California legislators have killed two pieces of...

California legislators have killed two pieces of legislation that would have stifled construction by foreign firms in the state.

Japanese builders particularly were concerned about the bills, which would have required a foreign contractor to team up with a domestic firm on projects and to bid 10% below the second-lowest bidder for a project.

A new measure proposes a task force to establish a better dialogue between Japan and the United States on construction trade issues.