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CSLB drafts narrower bill to require hazardous‑substance certification for debris removal in declared disasters
Summary
CSLB staff proposed drafting legislation to specify which contractor classifications can perform debris removal in declared disaster areas and to require a CSLB hazardous‑substance removal certification and HAZWOPER compliance; the measure is narrower than this year’s SB 641, which the governor vetoed.
The Contractors State License Board’s Legislative Committee on Nov. 18 reviewed a draft proposal to codify which classifications may conduct debris removal in declared disaster areas and to require a CSLB hazardous‑substance removal certification plus compliance with HAZWOPER safety requirements.
Legislation background: staff said a broader bill (SB 641) had carried provisions relevant to DCA programs and was vetoed by the governor; staff believe the veto was not directed at CSLB‑specific provisions. Rebecca May summarized this year’s bill language and said today’s draft will be significantly narrower and limited to CSLB’s needs: it would confirm that contractors may perform debris removal (including ash‑out and pull‑out) in a declared disaster only if they hold an A (general engineering), a B (general building) or specified C classifications (C12 earthwork/paving and C21 building/moving/demolition) and have passed a CSLB hazardous‑substance removal exam and meet HAZWOPER requirements established by the Department of Industrial Relations.
Staff explained the narrower approach was developed with Los Angeles County Public Works after the county’s burn‑area response raised concerns about unsafe debris‑removal practices and untrained workers on disaster sites. Registrar David Folk said the goal is to ensure contractors performing post‑disaster debris removal have training, proper personal protective equipment and knowledge of safe wrapping and transfer to approved disposal sites. The proposal would not change classification limits for non‑disaster work.
Public questions: attendees asked whether a general B contractor could remove debris without also rebuilding; staff replied the legislation would authorize debris removal in declared disasters even when reconstruction is not planned, because some disaster responses require demolition and complete removal prior to rebuilding.
Next steps: staff will draft a legislative proposal for the full Board’s December meeting and, if approved, seek a legislator to author the bill for 2026. The committee took public comment but did not vote on legislation in this session.
