SB 456
Contractors: exemptions: muralists.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Chaptered
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates an exemption from California’s contractor licensing requirements for artists who create murals. Specifically, it allows artists to work on murals under contract with a person who has the legal authority to commission the work, without needing a contractor’s license. This exemption applies to the process of drawing, painting, applying, restoring, or conserving murals. The bill clarifies the definition of a ‘mural’ for legal purposes.
Key provisions
- Creates an exemption for mural artists from the Contractors State License Law.
- The exemption applies when the artist works under contract with a person authorized to commission the mural.
- Defines ‘mural’ as a unique, hand-painted work of art on walls or ceilings.
- Excludes painted wall signs from the definition of ‘mural’.
Who is affected
- Mural artists
- Building owners
- Contractors
- The Contractors State License Board
- The Department of Consumer Affairs
Notable changes
- Expands the existing exemption for nonprofit corporations assisting property owners to include mural artists.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
SB456:v96#DOCUMENT
Bill Start
Senate Bill No. 456
CHAPTER 758
An act to add Section 7050 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations.
[ Approved by Governor October 13, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State October 13, 2025. ]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 456, Ashby. Contractors: exemptions: muralists.
Existing law, the Contractors State License Law, establishes the Contractors State License Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs and sets forth its powers and duties relating to the licensure and regulation of contractors. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for a person to engage in the business, or act in the capacity, of a contractor without a license, unless exempted. Existing law exempts from the Contractors State License Law, among other things, a nonprofit corporation providing assistance to an owner, as specified.
This bill would exempt from that law an artist who draws, paints, applies, executes, restores, or conserves a mural, as defined, pursuant to an agreement with a person who could legally authorize the work.
Digest Key
Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 7050 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
7050.
(a) This chapter does not apply to an artist who draws, paints, applies, executes, restores, or conserves a mural pursuant to an agreement with a person who could legally authorize the work.
(b) For purposes of this section, ”mural” means a unique work of fine art that is protected by copyright, trademark, label, or patent and that is drawn or painted by hand directly onto interior or exterior walls or ceilings, fixtures, or other appurtenances of a building or structure. “Mural” does not include painted wall signs.