SB 1445: Healing arts.
This bill makes several changes to various laws and regulations in California. It updates provisions related to the licensing and regulation of healing arts professionals, including dentists, optometrists, and marriage and family therapists. The bill also lowers fees for nonresident optometrists and marriage and family therapists. Additionally, it changes the requirements for videoconferencing supervision and the display of qualification certificates for private security services. The bill also repeals provisions related to the director's duty to furnish copies of licensing law, rules, and regulations. Furthermore, it makes nonsubstantive changes to other laws and regulations, including updates to cross-references and the elimination of gendered pronouns. The bill also eliminates the requirement for reimbursement for certain costs mandated by the state.
| Sep. 14, 2026 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 237, Statutes of 2026. |
| Sep. 14, 2026 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep. 04, 2026 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m. |
| Aug. 28, 2026 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Aug. 27, 2026 | Ordered to special consent calendar. |
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 115.10 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:115.10.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:SEC. 2.
Section 802.5 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:802.5.
(a) When a county coroner or county medical examiner receives information that is based on findings that were reached by, or documented and approved by a board-certified or board-eligible pathologist indicating that a death may be the result of a physician and surgeon’s, podiatrist’s, or physician assistant’s gross negligence or incompetence, a report shall be filed with the Medical Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, the Podiatric Medical Board of California, or the Physician Assistant Board. The initial report shall include the name of the decedent, date and place of death, attending physicians or podiatrists, and all other relevant information available. The initial report shall be followed, within 90 days, by copies of the county coroner’s or county medical examiner’s report, autopsy protocol, and all other relevant information.SEC. 3.
Section 1621 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:1621.
The board shall utilize in the administration of its licensure examinations only examiners whom it has appointed and who meet the following criteria:SEC. 4.
Section 1632.6 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.SEC. 5.
Section 1724 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:1724.
The amount of charges and fees for dentists licensed pursuant to this chapter shall be established by the board as is necessary for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities required by this chapter as it relates to dentists, subject to the following limitations:SEC. 6.
Section 1750.1 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:1750.1.
(a) A dental assistant may perform the following duties under the general supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist:SEC. 7.
Section 2564.79 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:2564.79.
The amount of fees prescribed in connection with the registration of nonresident ophthalmic lens dispensers is that established by the following schedule:SEC. 8.
Section 4202.6 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4202.6.
Notwithstanding Section 480, the board may deny an application for licensure under this chapter if any of the following conditions apply:SEC. 9.
Section 4826.3 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4826.3.
(a) Notwithstanding any law, a veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, and veterinary assistant controlled substances permitholder registered in this state shall wear a name tag identification in at least 18-point type in any area of the veterinary premises that is accessible to members of the public. The name tag shall include the veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, and veterinary assistant controlled substances permitholder’s name, and, if applicable, the license, registration, or permit type and number issued by the board.SEC. 10.
Section 4840.9 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.SEC. 11.
Section 4842 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.SEC. 12.
Section 4980.36 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4980.36.
(a) This section shall apply to the following:SEC. 13.
Section 4980.41 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4980.41.
(a) An applicant for licensure whose education qualifies them under Section 4980.37 shall complete the following coursework or training in order to be eligible to sit for the licensing examinations as specified in Section 4980.397:SEC. 13.5.
Section 4980.41 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4980.41.
(a) An applicant for licensure whose education qualifies them under Section 4980.37 shall complete the following coursework or training in order to be eligible to sit for the clinical examination as specified in Section 4980.397:SEC. 14.
Section 4980.43.2 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4980.43.2.
(a) Except for experience gained by attending workshops, seminars, training sessions, or conferences, as described in paragraph (10) of subdivision (c) of Section 4980.43, direct supervisor contact shall occur as follows:SEC. 15.
Section 4980.72 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4980.72.
The board may issue a license to a person who, at the time of submitting an application for a license pursuant to this chapter, holds a license in another jurisdiction of the United States as a marriage and family therapist at the highest level for independent clinical practice if all of the following requirements are met:SEC. 16.
Section 4980.78 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4980.78.
