Gov. Newsom Signs 32 Bills to Address Housing and Homelessness Amid Norwalk's Homeless Shelter Ban

Sep 19, 2024, 06:45 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a comprehensive package of 32 bills aimed at addressing the state's dual crises of homelessness and housing scarcity. The legislative package includes measures to streamline the approval process for environmentally sustainable student housing (SB 312), defer housing development fees (SB 937), and provide additional flexibility for building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on multifamily properties (SB 1211). Newsom also signed SB 450 to strengthen the state duplex and lot-split law and SB 1123 to expand opportunities for infill townhouse and small lot production. Additionally, he introduced guidance for up to $2.2 billion in funding through Proposition 1 to construct permanent supportive housing. The governor's actions come amid a contentious battle with the city of Norwalk, which has extended its ban on new homeless shelters despite Newsom's threats of legal action. The new laws aim to increase housing supply, make homeownership more accessible, and hold localities accountable for their housing policies.