New License Exemption for Muralists, Know Your Rights Annual Notice Requirement

CALIFORNIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR NEWSLETTER

Quarterly Newsletter from the Contractors State License Board

IN THIS ISSUE

• Preventing Complaints

• CSLB Chair MessageHow Contractors Can • Sting Properties NeededPrevent Complaints• December Board M
  Meeting Highlights Hot Topicsost of California's licensed contractors

• NEW License Exemption demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a
  for Muralists strong commitment to quality work and customer  NEW 'Know Your Rights' service. These values build consumer confidence and Annual Notice reflect positively on California's construction industry.

• Dig AlertRecently, CSLB has seen an increase in consumer

• 2026 Law Book Availablecomplaints related to unsatisfactory contractor experiences,
  particularly in home improvement, residential remodeling, A Look Ahead solar, and accessory dwelling unit construction. Many

• Upcoming Eventscomplaints arise because contract payment terms are

• CSLB Contacts & Remindersunclear or unlawful, the scope of work is not clearly
  defined, or work is not performed in a timely manner.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

California Licensed Contractor Newsletter

is an official publication of the Contractors State License Board.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom Governor Tomiquia Moss, Secretary Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Christine Lally, Acting Director Department of Consumer Affairs David R. Fogt, Registrar Contractors State License Board MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Miguel Galarza, Chair "B" Contractor Member Alan Guy, Vice Chair "B" Contractor Member Rodney M. Cobos, Secretary Public Member Joël Barton, Public Member Amanda Gallo, Public Member Jacob Lopez, Building Official Member Diana Love, Senior Citizen Organization Member Michael Mark, Labor Organization Member Henry Nutt III, "C" Specialty Contractor Member Steven Panelli, Public Member Omar Passons, Public Member Josef Preciado, Public Member James Ruane, "C" Specialty Contractor Member Thomas J. Ruiz, Public Member Mary Teichert, "A" General Engineering Contractor Member

A Message from CSLB Board Chair, Miguel Galarza

Dear Contractors and Industry When contractors do not follow the rules, it can Stakeholders, lead to complaints. As seen in this issue, CSLB is noticing an increase in consumer-filed complaints. It has been more than a year now We recognize that most contractors uphold the since the Palisades and Eaton standards of the industry and provide good customer fires destroyed thousands of service. Contractors should respond promptly, report homes in Los Angeles County. The misconduct in the industry, and promote fair practices. Contractors State License Board remains committed to assisting in the recovery and the work of its licensees Together, we can ensure that California's contracting to rebuild and repair homes. industry remains strong, reputable, and consumer focused. Thank you for doing your part to uphold Along with Los Angeles County officials, CSLB these values.participated in a "Hiring a Contractor" workshop in Altadena in February where survivors were provided Sincerely, details about how to find contractors, payment rules and restrictions, and contract requirements. CSLB is continuing to work with local officials to provide Miguel Galarza resources to ensure consumers are protected during Board Chair, Contractors State License Boardthe rebuild. Contractors are also reminded to comply with state labor and safety laws when rebuilding. This includes wage requirements, workers' compensation insurance coverage, and worksite safety rules. Even if a contractor hires subcontractors or uses labor providers to supply workers, the primary contractor is still responsible for making sure that labor and safety laws are followed. CSLB is continuing to monitor the fire areas to ensure those working in the fire areas are compliant. In 2025, the Statewide Investigative Fraud Team conducted 52 sweeps in the Palisades and Eaton fire areas to deter unlicensed activity and ensure contractors working in the areas were properly licensed, had workers' compensation coverage, and following local permit requirements.

