CA AB1705

Extends authorization for public entities to withhold retention amounts exceeding 5% on substantially complex construction projects from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2018.

Requires bid documents to include detailed explanations of the basis for findings of substantial complexity and the actual retention amount, rather than just including the finding itself.

Mandates that any finding of substantial complexity must describe the specific project and explain why it is unique and not regularly, customarily, or routinely performed by the agency or licensed contractors.

Applies to contracts between public entities and original contractors, original contractors and subcontractors, and between subcontractors at all tiers for public works of improvement.

Establishes sunset date of January 1, 2018, unless a later statute extends or deletes this date before that date.