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Assembly approves SB 131, allocates $500 million for homelessness program and narrows CEQA exemptions for specified projects
Summary
The Assembly passed SB 131, a public resources and housing trailer bill that establishes a new round of homelessness funding and includes several CEQA exemptions for defined project types; the measure drew debate over environmental and labor concerns but passed overwhelmingly.
Assemblymember Gabriel presented Senate Bill 131 and the Assembly approved the measure by recorded vote (Ayes 50, Noes 3 at the first reading; later Ayes 50, Noes 3 after full consideration) as part of the budget package.
Gabriel described SB 131 as one of two governor‑proposed budget trailer bills intended to address housing, affordability and economic competitiveness. "SB 131 has 2 parts. First, it establishes round 7 of the homeless housing assistance and prevention program, also known as HAP, and provides $500,000,000 for cities, counties, continuums of care, and tribes to address our homelessness crisis," Gabriel said. "Second, this bill addresses the need to build more quickly by balancing the goals of protecting our environment while moving our state forward to meet our housing and infrastructure needs."
The bill drew extended debate focused on proposed categorical CEQA exemptions for specific project types, including advanced manufacturing, childcare, farmworker housing, food banks and others. Critics, including Assemblymember Muratsuchi, argued the advanced manufacturing exemption could expose communities and frontline workers to pollution risks and cited opposition letters from environmental groups and labor unions. "This bill is the worst anti environmental bill in California in recent memory," Muratsuchi said, summarizing concerns raised by coalition letters he had received.
Supporters acknowledged problems in specific provisions but urged passage of the broader budget and homelessness funding. Assemblymember Macedo said she supported the bill "but with strong reservations" about some exemptions and urged protections for rural communities and accountability on funded programs; other members urged negotiation and follow‑up on the advanced manufacturing language.
Assemblymember Gonzalez sought an amendment on Housing First language, arguing the policy is not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution for people experiencing homelessness; that procedural motion to lay an amendment on the table was adopted by recorded vote (Ayes 43, Noes 19) and the amendments were laid on the table during floor action.
SB 131 passed (Ayes 50, Noes 3) after members debated environmental safeguards, tribal consultation and distribution of the $500 million HAP allocation.
Votes at a glance: SB 131 passed on the floor (Ayes 50, Noes 3).
