The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is preparing to implement Senate Bill 456 (Ashby). The new law exempts muralists from the contractor license requirements. It takes effect on January 1, 2026.
The new law exempts from contractor license requirements “an artist who draws, paints, applies, executes, restores, or conserves a mural.” It defines a mural to include “a unique work of fine art” that is “drawn or painted by hand directly onto interior or exterior walls or ceilings, fixtures, or other appurtenances of a building or structure.”
CSLB has received questions about license requirements for work that might accompany a mural. CSLB will still enforce the license requirements for the following:
- Patching, plastering, lathing or repairing a wall for application of a mural.
- The erection of scaffolding that is affixed to a structure.
CSLB would consider the following to be included in the painting of a mural “exempt” under the new law:
- An artist applying paint primer or base to a surface that will include a mural.
- An artist conserving or restoring a mural, such as applying sealants or protective coatings.
The list above is not exhaustive. Specific questions about the muralist exemption should be sent to classifications@cslb.ca.gov.
To qualify for the exemption, the mural is protected by copyright, trademark, label or patent. The artist must also have an agreement with a person who can legally authorize the work.
The new law does not apply to painted wall signs, which still require a contractor’s license.
