Legislative Updates
The California ASHI CRIEA Legislative Committee continues to actively monitor and engage in legislation that may impact the home inspection profession, the construction industry, and California housing policy.
On March 4, the Legislative Committee received an update following the deadline for the introduction of new legislation. Approximately 1,800 new bills were introduced this session and reviewed by our Legislative advocate, Jerry Desmond. Jerry narrowed these proposals down to a 70-page report covering 181 bills, along with a focused summary of 27 measures identified as potentially relevant to CA ASHI CREIA.
The Legislative Committee met with Jerry and identified the following key measures for recommended positions and ongoing monitoring:
AB 1070 [Ward] / AB 6 [Ward] – Residential Developments of 3–10 Units
Would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to study and potentially recommend amendments allowing residential developments between 3 and 10 units to be constructed under the California Residential Code rather than the California Building Code.
On March 4, the Legislative Committee received an update following the deadline for the introduction of new legislation. Approximately 1,800 new bills were introduced this session and reviewed by our Legislative advocate, Jerry Desmond. Jerry narrowed these proposals down to a 70-page report covering 181 bills, along with a focused summary of 27 measures identified as potentially relevant to CA ASHI CREIA.
The Legislative Committee met with Jerry and identified the following key measures for recommended positions and ongoing monitoring:
AB 1070 [Ward] / AB 6 [Ward] – Residential Developments of 3–10 Units
Would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to study and potentially recommend amendments allowing residential developments between 3 and 10 units to be constructed under the California Residential Code rather than the California Building Code.
AB 1738 [Carrillo] – Remote Building Permit Inspections
Would require cities and counties to offer homeowners the option of remote inspections for certain permitted work in one- and two-family dwellings by July 1, 2027.
SB 222 [Wiener] – HVAC / Heat Pump Installation Inspections
Would require jurisdictions to offer asynchronous inspections for residential heat pump water heater and HVAC installations where simultaneous presence of the contractor and inspector is not required.
•AB 1888 [Ortega] – Safe Home Grants Contracts
Would establish standardized procedures for contractor selection and grant awards to perform categories of wildfire mitigation work under the California Safe Homes Grant Program.
AB 2287 [Rodriguez] – Contractor Discipline
Would clarify that contractors are not subject to disciplinary action solely for the use of technologies, tools, or equipment while performing licensed construction work.
Would clarify that contractors are not subject to disciplinary action solely for the use of technologies, tools, or equipment while performing licensed construction work.
AB 2252 [Lee] – Single Stair Entry & Exit
Currently introduced as a placeholder “spot bill” expressing legislative intent to allow certain 4+ story housing projects to utilize a single stair entry/exit configuration.
As always, many of these proposals are likely to evolve significantly as they move through the legislative process. The Legislative Committee will continue monitoring developments, meeting with stakeholders, and providing updates to the membership.
Please also consider supporting the California Home Inspectors Legislative Action Coalition CHILAC fund.
Maintaining a professional presence in Sacramento is critical to ensuring the voice of the inspection industry is heard and represented as legislation affecting all California inspectors continues to evolve. Please donate today!
Ken Collins
Steve Carrol