SACRAMENTO — The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is moving quickly to implement a new law that will simplify the current Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) registration process. The new law takes effect January 1, 2016.
Senate Bill 561 (Monning) simplifies the process to a single registration, while still allowing salespersons to represent multiple employers. The new law removes the current requirement that an HIS register separately with CSLB for each contractor that employs them.
As part of the implementation process, CSLB is notifying by mail the more than 14,000 currently registered HIS in order to update and convert all HIS registration records. Letters are also being sent to licensees who employ registered salespersons.
CSLB encourages all HIS registrants as well as licensees who employ salespersons to review and verify HIS details via CSLB’s online Instant License Check , and take steps immediately to correct any inaccurate or outdated information by filling out a form and sending it to CSLB.
In addition to the single registration, the new law requires licensees to notify CSLB in writing prior to employing an already registered HIS, and to notify CSLB in writing when employment of a registered HIS ends. These new forms will be available on the CSLB website beginning January 1, 2016.
Licensees should also be aware that a HIS is defined in Business and Professions (B&P) Code section 7152 as a person who is employed by a licensed contractor to solicit, sell, negotiate, or execute
contracts for home improvements, for the sale, installation or furnishing of home improvement goods or services, or of swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs.
The HIS registration requirement does not apply to those who only sell goods or negotiate contracts at a licensee’s fixed business establishment, where the goods or services are exhibited, or persons who contact prospective buyers for the exclusive purpose of scheduling appointments for a registered HIS.
Licensees should also use this as an opportunity to register any currently unregistered HIS. B&P Code section 7154 states that a home improvement contractor who employs an unregistered salesperson is subject to discipline by CSLB.
Licensees or registrants with questions about the new law, or who want to learn more about the HIS process are encouraged to visit the applicant section of the CSLB website, or call CSLB’s Licensing Information Center at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).