[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6571617,"mediaKeyId","3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4","parentId",3159089,"title","SB 21 would allow limited unit reduction to modernize SROs into studios; sponsors say it preserves deeply affordable homes","audioSeconds",563,"startMs",4847000,"endMs",5410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4&start=4847&end=5410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4/thumbnail_4847000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6571617/California/SB-21-would-allow-limited-unit-reduction-to-modernize-SROs-into-studios-sponsors-say-it-preserves-deeply-affordable-homes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571617-c8492a5328c6d7f16beae30abdc73481/orig.mp4?Expires=1774946232&Signature=fUrhfeLOTbA2~VBSaaiGrpQ8uPYRvrEy79rrA0yrl51QeH6aQMYAjULKgdQDQFNk4cAep-GiREXswIfX~QwdfUJayO0Pdu9~LqhDdyfw8t~ef71ayz4YWI36Zryzz5oLBvWUC27XiWVYiehQV1IEaarBWr9iBciRsMMJPUTz5ZEkEHGoeR8N7weCCApp0-RHr8XdePTHBDuBGBuQYb3eDrEakb~NOsS5VhAo-5wi0NZ4nfqzHAFGIBQUiCueIO~F7PEYnZp3efJqeWo6flAY68Nv~4-TXReJ3wTVqX0VvPrhj~VXzGaQ1oqXaGmUEuVVUWWysEcxynxNCbO8bsrYwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","California State Senate","date","2025-04-29T00:00:00Z","article","SB 21, carried in committee by Sen. María Elena Durazo, would permit up to a 25% reduction in unit count when deed‑restricted single‑room occupancy (SRO) buildings are converted into larger affordable studio units that include private kitchens and bathrooms and supportive service space. The measure updates HCD eligibility rules for preservation projects and waives certain documentation barriers for SRO tenants for relocation purposes.

Sen. Durazo and nonprofit witnesses said many SRO buildings are functionally obsolete, losing revenue and becoming financially unsustainable because of shared bathrooms/kitchen arrangements, high vacancy and rising maintenance costs. Tiffany Spring (Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing) and Holly Benson (Abode Communities) described a planned project at the historic Mary Andrews Clark Residence in Los Angeles: the conversion would modernize 106 deeply affordable units into studio apartments with private amenities and supportive services while preserving affordability covenants and securing rental vouchers.

Bill language includes tenant protections: right of first refusal to return after rehabilitation, rent guardrails, a replacement housing plan, and relocation assistance. Sponsors said the bill balances tenant protections with the preservation need: without conversion authority, nonprofits fear properties would be sold or shuttered and residents displaced.

Witnesses reported that Abode Communities had secured a PRP award (HCD Preservation Revolving Loan/Program funding) and rental vouchers contingent on the project moving forward; they urged the committee to approve SB 21 so preservation financing and tax‑credit applications could proceed. Committee members praised the bill as a balanced preservation tool and offered a motion to pass to Appropriations; the transcript records favorable committee action moving SB 21 forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Housing Committee","oneSentenceSummary","SB 21 would permit limited reductions when deed‑restricted SRO buildings are converted into studio apartments, with tenant protections and new preservation requirements.","taxTitle","California State Senate, Senate, Legislative, California","taxId",77650,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6571631,"Senate debate over SB 457 centers on builder’s‑remedy loopholes after Menlo Park project",641,3731000,4372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4&start=3731&end=4372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4/thumbnail_3731000.jpg","/articles/6571631/California/Senate-debate-over-SB-457-centers-on-buildersremedy-loopholes-after-Menlo-Park-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571631-7c17c3716aa17150056fedd2c9a1023e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774946232&Signature=nvKyO9cAT3rlkY72yLwa45LFwHUezhIOMLTa~VTGfRwLG7boXdlF3GhBylgQRSwfxabc-sHg98nmmY5izk~s~RJTaW-T5Ohd5QTXVMeYRPRp2jtWvbtgNP-izfJRQm3ACmIedlD6Pe5eWRyGpRh6l1WwHm6j8WcMY-6q5habMI0HB9PVIVnIEday9Qu-lNX3OrFZBlhW6hPqrRkxl3XJ6TFqz-jhIUwjP17wAQqjZ2vntD8QYJ-8~f~5wOj5OTmPLXi0GSwGsAD24lHFeGv8r6vmD1epW7aJD-rUt9U4BGQGNgk6EeQjASHr697SZILmdOqtuDalIoTijh4c64Q8rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators debated SB 457, a bill by Sen. Josh Becker that would clarify when jurisdictions\u0000may be treated as having a substantially compliant housing element and tighten the definition of a ‘‘complete’’ housing application so the builder’s remedy cannot be invoked on placeholder filings.

