Sen. Blakespear Introduces Bill to Boost Response to Homeless Encampments

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, introduced legislation on Thursday to speed up removal of homeless encampments located near state roads and highways.

SB 569 would require the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop encampment resolution plans and establish advisory committees in each of its 12 administrative districts. In addition, it would make it easier for Caltrans to contract for assistance in clearing the encampments.

The legislation follows up on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2024 executive order that directed state departments and agencies to adopt policies addressing homeless encampments, treating Californians with dignity and respect. The bill creates a clearer path for Caltrans to help the Governor and cities achieve their shared goals.

“The state needs to do better in preventing and removing encampments from land that the state has control over,” said Sen. Blakespear. “SB 569 establishes a state process for local governments and Caltrans to work together to more effectively clear encampments and direct the unsheltered to the shelters and services they need.”

Caltrans is responsible for managing right-of-ways on state highways but has struggled to respond to the encampments, due to a lack of resources and flexibility to coordinate with local governments. SB 569 directs Caltrans to develop locally tailored approaches to improve response to encampments.

The bill is co-sponsored by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and the League of California Cities.

“While cities like mine are making progress in clearing encampments on city-owned property, we’re seeing more and more encampments along our freeways — state land where cities have no authority to act,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “My hope is this bill leads to a streamlined abatement process, formalizes an agency coordination process, and develops innovative funding solutions to address this growing problem. I want to thank Senator Blakespear for her leadership in authoring this legislation that will help Caltrans and local governments work better together to reduce homelessness.”

“Cities throughout the state are already working to address and prevent encampments, but a more coordinated effort with the state is required if we are to make more, measurable progress,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “Cal Cities is proud to co-sponsor SB 569, which will increase communication and coordination between city officials and Caltrans. Together, we can better and more humanely address the needs of our unhoused residents.”

"People don’t care about jurisdiction, they care about results,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “The sooner we can get people indoors and away from dangerous off-ramps, the better for them and the entire community. I want to thank Senator Blakespear for authoring a bill that treats homelessness like the crisis it is.”

“Our cities are on the frontlines tackling the challenge of homelessness, and coordination with the Department of Transportation is essential to addressing the crisis,” said Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “Thank you Senator Blakespear for introducing legislation to help facilitate those efforts.”

“As Buena Park is situated between both the I-5 and SR-91 freeways, it is important for the City to have a strong relationship with Caltrans to address homeless encampments as they rise,” said Buena Park Mayor Joyce Ahn. “Although we currently have a good relationship with Caltrans, we believe that we can improve our efforts with enhanced communication and collaboration to better serve our most vulnerable residents.”

"Addressing homelessness requires strong coordination between state and local governments,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. “This bill takes a necessary step toward ensuring a proactive, collaborative approach to managing encampments on state property while prioritizing both public safety and the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness. By establishing dedicated liaisons and funding joint action plans, we can move beyond short-term cleanups and toward sustainable solutions that connect people with the resources they need. This is a smart, responsible approach to tackling a complex issue, and I strongly support its passage."

Elected in 2022, Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and part of southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.