The Contractors State License Board voted to direct staff to conduct a survey of active B2 (residential remodeling) contractors to determine whether licensees want or need a pathway to the B (general building) classification or a restricted certification that would allow limited structural work. The motion passed at the Licensing Committee meeting and staff expects survey results to be ready for the March 2026 board meeting.

Board staff explained the background: the B2 residential remodeling trade was introduced in 2021 as a pathway for workers with multi‑trade experience who lacked structural/framing experience needed to qualify for a B general license. Staff reported that since August 2021, more than 1,300 people have been qualified for the B2 classification and that the board’s proposal would create a restricted certification—subject to an exam and scope limits—that would allow certified holders to build garages, sheds, patio covers and other limited structural work but not houses, ADUs or home additions. Staff also said those licensees would already meet bonding and law/business exam requirements for licensed contractors.

Board members pressed staff on how the board would verify that B2 licensees gained meaningful structural experience. Speaker 2 said inspectors and permits frequently do not exist for smaller projects: “So what experience are we getting? … I could build a shed. And nobody's coming out to look at it.” Several members reiterated that behind‑the‑wall work typically requires a licensed subcontractor and a permit, and staff said a more detailed code citation could be included in future language.

A public commenter raised concerns about in‑store retailer certification programs, saying retailers such as Home Depot are offering certifications and referring workers. Speaker 2 replied that such self‑certification “doesn't pull any weight,” and that enforcement—building violation postings, fines and legal action by counsel—would be pursued if the board found an unlawful practice.

The board’s motion directs staff to (1) implement the short survey of the active B2 contractor population, (2) return results to the board at the March 2026 meeting, and (3) develop language for a potential restricted certification or other pathways depending on findings. No final regulatory changes were adopted at the meeting; the board only authorized staff to survey and return with options.

Next steps: staff will launch the short survey, send reminders to the approximately 1,300–1,390 B2 licensees on file, and prepare recommendations and proposed regulatory language if the survey indicates a pathway is needed.