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Bill would bar local steps taken solely to avoid SB 79 density rules from blocking transit projects
Summary
SB 1361 prohibits local governments from reducing or opposing transit service solely to avoid SB 79 transit‑adjacent density and height requirements; LA Metro and building trades supported the bill, saying SB 79 has already prompted some local requests to reopen environmental review.
Sen. (SB 1361 author) told the committee the bill prevents local actions intended to defeat or weaken planned transit projects solely to avoid SB 79's density and height rules tied to transit stops. He said the measure preserves legitimate planning conversations about safety, station design and connectivity but bars pretextual objections aimed only at avoiding SB 79 consequences.
LA Metro testified that the interaction between SB 79 and planned transit stops has created a risk that some local stakeholders will oppose transit projects to avoid added housing density. A Metro representative said the agency has observed letters and requests tied explicitly to SB 79 that have delayed environmental steps on planned corridors. "This would just be a narrow tool for us to use if any specific conditions arise," a Metro witness said, and construction-trades supporters called the bill a jobs protection measure.
Some local governments said they worry about preempting legitimate local planning concerns; Burbank registered respectful opposition. The committee voted to pass the bill as amended and left the roll open for additional votes.
