Things are heating up in Sacramento. In just the past week, the Governor released updated revisions to the state budget, the Assembly and Seante Appropriations Committees held their suspense file hearing, determining the fate of more than 960 bills, and a new trailer bill aimed at reducing local development impact fees was unveiled. These developments signal a particularly active and consequential phase of the legislative session.
We are pleased to share positive momentum for our sponsored legislation. Both AB 2089 (Ward) and AB 2748 (Quirk-Silva) successfully advanced out of the Appropriations Committee. AB 2089 has already cleared the Assembly floor and has now moved to the Senate, where it will begin the legislative process in the second house. Meanwhile, AB 2748 is expected to be heard on the Assembly floor within the next two weeks, with strong hopes that it, too, will continue forward to the Senate. For those interested in understanding one of the Legislature’s more unique processes, the suspense file plays a critical role in determining the fate of bills with fiscal impacts, often in a single hearing. You can learn more about how this process works through the helpful resource linked here.
Two notable bills that also advanced out of the suspense file are AB 1675 (Lee) and AB 2465 (Ortega). These measures carry significant implications for affordable housing investment in California. A broad coalition of stakeholders, including banks, lenders, housing organizations, and members of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, has expressed serious concerns about their potential impact. In short, the bills would prohibit business entities that have investments in private detention centers or ICE-related operations from accessing certain forms of state funding, including critical tax credits frequently used to finance affordable housing developments.
We recognize the complexity and sensitivity surrounding this issue. Our team is actively collaborating with our lobbying partners and allied organizations to develop a thoughtful and strategic response. This includes drafting a formal opposition letter that clearly articulates the potential unintended consequences for affordable housing production across the state. We will continue to keep you informed as this advocacy effort evolves.
Turning to election news, California’s primary is now just two weeks away, yet uncertainty persists across many races. According to a recent Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra currently leads the gubernatorial field with 19% support. He is followed closely by Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer, each at 17%, with Katie Porter at 10% and Matt Mahan at 8%. Notably, 12% of likely voters remain undecided, leaving considerable room for movement in the final stretch.
Down-ballot races are also drawing attention, particularly as they will help determine the real-world impact of California’s redistricting changes under Proposition 50, which aimed to reshape congressional districts to improve competitiveness in historically conservative areas.
Mail-in ballots have already landed in voters’ mailboxes, making this a critical moment for civic engagement. If you’re unsure which candidates align most closely with affordable housing priorities, be sure to review CCAH’s voter guide before casting your ballot, it’s a valuable resource to help inform your choices.