Attorney General‑backed AB 1002 would let DOJ seek license suspensions for repeated contractor wage theft

Assemblymember Gabriel presented AB 1002, sponsored by the Attorney General’s Office and supported by labor and building trades groups, to authorize the California Department of Justice, in coordination with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), to seek disciplinary remedies (including license suspension or revocation) for licensees found in civil proceedings to have committed serious or repeated wage theft. The author and the Attorney General’s office said the bill does not create new remedies but permits DOJ to seek remedies that are currently available only to CSLB through civil or administrative actions, adding DOJ’s enforcement resources and coordination for the most egregious cases.

Evan Acheron, Special Assistant Attorney General, described the bill as narrowly drafted with guardrails: only the AG’s office (not other prosecuting agencies) may seek licensing remedies; remedies may be imposed only by a court and only after violations are proven; CSLB remains involved in the process and retains discretion. Labor witnesses described examples of contractors with large wage assessments who still obtain public work and remain under investigation; they said licensing consequences provide a meaningful deterrent and protect workers. The committee did not record a roll call vote in the provided excerpt; sponsors said CSLB supports the measure and urged committee approval.