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Assembly approves SB 131, includes $500 million for homelessness programs and CEQA exemptions for housing and other projects
Summary
The Assembly passed SB 131, a budget‑related public resources and housing trailer bill that establishes a $500 million HAP round and creates CEQA exemptions for certain housing, childcare and infrastructure projects; the measure passed 50–3 after debate on environmental protections.
The California Assembly voted to pass SB 131 on June 4, a budget‑related public resources and housing trailer bill that, among other provisions, establishes round 7 of the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP/HAP) program with $500 million for cities, counties, continuums of care and tribes, and creates specified CEQA exemptions for a range of project types.
Assemblymember Gabriel presented SB 131 as one of two governor‑proposed budget trailer bills tackling housing and related infrastructure. "This bill establishes round 7 of the HAP program and provides $500,000,000 for cities, counties, continuums of care, and tribes to address our homelessness crisis," he said.
Supporters characterized the bill as paired policy and budget action to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery; Assemblymember Macedo said she supported the measure while voicing “strong reservations” about some provisions, especially a categorical CEQA exemption for California High‑Speed Rail. Assemblymember Muratsuchi and other members raised environmental concerns, citing opposition letters from more than 100 environmental groups and labor unions and noting potential toxic risks associated with certain advanced manufacturing (for example, semiconductor production and PFAS use). Several members, including Assemblymember Kalra, urged narrower exemptions and protections for habitat and species.
The Assembly approved a procedural motion to lay certain amendments on the table earlier in the debate and ultimately passed the measure on a roll call. The clerk tallied: Ayes 50, Nos 3. SB 131 moves forward as a budget trailer bill to be implemented alongside the state budget.
Provenance: SB 131 was introduced and debated on the Assembly floor beginning with Gabriel's presentation and concluding with the roll call; debate included remarks emphasizing homelessness funding and lengthy discussion of CEQA exemptions and environmental safeguards.
