Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rv Encampments Safe Parking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate advances SB 748 to let cities use encampment funds for safe parking and RV site services
Summary
SB 748 would expand the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) program to explicitly allow safe parking, RV storage and related services, aiming to provide shelter alternatives and wraparound services for people living in vehicles; civil-rights groups opposed, calling the bill vague and potentially harmful.
The Senate Human Services Committee voted to pass SB 748, authored by Sen. Richardson, to the Housing Committee after testimony about mounting numbers of people living in vehicles and the public-health and safety challenges that accompany large RV concentrations.
Sen. Richardson said SB 748 expands the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) program to allow jurisdictions to use grants for safe parking, expanded site hours, RV storage and removal when done to support encampment resolution and rehousing work. She said the change is designed to help local governments manage vehicle-based homelessness while connecting residents to services.
Municipal officials and housing staff described programs in Los Angeles and Compton that combine secure parking, sanitation, security and case management, and urged the committee to allow ERF funds to be used for similar efforts statewide. Carly Shelby of the City of Compton said safe parking helps "fill a gap" and provides referrals and housing navigation.
Supporters included manufactured-housing and mobile-home park organizations, which said RV encampments near parks and industrial areas create community health and safety problems and that safe parking options can provide a humane alternative.
Civil-rights and homelessness advocacy groups opposed the bill as drafted. Carmen Nicole Cox of ACLU California Action said the bill was vague and could allow jurisdictions to tow and remove inhabited vehicles, leaving people without shelter while authorities "seek shelter that may or may not be available." Disability Rights California, Housing California and other groups also registered opposition, saying ERF funds should focus on rehousing and services rather than removal or enforcement.
Committee amendments removed a prescriptive 60-day limit on stays at safe parking sites and narrowed some earlier operational language. The committee majority said amendments were intended to make the program more flexible and to keep funds focused on services and rehousing. The bill passed out of committee on a recorded vote and was sent to the Housing Committee.
Ending: SB 748 now goes to the Senate Housing Committee. The author and supporters said they will work with opponents to clarify definitions and ensure funds support services rather than punitive enforcement.
