As California’s 2025 legislative session concludes, catch the on demand Legislative Briefing. CALBO’s Executive Director Dr. Matthew Wheeler reviews the year’s major legislative outcomes, highlights advocacy victories, and shares what these developments mean for local building departments across the state.

Inside this briefing:

Key Outcomes from the 2025 Legislative Year

Learn how key bills affect local jurisdictions, the impact on building departments statewide, and what these changes mean for local government operations moving forward.

Major Bills and Updates

• AB 253 – Allows permittee-selected third-party plan review if local plan checks exceed 30 days.
• AB 671 – Expands the Permit Streamlining Act, potentially fast-tracking restaurant tenant improvement approvals.
• AB 130 / AB 306 –Signed into law, freezes local residential code amendments for six years unless filed by September 30, 2025, with limited exceptions for wildfire mitigation and emergencies.

CALBO Legislative Victories

Several high-impact proposals were stalled or amended thanks to the Legislative Committee’s advocacy, preserving local control and protecting public safety across California.

Looking Ahead

Sneak peek into what’s next for the 2026 legislative year, including returning two-year bills and emerging state priorities that will affect local jurisdictions.

Catch this month’s Legislative On Demand video for detailed insights and legislative context:

Watch Now: 
– Recording: Click Here
- PDF Handout: Click Here