities, protection of, GC Violation
4216 p. 722 Unfair immigration-related
Registered apprentice practice, LC 1019 p. 817
Hazardous waste and other Water-conserving plumbing fixtures
hazardous substances, H&S Water-conserving plumbing
25536.7 p. 768 retrofits, CC 1101.3 p. 616
Repair Working day
Hazardous waste and other Public utilities, protection of, GC
hazardous substances, H&S 4216 p. 722
25536.7 p. 768
Roadway DEMOLITION
Contractors’ state license law, B&P Asbestos-containing materials
7026 p. 288 suspected, NESHAP requirements,
Sale or transfer p. 145
Water-conserving plumbing
retrofits, CC 1101.3 p. 616 DENIAL OF LICENSE
Single-family residential real Applicability, B&P 475 p. 247
property Authorized actions by Board, B&P
Water-conserving plumbing 488 p. 251
retrofits, CC 1101.3 p. 616 Citizenship or immigration status of
Skilled and trained workforce applicant not to affect licensure by
Hazardous waste and other entities within consumer affairs
hazardous substances, H&S department, B&P 135.5 p.203
25536.7 p. 768 Conviction of a crime, substantial
Skilled journeyperson relationship required, B&P 480
Hazardous waste and other p. 248, B&P 7069 p. 332
hazardous substances, H&S Exemptions, B&P 476 p. 247
25536.7 p. 768
INDEX 1099

DENIAL OF LICENSE—Cont’d DISASTERS—Cont’d

Failure to comply with rules, grounds, Crimes against public health and
T16 CCR 860 p. 504 safety
False statement, B&P 475 p. 247 Price gouging following state of
Grounds for denial, B&P 480 p. 248 emergency or major disaster, PC
Hearing, B&P 487 p. 251 396 p. 989
Denial without hearing, B&P 489 Fraud in repairing natural disaster
p. 251 damage
Procedure for board upon denial, Enhanced sentence, PC 667.16 p. 995
B&P 485 p. 250
Reapplication after denial, B&P 486 DISCIPLINARY BOND. (See Bonds)
p. 250
Rehabilitation, criteria for after, B&P DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES, T16
482 p. 249, T16 CCR 869 p. 508 CCR 871 pp. 513 to 545
Related crimes, criteria, B&P 481
p. 249, T16 CCR 868 p. 507 DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
Action
DEPUTIES Despite correction of condition,
Authority of, B&P 10 p. 163 B&P 7090.5 p. 370
Jurisdiction, by another, B&P 141
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL p. 207, B&P 7103 p. 377
SERVICES Proof of license as condition for
Contracts bringing action, B&P 143 p. 207
Indemnify promisee against Provisions to settle certain causes
liability, invalidity of provisions of actions prohibited, B&P 143.5
to, CC 2782.8 p. 643 p. 208
Time for, B&P 7091 p. 371
DIG ALERT Causes for, B&P 7116.5 p. 385
Regional Notification Centers, p. 151 Citation, B&P 7099 p. 373
Advertising without proper license,
DIRECTOR, DEFINED, B&P 23.5 B&P 7099.10 p. 375
p. 164 Appeal, B&P 7099.3 p. 374
Civil penalties, B&P 7099.2 p. 373
DIRECT SUPERVISION AND Failure to comply, B&P 7099.6 p. 375
CONTROL, RESPONSIBILITY OF Failure to contest, B&P 7099.4 p. 374
QUALIFYING INDIVIDUAL, B&P Notice of intent to contest, B&P
7068.1 p. 330, T16 CCR 823 p. 469 7099.5 p. 374
Order of correction, B&P 7099.1
DISABILITIES, PERSONS WITH p. 373, T16 CCR 880 to 883
Application for license, p. 12 pp. 553, 554
Examinations, pp. 16, 17 Classification of workers
Laws, regulations, and information, Willful misclassification as
where to find, p. 1071 independent contractor, LC
226.8 p. 815
DISASSOCIATION Consolidation in court action, B&P
Of responsible managing employee, 7106 p. 378
B&P 7068.2 p. 331 Decision and penalties, B&P 7095
p. 372
DISASTERS Failure to comply with order of
Cancellation of home improvement correction, B&P 7090.1 p. 369
contract Failure to comply with rules, grounds,
Contract void under certain T16 CCR 860 p. 504
circumstances, CC 1689.14 p. 628
1100 INDEX

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS— E
Cont’d
Failure to obtain building permits, EARTHWORK AND PAVING
B&P 7090 p. 368 CONTRACTOR (C-12), T16 CCR
Failure to pay civil penalty, B&P 832.12 p. 478
7090.1 p. 369
Jurisdiction, B&P 7090 p. 368 EDUCATION, CONTINUING, B&P
Licensee defined, B&P 7096 p. 372 166 p. 217
Public reprovals, B&P 495 p. 264
Revocation of additional licenses, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR (C-
B&P 7098 p. 373 10), T16 CCR 832.10 p. 478
Suspension of additional licenses,
B&P 7097 p. 372 ELECTRICAL RESTRUCTURING
Energy efficiency, PUC 399.4 p. 1037
DISCRIMINATION
Employment discrimination ELECTRICAL SIGN CONTRACTOR
Retaliation, unfair immigration- (C-45), T16 CCR 832.45 p. 485
related practices, LC 1019.1 Display on commercial vehicle, B&P
p. 819, LC 1019 p. 817 7029.5 p. 305
Examinations, GC 12944 p. 748
Insurers, B&P 7071.14 p. 344 ELECTRICIAN, COMPETENCY
Licensed activity, in performance of, AND TRAINING STANDARDS
B&P 125.6 p. 195 Certification required, LC 108.2
Licensing board, prohibited activity, p. 796
GC 12944 p. 748 Enforcement and testing, LC 108.3
Unprofessional conduct, B&P 125.6 p. 798
p. 195
ELECTRONIC AND APPLIANCE
DIVERSION OF CONSTRUCTION REPAIR DEALERS INSTALLING
FUNDS, PC 484b p. 993 SATELLITE ANTENNAS
License exemption, B&P 7054.5
DOMESTIC PARTNERS p. 316
Spouse, defined
Includes registered domestic ELEVATOR INSTALLATION
partner, B&P 14.2 p. 163 CONTRACTOR (C-11), T16 CCR
832.11 p. 478
DOSH. (See OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND HEALTH, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE
DIVISION OF (DOSH)) VOUCHER, PC 484c p. 993

DRILL RIGS EMERGENCY REPAIRS OR

Advertising, display on truck or drill SERVICES
rigs, B&P 7029.5 p. 305 Cancellation, rescission, etc, of
contract, inapplicability of certain
DRYWALL CONTRACTOR (C-9), T16 provisions, CC 1689.13 p. 628
CCR 832.09 p. 477
EMERGENCY, STATE OF
DUMP TRUCK CARRIERS Crimes against public health and
Payment of, B&P 7108.6 p. 380 safety
Price gouging following state of
emergency or major disaster, PC
396 p. 989
INDEX 1101

EMERGENCY, STATE OF—Cont’d ENERGY CONSERVATION AND

Fraud in repairing natural disaster DEVELOPMENT
damage Administrative enforcement process,
Enhanced sentence, PC 667.16 PRC 25402.11 p. 1034
p. 995 Central air-conditioning and heat
License required, B&P 7028.16 p. 303, pumps, installation, plan to
PC 670 p. 996 promote compliance with
regulations, PRC 25402.12 p. 1035
EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE Home energy rating system (HERS)
Actions to enforce labor code Home energy audit, B&P 7199.5
provisions p. 460
Unfair immigration-related Performance by home inspector,
practices, LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC B&P 7199.7 p. 461
1019 p. 817 Injunctions, PRC 25900 p. 1036
Advice to treat individual as
independent contractor, LC 2753 ENFORCEMENT
p. 861, LC 2810.3 p.861 Costs, payment of, B&P 125.3 p. 193
Bona fide, T16 CCR 823 p. 469
Immigration status ENGINEERS
Unfair immigration-related Contracts
practices, LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC Indemnify promisee against
1019 p. 817 liability, invalidity of provisions
Injury compensation, LC 4453 p. 898 to
License exemption, B&P 7053 p. 316 Professional engineer or geologist,
Obligations of employer, LC 2810.3 exception for hazardous
p.861 materials, CC 2782.6 p. 641
Personal information Engineers Act, licensed contractor’s
Updating personal information by exemption from, B&P 6737.3 p. 581
employee License exemption, B&P 7051 p. 315
Employment actions by employer,
restrictions, LC 1024.6 p. 820 EXAMINATIONS, pp. 16 to 22
Retaliation for filing complaint with Americans with Disabilities Act,
Labor Commissioner pp. 16, 17, B&P 313.2 p. 228
Unfair immigration-related Discrimination, GC 12944 p. 748
practice, LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC Reasonable accommodation, pp. 16,
1019 p. 817 17, GC 12944 p. 748
Unfair immigration-related practices, Applicants may be reexamined, p. 21
LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC 1019 p. 817 Asbestos certification examination,
development of, B&P 7058.5 p. 319
EMPLOYER’S IDENTIFICATION Computer-based testing, p. 20
NUMBER, B&P 30 p. 168 Contents of, p. 19
Disclosure of, penalties for, p. 22,
EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION B&P 123 p. 191
Retaliation Law and business examination,
Unfair immigration-related p. 19
practices, LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC Departmental possession and control,
1019 p. 817 B&P 110 p. 184
Development
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY Disclosure of content, penalties for,
VERIFICATION, pp. 264, 1075 p. 22, B&P 123 p. 191, B&P
123.5 p. 192, B&P 496 p. 264
Evaluation of, B&P 139 p. 205
1102 INDEX

EXAMINATIONS—Cont’d EXCAVATIONS—Cont’d
Development—Cont’d Regional notification center, duty to
Policy, B&P 139 p. 205 contact, GC 4216 to 4216.24
Duration of examination, p. 20 pp. 722 to 741
Elimination and revision of questions,
T16 CCR 841 p. 490 EXEMPTIONS, LICENSE, pp. 2, 3,
Failure of, p. 21 B&P 7040 to 7054.5 pp. 310 to 316
Failure to appear for, p. 21 Alarm (security) company operators,
Feedback, pp. 20, 21 B&P 7054 p. 316
Format, p. 20 Architect, B&P 7051 p. 315
Hazardous substance certification, Licensed contractor’s exemption
B&P 7058.7 p. 320 from provisions of Architects Act,
Identification required, p. 20 B&P 5537 p. 579, B&P 5537.2
Law and business examination, p. 19 p. 580
Lease of space for, B&P 156.5 p. 214 Attorneys’ fees, B&P 7044.01 p. 313
Location, p. 19 Carpet retailer, B&P 7058 p. 318
Notice to appear, p. 18 Court officers, B&P 7041 p. 310
Bringing to examination site, p. 20 Electronic and appliance repair
Time to receive, p. 20 dealers installing satellite
Preparation of, review and revision, antennas, B&P 7054.5 p. 316
B&P 7065.05 p. 324 Employees, B&P 7053 p. 316
Provision for another person, B&P Engineer, B&P 7051 p. 315
7068.7 p. 332 Licensed contractor’s exemption
Reasonable accommodation, pp. 16, from provisions of Engineers Act,
17, GC 12944 p. 748 B&P 6737.3 p. 581
Reciprocity, p. 3, B&P 7065.4 p. 327 Farming, B&P 7049 p. 315
Repeated, B&P 135 p. 203 Finished products, B&P 7045 p. 314
Required of all applicants, p. 17, T16 Gardener, license exemption, B&P
CCR 840 p. 489 7026.1 p. 288
Rescheduling, p. 21 Inapplicability of chapter, B&P
Security 7044.2 p. 314
Subversion of licensing Irrigation districts, B&P 7049 p. 315
examinations, p. 22, B&P 123 Licensed contractor’s exemption from
p. 191, B&P 123.5 p. 192, B&P provisions of Architects Act, B&P
496 p. 264 5537 p. 579, B&P 5537.2 p. 580
Special accommodations, pp. 16, 17 Licensed contractor’s exemption from
Substitution of examinee, B&P 7068.5 provisions of Engineers Act, B&P
p. 332 6737.3 p. 581
Time and place, p. 19 Minor work, B&P 7048 p. 315
Time to take, p. 20 Oil and gas operations, B&P 7043
Trade or certification examination, p. 312
p. 20 Owner or builder, B&P 7044 p. 312
Violation, penalty, B&P 496 p. 264 Personal property, B&P 7046 p. 314
Waiver of, pp. 17, 18, B&P 7065 Pest control operator, B&P 7051
p. 324, B&P 7065.1 to 7065.3 p. 315
pp. 325 to 327 Public personnel, B&P 7040 p. 310
Who takes, p. 17, B&P 7065 p. 324 Public utilities, B&P 7042 p. 311
Activities of cable television
EXCAVATIONS, p. 146 corporations, B&P 7042.5 p. 312
Native American remains, Gas, heat, electrical corporations,
preservation of, pp. 155, 156 B&P 7042.1 p. 311
INDEX 1103

