A measure that would have required California housing providers to pause eviction cases when tenants cited immigration enforcement as the reason for nonpayment has been blocked in the Senate Appropriations Committee and will not advance this year.

SB 1243 by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, would have prohibited housing providers from starting or continuing an unlawful detainer action against a tenant whose income was affected by immigration enforcement activity, including raids, detention, arrest, or removal. The pause would have remained in place until 180 days after those activities ended. The bill included a sunset date of Jan. 1, 2030.

The California Apartment Association headed a coalition to oppose the measure, arguing it would shift the financial burden of federal immigration enforcement onto private housing providers. CAA raised particular concern for smaller housing providers who depend on rental income to cover mortgage payments and operating costs.

Under the bill, a tenant would have needed to submit a sworn declaration of detention-related hardship to qualify for the protection. The measure also would have barred housing providers from charging late fees, interest, or penalties on nonpayment covered by the declaration.

The Senate Appropriations Committee held the bill this week, ending its path for the current legislative session.