Senate committee advances AB 1296 addressing educator crisis and housing affordability

The Senate Housing Committee convened on June 17, 2025, to address several key legislative items, focusing on housing issues and related bills. The meeting began with a motion to pass a bill, which was moved by Senator Cortese. A roll call vote followed, with Senators Wahab, Aragine, Cabaldon, Cortese, and Grayson voting in favor, while Senators Ciarato and Ochoa Bog opposed the motion. The bill was subsequently placed on call, indicating that further discussion or voting may occur later.

Following this, the committee moved on to consent items, which included several bills presented by Assembly members. Senator Cortese moved to approve file items AB 413 by Assembly member Fong, AB 457 by Assembly member Soria, and AB 480 by Assembly member Quirk Silva. A roll call vote was conducted, with all present senators voting in favor of the consent items, confirming their passage.

The meeting then shifted focus to Assembly member Bonta, who presented AB 1296. She highlighted the bill's aim to address the ongoing educator workforce crisis and the intertwined issue of housing affordability. Bonta emphasized the importance of these issues, suggesting that they are critical to the state's future.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Senate Housing Committee's commitment to tackling housing-related challenges in California, with several bills advancing through the legislative process. Further discussions and votes on the bills are anticipated as the committee continues its work.