EXEMPTIONS, LICENSE—Cont’d FAIR PRACTICES

Public utilities—Cont’d Subletting and Subcontracting Fair
On construction incidental to own Practices Act, PCC 4100 to 4114
business, B&P 7042.5 p. 312 pp. 1001 to 1008
Real estate license, B&P 7044.1
p. 314 FAMILY CODE, pp. 711 to 720
Reclamation districts, B&P 7049
p. 315 FARMING, LICENSE EXEMPTION,
Remedies, B&P 7044.01 p. 313 B&P 7049 p. 315
Satellite antennas, installation by
electronic and appliance repair FEDERAL EMPLOYER
dealers, B&P 7054.5 p. 316 IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, B&P
Small operations, B&P 7048 p. 315 30 p. 168
Advertising voids, B&P 7048 p. 315
Suppliers of materials, B&P 7052 FEES
p. 316 Application, B&P 7072 p. 349, T16
Surety issuing performance or CCR 811 p. 466
completion bond, B&P 7044.2 Refund of, B&P 158 p. 214, B&P
p. 314 7138 p. 402
Violations, B&P 7044.01 p. 313 Delinquency and reinstatement fees,
B&P 163.5 p. 216
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Documents and written information,
REQUIREMENT, pp. 4, 5, B&P p. 50
7068 p. 328, T16 CCR 825 p. 470 Licensing, pp. 25, 26
Apprenticeship training, credit for, Collection adjustments, B&P
pp. 5, 6, T16 CCR 825 p. 470 7138.1 p. 403
Armed services experience, B&P 35 For duplicate license, B&P 122
p. 172 p. 191
Certifying to falsified, B&P 7114.1 For inactive or retired license, B&P
p. 384 121.5 p. 190
Education, credit for, pp. 5, 6 For revenue, by cities, GC 37101.7
Education requirement, p. 5 p. 750
Registrar to pass on experience, T16 Not refundable, B&P 7138 p. 402
CCR 826 p. 471 Prorated initial license fees, B&P
Technical training, credit for, pp. 5, 6 134 p. 203
Reduction of, B&P 128.5 p. 200
EXPIRED LICENSE, B&P 7140 p. 408 Rescheduled exam or
Registrar, continuing jurisdiction over reexamination after failure, p. 21
license, B&P 7106.5 p. 378 Records, fee for certification of, B&P
Renewal of, B&P 7141 p. 408 163 p. 216
Schedule of, B&P 7137 p. 399, T16
CCR 811 p. 466
F Waiver of, job training program, UIC
10501 p. 1062
FAILURE TO COOPERATE, B&P Witness fees, B&P 108.5 p. 183
7111.1 p. 382
FENCING CONTRACTOR (C-13),
FAILURE TO PAY, B&P 7108.5 p. 379, T16 CCR 832.13 p. 478
B&P 7108.6 p. 380, B&P 7120 p. 387
1104 INDEX

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS AND FORGERY AND COUNTERFEITING

RATIOS, p. 98 Investigations
Unemployment compensation
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS, records
pp. 25, 26 Access to records in aid of
investigation, UIC 1095 p. 1053
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. (See
Business Management) FRAMING AND ROUGH
CARPENTRY (C-5), T16 CCR
FINES AND CIVIL PENALTIES 832.05 p. 476
Employer and employee
Political activities of employees, FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
protection of, LC 1102.5 p. 820, Licensee information to be provided
LC 1103 p. 822 to, RTC 19528 p. 1046
Retaliation for filing complaint
with Labor Commissioner, LC FRAUD, B&P 7116 p. 384, PC 484b
98.6 p. 791 p. 993
Unlicensed or unlawful engaging in Investigations
business, B&P 7028 p.295 Unemployment compensation
records
FINGERPRINT REQUIREMENT, Access to records in aid of
p. 11, B&P 7069 p. 332, B&P 7153.1 investigation of document fraud
p. 415, T16 CCR 869.1 to 869.5 or consumer fraud, UIC 1095
pp. 509 to 511 p. 1053
Consumer Affairs, Department of, Mechanics liens
B&P 144 p. 209 Stop payment notices, false, CC
8504 p. 677
FINISHED PRODUCTS, LICENSE State of Emergency
EXEMPTION, B&P 7045 p. 314 Fraud in repairing natural disaster
damage, enhanced sentence, PC
FIRE MARSHAL, STATE 667.16 p. 995
Building standards and regulations
Adoption and enforcement, FUNDS, MISUSE OF, B&P 7108
authorization, H&S 13110 p. 754 p.379, PC 484b p. 993, PC 484c p. 993

FIRE PREVENTION AND

CONTROL G
Fire protection systems, installation,
B&P 7026.12 p. 291, T16 CCR
GARDENER, LICENSE
832.16 p. 479
EXEMPTION, B&P 7026.1 p. 288
FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACTOR
GENERAL BUILDING
(C-16), T16 CCR 832.16 p. 479
CONTRACTOR, B&P 7057 p. 317
Contractors license generally. (See
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, B&P
License, contractors)
7026.12 p. 291, T16 CCR 832.16
Generally, p. 6
p. 479
Limitations on, B&P 7059 p. 322, T16
CCR 830 p.474, T16 CCR 834
FLOORING AND FLOOR
p. 489
COVERING CONTRACTOR (C-
15), T16 CCR 832.15 p. 478
INDEX 1105

GENERAL ENGINEERING HAZARDOUS WASTE AND OTHER

CONTRACTOR, B&P 7056 p. 317 SUBSTANCES—Cont’d
Contractors license generally. (See Business and area release response
License, contractors) plans—Cont’d
Generally, p. 6 Workforce skills and training, H&S
Limitations on, B&P 7059 p. 322, T16 25536.7 p. 768
CCR 830 p.474, T16 CCR 834 Employer, responsibilities and rights,
p. 489 p. 140
Federal regulations, pp. 9 to 12
GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE, Hazard Evaluation System and
DISCLOSURE OF, T16 CCR 872 Information Service (HESIS),
pp. 546 to 549 p. 139
Hazardous waste sites, certification
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY requirement, p. 141, B&P 7058.7
Implementation polices and p. 320
strategies, PRC 25228 p. 1033 Information source: HESIS, p. 139
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS),
GLAZING CONTRACTOR (C-17), p. 139
T16 CCR 832.17 p. 479 Removal work or remedial action,
p. 140
GOODS AND SERVICES Certification requirement, p. 141,
Defined, CC 1689.5 p. 620 B&P 7058.7 p. 320
Goods, defined, CC 1689.8 p. 626 Contracting with uncertified
Sale, Notice of, B&P 7159.1 p. 430 person, B&P 7118.6 p. 387, H&S
25914.3 p. 772
GOVERNMENT CODE, Appx pp. 721 Contracts, H&S 25914 to 25914.3
to 753 pp. 771, 772
Contract, separate required, H&S
25914.2 p. 772
H Emergency conditions, H&S
25914.2 p. 772
HANDICAPPED. (See Disabilities, Engaging in removal or remedial
Persons With) action without, penalty, B&P
7028.1 p. 296
HANDYMAN Examinations, CSLB, p. 141, B&P
License, contractors 7058.7 p. 320
Minor work, B&P 7048 p. 315 Hazardous waste sites, p. 140, B&P
7058.7 p. 320
HAZARD EVALUATION SYSTEM Qualified person, designation of,
AND INFORMATION SERVICE p. 141
(HESIS), p. 139 Safety and health conference,
p. 141
HAZARDOUS EQUIPMENT, p. 139 Sale by person other than
manufacturer, p. 140
HAZARDOUS WASTE AND OTHER Underground storage tanks, p. 11,
SUBSTANCES, p. 139 B&P 7058.7 p. 320, H&S 25281
Asbestos-related work. (See p. 763
Asbestos)
Business and area release response HAZARDOUS WASTE
plans OPERATIONS AND EMERGENCY
Skilled and trained workforce, H&S RESPONSE STANDARDS, p. 141
25536.7 p. 768
1106 INDEX

HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES HOME IMPROVEMENT—Cont’d

Certification requirement, pp. 140, Contractor, p. 63, B&P 7150.1 p. 411
141, B&P 7058.7 p. 320 Defined, p. 63, B&P 7151 p. 412
Enforceability, B&P 7163 p. 444
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, Appx False representation, B&P 7160
pp. 754 to 783 p. 442
Definitions, H&S 25281 p. 763 Goods or services, B&P 7151 p. 412
Mechanics liens
HESIS (HAZARD EVALUATION Warning
SYSTEM AND INFORMATION Single-family dwellings, B&P
SERVICE), p. 139 7164 p. 446
Person
HOME IMPROVEMENT, pp. 63 to 72 Defined, B&P 7150 p. 411
Advertising, false or misleading, B&P Prohibited acts, B&P 7161 p. 442
7161 p. 442 Rebates, PC 532e p. 994
Checklist for homeowners, T16 CCR Salesperson
872.1 pp. 549 to 553 Contract sold or negotiated by
Completion certificate, false, B&P unregistered salesperson,
7158 p. 420 enforceability, p. 67
Contract, pp. 63, 64 Defined, p. 65, B&P 7152 p. 413
Cancellation of, CC 1689.6 p. 621 Employment of registered
Defined, B&P 7151.2 p. 412 salesperson
Extra work and change orders Cessation of employment,
Enforcement, requirements, B&P notification, B&P 7154 p. 417
7159.6 p. 434 Electronic transmission of
Fire alarm systems contractors applications, renewals and
Contract requirements, B&P notices, B&P 7156.6 p. 418
7159.9 p. 435 Notification of employment, B&P
Eligibility criteria for exemption, 7154 p. 417
B&P 7159.9 p. 435 Electronic transmission of
Form, B&P 7159 p. 420 applications, renewals and
Goods and services. (See Goods notices, B&P 7156.6 p. 418
and Services) Exemptions, pp. 65, 66
Joint control addendum, pp. 69, 70 For more than one contractor, p. 66
Joint control agreements, registrar- Kickback penalty, B&P 7157 p. 419
approved, pp. 67, 68 Liability of contractor, B&P 7155.5
Liens, CC 1689.8 p. 626 p. 418
Liens on real property Penalty for employment of
Limitations, B&P 7159.2 p. 431 nonregistrant, B&P 7154 p. 417
Mechanics lien warning, pp. 68, 71, Registration
B&P 7159 p. 420, B&P 7159.5 Expiration, p. 67
p. 432 Required, p. 66
Notice of right to cancel, CC 1689.7 Registration required, B&P 7152
p. 623 p. 413, B&P 7153 p. 414
Required provisions Application for, B&P 7153.1
Service and repair contracts, B&P p. 415
7159.10 p. 436 Electronic transmission of
Requirements, summary of, p. 63 applications, renewals and
Sold or negotiated by unregistered notices, B&P 7156.6 p. 418
salesperson, enforceability, p. 67 Electronic transmission of
Statements required, B&P 7159 applications, renewals and
p. 420 notices, B&P 7156.6 p. 418
INDEX 1107

HOME IMPROVEMENT—Cont’d IMMIGRATION AND

Salesperson—Cont’d NATURALIZATION—Cont’d
Registration required—Cont’d Employment
Expiration of, B&P 7153.2 p. 415 Unfair immigration-related
Renewal of, B&P 7153.3 p. 415 practices, LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC
Electronic transmission of 1019 p. 817
applications, renewals and
notices, B&P 7156.6 p. 418 INACTIVE LICENSE
Violations, disciplinary action, B&P Bond not required, pp. 27, 41, B&P
7155 to 7156 p. 418 7076.5 p. 357
Single-family dwelling, contract for Contracting with, B&P 7117.5 p. 385
construction of, B&P 7164 p. 446 Defined, p. 41
Trademark or brand name, Disciplinary action, B&P 7076.5
representation regarding, B&P p. 357
7162 p. 443 How to inactivate, p. 41
Warranties, p. 65 Reactivation of, p. 42, B&P 7076.5
p. 357, T16 CCR 867 p. 507
HOME INSPECTORS, B&P 7195 to Reinstatement of, T16 CCR 867
7199 pp. 458 to 460 p. 507
Renewal of, p. 42, B&P 7076.5 p. 357
HOME SOLICITATION CONTRACT.
(See Home Improvement) INCIDENTAL AND
SUPPLEMENTAL WORK, B&P
HOT TUBS 7059 p. 322, T16 CCR 831 p. 474
Landscape Contractor (C-27) Specialty contractors on public works,
Design authority, B&P 7027.5 p. 294 B&P 7059 p. 322

HVAC INCOME STATEMENT, pp. 95 to 100

Energy conservation and development Cost of operations, p. 96
Central air-conditioning and heat Direct labor, pp. 96, 97
pumps, installation, plan to Direct labor burden, p. 97
promote compliance with General and administrative expenses,
regulations, PRC 25402.12 p. 97
p. 1035 Income, p. 96
Materials used, p. 97
Net profit for year, p. 97
I Other direct costs, p. 97
Pretax income, p. 97
IDENTITY THEFT Statement of change in financial
Investigations position, p. 98
Unemployment compensation
records INCORRECT LICENSE NUMBER,
Access to records in aid of B&P 7027.3 p. 293
investigation, UIC 1095 p. 1053
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
IMMIGRATION AND Joint and several liability
NATURALIZATION Advice to treat individual as
Consumer Affairs, Department of independent contractor, LC 2753
Citizenship or immigration status p. 861
of applicant not to affect Wages, hours, and working conditions
licensure by entities within Willful misclassification or
department, B&P 135.5 p.203 charging fees to one willfully
misclassified, LC 226.8 p. 815
1108 INDEX

INDIVIDUAL LICENSES INTERNET—Cont’d

Sole ownership. (See LICENSE, Public works and public agencies—
CONTRACTORS) Cont’d
Registration of contractor as
INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER qualification to bid, posting of
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, p. 1, notice of requirement—Cont’d
B&P 30 p. 168 Wage requirement postings, LC
1730 p. 827
INDUSTRY EXPERTS, B&P 7019
p. 286 INVESTIGATIONS
Costs, payment of, B&P 125.3 p. 193
INJUNCTION, B&P 7028.3 p. 297
Against nonlicensee, B&P 7028.4 IRRIGATION DISTRICTS, LICENSE
p. 298 EXEMPTION, B&P 7049 p. 315

INJURY AND ILLNESS ISO, B&P 494 p. 253

PREVENTION PROGRAM (IIPP),
p. 131 ISSUANCE, CONDITIONS FOR
LICENSURE
INSPECTORS, HOME, B&P 7195 to Child support, effect of arrears, B&P
7199 pp. 458 to 460 29.5 p. 167, FC 17520 p. 711

INSULATION AND ACOUSTICAL

CONTRACTOR (C-2), T16 CCR J
832.02 p. 476
JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
INSURANCE
Independent contractor
Commercial general liability
Advice to treat individual as, LC
insurance (CGL), pp. 81, 82
2753 p. 861
$1 million liability insurance
minimum, p. 82 JOINT CHECKS, p. 71
Workers’ compensation insurance.
(See Workers’ Compensation JOINT CONTROL
Insurance) Addendum, pp. 69, 70
Agreements, registrar-approved,
INSURANCE CODE, Appx pp. 784 to pp. 67, 68
786 Defined, p. 67
INSURANCE FRAUD, PC 551 p. 994 JOINT ENFORCEMENT STRIKE
FORCE ON UNDERGROUND
INTERIM SUSPENSION ORDER
ECONOMY
(ISO), B&P 494 p. 253
Defined, UIC 329 p. 1048
Enforcement of complaints of
INTERNET
contractors law violations
California Code of Regulations,
Division participating in strike
publication on, GC 11344 p. 747
force, access to places of labor,
Department of Consumer Affairs
B&P 7011.4 p.281
information, B&P 27 pp. 165 to 167
Labor Commissioner authority, LC
Public works and public agencies
106 p. 795
Registration of contractor as
qualification to bid, posting of
JOINT SPONSORSHIP OF
notice of requirement, LC 1771.1
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS,
p.829
LC 3075 p. 865
INDEX 1109

JOINT VENTURE LICENSE LAWFUL OBLIGATIONS,

Application for, pp. 15, 16 SETTLEMENT OF, B&P 7113.5
Contracting jointly without joint p. 383
venture license, B&P 7029.1 p. 304
Defined, p. 15, B&P 7029 p. 304 LEAD IN CONSTRUCTION WORK,
Expiration, p. 16 p. 141
Issuance, B&P 7029 p. 304
Suspension of, p. 16, B&P 7029 p. 304 LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS AND
REMEDIES, pp. 108 to 113
JUDGMENT BOND, B&P 7071.17 Disputes, pp. 109 to 111
p. 344 Arbitration, p. 111
Communication, p. 110
JUDGMENTS AND OUTSTANDING Extras, p. 109
LIABILITIES, pp. 31 to 34 Filing suit, p. 112
Get it in writing, p. 109
JURISDICTION, SMALL CLAIMS Mechanics liens, p. 112
COURT, CCP 116.220 p. 678, CCP Settlement, p. 110
116.221 p. 680 Small claims, p. 110

LEGISLATIVE INTENT, B&P 14.1

K p. 163

KICKBACK LIABILITIES
Prohibited inducements, B&P 7157 Criminal offense for engaging in
p. 419 business without resolving, B&P
7028 p.295
Current liabilities (accounts payable,
L accrued expenses and payroll,
taxes, notes, etc.), p. 94
Failure to resolve, B&P 7145.5 p. 410
LABOR CODE, Appx pp. 787 to 988
Long-term liabilities, p. 94
Violation, disciplinary action for, B&P
Capital stock, p. 95
7110.5 p. 381
Retained earnings, p. 95
Stockholders’ equity, p. 95
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR (C-27),
Outstanding, p. 34
T16 CCR 832.27 p. 481
Personal rights, CC 43.99 p. 588
Design authority, B&P 7027.5 p. 294
LICENSE, CONTRACTORS
LATHING AND PLASTERING
Active and inactive licenses, pp. 23,
CONTRACTOR (C-35), T16 CCR
41
832.35 p. 483
Address, change of, B&P 136 p. 204,
B&P 7083 p. 359
LAVATORIES
Expired, canceled, or inactive
Water-conserving plumbing retrofits,
license, B&P 7083.1 p. 360
CC 1101.1 to 1101.9 pp. 615 to 619
Advertising without proper license,
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS citation, B&P 7099.10 p. 375
Unemployment compensation records Criminal record, p. 24, B&P 7069
Access in aid of investigating p. 332, T16 CCR 869.1 to 869.5
identity theft, fraud, pp. 509 to 511
counterfeiting, etc, UIC 1095 Experience and knowledge
p. 1053 required, pp. 4, 5, B&P 7068
p. 328, T16 CCR 825 p. 470
1110 INDEX

LICENSE, CONTRACTORS—Cont’d LICENSE, CONTRACTORS—Cont’d

Advertising without proper license, Asbestos open-book examination,
citation—Cont’d CSLB requirement for all license
Fingerprint requirement, p. 11, applicants—Cont’d
B&P 7069 p. 332, T16 CCR 869.1 Bonds. (See Bonds)
to 869.5 pp. 509 to 511 Awarding of contracts
Minors not to be licensed unless Verification of contractor’s license,
guardian appointed, B&P 7065.5 PCC 6100 p. 1009
p. 327 Board
Misrepresentation by, B&P 7112 Defined, B&P 477 p. 248
p. 382 Investigators designated and
Moral character, attestation of, authorized as peace officers, PC
B&P 484 p. 250 830.3 p. 997
Operating capital defined, T16 CCR Business name
817 p. 468 Cancellation of, B&P 7076 p. 353
Prior license status, B&P 7070 Change of, p. 39, B&P 7083 p. 359
p. 333 Compatibility with classification,
Public posting, B&P 7080.5 p. 358 B&P 7059.1 p. 323
Residency requirements, p. 3 Certified list, B&P 494.5 p. 256
Application for Changes in license information,
Abandonment of, B&P 7145 p. 410, pp. 36 to 40, B&P 136 p.204, B&P
T16 CCR 813 p. 467 7083 p. 359, B&P 7083.1 p. 360
Approval Classifications, pp. 6 to 9, T16 CCR
Notice, p. 15 832 to 832.62 pp. 474 to 488
Defined, B&P 478 p. 248 Additional classifications, pp. 35,
Denial of, B&P 7073 p. 350 36
Duration of application process, D subcategories, pp. 8, 9
p. 14 Expungement of classification,
Factors voiding, B&P 7074 p. 351 omission or misrepresentation,
False statement, B&P 475 p. 247 B&P 7112.1 p. 382
Form, T16 CCR 816 p. 467 General building contractor, p. 6,
How to apply, pp. 12 to 14 B&P 7057 p. 317
Inactive license, p. 41 General engineering contractor,
Investigation required, T16 CCR p. 6, B&P 7056 p. 317
824 p. 469 Incidental and supplemental work,
Processing procedures, p. 14 B&P 7059 p. 322, T16 CCR 831
Public posting of, B&P 7080.5 p. 474
p. 358 Limitation of classifications, T16
Receipt of application, CCR 830 p. 474, T16 CCR 834
acknowledgment, p. 14 p. 489
Rejection of, p. 15 Limitation of operations, B&P 7059
Signatures on, B&P 7067.6 p. 328 p. 322
Status Necessity of, T16 CCR 830 p. 474
Checking status of application, Specialty contractors, p. 7, B&P
p. 15 7058 p. 318, T16 CCR 832 p. 474
Arrest of licensee or home Construction industry, publication
improvement salesperson, B&P and distribution of information,
7069.1 p. 333 B&P 7082 p. 359
Asbestos open-book examination, Continuance of, p. 47, B&P 7076
CSLB requirement for all license p. 353, T16 CCR 864 to 865 p. 506
applicants, p. 12, B&P 7058.5 Extension, p. 47
p. 319
INDEX 1111

