Bill > SB641

This bill aims to provide flexibility and support for professionals licensed under the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Real Estate during federal, state, or local emergencies or declared disaster areas. The bill authorizes these departments to waive certain licensing requirements, such as examination timing, renewal deadlines, continuing education completion, and fee submissions for affected licensees. All applicants and licensees will now be required to provide an email address to their respective departments. The bill also restricts contractors from engaging in private debris removal unless they have specific license classifications or authorization during emergencies, and mandates that such contractors pass hazardous substance certification examinations and comply with safety regulations. Additionally, the Real Estate Commissioner is now required to investigate and publicly identify potentially fraudulent practices targeting property owners in disaster areas within one year of an emergency declaration. The bill introduces a new misdemeanor offense for making unsolicited low-ball property purchase offers in declared disaster areas, punishable by a fine up to $10,000 or six months imprisonment. The legislation is specifically designed to provide immediate support to professionals impacted by disasters like the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, and it will take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB641