Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Bills to Address Homelessness in California

California

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 10 months ago on

August 28, 2024

In response to California’s homelessness crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed two key bills — AB 2835 and AB 3057 — that aim to enhance emergency shelter options and streamline the construction of affordable housing units. (Shutterstock)

AB 2835 extends the use of hotels/motels for emergency shelters beyond 30 days, improving stability for homeless individuals.
AB 3057 simplifies construction of junior accessory dwelling units, increasing affordable housing options across California.
California has allocated more than $27 billion since 2019 to tackle homelessness, including $3.3 billion for Project Homekey.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed two significant bills into law aimed at expanding housing options and providing greater stability for Californians experiencing homelessness, his office reported on Tuesday.

The newly enacted legislation, AB 2835 and AB 3057, will enhance the state’s efforts to tackle the homelessness crisis by increasing shelter availability and streamlining housing construction.

AB 2835: Motels and Hotels: Publicly Funded Shelter Programs

AB 2835, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, removes the sunset date on tenancy rules that facilitate the use of privately owned hotels and motels for emergency shelter beyond 30 days. This bill aims to improve stability for individuals experiencing homelessness by extending a method of interim housing.

“We need solutions to our homelessness crisis that are both compassionate and effective,’ Gabriel said. “AB 2835 will deliver on both fronts by providing much-needed stability to kids and families experiencing homelessness while also cutting red tape and saving taxpayer resources.”

The state Assembly passed the bill 72-0. Supporters included the California Catholic Conference, the City of Los Angeles, Housing California, and various other organizations dedicated to affordable housing.

AB 3057: California Environmental Quality Act

AB 3057, authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson, seeks to simplify and accelerate the process for constructing junior accessory dwelling units. This measure is intended to increase the availability of affordable living spaces. An accessory dwelling unit provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons at a previously built residence.

“AB 3057 represents a small but significant technical change that offers Californians more accessible and efficient options to build affordable housing solutions,” Wilson said. “This legislation allows families to stay closer together and fosters stronger, more connected communities.”

The state Senate passed the bill 38-0.

In 2023, approximately 181,000 Californians experienced homelessness, with around 90,000 in unsheltered conditions. The new laws aim to enhance efforts to connect people with services and permanent housing solutions.

Since 2019, the state has invested more than $27 billion in various programs, including $3.3 billion for Homekey and $4.85 billion for the Homelessness Housing Assistance Program. Local governments have utilized these funds to provide interim housing in hotels and motels.

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Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.