LICENSE, CONTRACTORS—Cont’d LICENSE, CONTRACTORS—Cont’d

Copy of license, making of prohibited, Inactive license—Cont’d
B&P 119 p. 189 Defined, p. 41
Corporate license. (See Corporate Disciplinary action, B&P 7076.5
License) p. 357
Denial of. (See Denial of License) Reactivation of, p. 42, B&P 7076.5
Crimes p. 357, T16 CCR 867 p. 507
Criminal convictions, report to Reinstatement of, T16 CCR 867
registrar, B&P 7071.18 p. 347 p. 507
Proceedings against licensee, Renewal of, p. 42, B&P 7076.5
appearance of state agency, PC p. 357
23 p. 989 Issuance, conditions for
Denial of license. (See Denial of Child support, affect of arrears,
License) B&P 29.5 p.167, B&P 31 p. 171,
Display of, B&P 119 p. 189, B&P 7075 FC 17520 p. 711
p. 352 Joint venture license. (See Joint
Duplicate, obtaining, p. 43, B&P 122 Venture License)
p. 191 Requirements for issuance, pp. 13,
Examinations. (See 14
Examinations) Issuance of license, pp. 22 to 25
Exemptions. (See Exemptions, Labor Code violations
License) Suspension or revocation of license,
Experience and knowledge B&P 494.6 p. 263
required. (See Experience and License defined, B&P 477 p. 248
Knowledge Requirement) License search by ZIP code or
Duration of license, p. 26 geographic location, B&P 7018
Eligibility p. 286
Licensing eligibility of persons List of contractors, publication, B&P
released from prison, B&P 23.9 7081 p. 359
p. 164 Contractor license search by ZIP
Expired license code or geographic location, B&P
Duration of license, p. 26, B&P 7018 p. 286
7140 p. 408 Military personnel, reinstatement of
Notification requirement regarding expired license, B&P 114 p. 186
current address, B&P 7083.1 Applicability, B&P 115 p. 188
p. 360 Expedited process, honorably
Registrar, continuing jurisdiction discharged veterans, B&P 115.4
over license, B&P 7106.5 p. 378 p. 188
Renewal of, p. 44, B&P 7140 p. 408 Inquiry as to military status, B&P
Fees, pp. 13, 26 114.5 p. 188
For revenue, by cities, GC 37101.7 Waiver of fees and requirements,
p. 750 B&P 114.3 p. 187
Not refundable, p. 15, B&P 7138 Military training and experience,
p. 402 application towards licensure, B&P
Schedule of, B&P 7137 p. 399, T16 114.5 p. 188
CCR 811 p. 466 New business, pp. 40, 41
Inactive license, B&P 462 p. 235 Nontransferable, p. 23, B&P 7075.1
Applications, p. 14 p. 352
Bond not required, p. 41, B&P Notice to public required, licensed by
7076.5 p. 357 state, B&P 138 p. 204
Contracting with, B&P 7117.5
p. 385
1112 INDEX

LICENSE, CONTRACTORS—Cont’d LICENSE, CONTRACTORS—Cont’d

Number Requirement for—Cont’d
Fraudulent use of, B&P 7027.3 Emergency, state of, B&P 7028.16
p. 293 p. 303, PC 670 p. 996
Reassignment of, B&P 7075.1 Revocation of. (See Revocation of
p. 352 License)
Reissuance of, B&P 7075.1 p. 352 State projects, required for award
Operating capital defined, p. 25 of contract, PCC 10164 p. 1025
Partnership license, pp. 77, 78, B&P Retired license, B&P 464 p. 235
7065 p. 323 Review of application for original
Death or disassociation of partner, license, additional classification or
p. 36, B&P 7076 p. 353 replacement of qualifying
Penalty for failure to comply with individual, T16 CCR 827 p. 471
rules, T16 CCR 860 p. 504 Rights of individuals listed on license
Pocket card, plastic, B&P 7072.5 to contract independently, B&P
p. 350 7028.5 p. 298
Possession, proof of, B&P 7075 p. 352 Sealed bids, PCC 10167 p. 1025
Prisoners Sole ownership (individual) license,
Licensing eligibility of persons p. 77, B&P 7065 p. 323
released from prison, B&P 23.9 Nontransferable, pp. 23, 36, B&P
p. 164 7075.1 p. 352
Proof of, B&P 7075 p. 352 State projects, required for award of
Qualifying individual. (See contract, PCC 10164 p. 1025
Qualifying Individual) Subcontractors, payments to, PCC
Public posting of accepted 10262 p. 1027
applications, B&P 7081 p. 359 Subletting and Subcontracting Fair
Qualifications, B&P 7071 p. 333 Practices Act, PCC 4100 to 4114
Reactivation of, p. 42, B&P 7076.5 pp. 1001 to 1008
p. 357, T16 CCR 867 p. 507 Type of business, changes, pp. 39, 40
Reciprocity with other states, p. 3, Unlicensed name, B&P 7117 p. 385
B&P 7065.4 p. 327 Verification of contractor’s license,
Records PCC 6100 p. 1009
Registrar to adopt rules and Violation of Contractors License Law,
regulations, B&P 7084 p. 360 B&P 7115 p. 384
Registrar, continuing jurisdiction over
license following voluntary LICENSE, DEFINED, B&P 23.7 p. 164
surrender, expiration, or
suspension of license, B&P 7106.5 LICENSEE
p. 378 Arrest, records of, B&P 461 p. 234
Rehabilitation, following denial, Corporation, pp. 22, 78, B&P 7065
suspension, or revocation of license, p. 323
criteria for, B&P 482 p. 249, T16 Crimes
CCR 869 p. 508 Proceedings against licensee,
Reinstatement of suspended or appearance of state agency, PC
revoked license, B&P 7102 p. 377 23 p. 989
Renewal of licenses. (See Renewal Defined, p. 22, B&P 7096 p. 372
of Licenses) Franchise Tax Board, licensee
Requirement for, p. 1, B&P 7028 information to be provided to, RTC
p. 295 19528 p. 1046
Construction permit, B&P 7031.5 Individual or sole owner, pp. 22, 77,
p. 308 B&P 7065 p. 323
Joint venture, p. 22, B&P 7029 p. 304
INDEX 1113

LICENSEE—Cont’d LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

License tax, B&P 460 p. 234 (LLC)—Cont’d
Local restriction of licensees Liability insurance, p. 35
prohibited, B&P 460 p. 234 Replacement of Qualifying Individual,
Partnership, p. 22, pp. 77, 78, B&P p. 37
7065 p. 323
LIMITED SPECIALTY
LICENSE NUMBER CONTRACTOR, pp. 8, 9, T16 CCR
Fraudulent use of, B&P 7027.3 p. 293 832.61 p. 487. (See SPECIALTY
Required in all advertising, B&P CONTRACTORS)
7030.5 p. 307, T16 CCR 861 p. 504
Required on all contracts, B&P 7030.5 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
p. 307 Public works and public agencies, LC
1742.1 p. 827
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Corporate License, p. 78 LIS PENDENS, p. 120
Generally. (See License,
Contractors) LOCAL AGENCY PUBLIC
Immigration CONSTRUCTION ACT
Consumer Affairs, Department of Electronic copies of documents, PCC
Citizenship or immigration status 20103.7 p. 1029
of applicant not to affect
licensure by entities within LOCK AND SECURITY
department, B&P 135.5 p.203 EQUIPMENT CONTRACTOR (C-
Unfair immigration-related 28), T16 CCR 832.28 p. 481
employment practices
Sanctions against employers, LC LOW-FLOW TOILETS, FAUCETS
1019 p. 817 AND SHOWER HEADS
Permits generally. (See Permits) Water-conserving plumbing retrofits,
Unfair immigration-related CC 1101.1 to 1101.9 pp. 615 to 619
employment practices
Sanctions against employers, LC LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
1019 p. 817 CONTRACTOR (C-7), T16 CCR
832.07 p. 477
LICENTIATE, DEFINED, B&P 23.8
p. 164
M
LIENS. (See Mechanics Lien)
MADE IN CALIFORNIA PROGRAM
LIMITATION OF OPERATION, Unfair competition or deceptive trade
LICENSED CONTRACTOR, B&P practices, CC 1770 p. 630
7059 p. 322
MANAGEMENT, PRINCIPLES OF.
LIMITATIONS, STATUTE OF, B&P (See Business Management)
7091 p. 371
MANUFACTURED HOUSING
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CONTRACTOR, GENERAL (C-47),
(LLC) T16 CCR 832.47 p. 485
Business management
Limited liability company, pp. 78, MASONRY CONTRACTOR (C-29),
79 T16 CCR 832.29 p. 482
1114 INDEX

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET MECHANICS LIEN—Cont’d

(MSDS) Flow chart, p. 119
Hazardous waste and substances, Fraud
p. 139 Stop payment notices, false, CC
8504 p. 677
MATERIAL SUPPLIERS, LICENSE Glossary, p. 120
EXEMPTION, B&P 7052 p. 316 Governing law
Actions taken prior to July 1, 2012,
MECHANICS LIEN, p. 113 CC 8052 p. 658
Agents Rules of practice in proceedings, CC
Scope of agency and authority of 8056 p. 659
agents, CC 8066 p. 661 Home improvement contracts
Applicability of provisions Mechanics lien warning, pp. 68, 71
Exclusions, CC 8054 p. 658 Joint checks, paying with, p. 71
Governing law for actions taken Lien rights
prior to July 1, 2012, CC 8052 Established by constitution, CA
p. 658 Const Art XIV 3 p. 113, CA
Rules of practice in proceedings, CC Const Art XIV 3 p. 579
8056 p. 659 Other remedies, p. 114
California constitution, CA Const Art Procedure, p. 114
XIV §3 p. 579 Waiver of prohibited, B&P 7034
California Constitution, Labor p. 310
Relations, CA Const Art XIV 3 Notices
p. 579 Contents, CC 8102 p. 662
Checklist, pp. 114 to 119 Effective, when notice deemed to
Claim of lien defined, p. 71 be, CC 8116 p. 665
County recorder, duties of, CC 8060 Failure to pay laborer full
p. 660 compensation, notice required,
Defined, p. 71 CC 8104 p. 662
Definitions, CC 8000 to 8050 pp. 649 Governing law for actions taken
to 657 prior to July 1, 2012, CC 8052
Day, CC 8058 p. 659 p. 658
Direct performance of contract Information required, CC 8102
Acts of owner in good faith not to p. 662
prevent, CC 8062 p. 660 Mailing, CC 8106 p. 663, CC 8110
Enforcement of lien p. 665
Claim of lien, document Method of giving notice, CC 8106
requirements, CC 8416 p. 674 p. 663
Erroneous information, effect, CC Place of notice, CC 8108 p. 664
8422 p. 676 Personal delivery, CC 8106 p. 663
Notice of lien, CC 8416 p. 674 Place of giving notice, CC 8108 p. 664
Erroneous information, effect, CC Posting of notice, CC 8114 p. 665
8422 p. 676 Preliminary notice, CC 8104 p. 662
Estoppel Proof of notice, CC 8118 p. 666
Statement purporting to release or Time notice deemed complete, CC
waive lien, effect, CC 8126 p. 668 8116 p. 665
Failure to serve, p. 72 Writing requirement, CC 8100 p. 661
Final payment Owner
Conditional waiver and release on Acts of owner in good faith not to
final payment, CC 8136 p. 672 exonerate surety or prevent
Unconditional waiver and release direct performance of contract,
on final payment, CC 8138 p. 673 CC 8062 p. 660
INDEX 1115

