Bill requires Caltrans to standardize response and partner with cities on highway encampments

The Senate passed SB 569 to direct Caltrans to improve coordination and establish timelines for responding to requests from cities to address homeless encampments on state highway right-of-way.

Senator Blakespear, author, said cities from San Diego to Berkeley report months-long delays when asking Caltrans to clear or address hazardous encampments located on state property and rights-of-way. “Caltrans should be linking arms with our cities to address encampments and to be working expeditiously to move people indoors in order to get to functional zero in street homelessness,” she said. The bill would require Caltrans to set response timelines, prioritize encampments that pose environmental or fire risk, and facilitate delegation or maintenance agreements with local jurisdictions when appropriate.

Supporters included local mayors and former mayors who said the bill would create a single contact and improve responsiveness. Senator Cortese, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, noted the practical capacity constraints at Caltrans and suggested budgetary increases to Caltrans staffing would also be needed to meet expectations. Some colleagues asked for clarified language on default actions when cities lack encampment policies; the author said she would refine language in the Assembly to ensure coordination with city personnel and dignity for unsheltered individuals.

SB 569 passed the Senate on a recorded vote and will move to the Assembly for further consideration and possible amendments.