HOT TOPICS

New License Exemption for Muralists Takes Effect

A new law, effective January 1, patching, plastering, lathing, or repairing a wall for

application of a mural, as well as erecting scaffolding 2026, creates a contractor that is affixed to a structure.license exemption for muralists. Activities considered part of the mural work itself may Senate Bill 456 (Ashby) exempts include applying primer or base paint to a surface

artists who draw, paint, apply, that will include a mural and conserving or restoring a

mural, such as applying sealants or protective coatings.execute, restore, or conserve To qualify for the exemption, the mural must be murals from contractor licensing protected by copyright, trademark, label, or patent, requirements.and the artist must have an agreement with a person authorized to approve the work. Under the law, a mural is defined as a "unique work The law does not apply to painted wall signs, which of fine art" painted or drawn by hand directly onto still require a contractor's license.interior or exterior walls, ceilings, fixtures, or other appurtenances of a building or structure.Questions about the muralist exemption can be directed to classifications@cslb.ca.gov.Certain construction-related work associated with murals still requires a contractor license. This includes

New 'Know Your Rights' Annual Notice Requirement for EmployersT

he California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is reminding employers, including contractor businesses of all sizes, of new requirements under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, which took effect January 1. Now, employers must provide an annual written notice to all workers explaining their rights under California labor law. The Your protections against unfair immigration-related practices (Labor Code §§ 1019-1019.2)Who can I contact if I believe my rights have been violated?Under California law, it is unlawful for employers to retaliate against you or threaten immigration-related action when you exercise your rights. An employer is prohibited from taking any of the following actions If you believe your rights have been violated, below is a list of government agencies where you can seek assistance:because you exercised your rights:Know Your Rights notice can be found on DIR's website under • Refusing to accept identification documents during the I-9 California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR):process (proof of ID and federal permission to work) that appear to be genuine.California Labor Commissioner's Office (LCO)• Using E-Verify in a way not required or authorized by law. Workplace Postings in multiple languages. Information: (833) LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) • For example, using E-Verify to reverify employment California Workplace - Know Your RightsImmigration helpline: (855) 526-7775California Division of Occupational Safety and Health eligibility for an employee when not legally required to www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/(Cal/OSHA)do so or screening only specific workers rather than all (833) 579-0927workers in a workplace without a legitimate basis for California Division of Workers Compensation (DWC)https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/doing so. (800) 736-7401As a worker in California, you are entitled to know and exercise your workplace and dir.ca.gov/dwc/• Reporting or threatening to report you or your family to constitutional rights. Labor laws, including but not limited to standards for wages, hours, immigration authorities.This requirement applies to all employers, including licensed Other California Agencies:and health and safety, apply to all workers in the state regardless of immigration status. • Filing or threatening to file any false report to the police or a state or federal agency. California Attorney General (AG)(800) 952-5225Your right to designate an emergency contact www.oag.ca.govCalifornia Civil Rights Department (CRD)(Labor Code § 1555)It is against the law for your employer to retaliate against you for exercising contractors who employ workers on jobsites, in offices, or in any (800) 884-1684your rights, including:California Agricultural Employees Your employer must allow you to provide them with calcivilrights.ca.gov/Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB)emergency contact information and to indicate if you want the emergency contact to be notified if you are arrested or • Filing a complaint with the Labor Commissioner, (800) 449-3699California Public Sector Employees detained at work. If you are arrested or detained at work and www.alrb.ca.govCal/OSHA, the Civil Rights Department, or another and Transportation Network Company Driversother work setting. Contractors must provide the notice in the language your employer has knowledge of it, they must notify your Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)government agency.designated emergency contact if you choose that option.(916) 322-3198• Asking about your employer's compliance with Federal Agencies:perb.ca.govfederal, state, or local law.Your right to organize a union or engage in protected activity in the workplacePrivate Sector Employees usually used to communicate employment-related information.• Talking with others about their rights or helping National Labor Relations Board Most employees in California have the right to organize, them exercise their rights under federal, state, or Federal Employees (NLRB):join, or participate in union activities. Employees also have U.S. Federal Labor Relations local law.the right to jointly act with co-workers to address work-(844) 762-6572 Railway and Airline Employees Authority (FLRA): related issues and concerns to improve working conditions National Mediation Board (NMB): www.nlrb.govExamples of illegal retaliation include firing you, (771) 444-5801or for the purpose of collective bargaining. This means you (202) 692-5000reducing your work hours, or threatening to report you https://www.flra.gov/have the right to join with coworkers to request better https://nmb.gov/NMB_Application/or a relative to immigration authorities because you Non-Governmental Organizations:working conditions or raise work-related concerns, including exercised your rights.about wages, hours, health and safety, and other terms of employment. You also have the right to not participate in You may also contact a nonprofit legal or community-based organization for assistance. union activities or protected activities. It is illegal for your Workplace Protections Related to Immigration StatusFor a list of organizations that partner with state agencies to help workers to understand employer to:their rights, scan the QR code to the right, or visit www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/Nonprofit-Legal-and-Community-Based-Organizations-Serving-Workers.html.Your right to Notice of Immigration Inspections (Labor Code § 90.2)• Interfere with or discourage your union activity or protected activities.If your employer receives notice of an upcoming immigration agency's inspection of I-9 Employment Eligibility • Threaten you, or retaliate or discriminate against you, Verification forms or other employment records, your employer must post a notice informing workers and because of your union support or protected activities. their union representative, if applicable, within 72 hours of receiving that notice.

