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Top 10 New Laws and Regulations Affecting California Employers
With 2026 now upon us, so is a slew of new laws and regulations that affect California businesses. Every year, laws passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by the governor take effect, and 2025 was a busy legislative session in Sacramento. The end result is another wave of new legislation that California employers need to stay on top of. Here’s what California employers should be aware of.1. PROTECTED LEAVE EXPANDED AB 406, which took effect Oct. 1, 2025, expands on revisions made in 2024 to
Safety & Training Short - Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Basics
Objective: To understand how to utilize a chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) to learn more about associated hazards.What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? SDSs are required documents under the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard, which regulates the provision of information on hazardous chemicals in the workplace. OSHA updates this standard to remain aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), an
IN THE NEWS: Why construction hiring still isn’t working and what Hammerloop is designed to fix
Published by Under the Hard Hat January 27, 2026 Why construction hiring still isn’t working and what Hammerloop is designed to fix. Contractors keep winning work they can’t staff. It's a common problem that's yet to be solved despite construction being one of the largest industries in North America. It still relies heavily on word of mouth and outdated hiring tools. That gap is only growing, with the industry facing a projected shortage of nearly 500,000 workers in the coming year. That’s the
Zero Waste Marin Survey on Deconstruction
As we enter 2026, the Zero Waste Marin board has supported a year-long outreach campaign to improve the awareness of deconstruction in the county. To track the current awareness of deconstruction in Marin County please take the survey below. The survey is intended for contractors, architects, construction professionals in Marin County.Deconstruction Awareness Survey To view the infographic in Spanish, please click here.
Blood Donor Awareness Month
Did you know that January is Blood Donor Awareness month? Since 1970, fifty-six years and counting, every January celebrates the heroes who donate blood and blood-related products to help those with critical needs. January was selected to call attention to the year-round need for blood donations, especially during the winter months when weather, holiday travel, and seasonal illnesses can increase the risk of blood shortages. Blood cannot be manufactured. The only source is generous people willing to donate,
90-Second Home Hardening Videos for Building & Real Estate Professionals
Professionals who build, maintain, landscape, and sell homes play a critical role in wildfire resilience—often long before homeowners recognize their risk. In wildfire-prone regions like Marin County, research consistently shows that home hardening works, reducing how embers, flames, and radiant heat reach a structure. To support this work, Fire Safe Marin has created a series of 90-second videos that highlight practical, high-impact home-hardening strategies using clear visuals and real-world examples
Safety & Training Short - Lead Safety Basics
Objective: To communicate requirements for working safely with lead. Where is Lead Found? Lead is a chemical element that can be found as a toxic heavy metal or combined with other substances to form lead alloys. It’s often used to make batteries, ammunition, and other metal products. In the past, lead was regularly used in fuel, paint, ceramics, caulk, and pipe solder. Residual lead may still be present in older versions of these products as they age and deteriorate.Click here to download the training
Bid Opportunity: Terra Linda High School Track Events Relocation Project
Notice is hereby given that the governing board (“Board”) of the San Rafael City Schools (“District”) will receive, by electronic submission, bids for the following project, Terra Linda High School Track Events Relocation Project, Bid No.26-08 (“Project” or “Contract”). The Project consists of all labor, materials, equipment, and services necessary to remove existing long and triple jump runways and synthetic turf, and to construct new long and triple jump facilities, discus and shot-put areas, and
EF Brett Seeking Bids for San Marin HS Mini-Gym Siding Restoration And Reroof Project
Request for Bids to Perform Subcontractor Construction Services EF Brett and Company, Inc. is requesting subcontractor and suppliers’ proposals for the following project: San Marin HS Mini-Gym Siding Restoration And Reroof Project, located at 15 San Marin Dr. Novato, CA 94945. This is a Lease-Leaseback project for Novato Unified School District which consists of the following scope of work: SIDING REPLACEMENT, WINDOW REPLACEMENT, LOUVER REPLACEMENT, AND RE-ROOF. WORK WILL ALSO INCLUDE ASSOCIATED
Turner School of Construction Management (TSCM) Program
Turner Construction is excited to announce that applications are now open for the launch of the Spring 2026 Turner School of Construction (TSCM) training program!APPLY NOW, or encourage a colleague to participate in this free, in-person 6-week program, uniquely designed for firms to improve their economic viability by enhancing their managerial, technical, and administrative skills.Program Schedule Kicking off on Tuesday, March 3rd, the TSCM program will be held in-person at our Turner Construction
Request for Qualifications and Proposals - Sun Valley Elementary School Pedestrian Safety Project
SAN RAFAEL CITY SCHOOLS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSALS LEASE-LEASEBACK CONSTRUCTION SERVICES RFQ/P # 26-03 San Rafael City Schools (“District”) is seeking proposals from qualified persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, associations, or professional organizations to provide constructability review, value engineering, master scheduling, cost estimating, budgeting, and construction services for the development and construction for the Sun Valley Elementary School Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Notice to Bidders: Coleman Elementary School Roof Replacement Project
NOTICE TO BIDDERS 1. Notice is hereby given that the governing board (“Board”) of the San Rafael City Schools (“District”) will receive by electronic submission bids for the following project, Bid No. 26-02, Bid Package Coleman Elementary School Roof Replacement Project (“Project” or “Contract”): Coleman Elementary School Roof Replacement Project 2. The Project consists of: Demolition of existing built up roofing and replacement with (N) PVC roofing system for 8 buildings. Remove and Replace modified
Notice to Bidders: Bahia Vista Elementary School Play Area And Field Improvements
NOTICE TO BIDDERS 1. Notice is hereby given that the governing board (“Board”) of the San Rafael City Schools (“District”) will receive by electronic submission bids for the following project, Bid No. 26-01, Bid Package Bahia Vista Elementary School Play Area and Field Improvements (“Project” or “Contract”): Bahia Vista Elementary School Play Area And Field Improvements 2. The Project consists of: Demolition of existing kindergarten play structure, existing playground surfacing and removal of existing
