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: 2026-06-09
Official status: June 16 hearing postponed by committee.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on enforcement or penalties for non-compliance.

Rules for Debris Removal by Contractors

This law sets rules for contractors to remove debris in disaster-hit areas, requiring them to have specific licenses and pass a hazardous substance certification exam.

What This Bill Does

Requires contractors to have certain licenses before they can remove debris in declared disaster areas.
Prohibits unlicensed contractors from doing debris removal work in declared disaster zones.
Needs licensed contractors to take a test about dangerous substances and follow safety rules when removing debris during emergencies.

Who It Names or Affects

Contractors who want to remove debris from disaster areas
People living in communities hit by disasters

Terms To Know

Declared Disaster Area: An area officially recognized as being affected by a major event like a wildfire or flood.
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 the consequences for breaking these rules.
It is unclear when this law will start being used after it passes.

Bill History

2026-06-09 California Legislative Information
June 16 hearing postponed by committee.
2026-05-18 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on B. & P. and E.M.
2026-04-30 California Legislative Information
In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
2026-04-30 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 36. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly.
2026-04-28 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
2026-04-27 California Legislative Information
From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to consent calendar.
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. Page 3864.) (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