(a) This section applies to persons with education gained from an out-of-state school who apply for licensure or registration and who do not qualify for a license under Section 4980.72.SEC. 17.
Section 4980.81 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4980.81.
This section applies to persons subject to Section 4980.78 who apply for licensure or registration.SEC. 18.
Section 4990.26.1 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4990.26.1.
(a) Any person applying for a license or registration as a marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, or professional clinical counselor shall, in addition to any other requirements, show by evidence satisfactory to the board that they have completed training in human sexuality as a condition of licensure.SEC. 19.
Section 4996.17.1 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4996.17.1.
The board may issue a license to a person who, at the time of submitting an application for a license pursuant to this chapter, holds a license in another jurisdiction of the United States as a clinical social worker at the highest level for independent practice if all of the following requirements are met:SEC. 20.
Section 4996.17.2 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4996.17.2.
(a) This section applies to persons with education gained from an out-of-state school or experience gained outside of California who apply for licensure or registration and who do not qualify for a license under Section 4996.17.1.SEC. 21.
Section 4996.23.1 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4996.23.1.
(a) Except for experience gained by attending workshops, seminars, training sessions, or conferences, as described in paragraph (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 4996.23, direct supervisor contact shall occur as follows:SEC. 22.
Section 4999.32 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4999.32.
(a) This section shall apply to applicants for licensure or registration who began graduate study before August 1, 2012, and completed that study on or before December 31, 2018. Those applicants may alternatively qualify under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 4999.33.SEC. 23.
Section 4999.33 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4999.33.
(a) This section shall apply to the following:SEC. 24.
Section 4999.46.2 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4999.46.2.
(a) Except for experience gained by attending workshops, seminars, training sessions, or conferences, as described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (c) of Section 4999.46, direct supervisor contact shall occur as follows:SEC. 25.
Section 4999.60 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4999.60.
(a) The board may issue a license to a person who, at the time of submitting an application for a license pursuant to this chapter, holds a license in another jurisdiction of the United States as a professional clinical counselor at the highest level for independent clinical practice if all of the following requirements are met:SEC. 26.
Section 4999.62 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4999.62.
(a) This section applies to persons with education gained from an out-of-state school who apply for licensure or registration and who do not qualify for a license under Section 4999.60.SEC. 27.
Section 6980.82 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.SEC. 28.
Section 7026.12 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:7026.12.
The installation of a fire protection system, excluding an electrical alarm system, shall be performed only by either of the following:SEC. 29.
Section 7057 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:7057.
(a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.SEC. 30.
Section 7071.18 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:7071.18.
Notwithstanding any other law, a licensee shall report to the registrar in writing the occurrence of any of the following within 90 days after the licensee obtains knowledge of the event:SEC. 31.
Section 7139.3 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:7139.3.
(a) The board may award grants to qualified public postsecondary educational institutions for the support of courses of study in construction management.SEC. 32.
Section 7511 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:7511.
The bureau shall establish and assess fees and penalties for licensure and registration as displayed in this section. The fees prescribed by this chapter are as follows:SEC. 33.
Section 7519 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.SEC. 34.
Section 7581.5 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.SEC. 35.
Section 7582.22 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:7582.22.
(a) The business of each licensee shall be operated under the active direction, control, charge, or management, in this state, of the licensee, if they are qualified, or the person who is qualified to act as the licensee’s manager, if the licensee is not qualified. Any licensee conducting business in this state whose primary office is located outside of this state shall do both of the following:SEC. 36.
Section 7599.71 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed.SEC. 37.
Section 9884.76 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:9884.76.
Notwithstanding Section 9889.20, an automotive repair dealer who prepares a written estimate for repairs pursuant to Section 9884.9 that includes replacement of a deployed airbag that is part of an inflatable restraint system, and who fails to restore the airbag that is part of an inflatable restraint system to its original operating condition, where the customer has paid for the replacement of the deployed airbag as provided in the estimate, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. This section does not prohibit a written estimate from being in an electronic format.SEC. 38.
Section 9884.9 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:9884.9.
