SB 33: Public contracts: claim resolution.

Official summary

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

Existing law prescribes various requirements regarding the formation, content, and enforcement of state and local public contracts. Existing law establishes, until January 1, 2027, for contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2017, a claim resolution process applicable to any claim by a contractor in connection with a public works project against a public entity, as specified. For purposes of these provisions, existing law defines “public entity” to include, among others, a city, including a charter city, and county, including a charter county. Existing law imposes various requirements on a public entity in relating to the claim resolution process, including, among other things, conducting a reasonable review of the claim and, within 45 days, providing the claimant a written statement identifying the disputed and undisputed portions of the claim.

This bill would repeal the above-described January 1, 2027, repeal date, thereby extending the operation of these provisions indefinitely. By indefinitely extending the duties of local agencies in relation to the above-specified claim resolution process, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

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. July 16, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 99, Statutes of 2026.
2. July 16, 2026Approved by the Governor.
3. July 15, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 11 a.m.
4. July 2, 2026In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
5. July 2, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 70. Noes 0. Page 5984.) Ordered to the Senate.
6. June 25, 2026Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
7. June 24, 2026From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (June 24).
8. June 10, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (June 10). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
9. June 1, 2026Referred to Com. on G.O.
10. January 26, 2026In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
11. January 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 3279.) Ordered to the Assembly.
12. January 21, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.