Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) wants to inform active licensees that workers’ compensation insurance will be required for license classifications C-8 (Concrete), C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning), C-22 (Asbestos Abatement), and D-49 (Tree Service) starting January 1, 2023, regardless of whether they have employees.
The new requirement is the result of CSLB-sponsored Senate Bill 216, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on September 30, 2022. The bill also requires that all active contractors – with or without employees – need to have a valid Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance by January 1, 2026. Existing law already requires C-39 (Roofing) contractors have workers’ compensation insurance. The only exception in SB 216 is for joint venture licenses, which will still be able to file a certificate of exemption.
If by July 1, 2023, any active C-8, C-20, C-22, or D-49 licensee does not have workers’ compensation insurance, the licensee risks having the license suspended or classification(s) removed. These contractors will need to have a valid and active certificate of insurance on file with CSLB, which will be required for all licensees in 2026.
CSLB will be updating its website to reflect the new requirements regarding workers’ compensation insurance.
More information about workers’ compensation insurance can be found through the California Department of Insurance’s website.