MECHANICS LIEN—Cont’d MECHANICS LIEN—Cont’d

Owner—Cont’d Release of lien—Cont’d
Agent of owner, scope of authority, Applicability of provisions, CC 8120
CC 8066 p. 661 p. 667
Co-owners, acts on behalf of, CC Conditional waiver and release on
8064 p. 661 final payment, CC 8136 p. 672
Payment bonds Conditional waiver and release on
Acts of owner in good faith not to progress payments, CC 8132
exonerate surety, CC 8062 p. 660 p. 669
Waiver and release, requirements, Execution of waiver and release
CC 8124 p. 667 required, CC 8122 p. 667
Performance bonds Payment bonds, requirements for
Acts of owner in good faith not to waiver and release, CC 8124
exonerate surety, CC 8062 p. 660 p. 667
Preliminary notice Settlement agreement, effect of
Failure to pay laborer full waiver and release provisions,
compensation, notice required, CC 8130 p. 669
CC 8104 p. 662 Statement purporting to release,
Progress payments effect, CC 8126 p. 668
Conditional waiver and release, Stop payment notice, reduction or
form, CC 8132 p. 669 release, CC 8128 p. 668
Unconditional waiver and release, Unconditional waiver and release
form, CC 8134 p. 671 Final payment, CC 8138 p. 673
Public works Progress payments, CC 8134
Definitions generally, CC 8000 to p. 671
8050 pp. 649 to 657 Stop notices, p. 114
Direct performance of contract Stop payment notices
Acts of owner in good faith not to False or fraudulent notice, CC 8504
prevent, CC 8062 p. 660 p. 677
Exclusions from provisions, CC Reduction or release, CC 8128
8054 p. 658 p. 668
Filing and recordation of Structural pest control operators’
documents, CC 8060 p. 660 notice to owner, B&P 8513 p. 586
Governing law Sureties
Actions taken prior to July 1, Acts of owner in good faith not to
2012, CC 8052 p. 658 exonerate surety of performance
Rules of practice in proceedings, or payment bond, CC 8062 p. 660
CC 8056 p. 659 20-day preliminary notice, p. 71
Release of lien, CC 8120 to 8138 Waiver
pp. 667 to 674 Release of lien, CC 8120 to 8138
Recordation pp. 667 to 674
Co-owners, acts on behalf of, CC
8064 p. 661 MEDICAL CARE AND TREATMENT
County recorder, duties of, CC 8060 Workers’ compensation
p. 660 Payment for services
Filing and recordation generally, Prescription, copy, LC 4603.2 p. 905
CC 8060 p. 660
Release of lien, CC 8120 to 8138 MILITARY PERSONNEL
pp. 667 to 674 Business and occupational licenses,
Accord and satisfaction, effect of reinstatement after expiration,
waiver and release provisions, B&P 114 p. 186
CC 8130 p. 669 Applicability, B&P 115 p. 188
1116 INDEX

MILITARY PERSONNEL—Cont’d N
Business and occupational licenses,
reinstatement after expiration— NAME STYLE
Cont’d Compatibility with classification,
Expedited process, honorably B&P 7059.1 p. 323
discharged veterans, B&P 115.4
p. 188 NATIVE AMERICAN REMAINS,
Inquiry as to military status, B&P PRESERVATION OF, pp. 155, 156
114.5 p. 188
Military training and experience, NESHAP (NATIONAL EMISSION
application towards licensure, STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS
B&P 114.5 p. 188 AIR POLLUTANTS),
Privileges of members, B&P 7071.3 REQUIREMENTS, p. 145
p. 334
NOLO CONTENDERE, B&P 7124
MINORS p. 392
Guardian required for license, B&P
7065.5 p. 327 NOTICE OF CESSATION, p. 121

MINOR WORK, LICENSE NOTICE OF COMPLETION, p. 121

EXEMPTION, B&P 7048 p. 315
Advertising voids, B&P 7048 p. 315 NOTICE OF NONRESPONSIBILITY,
pp. 121, 122
MISREPRESENTATION BY
APPLICANT, B&P 7112 p. 382 NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF
In support of other’s application, B&P LICENSE
499 p. 265 Required, B&P 7121.65 p. 390
License classifications
Expungement of classification, NOTICE OF RIGHT TO CANCEL,
omission or misrepresentation, CC 1689.7 p. 623
B&P 7112.1 p. 382
License obtained by, B&P 498 p. 264
O
MISREPRESENTATION BY
LICENSEE, B&P 7161 p. 442 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
HEALTH ACT (OSHA), FEDERAL
MISUSE OF FUNDS, B&P 7108 p. 379
PROGRAM, p. 127
Fund, LC 62.5 p. 787
MOBILEHOME CONTRACTOR
Definitions, B&P 7026.2 p. 290
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
General manufactured housing
HEALTH APPEALS BOARD,
contractor, permissible scope of
p. 129
work, B&P 7026.11 p. 291
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
MSDS
HEALTH, DIVISION OF (DOSH),
Material safety data sheet
p. 127
Hazardous waste and other
Citations, p. 138
substances, p. 139
Contest by employer, p. 138
Posting of, p. 138
MUNICIPALITIES
Reinspection, p. 139
Charter cities
Construction safety legal
Public works
requirements, p. 129
Wage regulation, LC 1782 p. 858
INDEX 1117

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS,

HEALTH, DIVISION OF (DOSH)— LICENSE EXEMPTION, B&P 7043
Cont’d p. 312
Consultation, training, and education
services, p. 128 OPERATING CAPITAL
Discrimination against employee for Defined, p. 25, T16 CCR 817 p. 468
making complaint or assisting Minimum requirement, p. 25
DOSH prohibited, p. 134
Employer categories (Controlling, OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT. (See
Correcting, Creating, and Business Management)
Exposing), p. 130
Enforcement of standards and orders, ORDER OF ABATEMENT, B&P
p. 127 7028.6 p. 298, B&P 7028.7 p. 299
Hazardous equipment or place of Violations, criteria to evaluate gravity
employment, p. 129 of, T16 CCR 887 p. 557
Violations and penalties, p. 138
Hearings, employer contests ORDER OF CORRECTION
prohibited entry or use of place or Alternative compliance, T16 CCR 881
equipment, p. 138 p. 553
Investigations of unsafe conditions, Extension of time to correct, T16 CCR
pp. 137 to 139 883 p. 554
Access to place of employment, Practical feasibility, T16 CCR 880
p. 138 p. 553
Accidents, p. 138 Time required to correct, T16 CCR
Advance notice, penalty for giving, 882 p. 554
p. 138
Complaints, p. 138 ORNAMENTAL METAL
Confidentiality of trade secrets, CONTRACTOR (C-23), T16 CCR
p. 138 832.23 p. 481
Employer and employee
representatives accompaniment OSHA (OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
of DOSH investigator, p. 138 AND HEALTH ACT), FEDERAL
Multiemployer work sites, p. 130 PROGRAM, p. 127
Notice regarding safety rules, p. 129
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL BOARD
Permits, p. 136
OF CALIFORNIA
Regulations
Expert consultant agreements, B&P
Standards, development and
40 p. 172
promulgation of, p. 129
OUTDOOR COOKING CENTERS
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
Landscape Contractor (C-27)
HEALTH STANDARDS BOARD,
Design authority, B&P 7027.5
p. 128
p. 294
Adoption, amendment, or repeal of
standards and orders, p. 128
OWNER-BUILDER
Enforcement of standards, p. 128
License exemption, B&P 7044 p. 312
Lead in construction work, p. 141
Meetings, p. 128
Safety orders. (See Safety Orders)
Toxic materials, p. 140
Variances, temporary and permanent,
p. 137
1118 INDEX

P PERSONNEL, CHANGES IN, pp. 36

to 39
PAINTING AND DECORATING Bond exemption, p. 38
CONTRACTOR (C-33), T16 CCR Corporate officers, pp. 37, 38
832.33 p. 483 Exemption for qualifying individual,
pp. 38, 39
PARKING AND HIGHWAY Partner, pp. 36, 37
IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR Qualifying individual, p. 37
(C-32), T16 CCR 832.32 p. 482 Sole owner, p. 36

PARTNERSHIPS, pp. 77, 78 PEST CONTROL OPERATOR

License, B&P 7065 p. 323 License exemption, B&P 7051 p. 315
Structural pest control operators
PAYMENT BOND, p. 122 generally, B&P 8556 p. 587

PAYMENT REQUIREMENT, B&P PIPELINE CONTRACTOR (C-34),

7108.5 p. 379 T16 CCR 832.34 p. 483
Dump truck carriers, payment of,
B&P 7108.6 p. 380 PLANS OR SPECIFICATIONS,
DEPARTURE FROM, B&P 7109
PEACE OFFICER, AUTHORITY OF, p. 380
B&P 7011.5 p. 282
PLASTIC POCKET LICENSE, B&P
PENAL CODE, Appx pp. 989 to 1000 7072.5 p. 350

PERMITS PLUMBING
Building permits, p. 80 Water-conserving plumbing retrofits,
City or county, powers of, B&P CC 1101.1 to 1101.9 pp. 615 to 619
7032 p. 309
Contents of, H&S 19825 p. 757 PLUMBING CONTRACTOR (C-36),
Excavating, p. 146 T16 CCR 832.36 p. 483
Failure to obtain building permits, Display on commercial vehicles, B&P
disciplinary proceedings, B&P 7029.5 p. 305
7090 p. 368
License or proof of exemption PRELIMINARY 20-DAY NOTICE,
required, B&P 7031.5 p. 308 p. 115
Safety permit required, p. 136
PREVAILING WAGE RATE
Trenching, p. 146
Public works, pp. 770 to 771, pp. 804
Variances, p. 137
to 834, LC 1730 p. 827
Permanent Variances, p. 137
Safety permits, DOSH, p. 136
PRICE GOUGING
Temporary Variances, p. 137
Crimes against public health and
Variances, p. 137
safety
Price gouging following state of
PERSONAL INFORMATION AND
emergency or major disaster, PC
PRIVACY PROTECTION. (See
396 p. 989
Consumer Affairs, Department of)
PRISONERS
PERSONAL PROPERTY, LICENSE
Licensing eligibility of persons
EXEMPTION, B&P 7046 p. 314
released from prison, B&P 23.9
PERSONAL RIGHTS, CC 43.99 p. 588 p. 164
INDEX 1119

