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Senate committee advances AB 654 to create dedicated homelessness hotline for Los Angeles County
Summary
AB 654 would authorize Los Angeles County to establish a dedicated phone line, separate from 2-1-1 and other general hotlines, to respond directly to homelessness crises; the committee advanced the bill to Local Government after supporters cited long 2-1-1 wait times and unmet needs.
Assemblymember Colosa presented AB 654, a bill that would authorize Los Angeles County to create a dedicated telephone system to provide direct assistance to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Colosa and supporters argued existing systems such as 2-1-1 and 3-1-1 are overwhelmed and handle many nonurgent requests; they described long wait times and high call volumes that can leave unhoused people without timely help. Paul Asplund Durani, a direct-service provider, said 2-1-1 answered only about 44% of calls during a recent surge and that wait times averaged 55 minutes with some waits above 13 hours; he and other witnesses urged a dedicated line for homelessness crises.
Committee members thanked the author but raised operational concerns about staffing and duplication. Senator Cioppo (vice chair) said her view was that existing systems should be fully funded and staffed before creating new systems, and noted LA County can already create dedicated local numbers without state authorization. The author said the bill aims to support LA County’s plans to build a new homelessness department and create a dedicated number managed by direct‑service providers; she cited support from Supervisor Hilda Solis.
The committee moved AB 654 to the Local Government Committee; members said they would continue to press for clear plans on funding and staffing and coordination with 2-1-1.