Call 811 Before You Dig to Prevent Dangerous Utility Strikes

B Why Contacting 811 is Criticalefore beginning an excavation, contractors are required by California Government Code section 4216 to contact 811 (Underground Failing to contact Underground Service Alert or DigAlert before digging exposes workers, property, Service Alert of Northern California or DigAlert and the public to serious risks, including:for Southern California) at least two working days in advance but not more than 14 calendar days in • Striking underground natural gas lines, causing advance. This ensures all underground utilities are fire or explosionlocated and marked before soil is disturbed, helping • Damaging buried electric conduits, risking prevent potentially severe accidents. electric shock or arc flashUnderground Service Alert and DigAlert coordinate • Breaking communication or fiber lines, causing with utility operators, who will visit the site and mark outages or emergency response disruptionsthe location of underground gas, electric, water, sewer, • Hitting water or sewer lines, leading to flooding, and communication lines. These markings allow contamination, or ground instabilitycontractors to work safely, follow required tolerance zones, and avoid striking hazardous infrastructure. • Causing costly repairs, project delays, and potential legal penalties (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)

Call 811 Before You Dig 2026 Law & (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6) Reference Book

DigAlert covers the following counties in Southern Now AvailableCalifornia:

• Imperial

• Inyo CSLB has released the 2026 edition of
  the California Contractors License Law • Los Angeles and Reference Book, a key resource for • Orange contractors to stay up to date with state

• Riverside construction laws and requirements. The
  new edition reflects legislative changes • San Bernardino that went into effect January 1, 2026, • San Diegoand provides updated information on

• Santa Barbara licensing, business practices, consumer
  protections, and compliance expectations • Ventura for licensed contractors. Underground Service Alert covers the remaining A printed copy is available for $64.00 California counties, along with the entire state plus tax, shipping, and handling by of Nevada. ordering on LexisNexis' website or calling (877) 394 8826. Contractors can also view ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR or download the full Law Book for free on CONTRACTORS the CSLB website. For more detailed information on excavation CSLB encourages requirements, utility notifications, and California law, all licensees contractors can refer to the California Contractors to review the State License Law & Reference Book, Chapter 4: updated edition "Regional Notification Centers: Underground to stay informed Service Alert" (page 61). This chapter provides an and ensure their overview of legal obligations and best practices business practices related to safe excavation. align with California law.

