AB-1888 • 2026

California Safe Homes grant program: contractors.

Labor

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Ortega (A) , Calderon
Last action: 2026-05-14
Official status: In committee: Held under submission.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on the specific categories of wildfire mitigation work covered under the program or the exact wage requirements.

California Safe Homes Grant Program: Contractor Rules

This law sets rules for contractors who work on wildfire prevention projects using money from the California Safe Homes grant program, including requirements to use licensed and trained workers.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Department of Insurance to create standard ways to choose and pay contractors by July 1, 2027.
Sets wage requirements for workers hired through these procedures.
Prohibits contractors from being prequalified or awarded a contract unless they commit to using skilled and trained workers in construction trades.
Requires all contractors and subcontractors to have the right licenses from California before getting a job.

Who It Names or Affects

Contractors who want to work on wildfire prevention projects funded by the grant program.
The Department of Insurance, which will create rules for choosing contractors.

Terms To Know

Apprenticeable occupation: A type of job in construction that requires special training and skills.
Subcontractor: A company or person hired by a contractor to do part of the work on a project.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much money will be given out for these projects.
It is unclear what specific categories of wildfire mitigation work are covered under this program.
There may be additional requirements or changes to the law after it passes.

Bill History

2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
In committee: Held under submission.
2026-05-06 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-04-23 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on L. & E. (Ayes 14. Noes 2.) (April 15). Re-referred to Com. on L. & E.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on INS.
2026-03-18 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on INS. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on INS. and L. & E.
2026-02-13 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 15.
2026-02-12 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1888, as amended, Ortega.
California Safe Homes grant program: contractors.
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
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.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF