The Contractors State License Board voted to support a legislative proposal to authorize licensed contractors to perform debris removal, including muck‑out and ash‑out operations, during declared federal, state or local disasters. The board approved a motion directing staff to pursue sponsorship and draft statutory language.

Chief Nain described the proposal as narrowly tailored to disaster declarations and said it would require contractors performing disaster debris removal to pass a CSLB hazardous‑substance removal certification examination and comply with HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) requirements. “By specifying authorization to perform debris removal during a declared disaster … and requiring the contractors possess sufficient training and certification to conduct debris removal, lumber safety is enhanced and the risk of additional health and environmental hazards resulting from improper debris removal and disposal practices can be mitigated,” Chief Nain said.

Board members noted the proposal was narrower than a prior bill that had been vetoed; the earlier measure’s broader licensing waivers and other provisions drew the governor’s veto, and staff told the board the current draft focuses only on CSLB’s role and certification requirements. After discussion, a motion to support the proposal was made and seconded; a roll call was taken and the motion passed.

Public comment included a question about asbestos and quality control in debris removal operations; staff responses emphasized the proposed certification and training requirements are intended to address hazardous‑materials risks during disaster response.

Next steps: board staff will draft statutory language and seek a legislator to carry the measure in the 2026 session. The board record shows the motion passed by roll call; the transcript does not provide a clear, legible tally of each member’s recorded vote in the packet excerpts provided.

The proposal’s materials were introduced during the meeting (topic first discussed at SEG 356 and continued through SEG 461).