With regret—but also with respect for the process—we must acknowledge that California Senate Bill 20 (SB 20) has moved forward without one of its most meaningful provisions: the creation of a certification and registry for fabricators to purchase materials. While originally envisioned as a way to ensure greater accountability and oversight, the certification and registry language was ultimately removed from the bill.

 

The bill is now poised to pass without funding for such a registry. However, SB 20 does take an important step by outlawing dry cutting practices, aligning with Cal/OSHA and long-standing calls for safer fabrication methods. This provision alone represents progress in protecting fabricators from the risks of silica exposure and silicosis.

 

At the same time, we recognize that SB 20 in its current form falls short of delivering a fully comprehensive solution. That is why ISFA, alongside our collaborators and sister organizations—including the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) and Rockheads and our Fabricator Safety Initiative sponsors —has made a commitment to Senator Caroline Menjavar to continue this work. When the next legislative session begins, we will return to advocate for solutions that not only regulate but also create clear compliance pathways for fabricators.

 

While this outcome is not ideal, we remain hopeful. Our collective future efforts are focused on advancing policies that support operating safer shops, reducing incidents, and providing fabricators with recognized best-practice controls for managing silica and respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Through collaboration and continued advocacy, we believe we can achieve legislation that balances worker protection, industry sustainability, and practical implementation.

 

SB 20 is a milestone, but not the final word. Together, we will keep working toward solutions that make sense—and that safeguard both the health of our workforce and the future of our industry.