PROBATIONARY LICENSE, B&P PUBLIC UTILITIES, LICENSE

7077 p. 358 EXEMPTION, B&P 7042 p. 311
Activities of cable television
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, B&P corporations, B&P 7042.5 p. 312
6737.3 p. 581 Gas, heat, electrical corporations,
B&P 7042.1 p. 311
PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS On construction incidental to own
GENERALLY, Appx pp. 579 to 587 business, B&P 7042.5 p. 312

PROOF OF LICENSURE, B&P 7031 PUBLIC UTILITIES, PROTECTION

p. 307 OF UNDERGROUND
INFRASTRUCTURE, GC 4216 to
PRO RATA, B&P 201 p. 219, B&P 7136 4216.24 pp. 722 to 740
p. 399
PUBLIC WORKS AND PUBLIC
PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE, Appx AGENCIES
pp. 1001 to 1032 Bid, license requirement, B&P
7028.15 p. 301
PUBLIC INFORMATION, ACCESS Bid, submission of without license,
TO, pp. 49 to 55, T16 CCR 863 p. 505 B&P 7028.15 p. 301, PCC 20103.5
Documents and written information p. 1029
available, pp. 52 to 56 California underground facilities safe
Fees for, p. 50 excavation board, GC 4216.12 to
Full file/update file order form, 4216.23 pp. 735 to 740
CD/DVD, pp. 50, 51 Concrete
Individual license records, Hauling and delivery of ready-
information regarding, pp. 49, 50 mixed concrete as public work,
Large quantities of license LC 1720.9 p. 826
information, information regarding, Construction manager/general
pp. 50, 51 contractor (CMGC) authority, PCC
Legal Action information, pp. 51, 52 6700 to 6708 pp. 1009 to 1016
Application records, pp. 51, 52 Alternative project delivery
Complaints against contractors, method, PCC 6950 to 6958
pp. 51, 52 pp. 1016 to 1020
How to request, pp. 51, 52 Contract requirements, PCC 7106
Pending application records, p. 1020
information regarding, p. 51 Damages for contractor delay
Public sales custom order form, p. 50 Enforceability of delay damages
clause, PCC 7203 p. 1023
PUBLIC OFFICERS AND Retention proceeds withheld from
EMPLOYEES payments, PCC 7201 p. 1021
License exemption, B&P 7040 p. 310 Damages
Resignations and vacancies Liquidated damages, LC 1742.1
Filling vacancies, GC 1774 p. 721 p. 827
Definitions, LC 1720 p. 822
PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE, Appx Determination whether project is
pp. 1033 to 1036 public work
Decisionmaking process and
PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE, Appx
timing, LC 1773.5 p. 843
pp. 1037 to 1043
Labor compliance program, LC
1771.5 p. 833
1120 INDEX

PUBLIC WORKS AND PUBLIC QUALIFYING INDIVIDUAL—Cont’d

AGENCIES—Cont’d Disassociation of—Cont’d
Determination whether project is Examination requirements, B&P
public work—Cont’d 7065 p. 323
Requirements for public works Experience and knowledge
projects, compliance, LC 1771.4 required, B&P 7068 p. 328, T16
p. 832 CCR 825 p. 470
Excavations Right to petition, p. 38
Duty to contact regional Exemption, B&P 7071.9 p. 338
notification center prior to, GC Form, filing, B&P 7071.10 p. 339
4216 to 4216.24 pp. 722 to 740 Liability of, B&P 7122.5 p. 391
Incidental and supplemental, Prohibitions against, following
specialty contractors, B&P 7059 suspension or revocation of license,
p. 322 B&P 7121.5 p. 389
Liquidated damages, LC 1742.1 Qualifier for more than one license,
p. 827 pp. 23, 24, B&P 7068.1 p. 330
Payments on contracts, PCC 10261 Requirement for, p. 30, B&P 7071.9
p. 1026 p. 338
Public utilities, protection of, GC 4216 Responsibilities of (direct supervision
to 4216.24 pp. 722 to 740 and control), p. 24, B&P 7068.1
Records of contractors and p. 330, T16 CCR 823 p. 469
subcontractors, LC 1776 p. 849 Responsible Managing Employee,
Registration of contractor as p. 24
qualification to bid, LC 1771.1 Responsible Managing Officer, p. 24
p.829 Review of application for original
Safe energy infrastructure and license, additional classification or
excavation fund, GC 4216.24 p. 740 replacement of qualifying
State Public Works Enforcement individual, T16 CCR 827 p. 471
Fund, LC 1771.3 p. 831 Termination of exemption, B&P 7083
Underground infrastructure, p. 359
protection of, GC 4216 to 4216.24
pp. 722 to 740
Wage regulations, LC 1770 to 1784 R
pp. 828 to 859
Charter cities, provisions specific RAINWATER CAPTURE ACT OF
to, LC 1782 p. 858 2012, WC 10570 to 10574 pp. 1068 to
Wage requirement postings, LC 1730 1070
p. 827
RATIOS, FOR FINANCIAL
ANALYSIS, pp. 98, 99
Q
REACTIVATING A LICENSE, p. 42
QUALIFYING INDIVIDUAL Effective date, p. 43
Beneficiaries, B&P 7071.10 p. 339
Bond of, p. 27, B&P 7071.10 p. 339 REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND
Criminal record, pp. 24, 25, B&P 7069 SALESPERSONS
p. 332 Water-conserving plumbing retrofits
Defined, p. 23, B&P 7025 p. 288, B&P Disclosures as to noncompliant
7068 p. 328 plumbing fixtures, CC 1102.155
Disassociation of, p. 37, B&P 7068.2 p. 619
p. 331
INDEX 1121

REAL ESTATE LICENSEE, B&P REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS,

7044.1 p. 314 B&P 7011 p. 281
Continuing jurisdiction over license
REAL PROPERTY following voluntary surrender,
Water-conserving plumbing retrofits, expiration or suspension of license,
CC 1101.1 to 1101.9 pp. 615 to 619 B&P 7106.5 p. 378
Noncompliant plumbing fixtures
Disclosures upon sale or transfer, REGULATIONS, T16 CCR 810 to 890
CC 1102.155 p. 619 pp. 466 to 559
Administrative agencies
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, Internet, publication on, GC 11344
pp. 16, 17, GC 12944 p. 748 p. 747
Adoption of, B&P 7008 p. 280
REASONABLE DILIGENCE Americans with Disabilities Act, B&P
Lack of, B&P 7119 p. 387 313.2 p. 228
Effective date of regulations, GC
REBATES 11343.4 p. 747
Illegal (kickbacks), B&P 7157 p. 419, Filing and publication procedures, GC
PC 532e p. 994 11343 p. 745

RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER REHABILITATION FOLLOWING

STATES, p. 3, B&P 7065.4 p. 327, DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR
B&P 7103 p. 377 REVOCATION OF LICENSE,
CRITERIA FOR, B&P 482 p. 249,
RECLAMATION DISTRICTS T16 CCR 869 p. 508
License exemption, B&P 7049 p. 315
REINFORCING STEEL (C-50), T16
RECORDS CCR 832.50 p. 486
Alternate dispute resolution
Statistical records, B&P 467.6 REINSTATEMENT OF SUSPENDED
p. 239 OR REVOKED LICENSE, B&P
Members of the personnel of record 7102 p. 377
Defined, B&P 7025 p. 288
Preservation of, B&P 7111 p. 382 RENEWAL OF HOME
Consumer Affairs, Director of IMPROVEMENT
Retention of records by providers REGISTRATION, p. 67, B&P 7153.3
of services related to treatment p. 416
for alcohol or drug impairment,
B&P 156.1 p. 213 RENEWAL OF LICENSES, pp. 44, 45
Workers’ compensation insurance Adjustment of license renewal dates,
Employer, failure to provide access B&P 152.5 p. 210, B&P 152.6
to records, IC 11760.1 p. 785 p. 211
After expiration, p. 44, B&P 7141
REFRIGERATION CONTRACTOR p. 408
(C-38), T16 CCR 832.38 p. 484 Application form, T16 CCR 853 p. 490
Application for new license by person
REGIONAL NOTIFICATION prohibited from renewing, B&P
CENTERS, pp. 151 to 154 7143.5 p. 409
Biennial renewal, p. 44, B&P 7140
p. 408
1122 INDEX

RENEWAL OF LICENSES—Cont’d RETALIATION—Cont’d

Child support, affect of arrears, B&P Employer and employee—Cont’d
29.5 p. 167, B&P 31 p. 171, FC Retaliation for filing complaint
17520 p. 711 with Labor Commissioner, LC
Evidence of, working without, B&P 98.6 p. 791
121 p. 190 Unfair immigration-related
Failure to complete renewal form, practices, LC 1019.1 p. 819, LC
p. 44, B&P 7145 p. 410, T16 CCR 1019 p. 817
853 p. 490
Fees, B&P 7137 p. 399, T16 CCR 811 REVENUE, T16 CCR 811 to 813
p. 466 pp. 466, 467
Retroactively, p. 44, B&P 7141.5 Abandonment of application, T16
p. 409 CCR 813 p. 467
Revoked license, no renewal of, B&P Appropriations, B&P 7135 p. 399
7144 p. 410 Board’s share of Department’s
Suspended license, p. 45, B&P 7143 administrative cost (“pro rata”),
p. 409 B&P 7136 p. 399
Term of, B&P 7076.5 p. 357, B&P Dishonored check service charge, T16
7140 p. 408, B&P 7141 p. 408 CCR 812 p. 467
Fees, licensing
REPEAT ACTS, B&P 7090.5 p. 370 For revenue by cities, GC 37101.7
p. 750
REPORTS Not refundable, B&P 7138 p. 402
Consumer Affairs, Department of Schedule of, B&P 7137 p. 399, T16
Reports to Governor, submission, CCR 811 p. 466
B&P 126 p. 199 Waiver of, job training program,
UIC 10501 p. 1062
RESOURCES, ADDITIONAL, p. 1071
REVENUE AND TAX CODE, Appx
RESPONSIBLE MANAGING pp. 1044 to 1047
EMPLOYEE. (See Qualifying
Individual) REVOCATION OF LICENSE, pp. 58,
59
RESPONSIBLE MANAGING Additional licenses, effect on, B&P
OFFICER. (See Qualifying 7098 p. 373
Individual) Bona fide nonsupervising employee,
B&P 7121.8 p. 390
RETAILER’S LICENSE Certified lists, B&P 494.5 p. 256
EXEMPTION Conviction of substantially related
Carpet, B&P 7026.3 p. 291 crime, B&P 490 p. 252, T16 CCR
General manufactured housing 868 p. 507
contractor, permissible scope of Employment of individuals with
work, B&P 7026.11 p. 291 revoked licenses, B&P 7121.7
p. 390
RETAIL SELLER CONTRACTS Failure to comply with rules, grounds,
Security interests, CC 1804.3 p. 636 T16 CCR 860 p. 504
Undelivered goods, finance charge, CC Fraud, license obtained by, B&P 498
1805.6 p. 636, CC 1810.10 p. 637 p. 264
Misrepresentation, in support of
RETALIATION other’s application, B&P 499 p. 265
Employer and employee Misrepresentation, license obtained
Political activities of employees, by, B&P 498 p. 264
protection of, LC 1102.5 p. 820
INDEX 1123

REVOCATION OF LICENSE— SAFETY AND HEALTH—Cont’d

Cont’d Excavation and trenches—Cont’d
Notice of license revocation required, Hazardous substances. (See
B&P 7121.65 p. 390 Hazardous Waste and Other
Prohibitions against person listed on Substances)
license, B&P 7121 p. 388 Injury and illness prevention program
Qualifying individual, prohibitions (IIPP), p. 131
against, B&P 7121.5 p. 389 Communication system, employees,
Reapplication after, criteria for p. 132
determining earliest date, T16 CCR Emergency medical services,
869.9 p. 511, T16 CCR 870 p. 512 ensuring availability, p. 134
Rehabilitation following, criteria for, Inspections, p. 132
B&P 482 p. 249, T16 CCR 869 Place of employment, safe and
p. 508 healthful, p. 132
Reinstatement after, B&P 7102 Recordkeeping, p. 135
p. 377, B&P 7144 p. 410 Reporting requirements, p. 134
Renewal of revoked license Safety meetings, p. 133
prohibited, B&P 7144 p. 410 System for identifying, evaluating,
Restricted activities for specified and controlling existing or
individuals, B&P 7121.6 p. 389 potential workplace hazards,
Stay of revocation, p. 59 p. 132
Training programs for supervisors
ROOFING CONTRACTOR (C-39), and employees, p. 133
T16 CCR 832.39 p. 484 Machinery and equipment
Workers’ compensation insurance or Prohibition of use if hazardous,
self-insurance, IC 11665 p. 784 p. 138
Publications, pp. 147, 1071
RULES AND REGULATIONS Responsible agencies, p. 127
Building standards, B&P 26 p. 165 Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (DOSH), p. 127
DOSH Consultation Service, p. 128
S Occupational Safety and Health
Appeals Board, p. 129
SAFETY AND HEALTH, p. 127 Occupational Safety and Health
Accident prevention program Standards Board, p. 128
requirements Other agencies, shared
Injury and Illness Prevention responsibilities, p. 129
Program, pp. 131, 132 Safety conference prior to start of
Asbestos-related work, p. 143 work, p. 133
Cal/OSHA offices, pp. 148 to 150 Toolbox or tailgate safety meetings,
Carcinogen control, pp. 142 to 145 p. 133
Complaints Safety orders, p. 129
Employee complaint rights and Employee protected if refuses to
protections, p. 134 violate, p. 134
Confined spaces, p. 146 Violation of, B&P 7109.5 p. 381
Emergency medical services, ensuring Workplace, unsafe or unhealthful
availability, p. 134 conditions. (See Workplace)
Employee complaint rights and
protections, p. 134 SAFETY ORDERS, p. 129
Excavation and trenches, p. 146 Employee protected if refuses to
violate, p. 134
1124 INDEX

SAFETY ORDERS—Cont’d SHEET METAL CONTRACTOR (C-

Violation of, B&P 7109.5 p. 381 43), T16 CCR 832.43 p. 485

SALES AND USE TAX, SHOWERS

CALIFORNIA Water conserving plumbing retrofits,
Permits for retailers CC 1101.1 to 1101.9 pp. 615 to 619
Refusal to issue permit, RTC
6070.5 p. 1044 SIGN CONTRACTOR (C-45), p. 8, T16
Seller’s (sales tax) permit, p. 80 CCR 832.45 p. 485

SALESPERSON, HOME SMALL CLAIMS COURT,

IMPROVEMENT. (See Home JURISDICTION, CCP 116.220
Improvement) p. 678, CCP 116.221 p. 680

SANITATION SYSTEM SMALL OPERATIONS

CONTRACTOR (C-42), T16 CCR License exemption, B&P 7048 p. 315
832.42 p. 485 Advertising voids, B&P 7048 p. 315

SATELLITE ANTENNAS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, B&P

INSTALLATION BY 30 p. 168
ELECTRONIC AND APPLIANCE
REPAIR DEALERS, LICENSE SOLAR CONTRACTOR (C-46), T16
EXEMPTION, B&P 7054.5 p. 316 CCR 832.46 p. 485

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SOLAR ENERGY

Contracts Within Class A, Class B, Class C-61,
Prequalification of bidders T16 CCR 832.62 p. 488
Standardized questionnaire and
financial statement, PCC SOLE OWNERSHIP (INDIVIDUAL)
20111.6 p. 1030 LICENSE, p. 22, B&P 7065 p. 323
Nontransferable, pp. 23, 36, B&P
SCHOOLS 7075.1 p. 352
Asbestos-related work in, p. 144
Accreditation requirement, p. 145 SPA OR HOT TUB CLASS (C-53 -
AHERA requirements, p. 145 SWIMMING POOL
CONTRACTOR), T16 CCR 832.53
SECURITY DEPOSITS p. 486
Subdividers, release of letters of
credit furnished by, GC 66499.7 SPAS
p. 751 Landscape Contractor (C-27)
Design authority, B&P 7027.5
SERVICE AND REPAIR, B&P 7026.1 p. 294
p. 288, B&P 7159.10 p. 436
Content requirements, B&P 7159.14 SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS
p. 440 Classifications, p. 7, B&P 7058 p. 318,
Contractor, B&P 7026 p. 288, B&P T16 CCR 832 p. 474
7026.1 p. 288 Asbestos Abatement Contractors
Violations, B&P 7159.11 p. 440 (C-22), T16 CCR 832.22 p. 480
Stand-alone specialty contractor
SERVICES, DEFINED, CC 1689.5 classification, T16 CCR 833
p. 620, CC 1689.8 p. 626 p. 488
INDEX 1125

SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS— SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS—

Cont’d Cont’d
Classifications—Cont’d Classifications—Cont’d
Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Ornamental Metal (C-23), T16 CCR
Steam Fitting (C-4), T16 CCR 832.23 p. 481
832.04 p. 476 Painting and Decorating (C-33),
Building Moving/Demolition (C-21), T16 CCR 832.33 p. 483
T16 CCR 832.21 p. 479 Parking and Highway
Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Improvement (C-32), T16 CCR
Carpentry (C-6), T16 CCR 832.06 832.32 p. 482
p. 477 Pipeline (C-34), T16 CCR 832.34
Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54), p. 483
T16 CCR 832.54 p. 486 Plumbing (C-36), T16 CCR 832.36
Concrete (C-8), T16 CCR 832.08 p. 483
p. 477 Refrigeration (C-38), T16 CCR
Construction Zone Traffic Control, 832.38 p. 484
T16 CCR 832.31 p. 482 Reinforcing Steel (C-50), T16 CCR
Drywall (C-9), T16 CCR 832.09 832.50 p. 486
p. 477 Roofing (C-39), T16 CCR 832.39
Earthwork and Paving (C-12), T16 p. 484
CCR 832.12 p. 478 Sanitation System (C-42), T16 CCR
Electrical (C-10), T16 CCR 832.10 832.42 p. 485
p. 478 Sheet Metal (C-43), T16 CCR
Elevator (C-11), T16 CCR 832.11 832.43 p. 485
p. 478 Sign (C-45), T16 CCR 832.45 p. 485
Fencing (C-13), T16 CCR 832.13 Solar (C-46), T16 CCR 832.46
p. 478 p. 485
Fire Protection (C-16), T16 CCR Structural Steel (C-51), T16 CCR
832.16 p. 479 832.51 p. 486
Flooring and Floor Covering (C-15), Swimming Pool (C-53), T16 CCR
T16 CCR 832.15 p. 478 832.53 p. 486
Framing and Rough Carpentry (C- Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and
5), T16 CCR 832.05 p. 476 Air-conditioning (C-20), T16 CCR
Glazing (C-17), T16 CCR 832.17 832.20 p. 479
p. 479 Water Conditioning (C-55), T16
Insulation and Acoustical (C-2), CCR 832.55 p. 487
T16 CCR 832.02 p. 476 Welding (C-60), T16 CCR 832.60
Landscaping (C-27), T16 CCR p. 487
832.27 p. 481 Well Drilling (C-57), T16 CCR
Lathing and Plastering (C-35), T16 832.57 p. 487
CCR 832.35 p. 483 Limitations on, B&P 7065.01 p. 324,
Limited Specialty (C-61), T16 CCR T16 CCR 830 p. 474, T16 CCR 834
832.61 p. 487 p. 489
Lock and Security Equipment (C- List of classifications, pp. 7 to 9
28), T16 CCR 832.28 p. 481
Low Voltage Systems (C-7), T16 SPOUSE, DEFINED
CCR 832.07 p. 477 Includes registered domestic partner,
Manufactured Housing, General (C- B&P 14.2 p. 163
47), T16 CCR 832.47 p. 485
Masonry (C-29), T16 CCR 832.29
p. 482
1126 INDEX

STATE BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC STRUCTURAL STEEL (C-51), T16

EXAMINERS CCR 832.51 p. 486
Expert consultant agreements, B&P
40 p. 172 SUBCONTRACTOR, p. 123
Payment to, PCC 10262 p. 1027
STATE CONTRACT ACT Subletting and Subcontracting Fair
Electronic copies of documents, PCC Practices Act, PCC 4100 to 4114
10111.2 p. 1024 pp. 1001 to 1008
Withholding money, B&P 7120 p. 387
STATE MANUFACTURED, GROWN
OR PRODUCED SUPPLIES SUBDIVISIONS
Made in California program Improvement work for public entities
Unfair competition or deceptive Duties of subdivider, GC 66499.7
trade practices, CC 1770 p. 630 p. 751

STATEMENT OF ISSUES, B&P 485 SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE,

p. 250 PROOF OF LICENSURE, B&P
7031 p. 307
STATE PROJECTS, LICENSE
REQUIRED FOR AWARD OF SUPPLIERS OF MATERIALS,
CONTRACT, PCC 10164 p. 1025 LICENSE EXEMPTION, B&P 7052
p. 316
STATE SALES AND USE TAX,
p. 1079 SUSPENSION OF LICENSE
FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY
STATEWIDE INVESTIGATIVE ACTION, p. 59
FRAUD TEAM (SWIFT), p. 61 Additional licenses, effect on, B&P
7097 p. 372
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS, B&P Contracting penalty, B&P 7117.5
7091 p. 371 p. 385
Alternate dispute resolution Prohibitions against person listed
Agreements resolving disputes, on, B&P 7121 p. 388
tolling statute of limitations, Automatic suspension
B&P 467.4 p. 239 Conviction of substantially related
crimes, B&P 490 p. 252
STOP NOTICES, pp. 114, 122 Failure to comply with arbitration
Defined, p. 122 award, B&P 7085.6 p. 367
Failure to comply with order of
STOP ORDERS citation, B&P 7090.1 p. 369
Workers’ compensation insurance Failure to notify of disassociation of
Failure to observe, B&P 7127 qualifying individual, B&P
p. 398 7068.2 p. 331
Failure to pay civil penalty, B&P
STRUCTURAL DEFECT, T16 CCR 7090.1 p. 369
861.5 p. 504 Fraud, license obtained by, B&P
Actions for construction defects, 498 p. 264
requirements, CC 895 to 945.5 Interim order, B&P 494 p. 253
pp. 590 to 613 Misrepresentation, in support of
other’s application, B&P 499
STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL p. 265
OPERATORS Misrepresentation, license obtained
Mechanics liens, B&P 8513 p. 586 by, B&P 498 p. 264
INDEX 1127

