California Legislature Reconvenes
In January, the California Senate and Assembly reconvened in Sacramento for the 2017 legislative session. On the heels of a grueling election season, the political makeup of elected officials in the Capitol has significantly changed. There are nine new members in the 40-member Senate and 22 new members in the 80-member Assembly, a tremendous amount of turnover.
The new class of lawmakers will be made up of a record number of Latinos and the fewest women in over 20 years. The “moderate caucus” of business-friendly Democrats has also grown its ranks, which is a positive for our industry. The most significant development is that Democrats regained a two-thirds supermajority in both houses of the Legislature. This dominance provides them the power to pass taxes, amend political spending laws, move constitutional amendments to the ballot or enact urgency legislation without Republican support.
After sifting through over 2600 bills, from an industry point of view, we have a good idea of what we will be promoting, opposing and facing this legislative session. Our top priority this year is extending the policy of the 5% retention withholding cap on public works projects. This is an important policy that keeps public works contractors financial liquid and solvent. In addition, we will be working on measures aimed at increased enforcement for the public works registration requirement, including placing increased onus on public agencies to comply with and implement the program. Multiple bills have again been introduced to reduce or even remove design professionals from having a duty to defend and participate in construction litigation. We will continue to vehemently oppose theses measures. Other measures relating to prevailing wage, apprenticeship, contractor licensing and building standards will also be considered. All of which we will be actively involved with.
Through SCGMA’s participation on the Allied Trades Statewide Legislative Committee, direction and input is provided on all statewide legislative issues. SCGMA’s continued support and involvement goes a long way towards promoting and protecting our industry.
Eddie Bernacchi is a seventeen year veteran of the public affairs and lobbying industry in California, whose career has focused on representing the union construction industry.