As the final week of California’s legislative session unfolds, a flurry of last-minute amendments, negotiations, and political maneuvering is underway ahead of the constitutional deadline of Friday, September 12 to pass bills.

One of the most contentious proposals this year is Senate Bill 79, authored by San Francisco Democrat Scott Wiener. The bill seeks to upzone areas near major transit stops to allow for multifamily housing development, an effort aimed at increasing housing density around transit-oriented zones and serving residents who live within walking distance of public transportation.

While the original intent of SB 79 focused on addressing California’s housing crisis through smart growth strategies, recent amendments have significantly altered its impact. Last week, new provisions were added that introduce additional labor requirements, raising concerns about the precedent this sets for future upzoning efforts.

These changes have prompted the California Council for Affordable Housing (CCAH) to withdraw its support. In response, CCAH submitted a formal letter outlining its concerns with the bill’s current version, emphasizing that the added labor mandates could hinder the very development the bill was designed to encourage.

As lawmakers race against the clock, SB 79 remains a flashpoint in the broader debate over housing, labor, and land use policy in California. CCAH’s letter to Senator Wiener is included below.