A LOOK AHEAD

UPCOMING OUTREACH EVENTS

April 18, 2026 June 13, 2026 Senior Scam Stopper Senior Scam Stopper Asm. Juan Carrillo Asm. Liz Ortega For more information on upcoming Palmdale San Leandro outreach events, please email April 24, 2026 June 23, 2026 outreach@cslb.ca.gov. Senior Scam Stopper Senior Scam Stopper Asm. Liz Ortega Napa County DA's Office Dublin Napa

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS

LICENSING WORKSHOPS VIRTUAL Abril 17 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop Para Que Obtenga Licencia Para Construir May 1 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Get Licensed to Build Workshop Mayo 15 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop Para Que Obtenga Licencia Para Construir June 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Get Licensed to Build Workshop Junio 19 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop Para Que Obtenga Licencia Para Construir Workshops take place every first Friday of the month in English, and every third Friday of the month in Spanish. To register, visit cslb.ca.gov and click the banner at the top of the page. Las talleres tienen lugar el primer viernes de cada mes en inglés y el tercer viernes de cada mes en español. Visita cslb.ca.gov y haz clic en la bandera en la parte superior de la página para registrarte.

How Contractors Can Prevent Complaints (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

USE CLEAR AND DETAILED CONTRACTSOften, these complaints are not about the quality of the construction work itself, but rather result from Contracts should clearly outline the scope of work, poor communication, unclear contracts, project timelines, payment schedules, and potential project delays, or disputes over payment schedules. These changes. Clear agreements ensure both contractors and misunderstandings can quickly escalate into formal consumers understand expectations from start to finish.complaints when expectations are not managed or CSLB has a sample home improvement contract on concerns are not addressed promptly. its website, under the Guides and Publications page.In some cases, CSLB investigations have uncovered NOTE: This sample serious misconduct by unscrupulous contractors. contract language Practices such as front loading payment schedules, HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT [Business Name of Licensed Contractor] The Notice of Cancellation may be mailed to the contractor at the address noted on the contract. [Contractor business address, city, state, zip code, telephone number] Contractor's License No. [ ] is provided for collecting large deposits without completing work, This Agreement signed by the owner and dated is between Contractor Name and ("Owner") Owner's Address or address where work is performed: informational abandoning projects, or engaging in financial fraud Substantial commencement of work under this contract is described as Approximate Start Date: Approximate Completion Date: Contract Price: Owner agrees to pay Contractor a total cash price, in dollars and cents of $_____________. Finance Charge: In dollars and cents (if any, if not applicable, put "none") $__________. purposes only and is can cause significant financial harm to homeowners Downpayment: (if any, if not applicable, put "none") $__________. THE DOWNPAYMENT MAY NOT EXCEED $1,000 OR 10 PERCENT OF THE CONTRACT PRICE, WHICHEVER IS LESS. not a substitute for and undermine public trust in the profession. Description of the Project and Description of the Significant Materials to be Used and Equipment to be Installed [describe the project and significant materials to be used and equipment to be installed] ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ professional legal __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ While these cases involve only a small number If payment (other than a downpayment) is not due until completion, check here: ☐ There will be no schedule of progress payments. Otherwise, include the Schedule of Progress Payments. The schedule of progress payments must advice. It is provided specifically describe each phase of work, including the type and amount of work or services scheduled to be supplied in each phase, along with the amount of each proposed progress payment. of licensed contractors, their impact affects the IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR A CONTRACTOR TO COLLECT PAYMENT FOR WORK NOT YET COMPLETED, OR FOR MATERIALS NOT YET DELIVERED. without warranties or HOWEVER, A CONTRACTOR MAY REQUIRE A DOWNPAYMENT. Schedule of Progress Payments reputation of the entire industry. Clear communication, AMOUNT (in dollars and cents) EVENT (specifically reference the amount of work performed and services, materials, and equipment supplied) representations about $ ________________________________________________________________ $ ________________________________________________________________ $ ________________________________________________________________ transparency, and professionalism can prevent many $ ________________________________________________________________ $ ________________________________________________________________ accuracy, reliability, $ Completion of project complaints before they arise. or suitability for any specific project or purpose. Any use of the sample REMINDER ON PAYMENT contract is completely voluntary, at your own risk, and RESTRICTIONS with a disclaimer of all liability for any damages arising Contractors installing residential solar, constructing from its use. accessory dwelling units (ADUs), performing home REPORT MISCONDUCTimprovement work, or rebuilding homes in declared disaster areas (including new home rebuilding) shall If contractors become aware of individuals engaging not request or receive a down payment of more than in unethical or illegal practices that could expose $1,000, or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever consumers to financial harm, reporting this activity is less. Any additional payments cannot exceed the to CSLB helps protect the public and maintain the value of the work performed or material delivered. integrity of the licensed contracting community.The down payment and progress payment restrictions Professionalism, transparency, and strong customer extend to advance payment in whole or in part from service play an important role in preventing disputes any lender or financier for home improvement goods and protecting consumers. By upholding these or services. standards, licensed contractors help maintain a strong and trusted construction industry in California.

