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SB 748 would expand encampment‑resolution funds and safe parking; committee accepts amendments to remove towing/fines
Summary
Sen. Susan T. Richardson sponsored SB 748 to expand the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) to help jurisdictions acquire and operate safe parking/RV interim sites and strengthen wraparound services. The committee accepted amendments removing towing and punitive enforcement uses of funds; bill moved to Appropriations.
SB 748, presented by Sen. Susan T. Richardson, would expand the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) to allow jurisdictions to finance and operate safe parking and RV interim housing sites, lengthen hours for safe parking operations, and provide acquisition and service funding to support transition off streets.
Richardson said the intent is to help jurisdictions respond humanely to RV encampments and other encampment concentrations by expanding managed safe parking and wraparound services rather than relying solely on enforcement. She described concerns raised in her district about blocks of RVs that function as long‑term encampments, exposing residents to hazards and reducing neighborhood livability.
Witnesses in support included Carly Shelby (City of Compton), who described local safe parking operations and the need for funding for acquisition, security and case management; and Christopher Whyte (Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association), who described the safety and quality‑of‑life impacts when RV encampments cluster near mobile home parks. Benjamin Henderson (Western Center on Law and Policy) and Housing California later moved from opposition to neutral on some amendments; Santa Clara County listed opposition on fiscal grounds.
During discussion the author agreed to two primary committee amendments: (1) remove ERF authority for towing vehicles and punitive enforcement actions that could increase street homelessness, and (2) tighten reporting to relevant fiscal committees including the Senate Budget Committee. The author said the bill would continue to emphasize services, safe parking expansion, and accountability.
Committee members asked about the scope of ERF, coordination with local programs and cost. Members expressed support for the safe‑parking concept while cautioning that resources and program design matter. The motion to pass the bill as amended to Appropriations was recorded and the item was placed on call for final disposition.
The transcript records the author’s commitment to technical amendments and the committee’s interest in aligning the bill with budget decisions about the Encampment Resolution Fund.
