Joint Sting Operation in Monterey County Uncovers Alleged Unlicensed Contractors

By Erol Kilic On December 6, 2023, the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) announced a joint operation with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Insurance (CDI) that successfully identified nine unlicensed contractors in a Monterey Continue reading

Pilot Program Launched to Help Clear Utility Bills and Regain Financial Stability

By Erol Kilic On February 15, 2024, pursuant to SB 598 (Hueso) (Chapter 362, Statutes of 2017), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a decision on Rulemaking 18-07-005, a pilot program to use community-based organizations (CBOs) to address service Continue reading

Regulations Governing State Bar Significantly Altered in SB 40 in Light of Girardi Scandal

By Erol Kilic SB 40 (Umberg), as amended September 7, 2023, amends various sections of the Business and Professions Code. According to the Senate Floor Analysis, the State Bar’s highest priority is public protection, including swift disciplinary actions against incompetent Continue reading

Contractors State Licensing Board Proposes New Rule Concerning Battery Energy Storage Systems

By Emily Powers On April 28, 2023, the Contractors State Licensing Board of California (CSLB) proposed a new regulation to address Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). According to the Board’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, BESS are separate electrical systems that Continue reading

Governor Signs Bills Expanding Protections for Health Care Providers Regarding Reproductive and Gender Affirming Health Care Services

By Emily Powers On September 27, 2023, Governor Newsom signed two bills, SB 345 (Skinner) (Chapter 260, Statutes of 2023) and AB 1707 (Pacheco) (Chapter 258, Statutes of 2023), to protect California’s doctors and other health care providers from criminalization, Continue reading

California State Board of Pharmacy Approves Rulemaking Action on Temporary License for Military Spouses

By Alexandra Harten On June 21, 2023, the California State Board of Pharmacy voted to approve an action amending section 1706.6 to Title 16, Division 17, Article 2 of the California Code of Regulations regarding Temporary License for Military Spouses. Continue reading

Report by CPUC Public Advocates Office Highlights Exorbitant Electricity Rate Increases

By Erol Kilic On October 26, 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Public Advocates Office (PAO) published an Electric Rates Report. The report found the rate increases for California households have dramatically outpaced inflation. The rate increases by Pacific Continue reading

Governor Newsom Signs AB 1399 (Friedman), Despite Opposition from Veterinary Medical Board

By Alexandra Harten Governor Newsom signed AB 1399 (Friedman) on October 8, 2023 (Chapter 475, Statutes of 2023), despite opposition from the California Veterinary Medical Board. The bill allows the formation of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship through remote methods, relaxing veterinary Continue reading

Commissioner Lara Announces “Sustainable Insurance Strategy” Drawing Strong Opposition from Consumer Advocacy Groups

By Alexandra Harten On September 21, 2023, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-13-23 directing the Insurance Commissioner “to take prompt regulatory action to strengthen and stabilize California’s marketplace for homeowners insurance and commercial property insurance, and to consider whether the Continue reading