CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 919Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonFebruary 17, 2021 An act to amend Section 941 of the Civil Code, relating to construction defects. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 919, as introduced, Grayson. Construction defects: actions: statute of limitations.Existing law specifies the requirements for actions for construction defects. Existing law includes a statute of limitations that, except as specified, prohibits an action from being brought to recover under these provisions more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded.This bill, notwithstanding that 10-year limitation period, would shorten the timeframe in which an action may be brought, for underlying construction projects using a skilled and trained workforce, as defined, to no more than 5 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 941 of the Civil Code is amended to read:941. (a) (1) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion.(2) (A) Notwithstanding the 10-year limitation in paragraph (1), if the underlying construction project on which the action is based used a skilled and trained workforce, then the action to recover under this title may brought no more than five years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (B) As used in this paragraph, skilled and trained workforce has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code.(b) As used in this section, action includes an action for indemnity brought against a person arising out of that persons performance or furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that a cross-complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a).(c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action.(d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not apply to actions under this title.(e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an action or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the period for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall pertain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section. CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 919Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonFebruary 17, 2021 An act to amend Section 941 of the Civil Code, relating to construction defects. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 919, as introduced, Grayson. Construction defects: actions: statute of limitations.Existing law specifies the requirements for actions for construction defects. Existing law includes a statute of limitations that, except as specified, prohibits an action from being brought to recover under these provisions more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded.This bill, notwithstanding that 10-year limitation period, would shorten the timeframe in which an action may be brought, for underlying construction projects using a skilled and trained workforce, as defined, to no more than 5 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 919 Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonFebruary 17, 2021 Introduced by Assembly Member Grayson February 17, 2021 An act to amend Section 941 of the Civil Code, relating to construction defects. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 919, as introduced, Grayson. Construction defects: actions: statute of limitations. Existing law specifies the requirements for actions for construction defects. Existing law includes a statute of limitations that, except as specified, prohibits an action from being brought to recover under these provisions more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded.This bill, notwithstanding that 10-year limitation period, would shorten the timeframe in which an action may be brought, for underlying construction projects using a skilled and trained workforce, as defined, to no more than 5 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded. Existing law specifies the requirements for actions for construction defects. Existing law includes a statute of limitations that, except as specified, prohibits an action from being brought to recover under these provisions more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded. This bill, notwithstanding that 10-year limitation period, would shorten the timeframe in which an action may be brought, for underlying construction projects using a skilled and trained workforce, as defined, to no more than 5 years after substantial completion of the improvement but no later than the date the notice of completion is recorded. ## Digest Key ## Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 941 of the Civil Code is amended to read:941. (a) (1) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion.(2) (A) Notwithstanding the 10-year limitation in paragraph (1), if the underlying construction project on which the action is based used a skilled and trained workforce, then the action to recover under this title may brought no more than five years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (B) As used in this paragraph, skilled and trained workforce has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code.(b) As used in this section, action includes an action for indemnity brought against a person arising out of that persons performance or furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that a cross-complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a).(c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action.(d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not apply to actions under this title.(e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an action or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the period for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall pertain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section. The people of the State of California do enact as follows: ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 941 of the Civil Code is amended to read:941. (a) (1) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion.(2) (A) Notwithstanding the 10-year limitation in paragraph (1), if the underlying construction project on which the action is based used a skilled and trained workforce, then the action to recover under this title may brought no more than five years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (B) As used in this paragraph, skilled and trained workforce has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code.(b) As used in this section, action includes an action for indemnity brought against a person arising out of that persons performance or furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that a cross-complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a).(c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action.(d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not apply to actions under this title.(e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an action or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the period for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall pertain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section. SECTION 1. Section 941 of the Civil Code is amended to read: ### SECTION 1. 941. (a) (1) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion.(2) (A) Notwithstanding the 10-year limitation in paragraph (1), if the underlying construction project on which the action is based used a skilled and trained workforce, then the action to recover under this title may brought no more than five years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (B) As used in this paragraph, skilled and trained workforce has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code.(b) As used in this section, action includes an action for indemnity brought against a person arising out of that persons performance or furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that a cross-complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a).(c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action.(d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not apply to actions under this title.(e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an action or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the period for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall pertain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section. 941. (a) (1) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion.(2) (A) Notwithstanding the 10-year limitation in paragraph (1), if the underlying construction project on which the action is based used a skilled and trained workforce, then the action to recover under this title may brought no more than five years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (B) As used in this paragraph, skilled and trained workforce has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code.(b) As used in this section, action includes an action for indemnity brought against a person arising out of that persons performance or furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that a cross-complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a).(c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action.(d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not apply to actions under this title.(e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an action or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the period for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall pertain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section. 941. (a) (1) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion.(2) (A) Notwithstanding the 10-year limitation in paragraph (1), if the underlying construction project on which the action is based used a skilled and trained workforce, then the action to recover under this title may brought no more than five years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (B) As used in this paragraph, skilled and trained workforce has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code.(b) As used in this section, action includes an action for indemnity brought against a person arising out of that persons performance or furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that a cross-complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a).(c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action.(d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not apply to actions under this title.(e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an action or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the period for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall pertain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section. 941. (a) (1) Except as specifically set forth in this title, no action may be brought to recover under this title more than 10 years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (2) (A) Notwithstanding the 10-year limitation in paragraph (1), if the underlying construction project on which the action is based used a skilled and trained workforce, then the action to recover under this title may brought no more than five years after substantial completion of the improvement but not later than the date of recordation of a valid notice of completion. (B) As used in this paragraph, skilled and trained workforce has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2601 of the Public Contract Code. (b) As used in this section, action includes an action for indemnity brought against a person arising out of that persons performance or furnishing of services or materials referred to in this title, except that a cross-complaint for indemnity may be filed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 428.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure in an action which has been brought within the time period set forth in subdivision (a). (c) The limitation prescribed by this section may not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or the control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement, at the time any deficiency in the improvement constitutes the proximate cause for which it is proposed to make a claim or bring an action. (d) Sections 337.15 and 337.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure do not apply to actions under this title. (e) Existing statutory and decisional law regarding tolling of the statute of limitations shall apply to the time periods for filing an action or making a claim under this title, except that repairs made pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), with the exception of the tolling provision contained in Section 927, do not extend the period for filing an action, or restart the time limitations contained in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code. If a builder arranges for a contractor to perform a repair pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 910), as to the builder the time period for calculating the statute of limitation in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 7091 of the Business and Professions Code shall pertain to the substantial completion of the original construction and not to the date of repairs under this title. The time limitations established by this title do not apply to any action by a claimant for a contract or express contractual provision. Causes of action and damages to which this chapter does not apply are not limited by this section.