SB 606 would require jurisdictions to plan to end unsheltered homelessness; supporters point to 'functional zero' models

Sen. Josh Becker presented SB 606, a bill directing cities, counties and Continuums of Care to plan for and pursue ‘‘functional zero’’ for unsheltered homelessness — a condition in which a jurisdiction has sufficient places for people to go so no one needs to sleep on the street.

Becker said California carries a disproportionate share of the nation’s unsheltered population and argued local planning, updated building standards, and use of streamlining tools are needed to get people off streets while permanent housing is built. Elizabeth Funk, CEO of Dignity Moves, testified in support and described functional zero as a definable ‘‘finish line’’ that focuses municipalities on interim and permanent placement.

A person with lived experience described how interim programs and case management (example: The Grove / First Step Communities) provided showers, meals, Wi‑Fi and rapid rehousing linkage that were crucial to moving people toward permanent housing.

The author said he would bring technical amendments to align SB 606 with existing grant programs (HAP grant program referenced in testimony). The committee did not have quorum earlier in the hearing, but the transcript records a subsequent motion to pass SB 606 as amended to appropriations. The item was carried "on call" in committee roll calls recorded during the hearing; later roll calls recorded passage to appropriations and the bill was kept on call for final disposition.

Supporters framed the bill as a state‑level step to create measurable local goals and to unlock funding and streamlined tools already available. The author emphasized the bill would not replace the state’s priority on permanent housing, but would add clear planning and accountability around unsheltered homelessness and use of allowable streamlining. The committee accepted amendments and the author requested an aye vote when the item came up for a formal roll call.