(a) The automotive repair dealer shall give to the customer a written estimated price for labor and parts necessary for a specific job, except as provided in subdivision (e). No work shall be done and no charges shall accrue before authorization to proceed is obtained from the customer. No charge shall be made for work done or parts supplied in excess of the estimated price, or the posted price specified in subdivision (e), without the oral or written consent of the customer that shall be obtained at some time after it is determined that the estimated or posted price is insufficient and before the work not estimated or posted is done or the parts not estimated or posted are supplied. Written consent or authorization for an increase in the original estimated or posted price may be provided by electronic mail or facsimile transmission from the customer. The bureau may specify in regulation the procedures to be followed by an automotive repair dealer if an authorization or consent for an increase in the original estimated price is provided by electronic mail or facsimile transmission. If that consent is oral, the dealer shall make a notation on the work order of the date, time, name of person authorizing the additional repairs, and telephone number called, if any, together with a specification of the additional parts and labor and the total additional cost, and shall do either of the following:“I acknowledge notice and oral approval of an increase in the original estimated price. | |
_____ | |
_____ | (signature or initials)” |
SEC. 39.
Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:17913.
(a) The fictitious business name statement shall contain all of the information required by this subdivision and shall be substantially in the following form:FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT | |
The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as | |
* | |
at ** : | |
*** | |
This business is conducted by **** | |
The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on | |
***** | |
I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) | |
Registrant signature Printed name Title, as appropriate | |
Statement filed with the County Clerk of ____ County on | |
SEC. 40.
Section 19120 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:19120.
The enforcement of all sanitization regulations pertaining to any article subject to this chapter is vested in the bureau. The bureau shall consult with the State Department of Public Health on any changes to the sanitization requirements.SEC. 41.
Section 19239 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:19239.
(a) Before a permit is issued, the bureau shall require the applicant to establish their knowledge and ability to engage in business as a household mover by examination. The examination may be written or oral, or in the form of a demonstration of skill, or any combination of these, and any investigation of character, experience, and any tests of technical knowledge and manual skill that the bureau determines to be appropriate may be employed. In any examination, the qualification of the applicant shall be determined by an appraisal made by a member of the bureau’s staff. The criteria used by the bureau staff in making the required appraisal to determine whether the applicant has met the qualifications shall be established by the bureau by rule or regulation, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. An applicant who has been determined to be unqualified may establish their qualifications through a subsequent examination, but no subsequent examination shall be taken prior to 30 days from the date when the applicant was found to be unqualified. If the staff member determines that the applicant is not qualified and denies the application, the bureau shall notify the applicant in writing. Within 30 days of service of the notice, the applicant may file a written request with the bureau for a hearing on the denial. Upon receipt of a timely filed request, the bureau shall request that the matter be set for a hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the director shall have all the powers granted therein. If the staff member determines that the applicant is qualified, the bureau may issue a permit without a hearing.SEC. 42.
Section 19278 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:19278.
Every corporation or person other than a household mover, who knowingly and willfully, either individually, or acting as an officer, agent, or employee of a corporation, partnership, or any other person other than a household mover, violates any provision of this chapter or fails to observe, obey, or comply with any rule, regulation, or requirement administered by the bureau pursuant to this chapter, or who procures, aids, or abets any household mover in its violation of this chapter, or in its failure to obey, observe, or comply with any such rule, regulation, or requirement, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than three months, or both.SEC. 43.
Section 19279.2 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:19279.2.
Every corporation or person other than a household mover who knowingly and willfully, either individually, or acting as an officer, agent, or employee of a corporation, partnership, or any other person other than a household mover, violates any provision of this chapter or fails to observe, obey, or comply with any order, decision, rule, regulation, direction, demand, or requirement administered by the bureau pursuant to this chapter, or who procures, aids, or abets any household mover in its violation of this chapter, or in its failure to obey, observe, or comply with any such order, decision, rule, regulation, direction, demand, or requirement, is subject to a citation and fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense.SEC. 44.
Section 13.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 4980.41 of the Business and Professions Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 1598. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2027, (2) each bill amends Section 4980.41 of the Business and Professions Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1598, in which case Section 13 of this bill shall not become operative.SEC. 45.
No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.