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Senate committee advances measure requiring local planning to pursue ‘functional zero’ for unsheltered homelessness
Summary
SB 606 would require cities, counties and continuums of care to plan proactively to end unsheltered homelessness (achieve ‘functional zero’) and to describe use of Shelter Crisis Act streamlining when increasing bed capacity; committee accepted technical amendments and referred the bill to Senate Housing.
Sen. Becker presented SB 606, which would require cities, counties and Continuums of Care to undertake proactive planning to end unsheltered homelessness in their jurisdictions by identifying the number of interim units needed and strategies to bring people indoors quickly (a concept described in testimony as “functional 0”). The bill also asks jurisdictions to document use of state streamlining authorities, such as the Shelter Crisis Act, when building bed capacity.
Supporters included residents with lived experience who testified about the benefits of interim housing programs; Elizabeth Fong and others described Dignity Moves and grove‑style interim communities as examples that provide hygiene, meals, case management and a pathway to rapid rehousing. The author and witnesses stressed that permanent housing is essential but that interim solutions can save lives while permanent units are financed and built. They urged regional coordination so smaller cities participate in planning and housing production.
Committee members asked implementation questions, including whether the bill would be tied to a specific round of HHAP (Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention) funding; the author indicated the intention was to attach the requirement to a future HHAP round (round 7) and to clarify that in amendments rather than change already‑underway competitions. The bill’s committee recommendation was recorded as a do‑pass (as amended) to the Senate Housing Committee; a roll‑call reflected unanimous support among members present (5–0).
The committee’s action was a policy referral; fiscal incentives, technical assistance, and how to measure the “functional zero” goal will be considered in subsequent hearings. Supporters said declaring a measurable goal can marshal resources, philanthropy and local action, while opponents (none recorded in committee) might note capacity and funding constraints.
