Public contracts: construction materials: disaster relief.

Assembly Member Caloza's proposal to authorize bulk purchasing of construction materials for disaster recovery would create a new state procurement program aimed at expediting housing reconstruction after natural disasters. The Department of General Services would negotiate contracts with suppliers to obtain discounted rates on essential building materials like lumber, concrete, roofing supplies, and electrical components.

The materials would be made available at cost or with minimal administrative fees to homeowners, contractors, nonprofit organizations, and local governments in areas affected by declared emergencies. Access would extend for five years following disaster declarations, with usage restricted to rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed in the emergency. The Department would coordinate distribution through partnerships with local housing agencies and community organizations.

The program includes provisions for transparency and oversight through annual legislative reports detailing procurement volumes, distribution metrics, and rebuilding outcomes. The Department must prioritize sustainable and locally-sourced materials when feasible, while maintaining exemptions from standard procurement requirements to enable rapid response. This framework parallels the Department's existing authority to negotiate bulk purchasing agreements for pharmaceuticals.