Legislative Issues | Habitat for Humanity California

Legislative Update – June 2018

The Senate and Assembly have both been plugging away to get through over 700 bills in 2 days! We have been monitoring, negotiating, and working Habitat supported legislation closely and have the following updates: Assembly Bills AB 2890, Ting: The assembly’s accessory dwelling unit bill made it off the floor with a vote of 53-17! This bill reduces the barriers local governments can impose on those wishing to build an ADU on their property. AB 2923, Chiu: BART Transit Oriented Development. This measure has led to quite...

Solar Panel Update

As many of you know, on May 9th, the California Energy Commission passed a landmark decision to adopt new standards requiring solar systems to be installed on new homes built in California beginning January 1, 2020. While these still need to be approved by the California Building Standards Commission, it is expected to take effect. There has been quite a bit of discussion and confusion on the matter so we wanted to be sure to give you an update to clarify and provide additional information. After reaching out to those involved...

Legislative Update – May 2018

Legislative Update on Habitat for Humanity California Sponsored Bill AB 2922, Assemblymember Gipson: On May 9th, Assembly Bill 2922 by Assemblymember Gipson passed through its second of two policy committees with bipartisan support. AB 2922 sailed through both the Assembly Housing and Community Development and Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committees with unanimous support. This Habitat for Humanity California sponsored bill has been lauded as a creative and innovative solution to California’s housing crisis. AB 2922 is modeled after a successful tax credit program in Florida. This bill, if...

Opportunity Zones Feedback – March 29th, 2018

Thank you to all who provided feedback on Opportunity Zones this month. This is a new community development program enacted by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of December 2017. The program authorizes a tax incentive for investment in low-income neighborhoods. The nominated zones will become effective when reviewed and accepted by the U.S. Treasury. The Governor’s nominations for qualifying census tracts for the new federal Opportunity Zones are now posted on the Department of Finance’s website. Click here to view background on the program, interactive maps,...

Legislative Update – March 26th, 2018

On March 20th the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management and Senate Insurance Committee held and informational hearing titled, “Drought, Climate Change and Fire: How is the California Homeowners Insurance Market Responding.” The purpose of the hearing was to bring stakeholders from the Department of Insurance, CALFIRE, Rural County representatives, and Insurance Association representatives to discuss how the drought, extended wildfire season, and above average temperatures impacted various cities and counties in California. The intent of the hearing was to discuss the current state of residential insurance, whether homeowners...

Legislative Update – March 23rd, 2018

Affiliate leaders, Despite the fact that Governor Jerry Brown signed fifteen bills last year aimed at addressing California’s housing crisis, the state legislature has continued to propose numerous bills to facilitate more affordable housing development throughout the state. Members have introduced language to address issues, which include, but are not limited to the following: the use of public “surplus land” for affordable housing (AB 2065), streamlining the permitting process for Ancillary Dwelling Units, tax increment financing, opportunity zones, and inclusionary housing/high density bonuses. Although all Habitat for Humanity affiliates may not directly benefit from every bill we...

Legislative Update – September 29, 2017

The housing bills were signed by Gov. Jerry Brown today, which will put a down payment on restoring the state’s commitment to taking on the affordable housing crisis. More than 40 local Habitat organizations across California supported the passage of the bills, particularly SB 2, SB 3 and SB 35, which will create new sources of revenue and streamline approval processes for affordable housing across the state. read more… Download our Habitat CA press release Download the Governor Brown press release (with summary of...

Legislative Update – September 22, 2017

Comprehensive Housing Package Heads to Governor’s Desk After a long, hard fought effort and approaching the deadline for approving bills for the 2017 session, Assembly and Senate leaders voted late last week to pass a comprehensive package of housing bills. The bills now head to the Governor for signature. He has until October 15 to take action. The good news is that the Governor has previously signaled his intention to sign the package. Once he signs, we will be in campaign mode once again – for the Veterans and Affordable...

September 2017 Housing Package

Despite waiting until the last minute, the Legislature ultimately passed a package of housing bills to the governor which he is expected to sign. SB 2 was the most contentious measure with concerns expressed about the funding source and whether members’ districts would reap the benefits of the bill. It was passed on a partisan basis except for Assemblyman Brian Maienschein (R-San Diego) who voted for it and Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) who voted against. This measure has been contained in various iterations for the last six years. After Senator...

Legislative Update – August 30th, 2017

Rendon, de León Announce Housing Bond Agreement $4 billion bond includes additional $1 billion for veteran housing SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today announced that agreement has been reached on legislation that will provide a $4 billion infusion of funding for affordable housing from bond sales. Senate Bill 3 (Beall) proposes $4 billion in bonds for affordable housing, including $1 billion to extend the CalVet Home Loan Program, which is currently scheduled to expire in 2018. “The...

Legislative Update – August 10th, 2017

Poll Reveals Strong Support for Affordable Housing Bond A new poll shows strong voter support for a $6-9 billion statewide affordable housing bond in 2018. The poll, conducted by JMM Research, found that the electorate is attuned to the state’s housing problems, with 60 percent of likely November 2018 voters supporting a $6 billion to $9 billion statewide affordable housing bond. Earlier this month, Governor Brown and legislative leaders committed to begin tackling the growing housing gap with a housing package that would include a permanent source of state investment...

Legislative Update – August 4, 2017

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS BEFORE THEY RETURN TO SACRAMENTO ON AUGUST 21 st ! In a joint statement issued at the end of July, the Governor, Senate Pro Tempore and Assembly Speaker announced their commitment to finally negotiating a housing package of bills upon their return from the summer legislative recess on August 21st. Habitat for Humanity California leaders are very hopeful with this announcement, however, we want to ensure that the set aside for homeownership, specifically in SB 2 (Atkins – permanent source) and inclusion of homeownership...

Legislative Update – July 10, 2017

Your calls made the difference! After a very lengthy partisan debate on the floor, SB 2 (Atkins) passed the Senate last week with 27 votes. (All Democrats voted “aye” and Republicans “oppose” – Republicans remain concerned that the funding source will put an unfair financial burden on homeowners.) The bill will now be heard in the Assembly where it is expected to pass the Housing and Community Development and Appropriations Committees. However, we are expecting MAJOR challenges on the Assembly floor. It will be extremely difficult to...

Legislative Update – June 30, 2017

We join many other statewide housing advocacy organizations in taking action this week and it will make a difference in supporting Housing across California. CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY! The California Legislature cannot get away with another year of inaction on funding for workforce housing. The Legislature is close to adjourning for summer recess on July 21st without addressing the housing crisis in California. The cost of renting a home is at an all-time high. Homeownership in California is at its lowest rate since the 1940s! 1 out of 5 residents...