As California’s 2026 legislative session gets underway, catch the latest on demand Legislative Briefing. CALBO’s Executive Director, Matt Wheeler, breaks down the latest proposals and key updates, what they could mean for local building departments, and how these changes could affect permitting, inspections, and local processes.

Inside this briefing:

Legislative Calendar & Key Deadlines
Understand where we are in the 2026 legislative session, including key committee hearings, policy deadlines, and what’s coming next. 

Major Bills and Updates

• AB 1738 – Mandates remote inspections for various residential and ADU projects; discretionary for minor inspections.
• AB 1070 – Calls for a report on multifamily residential definitions and development standards.
• SB 868 – “Plug and Play Solar Act,” proposes exemptions for portable solar devices.
• AB 1693 – Streamlined approvals for retail tenant improvements, including CEQA exemptions.
• AB 1820 – Extends solar permit fee caps to EV charging stations through 2036.
• SB 222 – Remote/asynchronous inspections for residential heat pumps.
• AB 1796 – Certification/licensure for professional interior designers.

Stay Informed with CALBO
CALBO’s Legislative Committee is actively tracking developments and sharing updates to help members stay ahead of changes impacting local building operations. From new bill introductions to key amendments, the committee keeps a close eye on what’s moving through the legislature so you don’t have to. For the latest updates, visit the CALBO Bill Report page.

Leadership & Advocacy Day – May 6
Be part of the conversation. Join CALBO in Sacramento to connect with legislators, share your local perspective, and highlight the role building departments play in protecting public safety and supporting development. Click here for more information and to register. 

Catch this month’s Legislative On Demand video for detailed insights and legislative context:
– Recording: Click Here
– PDF Handout: Click Here