CSLB-funded study to estimate unlicensed contractors; public urges outreach to artists, sales agents and emergency fraud tools

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) enforcement committee heard that the Policy Research Center (PRC) will analyze CSLB internal and external data to estimate the number of unlicensed contractors operating in California and to assess activity in declared disaster areas. CSLB staff will provide PRC with enforcement data and access details; PRC will deliver an electronic report anticipated to be completed by February (timeframe in the meeting did not specify year).

The PRC study, described at the committee meeting, will use CSLB enforcement databases and SWIFT records and may be supplemented by external sources such as county business permits and city business-license records, staff said. CSLB will identify a contact person for each data source to answer PRC questions, and the committee was told the final product will include recommendations on resources needed to address unlicensed activity and related consumer-protection issues.

Why it matters: Unlicensed contracting and contractor fraud were discussed as distinct but related risks. Public commenters told the committee that outreach and enforcement efforts should be broadened beyond generic unlicensed-contracting sweeps to address…