Senate Passes Legislation to Speed Up Removal of Homelessness Encampments by State Roads
SB 569 requires Caltrans to work with cities to expedite the removal of homeless encampments in the right-of-ways of state highways and roads
SACRAMENTO – The Senate on Wednesday passed legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to require the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to work more closely with cities to speed up removal of homeless encampments by state highways and roads.
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 requires Caltrans to set timelines for responding to requests to remove encampments and clarifies the agency could contract with local governments, and reimburse them, to do it.
“Homeless encampments by roads are dangerous for people living there, for the community and for motorists. We know that they can be the source for fires, pollution and traffic congestion,” said Sen. Blakespear. “We need to help cities move more quickly to address homeless encampments by roads, and to do that, we need Caltrans to be more responsive to local governments.”
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.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, data from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department indicates that about one-fifth of the fires started in San Diego County in 2024 – or about 1,100 – may have begun in homeless encampments. The encampments can also create dangers for motorists and additional costs for the upkeep of roads and road embankments.
In addition, people who are homeless are safer in designated safe sleeping sites or shelters than at roadsides.
SB 569 is co-sponsored by the San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and the League of California Cities. It is also supported by the California Police Chiefs Association, California Big City Mayors Coalition, California Hotel and Lodging Association, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen cities.
“With SB 569 now passed by the State Senate and heading to the Assembly, we’re another step closer to ensuring cities in California can address encampments along state highways,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I’m grateful to Senator Blakespear for leading SB 569, which will help streamline the encampment resolution process on the state right-of-way and connect more people to the shelter and services they need.”
The bill passed on a bipartisan 37-0 vote and goes next to the Assembly for consideration.
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.