Everything you need to know about Cal Cities’ 2026 bill package

By the Cal Cities Advocacy Team, Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor

Cal Cities is sponsoring over a dozen bills this session aimed at providing solutions to some common municipal challenges, including homelessness, disaster preparedness, and roadway repair.

Homelessness funding and encampment resolutions

The main source of state funding for addressing homelessness in California is the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant Program (HHAP). However, only 14 of California’s 483 cities receive HHAP funding directly; there is no requirement that small and medium-sized cities be considered for HHAP funds. As a result, the vast majority of small and medium cities are using General Fund resources to address homelessness. AB 1708 by Asm. José Luis Solache would create a new way for small and mid-sized cities to access HHAP funding while requiring clear accountability metrics aligned with the state’s goals.

Many cities are also struggling to connect people in encampments with housing and services, particularly those on state properties. Co-sponsored by Cal Cities, SB 569 (Blakespear) would increase communication between the California Department of Transportation and local governments to address encampments on state property.

Climate change, disaster aid, and forever chemicals 

Disaster preparedness and climate change are top priorities for Cal Cities this year. AB 2517 (Calderon) would require the Office of the State Fire Marshal to provide consistent, timely public updates when developing the local responsibility area fire hazard severity zone maps. The current process timelines often leave cities without the scientific data they need to fully understand which areas are at greatest risk for fires. 

Many small, rural, and low-income communities that have experienced severe disasters with substantial costs are excluded from federal aid. AB 1866 Rogers would ensure that the state prioritizes public assistance that does not qualify for federal disaster aid following a state-declared emergency.

Asm. Diane Dixon introduced AB 2373, a measure that would let coastal cities use a neighborhood-scale adaptation approach when updating their Local Coastal Programs. Updating these plans can be a costly, complex process. AB 2373 would allow for more tailored and manageable climate resilience planning solutions while following the Coastal Act.

Forever chemicals are a major concern as well, especially with a new federal drinking water standard that requires public water systems of all sizes to address these contaminants. Sen. Jerry McNerney is again taking a crack at reducing PFAS, this time through SB 1313. The bill would clarify that PFAS treatment and infrastructure projects that remove forever chemicals from local water supplies are eligible for funding under the State Revolving Fund programs.

Road repairs

Lawmakers are trying to figure out how to better fund local street and road repairs. SB 922 (Laird) would clarify that cities may recover the cost of street maintenance and repair caused by public service operations, such as waste hauling, through service-related fees and charges. The measure would also reaffirm that these charges are distinct from prohibited weight-based fees. The bill is in response to recent court decisions that disrupted long-standing local practice and triggered litigation.

Nitrous oxide sales and copper wire theft

Cal Cities teamed up with Umberg and the California Narcotic Officers’ Association on SB 758. The measure would ban any retailer with a cigarette and tobacco license (except grocery stores) from selling nitrous oxide. The odorless, colorless chemical is becoming an increasingly popular and dangerous recreational drug.

Cities are also contending with the massive financial costs and public safety consequences of copper metal theft. Another co-sponsored measure, AB 1941 (González, Mark), builds on successful efforts by Cal Cities to reduce copper wire theft by allowing prosecutors to bring enhanced charges for coordinated or repeated thefts. It would also allow law enforcement agencies, public agencies, and private entities to share information in a statewide database to facilitate a strong response.

Recovery housing oversight

A 2024 state audit found that DHCS does not always promptly or thoroughly investigate complaints made about drug and alcohol treatment facilities operating in residential neighborhoods. These delays allow serious problems to go unchecked, jeopardizing the health and safety of patients and the broader community.

SB 329 (Blakespear) would require the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to complete timely investigations into complaints about licensed alcohol or drug treatment facilities. SB 490 (Umberg) would require DHCS to meet specific timelines when investigating allegations of unlicensed treatment services. If the department fails to meet these deadlines, counties could work with the department to conduct site visits and enforce licensure laws themselves.

What’s next?

Lawmakers will begin reviewing these bills — and nearly 1,800 others — in the coming weeks. For weekly updates on the biggest measures for cities, contact your regional public affairs manager about Bill Talk — a breakdown of the biggest bills, hearings, and deadlines for cities. The series will restart in late March.