Becker told the committee the bill ‘‘ties substantially compliant housing elements to the date of local adoption, subject to later confirmation by HCD or a court,’’ and said the measure aims to prevent speculative filings that exploit administrative review delays. He said projects such as the 80 Willow proposal in Menlo Park — a developer filing that he and witnesses described as including large office components and towers up to 37 stories — illustrated the need for the change.

The bill attracted testimony both for and against. Jessica Wallander of Green Foothills said dozens of builder’s‑remedy applications had been filed on farmland and hazard‑prone sites and urged support for a requirement that a complete application be required to invoke the remedy. Ray Mueller, San Mateo County supervisor, described the Menlo Park filing as ‘‘a speculative mega project’’ and said SB 457 ‘‘strikes the right balance’’ to protect jurisdictions that had done the work to adopt housing elements.

Opponents, including Silvio Ferrari of the California Building Industry Association and attorneys from the Public Interest Law Project and California Rural Legal Assistance, said recent legislation (cited during testimony as AB 1886) already set firm rules for housing‑element compliance and that SB 457 risks creating a pathway to avoid consequences for late or noncompliant local housing elements. They recommended other legislative approaches, such as AB 650, as alternatives.

Committee members sought clarifications about retroactivity, the timing of HCD review, and whether the bill would punish jurisdictions that submitted elements on time but received slow administrative review. Senator Cabaldon said he opposed retroactive changes that would make the Legislature ‘‘the city council in the sky,’’ while Senator Cortese and others voiced procedural and pipeline concerns. Becker said the bill would not eliminate the builder’s remedy and would preserve protections for genuinely noncompliant jurisdictions.

At the committee’s conclusion the bill was moved; later floor and committee roll calls recorded conflicting procedural steps and the item was left \"on call\" several times. In final recorded action in the transcript SB 457 did not advance in its form during this hearing (the committee later recorded reconsideration and a failing tally in the transcript). The transcript records extensive back‑and‑forth and requests for further technical working sessions.

SB 457 drew sustained public turnout from Menlo Park and neighboring jurisdictions; Fire District and local elected officials testified about infrastructure and public‑safety concerns tied to the specific Menlo Park filing discussed during the hearing. Supporters and opponents agreed on the need to reduce gaming of statutory processes, but disagreed about whether SB 457’s draft language would produce unintended consequences for local governments that had taken steps to comply with state deadlines.

The committee conversation concluded with the author agreeing to continue technical conversations with interested stakeholders.","Sen. Josh Becker introduced SB 457, a bill to limit use of the builder’s remedy when a city’s housing element is later certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6571612,"SB 655 would push new housing to meet a 'safe' maximum indoor temperature as heat risk grows",351,5687000,6038000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4&start=5687&end=6038","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4/thumbnail_5687000.jpg","/articles/6571612/California/SB-655-would-push-new-housing-to-meet-a-safe-maximum-indoor-temperature-as-heat-risk-grows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571612-31dbe86d2048f0d5e394495b618a831e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774946232&Signature=FpJjFJBHdjDL3GCllmZ7K9BMhXAoLN2N-NkPtT4PcLPTuepUsDC3e4gfYQCe6E~M7UDBmiapSXQH~StdWt7nQUdQeBHFEycDFdDjMs0zocXTJy34wjVYmAmaznZD1wqpgxikn6dDeA5H6KZXmBIkXP6rH9ofg7DFMKtlZnCzKGDprR45lGY05VQ9CEbhzh-2P9mQILqPPgQzDmWi7GLYTDDmBvbLj930o-4gKY88Vto0Qk01eoqovTihWCH~MXZ4jXiiNMVAl2onmpRyGYMUjr6QTbVSD2BKWHmODrzzPod1vkmBqacdiIyejBrjwzPNa5boC1aCnONQwSaB58evsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sen. Scott Wiener presented SB 655, which would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to identify and promote passive and active strategies to enable new residential dwelling units to maintain a recommended maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wiener and witnesses said extreme heat is an under‑appreciated, growing public‑health threat in California; HCD’s AB 209 report recommended an 82°F target as a reasonable goal for new construction to protect health. Giovanna Morales Tilden of Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability and climate and public‑health groups described living‑condition vulnerabilities in the San Joaquin and Coachella valleys (older housing stock, unaffordability of operating air conditioning) and urged state action.

