ALERT!

CALL TO ACTION
Support SB 61 – Cap Private Project Retention at 5%

MCAC proudly supports SB 61 (Cortese), which would cap retention on private
construction projects at 5%. MCAC Support letter here.


Now, we need your voice.

➡ Help Secure the Governor’s Signature on SB 61.

The Mason Contractors Association of California (MCAC) urges members to take action in support of SB 61 (Cortese) — a bill that would cap retention on private construction projects at 5%, aligning with long-standing policy in the public sector.

This is not new ground for MCAC. We’ve consistently advocated for fair retention practices — from SB 293 in 2011 to AB 2173 in 2022. We know what’s at stake: unnecessary financial strain, limited cash flow, and increased costs for subcontractors.

Governor Newsom is the final decision-maker — and he needs to hear from YOU.

Please help get SB 61 across the finish line by sending a letter of support. Your personal story or business experience can make a real impact.

Ways to take action:

Tell your story – How has excessive retention impacted your business?

      1.) Use our template – Use the attached SB 61 sample support letter.  Then, submit your letter to: leg.unit@gov.ca.gov.
OR
     2.) Submit online form – [LINK TO ONLINE FORM ]

Act now — this is our chance to make retention fairness a reality across the industry.

Questions? Contact Julie Trost at julie@mca-ca.org or (916) 966-7666.

BACKGROUND:

  • SB 293 (2011) capped public works retentions at 5% (from 10%) until January 1, 2016 and reduced the timeline of private and public progress payments from 10 to 7 days (no sunset date on the progress payments timeline).
  • Then, AB 1705 (2014) came along and extended the public works 5% maximum retention withholding until January 1, 2018.
  • Later, AB 92 (2017) extended the public works 5% maximum retention withholding until January 1, 2023.
  • Finally, AB 2173 (2022) made permanent the public works 5% maximum retention payment amount on public construction projects.
  • Now, SB 61 (2025) seeks to align the 5% retention policy on public projects with private projects.

This bulletin brought to you in part by MCAC Mission Partner, Angelus Block.

Angelus Block

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