Contractors State License

Board officer terms run from July 1 of one year Board's Leadershipthrough June 30 of the following year.

MIGUEL GALARZA RODNEY M. COBOS JOËL BARTON ALAN GUY Board Chair Board Secretary Board Vice Chair Senate Appointee Public MemberGovernor Appointee Assembly Appointee Governor Appointee "B" General Contractor Member Public Member "B" Contractor Member

DIANA LOVE MICHAEL MARKAMANDA GALLOJACOB LOPEZ Governor Appointee Governor Appointee Governor Appointee Senate Appointee Senior Citizen Organization Member Labor Organization MemberPublic MemberPublic Member

HENRY NUTT III STEVEN PANELLI OMAR T. PASSONS JOSEF PRECIADO Governor Appointee Senate Appointee Governor Appointee Governor Appointee "C" Specialty Contractor Member Public Member Public Member Public Member

JAMES RUANE THOMAS J. RUIZ MARY TEICHERT DAVID R. FOGT Governor Appointee Assembly Appointee Governor Appointee Registrar of Contractors "C" Specialty Contractor Member Public Member "A" General Engineering Contractor Member

I C Y M I

Here are the highlights from CSLB's December Quarterly Board Meeting

On December 11, 2025, CSLB held its quarterly board meeting in South San Francisco, California. Board members and senior staff discussed key updates, initiatives, and plans. Here are some of the highlights: REGISTRAR UPDATES Registrar David Fogt provided updates from the Registrar's Report, including CSLB's disaster response efforts in Los Angeles County, an Enforcement audit review, findings from an analytical study to determine the extent of unlicensed contracting activity and agency resource needs, and construction lending concerns. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES LICENSING AND TESTING ACHIEVEMENTSThe Board discussed legislative and regulatory matters affecting the construction industry, including The Licensing Division reported on program updates the muralists exemption and proposed rulemaking related to contractor licensing and examination changes to modernize language in the California services. The Board reviewed potential initiatives to Code of Regulations. The Board also considered a support workforce development, including awarding proposal requiring hazardous substance certification Construction Management Education Account grants before contractors perform debris removal in declared and exploring contractor licensing pathways and goals disaster areas. for B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractors. ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND OUTREACH The Enforcement Division reported on ongoing Public Affairs shared updates on outreach initiatives, efforts to address unlicensed contracting and fraud, including continued growth across CSLB's social media including recent investigations and partnerships with platforms. Staff also highlighted information available local agencies targeting illegal activity related to to support justice-involved individuals interested in disaster recovery work. Enforcement also highlighted entering the construction industry, including resources CSLB's continued collaboration with the National being provided on CSLB's website.Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies Access the meeting packet here or watch the meeting (NASCLA), including participation in its multi-state on CSLB's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/enforcement efforts. ContractorsBoard.

