Press Release

California Legislature Agrees to Extend the Housing Crisis Act

state-capitol-building

The California state Senate today greenlighted Sen. Nancy Skinner’s housing bill, SB 8, which extends the provisions of the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 until 2030 and streamlines the creation of more housing throughout the state. The Senate approved SB 8 on a bipartisan vote of 30-3, after the bill garnered bipartisan approval in the State Assembly earlier this week on a 67-1 vote.  

SB 8 follows Sen. Skinner’s groundbreaking law, SB 330, also known as the Housing Crisis Act of 2019. In the two years SB 330 has been in place, it has already jumpstarted housing production, despite the COVID-induced construction slowdown. But SB 330 is scheduled to expire in 2025; SB 8 extends that sunset to 2030.

“Our Housing Crisis Act is working as intended. Today’s passage of SB 8 will ensure that the Housing Crisis Act won’t expire before its benefits are fully realized. And California can be assured that housing that meets existing local and state rules doesn’t face unnecessary delays or get bogged down in red tape,” said Sen. Skinner, D-Berkeley.

Since it took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, SB 330 has quickened the approval process of housing projects throughout California. Without it, numerous housing development proposals would likely still be facing years of hearings to gain approval.

By extending the provisions of SB 330 until 2030, SB 8 will provide California with more time to recover from the pandemic and meet its housing production goals. SB 8 also clarifies language in SB 330 to further streamline the creation of housing and protect low-income tenants against displacement. SB 8 is also part of Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins’ housing package for 2021.

SB 8 now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration, along with Sen. Skinner’s other housing bill, SB 290, which was approved by the Legislature on Aug. 30.

 

Sen. Nancy Skinner represents the 9th Senate District, is chair of the Senate Budget Committee and is vice chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus.