​AG Bonta led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a comment letter strongly objecting to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) interim final rule that seeks to preempt state and local permitting requirements under certain conditions following a declared disaster. To carry out this preemption, the interim final rule invites contractors to self-certify their own compliance with local building, health, and safety codes for building activities funded by SBA’s Disaster Loan Program. In addition to being plainly unlawful under federalism principles, the SBA self-certification program is vague and poorly suited for maintaining health and safety standards. In the comment letter, the coalition asserts that the interim final rule’s illegal, drastic, and unnecessary objectives will sow confusion and create significant safety risks that interfere with the needs of those harmed by natural disasters.

“Public safety is my first, second, and third priority. As communities in California and across the country rebuild after devastating natural disasters, speed matters, but so do safety, health, and quality. Evidence already shows that state and local governments have been doing their part to streamline permitting times and building codes for those affected by natural disasters. This interim final rule doesn’t make recovery quicker; it makes recovery more dangerous." – AG Bonta