Governor Signs Sen. Blakespear’s Legislation to Improve Housing Accountability

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to ensure local governments are properly accounting for people in their communities who have special housing needs in their housing plans.

SB 7 makes changes to the Regional Housing Needs Determination Allocation (RHNA) process, which local governments undertake to plan for, and meet, the housing needs in their communities. Those changes include focusing on, and accounting for, the elderly, unhoused people, farmworkers and other groups. The legislation also clarifies and simplifies RHNA statute.

“I thank the Governor for signing this legislation,” Sen. Blakespear said. “SB 7 makes clear the most vulnerable people who are unhoused must be tracked and planned for.”

Sen. Blakespear has made addressing homelessness and the state’s lack of affordable housing a top priority. To learn more and watch policy summits she has held on the issue, visit her homelessness web page here.

This year, Sen. Blakespear also authored SB 1077, which aims to harmonize coastal permitting requirements with state accessory dwelling unit (ADU) law thereby making it easier to apply for, and receive, ADU permits to build them in coastal areas. 

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.