Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Real Estate: states of emergency: waivers and exemptions.

Senator Ashby's emergency response legislation grants California's real estate and professional licensing authorities new powers to modify requirements for licensees affected by disasters while strengthening protections against predatory practices in declared emergency areas.

The bill authorizes the Department of Real Estate and Department of Consumer Affairs boards to waive examination deadlines, renewal requirements, continuing education mandates, and various fees for licensees and applicants impacted by federal, state or local emergencies. These waivers can extend up to one year beyond the emergency period. The legislation also requires licensees to provide email addresses and exempts those in disaster areas from address change notification rules.

For contractor oversight during emergencies, the bill restricts private debris removal work to those holding general engineering, general building, or specialized debris removal licenses, though regulators can authorize additional classifications based on disaster needs. The Real Estate Commissioner must identify potential fraudulent practices within declared emergency zones and notify the public about risks and resources. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for making below-market purchase offers to property owners in disaster areas.

The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment to address ongoing impacts from the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. Local agencies face no additional costs under the bill's provisions, as new expenses relate solely to modified criminal statutes.