Public contracts: construction materials: disaster relief.

Assembly Member Caloza's proposal authorizes the Department of General Services to negotiate bulk purchasing agreements for residential construction materials in areas affected by natural disasters. The department would enter contracts with suppliers to obtain discounted rates on materials ranging from structural components like lumber and steel to electrical systems and interior finishes.

Under the program, these materials would be made available at cost or with minimal administrative fees to homeowners, contractors, nonprofit organizations, and local governments rebuilding in areas under state or federal emergency declarations. The materials must be used specifically for housing reconstruction related to disaster damage, with priority given to sustainable and locally-sourced options when feasible. While the department would negotiate procurement contracts, it would not be responsible for storing or distributing materials.

The legislation requires annual reports to legislative committees detailing quantities purchased and rebuilding outcomes in affected areas. The program would operate through January 1, 2031, allowing for evaluation of its effectiveness in supporting disaster recovery efforts. The contracts would be exempt from certain public contracting requirements to enable more flexible procurement during emergencies.