Bill Provides Cut in Contractors' President Offers to Establish Registration Fee

Sacr4mento, M.y l7.-Presaging a saving of approximately $125,000 annually for California contractors, the senate approved A. B. 780 providing for a 50 per cent cut in the annual registration fee of contractors from $10 to $5 for renewals.

The bill, as finally adopted, retains the present $200 exemption clause. The original bill, introduced in the assembly by Lawrence Cobb, Los Angeles, provided for a $50 exe,mption clause. This was raised to $100 in the lower house and was later raised to the present $200 mark by amendments adopted on the floor of the senate. The assembly has concurred in these amendments.

The reduced fee, however, applies only to renewals by registered contractors, and, if approved by Governor Rolph as anticipated, the cut will be placed into effect with the issuance of licenses for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. Under the measure, the delinquent fee remains at $10 per year, while the fee for new licenses also remains unchanged at $10.00.

"The amended act," according to Registrar Huntington, who is also director of the department of professional and vocational standards in the governor's cabinet, "provides for more stringent regulation of the unscrupulous fly-bynight contractor and 'jerry-builder,' but in no way will interfere with the legitimate business operations of the honest and ethical contractor."