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California Contractors State License Board
Adopts Position on 2010 Legislation
SPEC continues to play a major role in feeding information to the CSLB about illegal contractors
Sacramento, Calif. /March 23, 2010 –
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) met in Indian Wells, California on Thursday, March 11, 2010. The Board meeting was held in conjunction with the Nevada State Contractors Board. One of the key action items on the agenda was the Legislative Committee Report, which included the review and consideration of legislation introduced in the California Legislature in 2010. John Norwood, SPEC President, attended the meeting to ensure that SPEC efforts would complement the legislative program of the CSLB, especially as the Board adopts proposals to attack unlicensed contractors and the underground economy.
Michael Brown, CSLB legislative representative, summarized for the Board the bills of interest, and recommended that the Board take positions on the following bills:
AB 2267 (Eng): The CSLB requires as a condition of issuance, renewal, or continual maintenance of a license, that the licensee or applicant maintain a bond in the amount of $12,000. AB 2267 would limit the amount a material supplier may recover to $ 4,000.00, leaving the remainder to benefit the owner who contracted for the construction.
The CSLB Board voted to support AB 2267.
AB 2332 (Eng): This bill would allow the Board of Equalization to request the CSLB to suspend or refuse to renew the license of a licensee who fails to resolve all outstanding liabilities, including taxes penalties and interest fees that are assessed by the Department of Transportation, Department of Insurance, Employment Development Department, Department of Industrial Relations, the Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization.
The CSLB Board voted to support AB 2332 with amendments adding the Department of Insurance and Department of Transportation.
SB 1254 (Leno): Authorizes the Registrar of Contractors to issue a stop order to any unlicensed contractor who has failed to secure workers’ compensation insurance and makes failure to comply with a stop order a crime. Also, authorizes an increase in the number of CSLB peace officer positions from 3 to 12.
The CSLB Board voted to co-sponsor SB 1254.
AB8x 8 (Assembly Budget Committee): This bill would authorize the Franchise Tax Board to suspend the license of any firm and every licensee on the firm’s license that has an unsatisfied tax liability. This bill also establishes the Financial Institution Record Match System to allow the Franchise Tax Board to disclose the name, social security number, or taxpayer identification number to designated financial institutions to match debtor records to account holders for purposes of identifying licensees who operate in the underground economy.
The CSLB Board voted to support AB8x 8.
Board members also received an update on CSLB enforcement efforts. Staff reported on sting operations aimed at catching unlicensed and uninsured contractors. CSLB stings were conducted in concert with local law enforcement authorities, local district attorneys, and other state agencies in Novato, Woodland, Hillsborough, Lincoln, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Cerritos, Lakewood, La Mirada, San Diego, Rancho Bernardo, and Huntington Beach.
Board members watched video clips of several sting operations and distributed reports on recent joint operations by CSLB, Employment Development Department, Franchise Tax Board and Department of Industrial Relations to investigate contractors that were using unlicensed subcontractors and/or under reporting payroll for purposes of reducing unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation insurance costs.
“The CSLB is committed to attacking the underground economy and those contractors that cheat the system,” noted John Norwood. “The pool and spa industry needs to do everything in our power to support the Board’s efforts to protect consumers and legitimize contractors in this state.”
SPEC will be supporting the CSLB legislative package in 2010 as well as looking for other opportunities to address issues in the underground economy. “SPEC continues to play a major role in feeding information to the CSLB about illegal contractors that are sent to us by our members,” advised Norwood. “This is an important function and provides SPEC members with a proactive outlet to take action against those that cheat the system and put consumers in danger.”
About SPEC
SPEC, the California Spa Pool Industry Education Council, serves as the statewide public policy representative for the pool, spa and hot tub industry. We advocate on behalf of industry interests before the California Legislature and state and local regulatory agencies, and for individual members dealing with enforcement issues. Working daily on the industry’s behalf, we have an unmatched track record in successfully negotiating and fighting against unreasonable and costly legislation and for enforcement of unlicensed contractor laws. SPEC promotes the highest standards of professional conduct in pool construction, service and repair, and seeks to educate the public on the proper maintenance and safe use of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. For nearly 40 years, SPEC has been the only organization registered to lobby at the State Capitol on behalf of the pool, spa and hot tub industry. SPEC is funded by membership donations. For more information on SPEC and legislation we are watching, visit or call 916-447-4113.
News Release: CSLB Adopts Position on 2010 Legislation
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California Spa & Pool Industry Education Council
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