SUSPENSION OF LICENSE SWIMMING POOL

FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY CONSTRUCTION—Cont’d
ACTION—Cont’d Spa or hot tub, Class C-53, T16 CCR
Bona fide nonsupervising employee, 832.53 p. 486
B&P 7121.8 p. 390
Certified lists, B&P 494.5 p. 256 SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR
Child support order, failure to comply (C-53), T16 CCR 832.53 p. 486
with, B&P 490.5 p. 253
Conviction of crime substantially
related to licensee’s qualifications T
Evidentiary effect of record, B&P
493 p. 253 TAX ENFORCEMENT, B&P 30 p. 168
Failure to comply with rules, grounds,
T16 CCR 860 p. 504 TAXES
Procedure upon suspension or Delinquent contractors, PCC 10295.4
revocation, B&P 491 p. 253 p. 1028
Qualifying individual, prohibitions Local business, B&P 7000.2 p. 277
against, B&P 7121.5 p. 389 Resources, pp. 1033, 1076, 1079
Registrar, continuing jurisdiction over
license, B&P 7106.5 p. 378 TESTING. (See Examinations)
Rehabilitation following, criteria for,
B&P 482 p. 249, T16 CCR 869 TILE (CERAMIC AND MOSAIC)
p. 508 CONTRACTOR (C-54), T16 CCR
Reinstatement of, B&P 7102 p. 377 832.54 p. 486
Renewal of license, p. 45, B&P 7143
p. 409 TIME AND MATERIALS, pp. 1, 2,
Restricted activities for specified B&P 7028 p. 295
individuals, B&P 7121.6 p. 388
Stay of suspension, p. 59 TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSIONS
SWIMMING POOL Creation, PUC 130051.22 p. 1038
CONSTRUCTION Powers and duties, PUC 130232
Attorney fees, B&P 7168 p. 450 p. 1039, PUC 130242 p. 1042
Contractor, defined, T16 CCR 832.53
p. 486 TREE SERVICE, LICENSE
Contract requirements, B&P 7167 EXEMPTION, B&P 7026.1 p. 288
p. 450
Financing by third-party lender, TRENCHES, PERMITS, p. 146
B&P 7165 p. 447
Inapplicable conditions, B&P 7166
p. 450 U
Noncompliance voids contract, B&P
7167 p. 450 UNDERGROUND ECONOMY. (See
Notice to buyer, B&P 7165 p. 447 Joint Enforcement Strike Force
Landscape Contractor (C-27) on Underground Economy)
Design authority, B&P 7027.5
p. 294 UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
Safety Act, H&S 115920 to 115928.5 Bids, B&P 7058.7 p. 320
pp. 773 to 777 Certification requirement, B&P
Sanitation, H&S 116064.2 p. 779 7058.7 p. 320
Public wading pool safety devices, Definitions, H&S 25281 p. 763
H&S 116064 p. 777
1128 INDEX

UNDERGROUND STORAGE V
TANKS—Cont’d
Examination requirement, B&P VARIANCES
7058.7 p. 320 Permits, p. 137
Installation and removal, B&P 7058.7
p. 320 VEHICLE CODE, Appx pp. 1063 to
1067
UNEMPLOYMENT
COMPENSATION VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
Employee information reports, UIC Headsets, earplugs and earphones,
1088.5 p. 1050 VC 27400 p. 1065
Joint Enforcement Strike Force on Horns, sirens, and amplification
Underground Economy devices, VC 27000 p. 1064
Defined, UIC 329 p. 1048 Slow-moving vehicle emblem, VC
Enforcement of complaints of 24615 p. 1063
contractors law violations Special construction and maintenance
Division participating in strike equipment, VC 25801 p. 1064
force, access to places of labor, Warning lights, VC 25260.1 p. 1063
B&P 7011.4 p.281
Licensing fees VIOLATION
Waiver of, job training program, Complaints of violation of contractors
UIC 10501 p. 1062 law. (See Complaints, Violation
Records, reports and contribution of Contractors Law)
payments Enforcement costs, payment of, B&P
Use of information, UIC 1095 125.3 p. 193
p. 1053 Liability of persons listed on license,
B&P 7122 p. 390
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE Of Contractors License Law, B&P
CODE, Appx pp. 1048 to 1062 7115 p. 384
Of contracts, B&P 7113 p. 383
UNLICENSED NAME, B&P 7117 Of Labor Code, disciplinary action for,
p. 385 B&P 7110.5 p. 381
Of laws related to construction, B&P
UNLICENSED PERSONS
7110 p. 381
Advertising, B&P 7027.2 p. 292
Of public works contract
Aiding or abetting of, B&P 125 p. 193,
requirements, PCC 7106 p. 1020
B&P 7114 p. 383
Of Safety Orders, B&P 7109.5 p. 381
Compensation, no right to sue for,
Participation in, B&P 7122 p. 390
B&P 7031 p. 307
Responsibility of qualifying person,
Contracting
B&P 7122.5 p. 391
With an unlicensed person, B&P
7118 p. 386
Without a license, B&P 7028 p. 295 W
Enforcement, funding, B&P 7135.1
p. 399
In alphabetical or classified directory, WAGES, HOURS, AND WORKING
B&P 7099.10 p. 375 CONDITIONS
Injunction against, B&P 7028.4 p. 298 Consumer Affairs, Department of
Payment to employee, cash
UNSAFE WORKPLACE. (See transactions, B&P 140 p. 206
Workplace) Immigration
Unfair immigration-related
practices, LC 1019 p. 817
INDEX 1129

WAGES, HOURS, AND WORKING WATER WELL, LICENSE

CONDITIONS—Cont’d REQUIRED, p. 157, WC 13750.5
Release of claim, requiring not p. 1070
allowed, B&P 7110.1 p. 381, LC
206.5 p. 814 WELDING CONTRACTOR (C-60),
Suit for, by unlicensed contractor, T16 CCR 832.60 p. 487
B&P 7031 p. 307
Unlicensed contractor, no right to sue WELL DRILLING CONTRACTOR
for, B&P 7031 p. 307 (C-57), T16 CCR 832.57 p. 487
Display on commercial vehicle, B&P
WAIVERS 7029.5 p. 305
Adding license classifications, p. 36
Alternate dispute resolution WELLS, CONSTRUCTION OF,
Right to counsel, waiver, B&P pp. 157 to 160
467.7 p. 239 License required, p. 157, WC 13750.5
Examinations, pp. 17, 18, p. 36, B&P p. 1070
7065.1 to 7065.3 pp. 325 to 327, Reporting requirements, p. 157
B&P 7065 p. 323 Standards, publication, p. 160
Home solicitation contract, waiver of
right to cancel is unenforceable, CC WHISTLEBLOWERS
1689.12 p. 628 Employer and employee
Licensing fees, job training program, Retaliation
UIC 10501 p. 1062 Unfair immigration-related
Lien rights, waiver of prohibited, practice, LC 1019 p. 817
B&P 7034 p. 310
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
WARM-AIR HEATING, INSURANCE, pp. 83 to 88
VENTILATING AND AIR Administration revolving fund, LC
CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR 62.5 p. 787
(C-20), T16 CCR 832.20 p. 479 Alternative dispute resolution
systems
WARRANTIES Agreement requirements, LC
Home warranties, p. 65 3201.7 p. 869
Construction industry, LC 3201.5
WARRANTY, BREACH OF p. 866
WRITTEN, B&P 7091 p. 371 Benefits to which workers may be
entitled, pp. 86, 87
WATER CODE, Appx pp. 1068 to 1070 Certificate of, B&P 7125.1 p. 395,
B&P 7125.2 p. 396
WATER CONDITIONING Compensation claims, LC 4903 to
CONTRACTOR (C-55), T16 CCR 4907 pp. 958 to 970
832.55 p. 487 Compensation proceedings
Applications and answers, LC 5502
WATER CONSERVATION p. 979
Low-flow toilets, faucets and shower Findings and awards, LC 5811
heads p. 984
Water-conserving plumbing Hearings, LC 5703 p. 981
retrofits, CC 1101.1 to 1101.9 Depositions, LC 5710 p. 983
pp. 615 to 619 Jurisdiction, LC 5307.1 to 5307.9
Real property pp. 971 to 978
Water-conserving plumbing Limitations, LC 5402 p. 979
retrofits, CC 1101.1 to 1101.9 Compensation schedules
pp. 615 to 619 Death benefits, LC 4701 p. 957
1130 INDEX

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

INSURANCE—Cont’d INSURANCE—Cont’d
Compensation schedules—Cont’d Licensure, period of, B&P 7125.3
Disability payments, LC 4650 p. 397
p. 945, LC 4658 to 4660.1 pp. 947 Licensure, requirements, pp. 34, 35,
to 956 B&P 7125.1 p. 395
Medical and hospital treatment, LC Proof of coverage, pp. 13, 14, 26
4600 to 4610.6 pp. 902 to 931 Medical evaluators, qualifications, LC
Medical provider networks, LC 139.2 p. 798
4616 to 4622 pp. 935 to 943 Medical examinations, LC 4061 to
Computation of compensation, LC 4064 pp. 890 to 897
4453 p. 898 Medical treatment
Construction permit Benefits to which workers may be
Certificate of consent to self-insure entitled, p. 86
or of insurance, LC 3800 p. 890 Misdemeanors
Contractors Disciplinary actions, B&P 7125.4
Recertification, B&P 7125.5 p. 397 p. 397
Coverage requirements and Violations of article, B&P 7126
exemptions, pp. 34, 35 p. 398
Death benefits, p. 87 Misrepresentation, penalties for, IC
Declaration required on building 11760.1 p. 785
permits, H&S 19825 p. 757 Permanent disability
Definition of workers’ compensation, Benefits to which workers may be
p. 83 entitled, p. 86
Disability, permanent or temporary, Report of licensee, B&P 7125 to 7127
p. 86 pp. 394 to 398
Disciplinary actions, causes for, B&P Return-to-work program, LC 139.48
7125.4 p. 397 p. 808
Employee notification requirements, Roofing contractors holding C-39
p. 85 license
Employer Insurance policy, IC 11665 p. 784
Audit, IC 11760.1 p. 785 Requirement of insurance, p. 14
Failure to provide access to records, Security for payment of benefits, LC
IC 11760.1 p. 785 3700.1 to 3702.10 pp. 872 to 886
Liability, p. 83 Self-insurers’ security fund, LC 3742
Misconduct, p. 87 to 3746 pp. 887 to 890
Penalties for noncompliance, Serious and willful employer
pp. 87, 88 misconduct
Posting requirements, p. 85 Compensation
Reporting requirements, pp. 84, 85 Benefits to which workers may be
Financial interest disclosures, LC entitled, p. 87
139.32 p. 805 Stop orders, failure to observe, B&P
Independent reviews, LC 139.5 p. 809 7127 p. 398
Insurance coverage, pp. 83, 84 Supplemental job displacement
Joint Enforcement Strike Force on benefit, p. 86
Underground Economy Temporary disability
Enforcement of complaints of Benefits to which workers may be
contractors law violations entitled, p. 86
Division participating in strike Violations of article, B&P 7126 p. 398
force, access to places of labor, Stop orders, failure to observe, B&P
B&P 7011.4 p.281 7127 p. 398
INDEX 1131

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION WORKPLACE—Cont’d

INSURANCE—Cont’d Safety and health requirements—
Written notice, defined, B&P 124 Cont’d
p. 192 Entry prohibited, p. 138
Investigation of, p. 138
WORKPLACE Required notice, posting of, p. 138
Multiemployer work sites, p. 130
Safety and health requirements, WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT
p. 128 Definitions, CC 8000 to 8050 pp. 649
Unsafe or unhealthful conditions to 657
Citations, p. 137 General provisions, CC 8000 p. 649
Employee complaint rights, p. 134 Notice, CC 8100 p. 661
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