As California’s 2026 legislative session continues to move quickly, catch the May Legislative Briefing on demand. CALBO’s Executive Director, Dr. Matt Wheeler, provides updates on major legislation moving through Sacramento, discusses where key bills currently stand, and highlights the latest developments impacting local building departments statewide.

Inside this briefing:

Legislative Calendar & Key Deadlines
Get up to speed on the latest legislative deadlines, including the House of Origin deadline and what’s next as bills move through the second half of the legislative session.

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.

NEW: Surprise Addition! 
This month’s briefing introduces a new addition highlighting a proposal that raised more than a few eyebrows within the building safety community. Let’s just say… some amendments did not exactly calm the room.

Leadership & Advocacy Day Recap
Hear highlights from CALBO’s successful Leadership & Advocacy Day in Sacramento, where members met directly with legislators to discuss public safety, local government, and the role of building departments throughout California.

Stay Informed with CALBO
CALBO’s Legislative Committee continues to actively monitor legislation, review amendments, and engage on proposals impacting local jurisdictions and public safety. For the latest bill tracking and updates, visit the CALBO Bill Report page.

Catch this month’s Legislative On Demand video:
– Recording: Click Here
– PDF Handout: Click Here