Assembly adopts ACR 145 declaring March 1–7 Women in Construction Week

The California State Assembly on Jan. 20 adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 145, declaring March 1–7, 2026, as Women in Construction Week, after members cited apprenticeship opportunities, workplace accommodations and training as priorities for expanding women's participation in the trades.

Assemblymember Colosa introduced the resolution on the Assembly floor, saying the measure is meant to promote careers for women in every construction role "from apprentice to project manager, from small business owner to industry leader." Colosa urged colleagues to support measures that "expand apprenticeship programs and build workplaces where women are not simply welcomed, but empowered."

Colosa said the week is a chance to commit to training, childcare and business support so women can "write their own blueprints, lead with confidence and thrive in an industry where they once thought the doors were closed." The clerk opened the roll for coauthors and recorded 67 coauthors before the Assembly took a voice vote and adopted the measure.

Assemblymember Davies, who spoke in support, framed a career in the trades as a clear path to the middle class: "A journey level electrician or carpenter wanting to go into construction can earn over $100,000 plus full health care and pension," Davies said, and noted that the state has invested "over $50,000,000 into Erica's grants" to support pipelines into the trades.

Assemblymember Bauer Kehund recounted efforts to address basic workplace needs, saying a female union leader told her they were denied separate restroom facilities on some sites. "If you had a magic wand, what would you do to make things better for women in the trades? I'd give us a porta potty," Bauer Kehund said, describing previous legislative attempts and urging action to make worksites safer and more equitable.

Doctor Rambula, speaking for his district, described a 2022 budget allocation to the "Valley Build Now" program and said the Assembly secured $3,000,000 to fund pre-apprenticeship cohorts that provided childcare, stipends and transportation to help women enter apprenticeship pipelines.

After debate, the Assembly agreed to a voice vote on the resolution; the presiding officer recorded the ayes and declared ACR 145 adopted. Colosa then introduced women in construction who were in the gallery, thanked the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange and the building trades, and noted pink shovels and stickers distributed from Team Kolozar to commemorate the week.

The Assembly then proceeded with the consent calendar, adding coauthors on ACR 135 (school breakfast week) and adopting the consent calendar as reported. The House adjourned and is scheduled to reconvene for a floor session on Monday, March 9 at 1 p.m.