Dodd introduces worker-protection bill SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation on Jan. 13 to protect employees of contractors by ensuring compliance with California workers’ compensation laws. “While many do the right thing, too often we have seen contractors who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance,” Dodd said. “My bill will eliminate barriers to coverage so we can protect those employees who might be injured on the job.” In California, there are about 230,000 licensed contractors in 44 different areas, from general building and engineering to electricians, plumbers and landscapers. About 55% claim they have no employees, making them exempt from a requirement to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, research and enforcement from the Contractors State Licensing Board suggests many of these claims are false, creating a widespread problem of leaving workers unprotected.