Bill > SB131

This bill establishes round 7 of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program, appropriating $500 million effective July 1, 2026, with specific disbursement conditions. The bill requires that funds can only be allocated to cities, counties, tribes, or continuums of care that have substantially completed and obligated at least 50% of their round 6 funding. The Department of Finance is authorized to allocate up to $8 million to prepare for program administration. The bill also makes significant modifications to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), creating numerous exemptions for various types of projects, including housing element rezonings, agricultural employee housing, wildfire risk reduction projects, certain water system and community infrastructure projects, and specific types of facilities like day care centers and health clinics. Additionally, the bill requires the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to map eligible urban infill sites by July 1, 2027, developing metrics and definitions for identifying these sites. The exemptions aim to streamline project approvals and reduce environmental review requirements, with the stated goal of addressing housing challenges and supporting infrastructure development while maintaining environmental protections. The bill is part of the state budget process and takes effect immediately.

Budget and Finance

Budget and Fiscal Review (S)

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB131