California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1809

Introduced
2/10/26  
Refer
3/2/26  
Report Pass
3/19/26  
Refer
3/24/26  
Report Pass
4/15/26  
Refer
4/15/26  
Report Pass
5/13/26  
Engrossed
5/18/26  
Refer
5/18/26  
Refer
5/27/26  
Report Pass
6/1/26  

Caption

An act to amend Section 17596 of the Education Code, and to amend Sections 20655.23 and 20919.23 of, and to repeal Sections 20665.33 and 20919.33 of, 20665.23, 20665.33, 20919.23, 20919.31, and 20919.33 of the Public Contract Code, relating to public contracts.

Impact

The implications of AB 1809 on state laws center around continuing specific practices that govern how school districts manage construction contracts. By making provisions operative indefinitely, the bill promotes consistency in job order contracting and enforces the necessity for project labor agreements in larger public works. Furthermore, it aims to ensure that construction activities do not exceed imposed cost limits, thus maintaining fiscal responsibility. These regulatory changes can significantly impact how school and community colleges procure construction services, affecting project timelines and budget management.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1809, introduced by Assembly Member Fong, amends several sections of the Education Code and Public Contract Code to enhance the framework surrounding public contracts for school and community college districts. The bill aims to extend the provisions that govern job order contracting indefinitely, removing the previous expiration date of January 1, 2027. It allows school districts to utilize job order contracts only when specific protocols, such as entering into project labor agreements, are adhered to, reinforcing the connection between labor agreements and contract execution.

Sentiment

The sentiment around AB 1809 appears largely supportive, primarily from education and labor organizations advocating for structured contracting practices that ensure fair labor standards. However, there may be concerns about the complexity and potential delays in project execution caused by the extended requirements for project labor agreements. Overall, the discourse around the bill indicates a preference for maintaining high standards in public contracting while managing costs effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the decision to maintain requirements that may be viewed as overly restrictive by some stakeholders, particularly those advocating for faster procurement processes. Critics might argue that such requirements could impede timely project delivery, especially for urgent school infrastructure improvements. Additionally, there's an underlying tension between ensuring labor protections within contracts and the need for flexibility that some districts may desire in their operations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB381

An act to amend Section 6108 of the Public Contract Code, relating to public contracts.

CA SB14

An act to add amend Section 12405 to 12203 of the Public Contract Code, and to amend Sections 42920 and 42926 of the Public Resources Code, relating to solid waste.

CA SB409

An act to amend Section 20123 of the Public Contract Code, relating to public contracting.

CA AB1885

Public contracts: retention proceeds.

CA AB2381

Local Agency Public Construction Act: municipal water districts: sanitation districts: lowest responsible bidder.

CA SB1241

An act to amend Sections 2600, 2600.5, 2601, and 2603, of 2603 of, and to add Sections 2600.6, 2603.2, and 2603.3 to, the Public Contract Code, relating to public contracts.

CA AB1658

An act to amend and repeal Sections 20142, 20395, 20405, 20614, and 20998 of the Public Contract Code, relating to public contracts.

CA AB2187

Public contracts: contracts for services.

CA SB779

Contractors: civil penalties.

CA SB149

An act to amend Sections 2301 and 2302 of, and to add Section 2303 to, the Fish and Game Code, to add and repeal Section 515 of the Food and Agricultural Code, to amend Sections 675, 676, and 676.

Similar Bills

CA SB272

San Mateo County Transit District: job order contracting: pilot program.

CA SB983

San Diego Unified Port District: job order contracting: pilot program.

OH SB29

Allow municipalities create joint economic development district

CA AB1247

Classified employees: school districts and community college districts: contracting out: training requirements.

CA AB948

An act to amend the heading of Article 3.

CA AB361

Best value procurement: school districts.

TX SB1359

Relating to the creation, powers, duties, and financing of the Wise Regional Water District; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees; creating a criminal offense.

CA SB5

Enhanced infrastructure financing districts and community revitalization and investment areas: allocation of taxes: agricultural land exclusion.