Senate bill would make it harder for cities to address encampments

Cal Cities needs your help to stop this bill! The Senate Local Government Committee will hear SB 634 on April 23. Cities can take immediate action by sending opposition letters and calling their elected representatives, urging them to vote NO on the measure.

By Caroline Grinder, legislative advocate

Cal Cities is opposing SB 634 (Pérez), a bill that would prohibit cities from adopting any regulation, policy, or guidance that would impose any civil or criminal penalties on a person experiencing homelessness.

Cities across California are working to connect unhoused residents with housing and services, but cities also need to protect public spaces and meet their basic legal obligations. Business owners and disability rights advocates have sued cities over encampments that obstruct sidewalks and public spaces. Without the ability to use civil or criminal enforcement remedies, cities could face increased legal liability and more importantly, have no meaningful way to respond to urgent health and safety concerns.

Late last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that encouraged cities to address encampments or risk losing access to state homelessness funding. The order came a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court clarified constitutional limits on how cities can address homelessness through enforcement actions.

SB 634 would leave cities without any enforcement tools, hindering their ability to carry out the Governor’s directive. It would also undermine the years of legal effort cities have invested to gain legal clarity. Instead of tying cities’ hands behind their backs, the Legislature should support policies that empower cities to act with compassion and urgency.

What can my city do?

Cities can do two things to stop this bill during its April 23 hearing.

1.)  Submit an opposition letter to your senator and assembly member.

2.) Call your representatives and urge them to vote NO on SB 634.

To learn more, contact your regional public affairs manager.