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Proskauer - Clock is Ticking for California Employers to Distribute the ''Workplace Know Your Rights''
California employers face an important new compliance deadline under the state’s newly enacted Workplace Know Your Rights Act. By February 1, 2026, all California employers must distribute this mandatory “Know Your Rights” Notice to their employees – and, thereafter, must continue to do so annually. This requirement applies to all employers, regardless of size. The California Labor Commissioner has issued a template of the notice, which summarizes various employee rights under state and federal law,
Safety & Training Short - Solvent Safety Basics
Objective: To communicate requirements for working with solvents in the workplace.Understanding Solvents A solvent is a compound that dissolves another substance, creating a solution. Common solvents in most workplaces are organic materials such as paint thinners, degreasers, alcohols, and petroleum distillates. These solvents can present significant danger as they evaporate into the air in confined or poorly ventilated areas.Click here to download the training short in EnglishClick here to download the
HammerLoop Employer for Construction Video
We hope that you will watch this video on what HammerLoop is. We are a new, innovative, and award winning startup designed to connect construction labor and construction employers at a moment's notice, based on trade and location, and in the palm of your hand! Please create your employer profile, and join the future of construction hiring!HammerLoop Employer for Construction Video
Novato Sanitary District Establishing Contractors List for 2026
Novato Sanitary District is currently establishing a contractors list for the 2026 calendar year for mailing Notices for Informal Bids under the provisions of the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act. Contractors on the list would be sent Notices Inviting Bids on District projects estimated to cost less than $200,000.00 and involving work under their license class. Interested contractors should submit a Letter of Interest to the District with the following information: Name and
Construction Documents: Detailed Technical Drawings by Eric Rogers, Wagstaff + Rogers Architects
Construction Documents: Detailed Technical Drawings During each architectural phase, our goal is to guide our clients with clarity and intention. After Design Development has refined the project into a coordinated, buildable solution, the work transitions into one of the most detailed and technically intensive stages of the entire architectural process. Construction Documents, the third of the 5 Basic Architectural Services. This phase marks the transformation of refined design ideas into the precise,
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CDF Labor Law - A Year-End Compliance Checklist for California Employers
As 2025 comes to a close, many California employers are juggling holiday schedules, performance reviews, and planning for 2026. Just as importantly, now is the time to evaluate whether your workplace practices are keeping up with California’s fast-changing labor and employment laws. A structured year-end compliance review can help you identify and resolve issues before they become costly demands, audits, or litigation. The following checklist highlights key areas California employers should review now as we
County of Marin Announces the 2026–27 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
The County of Marin will open the 2026–27 funding cycle for federal and state housing and community development programs on January 19, 2026. The application period will close on February 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Estimated funding available this cycle includes: $1,500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, including approximately $430,000 for Community Infrastructure$700,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds$900,000 in Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funds matched
Marin ROP Construction Seeking Volunteers & Afterschool Instructors
The Marin County Office of Education is seeking skilled tradespeople and educators interested in volunteering or teaching in our high school afterschool Construction ROP Program in San Rafael/Novato. We are seeking professionals to guest speak, conduct demos, assist, or teach. Help students gain hands-on experience as they prepare for a rewarding teaching opportunity in the building trades. If you have experience in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or general construction, we’d love to
Contractors License Guru Launches Insurance Lifeline for Contractors
ATTENTION ALL CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS: As many of you know, the insurance landscape has been changing over the last few years, and it has become increasingly difficult to navigate for those of us in the trades. Over the past six months, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in questions and concerns coming into our office from contractors we’ve helped get established and licensed, as frustration in the market continues to grow. I’ve had the same conversation over and over with licensed contractors. They pass the
New Reduce the Risk Video by Fire Safe Marin
We’re excited to share a new video featuring MBA member Kazoo Shearman (Shearman Builders), walking through the installation of noncombustible fiber cement siding as part of a targeted wildfire retrofit. In this project, the homeowner focused on the lower portion of the wall—where ember exposure is highest— installing Hardie® siding within their budget. The video breaks down how flashing, fiber cement siding, and weather detailing work together to improve ember resistance and all-weather
Marin Builders Association Launches Early Renewal Rewards Program Coming January 2026
We are excited to announce a refreshed and improved membership billing experience launching January 2026. As part of our commitment to enhancing member value and streamlining the renewal process, we are introducing a brand-new incentive program designed to reward members who renew their membership by the invoice due date. Beginning in January, every member will receive an Exclusive Renewal Offer with their invoice. The offer can only be redeemed by renewing your membership by the invoice due date.What
Sonoma Clean Power Seeking Contractors Interested in Future Public Works Projects
Sonoma Clean Power Authority (“Authority”) is creating lists of contractors interested in performing public works projects for the Authority beginning January 1, 2026 and continuing until December 31, 2026.Submittals and/or questions may be directed to Beau Anderson, Building Operations & IT Manager, at operations@sonomacleanpower.org To be included on the Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s (“Authority”) list of contractors for informal repairs, maintenance, and construction contracts, all contractors must
Permit Archive: Marin County & City Building Permits
Please find a current list of permits published and provided by the County of Marin. To search by a specific jurisdiction click here and contact the appropriate office. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or email us at mba@marinbuilders.com. County of MarinView the Current Building Permits Report Here Click Here to View the 2024 Permit Archive