CA SB297

Authorizes the Department of General Services to approve up to 20 construction contracts per year over $1,000,000 on a first-come, first-served basis under new "preliminary build contract" provisions, allowing department approval after contract execution instead of before.

Permits school districts and community college districts to award construction contracts based on unapproved plans, but requires departmental approval before construction commences and specifies that design changes required by the department be handled through the contract's changes clause.

Prohibits waiver of these preliminary build contract provisions through any contract or amendments between school districts, community college districts, design professionals, or contractors.

Requires districts using these provisions to follow all applicable statutes and regulations, including the Field Act governing school building construction and safety.

Sunsets these preliminary build contract provisions on January 1, 2025.