Residential Construction Defects. Pre-lawsuit Procedures. Homeowners’ Rights. Initiative Statute.

Repeals Senate Bill 800, which currently establishes residential construction standards and requires certain procedures before commencement of residential construction-defect lawsuits. Specifies certain rights of homeowners regarding purchase or remodeling of their home. Prohibits binding arbitration or mediation clauses in homeowner purchase contracts or warranties. Requires builders and cities to maintain all residential blueprints for 10 years after construction; violators may be fined or sued. Prohibits use of building materials involved in class-action lawsuits. Authorizes payment of compensation for emotional distress, attorney\u27s fees and litigation costs, in certain circumstances. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Unknown, but potential reduction in state and local government revenues from impact on building industry. (SA2006RF0023.