In a flurry of legislative activity, the California Legislature has passed several crucial bills aimed at strengthening eviction protections for renters, reforming the state’s mental health care system, and addressing other pressing issues. These measures, part of a late legislative session, now await the approval or veto of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, with a deadline for action set for October 14.
One of the significant bills, championed by Democratic State Senator María Elena Durazo, seeks to update a 2019 law that established eviction rules and imposed a rent cap in California. The 2019 law capped rent increases at 5% plus the inflation rate, with a maximum cap of 10%. However, critics argue that some landlords exploited “no-fault” evictions, effectively bypassing the rent cap. Under Durazo’s legislation, landlords must identify the individuals moving into their units or renting to family members. These properties must be occupied within three months of eviction, and the landlords themselves must reside in the unit for at least a year. Failure to comply would require landlords to allow evicted tenants to return under the original lease terms. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general, local governments, and renters to sue landlords for wrongful evictions and illegal rent hikes.
Supporters of the bill contend that these changes will prevent landlords from abusing state law and ensure accountability. Landlord groups, however, opposed the bill earlier this year, arguing that it went too far. They successfully lobbied to remove a provision aimed at reducing the state’s rent cap to 5%.
The legislative session also saw lawmakers approve bills addressing California’s mental health system and unemployment benefits for striking workers. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s proposal would allow the state to borrow $6.38 billion for the construction of new treatment beds and housing, marking a significant expansion of the mental health system. A separate proposal by Democratic Senator Susan Eggman aims to reform how counties fund mental and behavioral health programs. Governor Newsom referred to these measures as “a key part of the solution to our homelessness crisis.”
Notably, lawmakers voted to make striking workers eligible for state unemployment benefits. While this could benefit Southern California hotel workers and striking Hollywood actors and writers, it remains uncertain whether Governor Newsom will sign the bill, given the insolvency of the fund used to pay unemployment benefits.
Furthermore, the Assembly approved legislation aimed at reforming the state’s conservatorship system, which could result in more individuals being detained due to untreated mental illness or addiction. Authored by Senator Susan Eggman, the bill would facilitate authorities’ ability to provide care to those with untreated mental health issues or substance abuse problems, many of whom are homeless. Critics, including disability rights advocates, express concerns that the legislation could lead to increased involuntary detentions and violations of individuals’ rights.
Governor Newsom now has the responsibility of deciding whether to sign these bills into law or veto them, with potential ramifications for renters, individuals with mental health needs, striking workers, and others throughout the state. These changes, if enacted, could reshape various aspects of California’s legal and social landscape.
