The Housing Accountability Act prohibits a local agency from disapproving, or conditioning approval in a manner that renders infeasible, a housing development project, as defined for purposes of the act, for very low, low-, or moderate-income households or an emergency shelter unless the local agency makes specified written findings based on a preponderance of the evidence in the record. That act states that it shall not be construed to prohibit a local agency from requiring a housing development project to comply with objective, quantifiable, written development standards, conditions, and policies appropriate to, and consistent with, meeting the jurisdiction's share of the regional housing need, except as provided. The act further provides that for its purposes, a housing development project or emergency shelter shall be deemed consistent, compliant, and in conformity with an applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or other similar provision if there is substantial evidence that would allow a reasonable person to conclude that the housing development project or emergency shelter is consistent, compliant, or in conformity. The act requires a housing development project to be subject only to the ordinances, policies, and standards adopted and in effect when a preliminary application, as specified, was submitted, except as otherwise provided. The act defines "ordinances, policies, and standards" to include general plan, community plan, specific plan, zoning, design review standards and criteria, subdivision standards and criteria, and any other rules, regulations, requirements, and policies of a local agency, as defined, including those relating to development impact fees, capacity or connection fees or charges, permit or processing fees, and other exactions. This bill would include in the definition of "ordinances, policies, and standards" materials requirements, postentitlement permit standards, and any rules, regulations, determinations, and other requirements adopted or implemented by other public agencies, as defined. The Permit Streamlining Act, among other things, requires public agencies to approve or disapprove of a development project within certain timeframes, as specified. The act requires public agencies to compile one or more lists that specify in detail the information that will be required from any applicant for a development project. The act requires a public agency, upon its determination that an application for a development project is incomplete, to include a list and a thorough description of the specific information needed to complete the application. This bill would provide that for the purposes of the Permit Streamlining Act, a housing development project or emergency shelter shall be deemed consistent, compliant, and in conformity with an applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard, requirement, or other similar provision adopted or implemented by a public agency, as defined, if there is substantial evidence that would allow a reasonable person to conclude that the housing development project or emergency shelter is consistent, compliant, or in conformity, except as specified. By imposing additional duties on local agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 21 designates December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month in California. It encourages all Californians to prioritize safety by avoiding driving under the influence, learning about the dangers of impaired driving, and making responsible choices. The resolution cites national statistics showing over 13,000 alcohol-impaired driving deaths annually and the significant financial costs of drunk driving. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it has no direct legal effect but aims to raise public awareness during the holiday season.
Maddy summarySCR 97 designates September 2025 as California Emergency Preparedness Month. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it solely serves to formally recognize and promote public awareness about emergency preparedness during that month. The measure directs state agencies and organizations to encourage community activities related to emergency planning and safety. It has no direct policy impact beyond this symbolic designation.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 53 designates September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in California, encouraging residents, businesses, and organizations to host events that raise awareness about childhood cancer and support affected families year-round. The resolution also expresses the state's commitment to advancing research for cures and less toxic treatments, while honoring children battling cancer and thanking healthcare providers and parents who support patients. This procedural resolution does not create new laws but formally recognizes and promotes statewide engagement with childhood cancer issues.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 54 designates August 15, 2025, as Korean Independence Day in California. The resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonization on August 15, 1945, and recognizes the contributions of California's Korean American community - home to over 530,000 residents - to the state's cultural and economic life. As a symbolic gesture without legal effect, it formally honors this historical milestone and the enduring U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Existing law disqualifies a public employee, as defined, from any public employment for 5 years if the employee is convicted of any felony involving accepting or giving, or offering to give, a bribe, the embezzlement of public money, extortion or theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to commit any of those crimes arising directly out of their official duties. This bill would expand that provision to include any felony involving a conflict of interest. The bill would also disqualify a city manager or city attorney, as defined, including an individual acting under contract with the city for those services, who is convicted of any of the above-described felonies, from any future public employment in an equivalent role. The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.
This measure would urge the United States Congress to avoid any cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , which could harm the state's children, older adults, and families, and impact the state's economic well-being.
This measure would honor former and current members of the San Francisco Bar Pilots and would commemorate the 175th anniversary of the San Francisco Bar Pilots.
Maddy summarySCR 94 designates June 2025 as "California Mountain Biking and Trail Stewardship Month" through a symbolic resolution. This non-binding measure does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific group or policy. It serves solely as a ceremonial recognition to highlight mountain biking and trail stewardship efforts across the state. The resolution has no enforcement mechanism or practical impact beyond raising awareness during that month.
This measure would recognize June 14, 2025, as Flag Day in California and encourage the citizens of the state to celebrate the symbol of our freedom and remember the hard work and sacrifices that so many made to ensure that freedom.