Sen. Becker’s SB 606 would require regions to plan for “functional zero” unsheltered homelessness

Sen. Becker presented SB 606 to require local governments and continuums of care to plan proactively to reach “functional zero” for unsheltered homelessness — a status in which jurisdictions maintain a sufficient supply of temporary and permanent placements so no one needs to sleep on the street. Becker said unsheltered homelessness is a uniquely California problem and cited a 78% statewide unsheltered share of people experiencing homelessness versus national figures as part of the rationale for a state directive.

Witnesses described operational programs already in place. Elizabeth Funk, CEO of Dignity Moves, said functional zero creates an achievable “finish line” and urged the committee to fund and require local assessments and strategies. A person with lived experience described how an interim program (The Grove / First Step Communities) provided showers, meals, case management and a “cabin” that enabled rapid rehousing and services that supported housing outcomes.

Becker said the bill would coordinate with the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant program and that she planned technical amendments to sharpen implementation. Committee members generally expressed interest but asked for timing details, fiscal clarity and how the bill would interact with existing state and local programs. The bill’s proponents emphasized that permanent housing remains the priority while interim interventions and streamlined local tools (e.g., Appendix P building code adjustments and programmatic streamlining under existing law) can reduce deaths and severe harms.

Because the committee lacked a quorum at the start of the hearing, the bill’s vote was postponed; later the measure was moved to appropriations and recorded as placed on call during the hearing series.