Supporters include building decarbonization and environmental voter groups, which spoke in favor of code updates and electrification strategies. The bill drew no lead opposition at the hearing and multiple organizations entered support in the record (Building Decarbonization Coalition, California Environmental Voters).

Committee members asked about the scope (new units only), interplay with existing building codes, and whether the state should pursue retrofit policies for existing housing stock; the author said SB 655 is an initial step focused on new dwellings while future work will address retrofits.

The committee recorded a motion to pass the bill to Appropriations and left the bill on call; sponsors said they will continue stakeholder conversations on standards and implementation details.

The bill aims to create baseline expectations for new housing design that reduce heat exposure without prescribing a single technical compliance pathway.","Sen. Scott Wiener presented SB 655 to require HCD to identify and promote strategies so new residential dwellings can maintain a maximum indoor temperature of 82°F; witnesses emphasized heat as a public‑health threat and said the bill is a first step toward codifying HCD recommendations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6571622,"SB 748 would expand encampment‑resolution funds and safe parking; committee accepts amendments to remove towing/fines",1121,3185000,4306000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4&start=3185&end=4306","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4/thumbnail_3185000.jpg","/articles/6571622/California/SB-748-would-expand-encampmentresolution-funds-and-safe-parking-committee-accepts-amendments-to-remove-towingfines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571622-f306424e3ed23ba5a97362c6081b2a48/orig.mp4?Expires=1774946232&Signature=n9GvaUAaFADB~8-mPx3HcJ2E0GRy3QRnRD1e2fjEFz5lTieta-RPbosADt7-mtlhdRkUkpUXUTKZ9CHXy8Po~18lcA4~FMppykvAUL9bhEEMSJqgR0U6nWoEMZ-1sP7K7Js8he8q6~7pUEfNpZcJeNIXB9vEejlL8ENnWGqhbjHYafaZywmHczAzPRUQBcuUvuLn9KICW-x4sbfcCOrbZNzExJ~FS0Xu-l2K9pWmNO0eCIOUarWChjyTFEWVnhZw0LGDmenzTHhrzLn2UO4qpSF8Hlsq2izNJNCf6H8vkc~6dwW1b6DUV1-KLpoYmU2m0fadB4n2n4pS2xKZykPisA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SB 748, presented by Sen. Susan T. Richardson, would expand the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) to allow jurisdictions to finance and operate safe parking and RV interim housing sites, lengthen hours for safe parking operations, and provide acquisition and service funding to support transition off streets.

Richardson said the intent is to help jurisdictions respond humanely to RV encampments and other encampment concentrations by expanding managed safe parking and wraparound services rather than relying solely on enforcement. She described concerns raised in her district about blocks of RVs that function as long‑term encampments, exposing residents to hazards and reducing neighborhood livability.

Witnesses in support included Carly Shelby (City of Compton), who described local safe parking operations and the need for funding for acquisition, security and case management; and Christopher Whyte (Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association), who described the safety and quality‑of‑life impacts when RV encampments cluster near mobile home parks. Benjamin Henderson (Western Center on Law and Policy) and Housing California later moved from opposition to neutral on some amendments; Santa Clara County listed opposition on fiscal grounds.

During discussion the author agreed to two primary committee amendments: (1) remove ERF authority for towing vehicles and punitive enforcement actions that could increase street homelessness, and (2) tighten reporting to relevant fiscal committees including the Senate Budget Committee. The author said the bill would continue to emphasize services, safe parking expansion, and accountability.

