Duarte Council opposes state bill SB 634, saying it would curtail local control over homelessness responses
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Summary
The Duarte City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing Senate Bill 634, saying the current version of the bill would limit local control over how jurisdictions regulate assistance to people experiencing homelessness.
The Duarte City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing Senate Bill 634, a state measure (as presented to the council) that would limit local authority to adopt or enforce ordinances restricting third‑party assistance to people who are unhoused.
Miss Fan, a city staff presenter, told the council, “Senate Bill 6 34 is currently in the assembly. It, has already passed the various committees in the Senate and has, moved over to the assembly.” She said the bill had been amended from its original text but that the current language would prevent cities from adopting or enforcing ordinances that prohibit persons or organizations from providing certain acts or items associated with basic survival.
The resolution states that the city opposes SB 634 because it “attempts to bypass local control” and would prevent local jurisdictions from determining policies and programs they consider effective for public health, safety and welfare related to homelessness.
Council discussion focused on what the bill would and would not permit. A staff member summarized the city’s present practice: the city “does not prohibit people from helping homeless and there are no plans to prohibit it,” but said the council’s opposition was motivated by a concern that the state could remove local discretion to respond if circumstances changed.
Council members who spoke said Duarte has partnerships and programs aimed at outreach and housing placement and that local officials and staff are better positioned to tailor responses than a statewide mandate. Councilmember Finley argued that local jurisdictions know “what we need” and should retain authority to balance public uses of parks and other public spaces against outreach activities.
The council voted by roll call to approve the resolution opposing SB 634. The roll-call record in the meeting transcript shows affirmative votes from Councilmembers Calderon, Truong, Lewis, King, Finley and Mayor Garcia.
The resolution will be submitted to the Assembly committee and to legislators representing the area, per staff.
What the city recorded at the meeting does not attempt to interpret any future versions of the bill; the text of SB 634 and any later amendments should be consulted for final legal effect.
