Governor Newsom Signs SB-440
Governor Newsom has signed SB-440 (Ochoa Bogh), industry-sponsored change order reform. SB-440 extends the successful public works change order process (AB-626, 2016) to private construction projects, creating a fair, transparent, and timely framework for resolving contractor-initiated change order claims. Change orders are common in construction, typically used to modify a project’s scope, design, schedule, or cost. Without clear procedures, unresolved or unpaid change orders can cause significant delays, costly disputes, and financial strain on contractors. SB-440 addresses these challenges head-on.