The California Legislature is back in session for the second half of the 2023-2024 session. Both houses of the Legislature will have new leadership and changes to committees. In the Assembly, the new speaker is Assemblyman Robert Rivas, D-Salinas. He has made changes to committees that deal with rental housing bills. Now, Assemblyman Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, chairs the Judiciary Committee, and Assemblyman Christopher Ward, D-San Diego, chairs the Housing Committee. In February, Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, D-Richmond, will take over as chair of the Appropriations Committee.

In the Senate, the leadership baton of president pro tempore will pass in February from Sen. Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, to Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg. He has not announced any changes to Senate committees.

Several high-profile bills opposed last year by CAA are in play again. Because this is the second half of a two-year session, authors of these bills can retry this year with the same bill number, starting from where they stalled in 2023.

AB 919, authored by Kalra – Right of First Refusal – In the Judiciary Committee, this bill would mandate owners of residential rental property to notify each tenant and registered “qualified organizations” and give them the first right to purchase the building before selling the property.

ACA 10, authored by Assemblyman Matt Haney, D-San Francisco – Fundamental Human Right to Adequate Housing – In the Appropriations Committee, this proposes a constitutional amendment declaring a fundamental human right to adequate housing in California.

SB 460, authored by Sen. Aisha Wahab, D-Hayward – Criminal Background Checks – In the Judiciary Committee, this bill would create the Fair Chance Access to Housing Act, barring rental housing providers from inquiring about, requiring disclosure of, or accessing an applicant’s criminal history.

SB 611, authored by Sen. Caroline Menjivar, D-San Mateo – Advertising – In the Judiciary Committee, this would require landlords advertising residential properties for rent to include all monthly payments, fees, deposits, or charges, as well as upfront costs like application fees and security deposits.

SB 466, authored by Wahab – Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act – On the Senate floor, this would allow local governments to impose rent control on residential rental properties that received a certificate of occupancy within the past 15 years.

The Legislature has until Feb. 16, 2024, to introduce new bills. We will provide updates on these and any new landlord-tenant bills, along with CAA’s positions.