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Assembly committee advances bill requiring homelessness plans for women with children
Summary
The Assembly Human Services Committee voted to pass AB 790 as amended, directing cities, counties and continuums of care that receive state homelessness funds to develop systems that prioritize single women with children and survivors fleeing domestic violence.
Assemblymember Avi LaFarius on behalf of the author presented AB 790 on behalf of efforts to prioritize single women with children in homelessness prevention and services. The Assembly Human Services Committee voted to pass the bill as amended and moved it onward, with the committee recommending an "Aye" vote.
The bill would require cities, counties and continuums of care that receive state funds for homelessness to develop systems that specifically support women and children, including those fleeing domestic violence, according to testimony from the bill’s sponsor and nonprofit witnesses. Beatrice Olvera Stotzer, president of New Economics for Women, told the committee that single mothers are disproportionately at risk of homelessness and that existing systems often fail to prioritize their needs. "A person who is unhoused and has diagnosed mental illness ... often receives immediate housing and supportive services than a mother living in a car with her 4 children fleeing an abuser," she said.
Committee members commended the measure and several offered to join as coauthors. Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez thanked the author and the sponsoring organization for bringing the bill and offered to coauthor. No public witnesses testified in opposition; Marvin Pineda spoke in support on behalf of California Human Development and the Center for Employment Training.
The committee chair called the roll and the bill passed the committee. Initial roll call statements recorded aye votes from Lee, Castillo, Calderon, El Huari, Jackson, Rodriguez and Tongapaw; the committee recorded a final favorable vote and reported the measure out of committee.
Supporters said the bill aims to close service gaps by creating accountability and tailored response for families led by single mothers, including those escaping abuse. Witnesses described expected benefits that include stabilizing families, keeping children in school, and reducing reliance on emergency services. Committee discussion focused on recognizing gaps in existing systems and the practical effects of requiring jurisdictions that receive state funds to develop targeted systems.
No formal amendments beyond those accepted by the author were detailed in testimony; the author said she accepted committee amendments and thanked staff for their work. The committee recommended the bill be passed as amended and forwarded it to the next legislative step.
Votes at a glance: committee recommended "Aye" and recorded a final favorable committee vote on AB 790.
