By Lauren Holappa

On July 1, 2022, SB 607 (Min) (Chapter 367, Statutes of 2021) took effect. The bill applies to the licensure and regulation of various professions and vocations by boards within the Department of Consumer Affairs, including the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). [27:1 CRLR 125]

The bill expedites the licensing process and waives the application and license fees for applicants who (1) are married to or in a domestic partnership or other legal unions with a current active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to a duty station in California under official active-duty military orders; and (2) hold a current license in another state, district, or territory of the United States in the profession or vocation for which the applicant seeks a license from the board.

Contractor applicants who want to take advantage of this expedited process and fee waiver must provide a copy of their current license from the other state, district, or territory of the US documenting the license, registration, permit, or certificate held. Additionally, applicants must submit documentation of their marriage or legal union and their partner’s active military duty in California.

Additionally, starting January 1, 2023, SB 607 will increase all bond limits. The bill will increase contractor license bonds from $15,000 to $25,000 and bonds of qualifying individuals from $12,500 to $25,000. This provision in the bill aims to protect consumers by ensuring that contractors have sufficient financial resources to complete a project. CSLB conducted a license bond study pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 701.6 and found that the $15,000 bond requirement was no longer a sufficient bond amount.