Proposed bill to impose stricter requirements on contractors fails

Members of the Assembly business and professions committee voted down a bill that would have implemented stricter oversight rules on California contractors, according to SF Gate on July 15.

The bill was drafted by Senators Jerry Hill and Loni Hancock in response to the terrible balcony collapse that happened in Berkeley last month and killed six people. The senators have said they will not give up on SB465 or legislation like it. The bill would have required contractors to disclose any past litigation, convictions, or accusations of defects, negligence, or fraud to the Contractors State License Board.

Lobbyist Nick Cammarota, who represents the interests of the California Building Industry Association, argued against using previous settlements as a measurement for negligent or inadequate construction companies. According to Cammarota, settlements between construction companies and victims do not name individuals responsible for the faulty work that caused the accident.

Proponents of the bill counter Cammarota’s thoughts by arguing that State Boards responsible for crediting and endorsing construction companies should be aware of those companies’ complete histories.

Representatives from Senator Hill’s office have said a special hearing of the committee might be called if one more vote for the bill can be secured. If the current vote stands, the bill will be taken up again in January.

The San Diego attorneys of Ritter & Associates represent those who have been injured on another’s property due to inherently unsafe conditions, possibly including, in some cases, a balcony that has not been properly maintained. Call us at (619) 296-0123 today to discuss your case.