Rules Committee backs resolution supporting Justice for Renters Act to repeal Costa Hawkins

Supervisor Dean Preston introduced a resolution putting the Board on record in support of the Justice for Renters Act, a proposed state ballot measure to repeal the Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act. Preston framed the issue as a straightforward test of whether jurisdictions should be able to expand local rent controls and said tenant groups, anti‑poverty organizations and many affordable housing advocates support the measure while the California Realtors Association, the Apartment Association and other property‑industry groups oppose it.

Multiple public commenters and tenant advocates urged the committee to forward the resolution, testifying about seniors, immigrants and extremely low‑income households displaced by rent increases and citing long waiting lists and the exclusion of very low incomes from current affordable housing programs. Anne Lim of SOMCAN and speakers from Senior and Disability Action described eviction cases and the harms of displacement; housing advocates and nonprofit developers said Costa Hawkins prevents cities from applying vacancy controls and other local protections.

Supervisor Walton and other committee members voiced support for repeal as a tool to protect long‑term tenants and blunt displacement. After one‑minute public comment and brief committee discussion, the Rules Committee voted to forward the resolution to the full Board with a positive recommendation as a committee report (unanimous vote).

Next steps: The resolution will be included in a committee report and go to the full Board; the Justice for Renters Act would appear to voters as a statewide proposition on Nov. 5, 2024 if placed on the ballot.