April 25, 2019

CSAC is committed to addressing the housing affordability crisis and is supportive of several bills that invest more state resources into housing, make it easier for counties to leverage local resources, and protect renters from source of income discrimination.

AB 10 (Chiu) would increase the amount of state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations by an additional $500 million annually, which will allow California to maximize all federal tax credits. This will result in the development of additional and much needed affordable housing across the state.

SCA 1 (Allen) would repeal Article XXXIV of the California Constitution, which currently requires a majority vote by the people if a local government seeks to build or fund affordable housing. This bill would remove limitations on counties’ ability to financially support affordable housing without voter approval. SCA 1 would remove an administrative hurdle for counties that seek to fund the development of additional affordable homes in their jurisdictions. If the Legislature passes SCA 1, it would then go to the voters on the 2020 ballot.

ACA 1 (Aguiar-Curry) would reduce the voter threshold for approval of bond and special tax measures that help fund critical infrastructure and affordable housing projects. Reducing the voter threshold from a two-thirds vote to a 55 percent majority for approval of bond and special tax measures would make it easier to help fund critical infrastructure and affordable housing projects. ACA 1 would also go to the voters on the 2020 ballot if the Legislature passes it.

SB 329 (Mitchell) would amend California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act to protect housing voucher holders from housing discrimination based on their source of income. By ensuring that voucher holders are considered as potential tenants, SB 329 would bolster local government efforts by cities, counties and housing authorities to provide a full spectrum of housing opportunities to individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, or who may be clients of county-administered safety net programs.

AB 69 (Ting)would require the California Department of Housing and Community Development to propose a small homes building code governing building standards for homes smaller than 800 square feet, including accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, to the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC). While important to protecting human health and safety and promoting energy efficiency, complying with the State’s building standards can add significant costs to the construction of housing. AB 69 will address this issue head on by requiring HCD to propose a small homes building code for small homes to the CBSC.

CSAC will continue to track these bills and keep counties updated as they move through the legislative process