CSLB Welcomes New Board Member Omar T. Passons, of San Diego as the Director of Health degree of San Diego, the Office of Homeless Solutions and a Bachelor

and Director of the Division of of Arts degree was appointed Integrative Services. in Philosophy by Governor from the Earlier in his career, Passons was a University of Gavin Newsom in construction and land use attorney Arizona.and began his career evaluating February 2026. public health programs at the Passons' term continues through federal level. He also serves on June 1, 2028.Passons is the Principal Consultant the Executive Advisory Board for at Passons Consulting. He the California Policy Lab.previously served as the Deputy City Manager for Homelessness Passons earned a Juris Doctor for the City of San Jose. Before degree from George Mason that, he worked for the County University and a Master of Public

Sting Properties Needed

CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) is seeking residential or commercial properties that can be temporarily used for undercover sting operations targeting unlicensed contracting activity. These stings help protect consumers, support licensed contractors, and uphold industry standards. Participants may receive compensation for the use of their property. Sites are typically needed for one- or two-day operations and may be located anywhere in California. To learn more, contact SWIFT:

• Northern SWIFT: (916) 255-2924
• Central SWIFT: (559) 490-0580
• Southern SWIFT: (562) 345-7600

CSLB License Revocations

For a full list of the CSLB's revoked licensees from 2026 and prior years, please visit cslb.ca.gov/RevokedLicenses

CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD LICENSES REVOKED FROM 02/01/2026 TO 02/28/2026 BUSINESS NAME LICENSE NUMBER REVOKED A LAND OF DESIGN 1032369 02/13/2026 AFFORDABLE WALLS & CEILINGS GENERAL CONTRACTING 1040143 02/10/2026 ALBIZU INC 1058767 02/25/2026 ALL POLY CONCRETE 1077117 02/19/2026 ASHAMALLA SALAH HABIB 484941 02/26/2026 B D TECHNOLOGIES INC 1067154 02/26/2026 B L Y GENERAL CONTRACTOR INC DBA B L Y GENERAL 1068583 02/05/2026CONSTRUCTION BAREKET RAVIV BEN HIS 74436 SP 02/05/2026 BEYOND COMPARE CONSTRUCTION 1099387 02/26/2026 BLACK DOG WEST CONSTRUCTION 921218 02/10/2026 BRACKETT CHRISTIAN DAMIEN 673639 02/25/2026 BRICK CONSTRUCTION INC 1053163 02/25/2026 C V DEVELOPMENT 1097450 02/26/2026 CALI CUSTOM BUILDERS INC 1097732 02/13/2026 CANNON TREE SERVICE LLC 1095826 02/10/2026 CAPOZZOLI JOSEPH VINCENT 870238 02/05/2026 CERVANTES CHRISTIAN HIS 124158 SP 02/26/2026 CHINN TED R 857231 02/13/2026 CHRISTOPHER JAMES 955900 02/26/2026 CLEAN INITIATIVE LLC 1038376 02/19/2026 CLEAN POINT SOLAR 1071242 02/13/2026 DISNEY OUTDOOR HAVEN LLC 1044976 02/10/2026 DOMUS CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN INC 932059 02/13/2026 DOMUS CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN INC DBA STATEWIDE 964441 02/13/2026 DSWR INC DBA STATEWIDE RESTORATION 1075755 02/13/2026 DURFEE JEREMY RICHARD SKYLER HIS 130278 SP 02/10/2026 ECO DEVELOPMENT GROUP INC 993357 02/26/2026 ENVISION4 CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS DBA ENVISION4 1047768 02/26/2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FARWELL JEFFREY T 778724 02/10/2026 GARY PARKER CONSTRUCTION 381990 02/19/2026 GREEN HOME FOREVER 1034770 02/05/2026

Contact CSLB

HEADQUARTERS OFFICECONTACT INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS

Location: • Industry Expert Program9821 Business Park Drive

• Report Unlicensed ActivitySacramento, CA 95827

Mailing Address: • Revoked Licenses List

P.O. Box 26000 Sacramento, CA 95826

24-Hour Licensing and Consumer Information:

(800) 321-CSLB (2752)

Public inquiries:

cslbinfo@cslb.ca.gov

Licensing inquiries:

licensing@cslb.ca.gov

CSLB Public Affairs Office Report Unlicensed Activity:

Statewide Investigative Fraud Team Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed holidays)

Additional Contact Information