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CSLB hires Sacramento State researcher to study online false advertising and unlicensed contracting
Summary
CSLB staff described a planned statewide study with Sacramento State University's Population Research Center to map unlicensed contracting, survey consumers in English and Spanish, and recommend resource needs; staff expects a final report by February (date unspecified).
At the April 11, 2025 Enforcement Committee meeting, CSLB enforcement staff described an upcoming contract with Sacramento State University's Population Research Center (PRC) to study illegal advertising and the prevalence of unlicensed contracting in California.
Enforcement staff said the study will identify how much illegal online advertising exists, the methods used and the geographic areas where it is most prevalent. PRC will develop an electronic consumer survey in English and Spanish for CSLB review, analyze CSLB internal and external data (including business licenses and county permits) and prepare an electronic report of findings and recommendations.
Staff said the contract was developed in coordination with the Department of Consumer Affairs and is expected to be executed on or before May 15. The study will analyze CSLB internal data sources including enforcement data and the SWIFT system and will identify recommendations on resources needed to address unlicensed activity. The final report of the study is anticipated to be completed "by February," according to staff; no year was specified during the presentation.
Committee members did not take action on the contract during the virtual meeting; staff invited members and the public to provide input for the survey tools and indicated the study's findings will inform future outreach and enforcement strategies.
