Breaking News

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 33 (Cortese) into law, making permanent California's process for resolving public works change order and claim disputes.

What Does SB 33 Do?

SB 33 permanently protects the framework that requires public agencies to review contractor claims in a timely manner, pay undisputed amounts, and work toward resolving disputes before they escalate into costly litigation.

Why It Matters

On October 3, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) published an “interim final rule” (IFR) eliminating race- and gender-based Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals on federal-aid highway and transit projects. Changes go into effect immediately.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a proposed rule that could significantly affect the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. While the full details are still under review, these changes may impact contractors and subcontractors working on federally funded projects, with implications on state projects.

We are proud to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 61 (Cortese) into law, UCON-sponsored legislation that establishes a 5% cap on retention for private construction projects in California.

Effective January 1, 2026, the new law will apply to contracts for private works of improvement entered into on or after that date.

Governor Gavin Newsom released his May Revision of the 2025–26 California state budget on May 14, 2025, announcing a projected $12 billion deficit. The Governor proposed a $322 billion spending plan, which includes several key proposals: 

Transportation

The May Revise proposes $17.6 million one-time from the State Highway Account to support the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Game in Los Angeles, including facility development, ongoing planning efforts, and work on the Games Route Network project. 

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved an indoor heat illness regulation. The new regulation requires indoor workplaces to be cooled below 87 degrees Fahrenheit if feasible when employees are present, and below 82 degrees if feasible in places where workers wear protective clothing that restricts heat removal or work in high radiant heat areas.  

The US Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and heat advisories for regions throughout California. Temperatures will be +/-100F degrees. To protect yourself and your employees, make sure you have your Heat Illness Prevention Plan in place. Heat illness can result if precautions are not taken.

On February 9, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 114 into law, which requires businesses with 26 or more employees to provide workers with up to 80 hours of COVID paid leave.

It is retroactive to January 1, 2022, and will stay in effect through September. 

Existing California law already requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who get COVID on the job site or are required to quarantine due to COVID exposure at work. 

February 10, 2022

This week, the state of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new Health Guidance for face coverings effective February 16.

Citing declining Omicron hospitalizations, the CDPH relaxed the requirement for masking in most settings. 

COVID-19 Compliance Update

February 9, 2022  

Effective February 19, 2022, California employers will need to provide Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) to employees for COVID-related reasons, including vaccinations. While this new law (SB 114) is very similar to last year's COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law (SB 95), there are also notable differences to be aware of.

Summary of Key Components: