SB 779: Contractors: civil penalties.

This bill amends the state's contractors' license law to increase civil penalties for violations. Starting July 1, 2026, the minimum civil penalties for violations related to unlicensed persons will be at least $1,500, and for other specified violations, it will be at least $500 or $1,500. The bill also allows the Contractors State License Board to adjust these minimum civil penalties for inflation every five years. The bill increases the limit on the reserve fund, which is used to cover board expenditures, from six months to one year. Additionally, the bill incorporates changes to section 7099.2 of the business and professions code, which will only be operative if this bill and another bill are enacted and this bill is enacted last.