Committee members asked about the scope of ERF, coordination with local programs and cost. Members expressed support for the safe‑parking concept while cautioning that resources and program design matter. The motion to pass the bill as amended to Appropriations was recorded and the item was placed on call for final disposition.

The transcript records the author’s commitment to technical amendments and the committee’s interest in aligning the bill with budget decisions about the Encampment Resolution Fund.","Sen. Susan T. Richardson sponsored SB 748 to expand the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) to help jurisdictions acquire and operate safe parking/RV interim sites and strengthen wraparound services. The committee accepted amendments removing towing and punitive enforcement uses of funds; bill moved to Appropriations.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6571626,"SB 606 would require jurisdictions to plan to end unsheltered homelessness; supporters point to 'functional zero' models",372,2072000,2444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4&start=2072&end=2444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159089-35d44451249fa44a340c1c1ef5e974f4/thumbnail_2072000.jpg","/articles/6571626/California/SB-606-would-require-jurisdictions-to-plan-to-end-unsheltered-homelessness-supporters-point-to-functional-zero-models","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571626-eaeab0e42fa5a78c2bc174934ba9c77f/orig.mp4?Expires=1774946232&Signature=XVgFLBw2bthn281TT8Of9hh6zN5no2oF4t0Mn4tNlC-3xJkdcrB5yp48jHo3lyM7~DkszLEd-s7V~N1ZoYq6dVZky9cxB8m-tvFbbmi9pBZdTjGHOvpfUqTY6ytweI1I4UCNaIW1FUvNBWydOEF1ycaj3mkjfl1f4mIZAFgrbOhI2cVf824YtXVbQKPHsLvi1zy-XSp766cjpoJkf86BDK~xHxMJh0xsh0QBGfHjwHbLBXAqgUr-KzGNOqeZYnZU9G~mAljGfkRhhHQfp6ouDJhfFaz7a3~DAQcEye0kAUM~MQvAokeuBhbIUea1XPLz8aghY21Iimuv2OcRjh~Xww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sen. Josh Becker presented SB 606, a bill directing cities, counties and Continuums of Care to plan for and pursue ‘‘functional zero’’ for unsheltered homelessness — a condition in which a jurisdiction has sufficient places for people to go so no one needs to sleep on the street.

Becker said California carries a disproportionate share of the nation’s unsheltered population and argued local planning, updated building standards, and use of streamlining tools are needed to get people off streets while permanent housing is built. Elizabeth Funk, CEO of Dignity Moves, testified in support and described functional zero as a definable ‘‘finish line’’ that focuses municipalities on interim and permanent placement.

A person with lived experience described how interim programs and case management (example: The Grove / First Step Communities) provided showers, meals, Wi‑Fi and rapid rehousing linkage that were crucial to moving people toward permanent housing.

The author said he would bring technical amendments to align SB 606 with existing grant programs (HAP grant program referenced in testimony). The committee did not have quorum earlier in the hearing, but the transcript records a subsequent motion to pass SB 606 as amended to appropriations. The item was carried \"on call\" in committee roll calls recorded during the hearing; later roll calls recorded passage to appropriations and the bill was kept on call for final disposition.

Supporters framed the bill as a state‑level step to create measurable local goals and to unlock funding and streamlined tools already available. The author emphasized the bill would not replace the state’s priority on permanent housing, but would add clear planning and accountability around unsheltered homelessness and use of allowable streamlining. The committee accepted amendments and the author requested an aye vote when the item came up for a formal roll call.","Sen. Becker's SB 606 would require cities, counties and continuums of care to plan to end unsheltered homelessness (functional zero). Witnesses described program models and wraparound services; committee accepted technical amendments and moved the bill to appropriations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

SB 21 would allow limited unit reduction to modernize SROs into studios; sponsors say it preserves deeply affordable homes

Senate debate over SB 457 centers on builder’s‑remedy loopholes after Menlo Park project

SB 655 would push new housing to meet a 'safe' maximum indoor temperature as heat risk grows

SB 748 would expand encampment‑resolution funds and safe parking; committee accepts amendments to remove towing/fines

SB 606 would require jurisdictions to plan to end unsheltered homelessness; supporters point to 'functional zero' models