CA SB601

Requires courts to impose maximum fines ($5,000) for violations of home improvement contract laws when violations occur in areas damaged by natural disasters with a state of emergency proclamation or federal disaster declaration.

Extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting licensed contractors who misuse their license from one year to three years after discovery of the offense or three years after completion, whichever is later.

Maintains the four-year statute of limitations for prosecuting unlicensed contractors operating without proper licensing under home improvement contract laws.

Enhances penalties for contractors who defraud property owners during disaster repairs, requiring full restitution and allowing fines of $500 to $25,000 in addition to imprisonment.

Specifies that no state reimbursement is required for local agencies because the act only changes penalties for existing crimes or creates new crimes under Government Code Section 17556.