SEAOC Advocacy
Structural engineers protect public safety and strengthen California's resilience. SEAOC advocates to ensure the laws, regulations, and policies that shape our work are technically sound, practical to implement, and informed by practicing expertise.
What We Advocate For
Legislation & Regulation
Monitoring and engaging on policy proposals that affect structural engineering practice and public safety.
Building Codes & Technical Policy
Bringing practicing experts to code development so requirements are clear, enforceable, and effective.
Workforce & Pathways
Supporting policies and partnerships that strengthen education, licensure pathways, and the future workforce.
What SEAOC Is Doing
Legislative & Regulatory Engagement
- Track bills and regulatory proposals that may impact the profession and the public.
- Meet with policymakers, agency staff, and partners to share technical context and real-world impacts.
- Submit comment letters and recommendations when engineering expertise is needed.
Codes, Standards & Resilience
- Contribute technical input on building code proposals and updates.
- Partner with agencies and aligned organizations to support sound implementation.
- Promote policies that strengthen seismic resilience and community safety.
How We Do It
Monitoring & Analysis
SEAOC reviews emerging issues early and flags items that may require technical input or member awareness.
Technical Expertise in Action
We provide briefings, written input, and testimony when appropriate, translating engineering into policy clarity.
Collaboration
We engage in coalitions and partnerships so the structural engineering perspective is included in broader decisions.
2026 Key Legislative Dates
Planning reference for the California legislative cycle (committee deadlines, recesses, and end-of-session timing).
- Jan 5: Legislature reconvenes
- Jan 23: Last day to submit bill requests to the Office of Legislative Counsel
- Feb 20: Last day for bills to be introduced
- Mar 26: Spring Recess begins upon adjournment
- Apr 6: Legislature reconvenes from Spring Recess
- May 29: Last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house
- Jun 15: Budget Bill must be passed by midnight
- Jul 2: Last day for policy committees to meet and report bills
- Aug 14: Last day for fiscal committees to meet and report bills
- Aug 21: Last day to amend bills on the Floor
- Aug 31: Last day for each house to pass bills (end of session); Final Recess begins upon adjournment
- Sept 30: Last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills passed before Sept 1 and in the Governor's possession on/after Sept 1
- Nov 30: Adjournment sine die at midnight
Source: 2026 Tentative Legislative Calendar (Assembly Chief Clerk + Secretary of the Senate).
What This Means for Members
- Structural engineers stay at the table when decisions are made.
- Policies and code changes are informed by practicing experts.
- SEAOC shares timely updates and opportunities to weigh in.
- We strengthen the profession's voice statewide and beyond.
Get Involved
Advocacy is strongest when it reflects the full profession. If you're interested in supporting SEAOC's advocacy work, we'd love to hear from you.
