The California Spa and Pool Education Council (SPEC) Legislative Committee has reviewed the bills introduced for this
year's legislative session and determined the SPEC bill package for 2013. These bills cover a wide variety of topics, including the underground economy, minimum wage increases and recycled water use. SPEC will support 12 bills, oppose three and carefully watch 17 others.
The organization has already begin proactive work in support of four bills sponsored by the Contractors State License Board to combat the underground economy, battle unlicensed contractors and maintain consumer safety and confidence. The three bills authored by Senator Bill Monning — includeing SB 261, 262, and 263 — will improve the CSLB’s ability to pursue legal and administrative recourse against those who violate the business and professions code, otherwise known as unlicensed contractors.
The fourth bill, AB 993, authored by Assembly Member Eric Linder, will prohibit an arbitrator from enforcing specific performance of a contract between a contractor and a consumer. In essence, the bill ensures that a consumer does not have to prolong an already-strained contractor-consumer relationship — while still resolving the situation.
In addition, SPEC will support SB 270, another underground economy bill. Authored by Senator Alex Padilla, the bill ensures that, to the extent feasible, the Department of Insurance and the Labor Enforcement Task Force will coordinate their law enforcement activities and exchange information to better find and crack down on employers who violate wage, hour and safety laws by illegally hiring workers.
"SPEC continues to see positive results in conjunction with the work we have performed in the state capitol," organization representatives say. In particular, SPEC is pleased with last week's statewide sting that took nearly 80 unlicensed contractors, including pool contractors, into custody. SPEC plans continued support for bills that support similar endeavors in the future.
“These bills continue to build on the good work that SPEC has done with the Construction Enforcement Coalition, the CSLB and various other state agencies charged with enforcing California’s licensing, insurance, wage and tax laws,” says SPEC President John Norwood.
