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AB 1235

California State University: skilled and trained workforce requirement.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Rogers

AB 1235 would require CSU design‑and‑build contractors and all subs to certify an enforceable commitment to using a skilled and trained workforce for apprenticeable construction tr

In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file.
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Bill Summary · AB 1235

AB 1235 (Rogers) — California State University: skilled and trained workforce requirement

Status: In committee — hearing postponed (May 23, 2025)
Introduced: February 21, 2025

Purpose / Intent

AB 1235 would amend California public contract law governing California State University (CSU) design‑and‑build contracts to require that contractors (and their subcontractors at every tier) provide an enforceable commitment to use a “skilled and trained workforce” for all work that falls within an apprenticeable occupation in the building and construction trades. The bill also makes parallel, nonsubstantive edits to the chapter that governs skilled and trained workforce requirements generally (Chapter 2.9 of Part 1, commencing with Section 2600).

Key provisions

  • Amends Public Contract Code Section 10708 (CSU contract law) to add a prequalification/selection requirement:
    • A contractor cannot be prequalified, shortlisted, or awarded a CSU design‑and‑build contract under Section 10708 unless the contractor certifies an enforceable commitment that it and all subcontractors at every tier will use a skilled and trained workforce for work in apprenticeable building and construction trades (per Chapter 2.9 / Section 2600).
  • Creates three exemptions where the Section 10708 skilled workforce requirement does not apply:
    1. The trustees have a project labor agreement (PLA) covering all contractors and subcontractors on the project and the contractor agrees to be bound by it.
    2. The project is performed under an extension/renewal of a PLA entered into by the trustees prior to January 1, 2026.
    3. The contractor itself has entered a PLA that binds the contractor and all its subcontractors at every tier on the project.
  • Amends Section 2600 (Chapter 2.9) to clarify:
    • The chapter applies when a public entity is required by law or regulation to obtain an enforceable commitment to use a skilled and trained workforce.
    • A public entity may require such a commitment even if not statutorily required.
    • When required, bid documents and construction contracts must include a notice that the project is subject to the skilled and trained workforce requirement.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Contractors seeking prequalification, shortlisting, or award of CSU design‑and‑build projects under Section 10708 and their subcontractors at every tier.
  • Secondary: CSU trustees and procurement staff (contracting requirements and bid documents), subcontractors, and potentially labor organizations and apprenticeship programs.
  • Projects covered: CSU projects procured under the Section 10708 design‑and‑build authority and work that falls within apprenticeable occupations in building and construction trades.

Procedural timeline / status

  • Introduced Feb 21, 2025.
  • Referred to Labor & Employment and Higher Education committees (Mar 24, 2025); amended and re‑referred.
  • Passed out of Labor & Employment (do pass; April 2, 2025) and Higher Education committee (April 29, 2025), then re‑referred to Assembly Appropriations.
  • Placed on Appropriations suspense file and set for first hearing May 14, 2025.
  • Most recent action: In committee — hearing postponed by committee (May 23, 2025).

Fiscal effects

  • Legislative Digest indicates: Appropriation—No. (No specific state or local cost estimates provided in the bill text.)

Notes / Definitions

  • “Skilled and trained workforce” and the mechanics for enforceable commitments are governed by Chapter 2.9 (commencing with Section 2600) of the Public Contract Code; AB 1235 adds clarifications about when that chapter applies and requires notice in bid documents.
  • The bill includes a date‑specific reference (PLAs entered prior to Jan 1, 2026) for one exemption.

This summary focuses on the substantive contract‑eligibility changes AB 1235 would impose on CSU design‑and‑build procurements and the parallel clarifications to the skilled and trained workforce chapter.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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