Two More Legislative Bills Concerning Homelessness Were Introduced This Month
Two more bills concerning homelessness were introduced this month and will begin to take shape or die as they advance through the 2023 Legislative Session. They are:
Current language includes:
This bill would establish two new grant programs until January 1, 2028: the Homeless and Mental Health Court Grant Program that would, subject to an appropriation by the Legislature, be administered by the Judicial Council and provide grants to counties for the purpose of establishing or expanding homeless courts and mental health courts, as specified; and the Transitioning Home Grant Program that would, subject to an appropriation by the Legislature, be administered by the board and provide grants to county sheriffs and jail administrators to fund programs aimed at reducing homelessness among inmates released from custody, as specified.
The bill would require the board and council to prepare and submit reports to the Legislature, as specified, regarding the impacts of the grant program under their jurisdiction.
Click here to read the bill.
AB 86, as introduced, Jones-Sawyer. Homelessness: lead entity.
Current language is very limited and includes:
Existing law establishes various programs to address homelessness, including requiring the Governor to create an Interagency Council on Homelessness. Existing law requires the council to, among other things, identify mainstream resources, benefits, and services that can be accessed to prevent and end homelessness in California and promote systems integration to increase efficiency and effectiveness to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish a single entity to serve as the lead for ending homelessness, who would perform specified duties.
It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to establish a single entity to serve as the lead for ending homelessness in California, who would be required to do all of the following:
(a) Improve governmental efficiencies and communications by coordinating homelessness programs, services, data, and policies between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as by requiring state agencies and departments to report to the lead entity.
(b) Affect changes and provide recommendations to the Legislature on new state policies, programs, and actions, or amendments to existing programs, that seek to end homelessness.
(c) Develop and implement a statewide strategic plan on homelessness that will establish measurable objectives and strategies to enhance state-level accountability, coordination, and best practices.
Click here to read the bill.
To read about legislative bills concerning homelessness that were previously introduced click here.