AB 1888: California Safe Homes grant program: contractors.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law creates the Department of Insurance, headed by the Insurance Commissioner, and prescribes the department’s powers and duties. Existing law establishes the California Safe Homes grant program to be developed by the department to, among other things, reduce local and statewide wildfire losses. Existing law requires the department to prioritize specified needs when awarding grant funds and requires eligible program applicants, which include individuals, cities, counties, and special districts, to meet specified criteria.

This bill would, for purposes of the program, require the department to develop standardized procedures and processes, on or before July 1, 2027, for the selection of contractors and award of grant funds to perform specified categories of wildfire mitigation work. The bill would impose specified wage requirements on a contractor who performs any work under these procedures and processes. The bill would prohibit a contractor from being prequalified for, shortlisted for, or awarded a contract unless they provide an enforceable commitment that they will use a skilled and trained workforce to perform all work that falls within an apprenticeable occupation in the building and construction trades, as specified. The bill would impose various requirements on contractors and subcontractors, including requiring each to hold a valid, applicable license issued by the appropriate regulatory entity in this state for the specific task being funded by the program.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 14, 2026In committee: Held under submission.
2. May 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
3. April 23, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. April 15, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on L. & E. (Ayes 14. Noes 2.) (April 15). Re-referred to Com. on L. & E.
5. March 19, 2026Re-referred to Com. on INS.
6. March 18, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on INS. Read second time and amended.
7. March 2, 2026Referred to Coms. on INS. and L. & E.
8. February 13, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee March 15.
9. February 12, 2026Read first time. To print.