Bill > SB779

This bill amends the Contractors State License Law to increase civil penalties for violations related to unlicensed contractors and other specified infractions. Starting July 1, 2026, the bill raises the minimum civil penalty for unlicensed contractor violations from $200 to $1,500, and adjusts other civil penalties to have a minimum of $500 or $1,500 depending on the specific violation. The Contractors State License Board will now have the option (rather than the requirement) to adjust these minimum civil penalties for inflation every five years, using the Consumer Price Index as a benchmark. The bill also maintains existing provisions that require the board to consider factors such as the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the licensee, and the history of previous violations when assessing penalties. These changes aim to strengthen enforcement of contractor licensing regulations and provide more flexibility in penalty adjustments over time, with the goal of deterring unlicensed contracting and ensuring compliance with state licensing laws.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB779