Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed legislation to ensure that local governments properly account for people in their communities who have special housing needs.
Senate Bill 7 was one of more than 30 bills related to housing that the governor signed Thursday. Two from Assembly member David Alvarez also made the cut.
State Sen. Catherine Blakespear’s bill makes changes to the Regional Housing Needs Determination Allocation (RHNA) process, which local governments undertake to plan for, and meet, the housing needs in their communities.
Those changes include focusing on, and accounting for, the elderly, those without shelter, farm workers and other groups. The legislation also clarifies and simplifies the RHNA statute.
“I thank the governor for signing this legislation,” said Blakespear, D-Encinitas, in a news release. “SB 7 makes clear the most vulnerable people who are unhoused must be tracked and planned for.”
SB7 was one of more than 30 bills related to housing that the governor signed Thursday.
Blakespear has made addressing homelessness and the state’s lack of affordable housing a priority. This year, she also authored SB 1077, which aims to balance coastal permitting requirements with state accessory dwelling unit (ADU) law to make it easier to apply for, and receive, permits to build them in coastal areas.
That bill is yet to be signed by the governor.
Alvarez’s bills, Assembly Bill 1886 and AB 2430, would clarify when housing projects become eligible for a provision called the Builder’s Remedy and exempt homebuilders from paying certain fees on 100% affordable projects.
“Affordable homebuilders face significant challenges in securing the necessary funding and financing to build much needed housing,” Alvarez said. “I want to thank the Governor for signing legislation which supports affordable housing developments and provides relief by eliminating duplicative monitoring fees.”
Updated 4:25 p.m. Sept. 19, 2024
