SB 1371: Solid waste handling services: labor dispute.

Official summary

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

Existing law contains various provisions relating to franchise agreements between a local jurisdiction and a service provider for the provision of services such as utilities, waste hauling, and cable television.

This bill would prohibit any franchise contracts, licenses, or permits for solid waste handling services, as defined, entered into or substantially amended, as defined, by a local agency on or after January 1, 2027, from including a force majeure provision that excuses or suspends the service provider’s obligation to perform under the franchise contract, license, or permit in the event of a work stoppage arising out of or in connection with a labor dispute, as defined. The bill would also provide that any force majeure provision in a franchise contract, license, or permit for solid waste handling services is void and unenforceable to the extent that it excuses or suspends performance due to a work stoppage arising out of or in connection with a labor dispute. By imposing new duties on local governments with respect to the franchise contracts, licenses, or permits for solid waste handling services, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would provide that its provisions are severable.

The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“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. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 704, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 704, Statutes of 2026.
3. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
4. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
5. August 31, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 6 p.m.
6. August 31, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 6 p.m.
7. August 26, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 28. Noes 10. Page 5913.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
8. August 26, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 28. Noes 10.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9. August 19, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
10. August 19, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
11. August 19, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 58. Noes 17. Page 6262.) Ordered to the Senate.
12. August 19, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 58. Noes 17. Page 6262.) Ordered to the Senate.