Committee advances SB 1263 to limit post-disaster debris work to licensed, HAZWOPER-trained contractors

Senator Maguire told the California State Assembly Emergency Management Committee on June 30 that SB 1263 is a "straightforward" public-safety bill that would ensure only licensed and appropriately trained contractors perform post-disaster residential debris removal.

"It's a safety measure that mandates only licensed general engineering, general building, earthwork and paving, and building moving demolition contractors can perform post disaster residential debris removal work," Senator Maguire said, and added the bill advances HAZWOPER training requirements for handling hazardous materials.

Chris Snyder, political director for Operating Engineers Local 3, urged the committee to support the bill on worker-safety grounds, recounting experience with out-of-state contractors deployed after major fires who lacked appropriate safety gear. "When properly trained and licensed contractors perform debris removal, workers are better protected from injury and exposure, and in turn the workers are protecting surrounding communities and the environment," Snyder said.

David Foad, registrar for the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB), described how the bill would expand eligible license classifications to roughly 135,000 licensed contractors and add about 5,585 contractors in some Northern California rural counties who could obtain a Hazardous Substance Removal Certification. He told the committee that the bill requires CSLB-licensed contractors to get the certification and HAZWOPER training when specified conditions apply, including that residential property has been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster and a permit is required to remove debris containing hazardous materials.

Todd Bloemstein of the Southern California Contractors Association said his group was opposed unless amended but reported tentative agreement with the author’s office and expected to convert to support after language work. Committee members thanked the sponsor for negotiating with stakeholders. Assemblymember Arambula moved the bill with a second from Assemblymember Calderon; the committee voted to pass the bill as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.

The bill will next be reviewed by appropriations staff for potential fiscal impacts and any final technical refinements noted by industry and labor stakeholders during the hearing.