The New Year is quickly approaching, and with it comes the start of the next legislative session, kicking off Monday, January 5th. The opening weeks of any session are marked by a flurry of bill introductions, as members of both houses rush to submit new proposals and revive old ideas in hopes of guiding them through the months-long process of becoming law.

For the 2025–2026 session, Assembly and Senate leadership have implemented a significant change: a cap on the number of bills each legislator can introduce. Both Assemblymembers and Senators are now limited to 35 bills over the two-year session. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas emphasized that this restriction is intended to help lawmakers sharpen their focus, encouraging them to prioritize legislation that addresses the state’s most pressing challenges, particularly affordability.

Affordability will undoubtedly dominate conversations this year, as California faces a staggering $18 billion budget shortfall projected for 2026–27. This looming fiscal gap will cast a long shadow over policy decisions, forcing legislators to navigate a financially precarious landscape while crafting bills that balance ambition with economic reality.

At CCAH, we are working tirelessly to collaborate with our members, external stakeholders, and legislators to advance policies that meaningfully accelerate affordable housing production across the state. Our goal is clear: to ensure that housing remains a cornerstone of affordability for all Californians.

Meanwhile, with the 2026 election cycle heating up, CCAH will actively engage with candidates and champion the strongest housing advocates in the state. Stay tuned and make sure to check my Policy Prospectus for bi-weekly campaign updates, your go-to resource for insights on legislative developments and election dynamics!