CA AB559

Expands the definition of "home improvement" under the Contractors State License Law to include construction, installation, replacement, or improvement of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residentially zoned property

Imposes a minimum $10,000 civil penalty and license revocation for licensed contractors who violate downpayment limits (cannot exceed $1,000 or 10% of contract amount, whichever is less) or accept payments exceeding the value of work performed, when the violation results in consumer financial loss greater than 10% of the contract amount

Subjects unlicensed persons who commit the same payment violations resulting in consumer losses exceeding 10% of the contract amount to citation and a minimum $10,000 civil penalty

Maintains existing misdemeanor penalties for contract violations: fines between $100-$5,000, up to one year in county jail, or both, with maximum fines required for violations in natural disaster areas