SB-1263 • 2026

Contractors: debris removal.

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor: McGuire
Last action: 2026-04-17
Official status: Set for hearing April 27.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about safety rules or enforcement actions for non-compliant contractors.

Rules for Debris Removal by Contractors

This law sets rules for contractors to remove debris in disaster areas after obtaining specific licenses and passing a hazardous substance certification exam.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits contractors from removing debris in declared disaster areas unless they have one of the specified license or classifications.
Requires any licensee authorized to perform debris removal under these provisions to pass an approved hazardous substance certification examination.

Who It Names or Affects

Contractors who want to remove debris in areas hit by disasters or emergencies.
People living in communities affected by wildfires or other natural disasters.

Terms To Know

Disaster Area: An area declared as a disaster zone due to an emergency like a wildfire, flood, or earthquake.
Hazardous Substance Certification Examination: A test that contractors must pass to show they know how to safely handle dangerous materials during cleanup work.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if a contractor works without the required licenses.
It is unclear when exactly this law will start being enforced after it passes.

Bill History

2026-04-17 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 27.
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 14.
2026-03-23 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E.M. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0. Page 3638.) (March 23). Re-referred to Com. on E.M.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing March 23.
2026-03-04 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on B. P. & E.D. and E.M.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 22.
2026-02-19 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 1263, as introduced, McGuire.
Contractors: debris removal.
Existing law, the Contractors State License Law, provides for the licensure and regulation of contractors by the Contractors State License Board. Existing law prohibits contractors from performing specified acts. Existing law requires the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery or another state agency tasked to manage contracts for wildfire debris cleanup and removal by the Office of Emergency Services to prequalify contractors to enter into contracts to perform prescribed wildfire debris cleanup and removal work in communities impacted by wildfires.
Notwithstanding the prequalification requirement, this bill would prohibit a contractor from engaging in debris removal in a declared disaster area, unless the contractor has one of specified license or classifications. During a declared federal, state, or local emergency or for a declared
disaster area due to a natural disaster, the bill would require any licensee authorized to perform debris removal under these provisions to pass an approved hazardous substance certification examination and comply with hazardous waste operation and emergency response requirements, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF