This bill allows cities and counties to get credit on their housing element annual report for contributing to the substantial rehabilitation of deeply-targeted affordable housing. This incentivizes local governments to commit funding to the rehabilitation of these most needy developments, funding that currently exists nowhere else. It also evens the playing field, allowing local governments to meet their highest housing needs, whether the rehabilitation of existing deeply-affordable housing or new construction.

This bill is currently a spot bill, but it is expected to create a state-level version of the federal Community Reinvestment Act. This would encourage financial corporations to reinvest in communities through multiple avenues, including affordable housing. It also will expand to apply to the growing sector of less regulated credit unions, independent mortgage companies, and “FinTech”/digital wallet companies.

AB 1339 proposes that the California Department of Insurance, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and upon appropriation, conduct a comprehensive study on the availability and challenges of property, liability, and builders’ risk insurance for affordable housing entities receiving support from the Department of Housing and Community Development or the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. The study will involve collecting data on insurance policies, nonrenewals, cancellations, claims, premiums, and deductibles over the past five years. The department will also analyze how insurers consider factors such as residents' income levels and receipt of housing assistance in their underwriting and rate-setting processes. A report with findings and policy recommendations will be submitted to the Legislature by December 31, 2026.

AB 11 proposes the establishment of the California Housing Authority as an independent state body. The authority's mission would be to develop and manage social housing—publicly developed and owned homes affordable to Californians across various income levels.

AB 226 allows the California FAIR Plan Association to seek funding from the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) with approval from the Insurance Commissioner. This funding could be used to: 1) pay insurance claims, 2) improve liquidity, and 3) increase the FAIR Plan’s ability to cover future claims.

AB 246 imposes a temporary rent freeze on all residential rental properties in Los Angeles County, capping rents at January 7, 2025, levels during the declared state of emergency and for 12 months after. This bill affects affordable housing developers by limiting potential rent increases on new and existing projects, requiring strategic financial planning to account for restricted revenue growth.

Existing law permits nonprofits to purchase tax-defaulted properties with approval from the board of supervisors. This bill would impose additional conditions, making it more difficult for nonprofits to acquire these properties by requiring them to be made available to any person and limiting sales to nonprofits to properties valued under $10,000.

AB 480 increases the impact of state Housing Credits by allowing developers to switch from allocated to certificated state credits after award. Because private investors pay more for certificated state credits, this increases the amount of housing that can be built per dollar of state resources.

This bill would require a dwelling unit to have a stove and refrigerator, purchased within the last 10 years and maintained in good working condition, to be considered tenantable for leases signed, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026.

SB 686 focuses proposes to allow the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to approve early loan payoffs or permit equity extraction from affordable housing developments, while ensuring that any loan restructuring, equity extraction, or extension does not result in rent increases beyond the standard annual adjustment.

This bill allows cities and counties to get credit on their housing element annual report for contributing to the substantial rehabilitation of deeply-targeted affordable housing. This incentivizes local governments to commit funding to the rehabilitation of these most needy developments, funding that currently exists nowhere else. It also evens the playing field, allowing local governments to meet their highest housing needs, whether the rehabilitation of existing deeply-affordable housing or new construction.

This bill is currently a spot bill, but it is expected to create a state-level version of the federal Community Reinvestment Act. This would encourage financial corporations to reinvest in communities through multiple avenues, including affordable housing. It also will expand to apply to the growing sector of less regulated credit unions, independent mortgage companies, and “FinTech”/digital wallet companies.

This bill requires local agencies to waive fees for residential developments under a regulatory agreement with a public entity that includes income and affordability requirements.

Starting July 1, 2026, this bill would change public works wage updates from quarterly to semiannual and apply updated wages to contracts awarded or posted after that date. It would also allow contractors and agencies to challenge wage changes within 20 days, with a final decision issued within 20 days, taking effect 10 days later unless modified.

AB 1339 proposes that the California Department of Insurance, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and upon appropriation, conduct a comprehensive study on the availability and challenges of property, liability, and builders’ risk insurance for affordable housing entities receiving support from the Department of Housing and Community Development or the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. The study will involve collecting data on insurance policies, nonrenewals, cancellations, claims, premiums, and deductibles over the past five years. The department will also analyze how insurers consider factors such as residents' income levels and receipt of housing assistance in their underwriting and rate-setting processes. A report with findings and policy recommendations will be submitted to the Legislature by December 31, 2026.

SB 92, introduced by Senator Catherine Blakespear, tightens California's Density Bonus Law by requiring that mixed-use developments include at least two-thirds residential space to qualify for density bonuses. This change seeks to prevent the misuse of density bonuses for projects that prioritize commercial uses, ensuring that the focus remains on increasing residential housing.

The Fair Rental Act of 2025 would prohibit landlords or their agents from charging unauthorized fees, including processing, convenience, check cashing, or pet ownership fees. It would also limit late fees to no more than 2% of the monthly rent and only if the rent is overdue by 7 days or more. Landlords or agents who charge unauthorized fees would be liable for the fee amount plus 5% interest, compounded daily.

SB 502 allocates 5% of California’s Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund to a zero-interest revolving loan fund, supporting predevelopment costs for affordable housing on school district-owned land. This funding helps streamline early-stage development expenses like architectural planning and permits, creating new opportunities for affordable housing developers to partner with school districts and expand workforce housing.