Attached is a legislative update by the Politico Group. Please pay close attention to what's new and the important laws that became effective on January 1, 2015. Along with other NECA Chapters and associations in California, our Chapter lobbied for legislation that would have a positive impact on the electrical contracting industry. Here are some highlights:

• Ensuring quality construction of California schools by requiring that school districts pre-qualify their general, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors on large construction projects when utilizing the "lease-leaseback" procurement method (AB 1581).
• Clarifying the "substantially complex" exemption to the 5% retention cap on public works projects and extending the 5% retention cap on public works to 2018 (AB 1705).
• Ensuring that every apprenticeship program in California receives an equitable share of grants distributed by the California Apprenticeship Council (AB 1807).
• Enacting a minimum level of skills and training required of workers who perform work on most state and local design-build public works projects (SB 785).

Other new laws require compliance. We want to be sure our contractors are in observance of these new statutes. The two most notable, are new laws requiring contractors bidding on public works to register as a public works contractor and that California employers provide paid sick leave to their employees.  Summaries of both measures are included in the attached. If you have any questions, please contact the Chapter office.

The Bay Area Chapter of the American Subcontractors Association General Contractor Expo is in a few weeks... January 27th. AGC of America Chief Economist Ken Simonson will address the group on economic news relevant to the construction industry. The event is being held at the ZNE Center in San Leandro, and NECA contractors are encouraged to attend at the member rate of $75. Contact  Darlene Besst at the Chapter office with any questions, or simply register here.

Attached for your convenience is the 2015 Holiday/Off Day Calendar. Refer to the collective bargaining agreement for specific provisions. Please contact the Chapter office if you have any questions.

First Aid/CPR Re-Certification - Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 4:00PM, at the 595 Union Hall in Dublin, seating is limited on a first come first serve basis, to register, please email full names and e-mail addresses to Juanita Michell. This class is free to NorCal NECA members and $50 for non-members.