A bill that would have barred California landlords from evicting federal employees and contractors during government shutdowns died in a Senate committee last week, sparing housing providers from a new eviction mandate and up to $2,000 in per-violation penalties.

The Senate Appropriations Committee held the measure May 14, ending its chances for the 2025–2026 legislative session.

SB 1155, by Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, would have required landlords to stop evictions against federal employees and contractors whose income was reduced or delayed by a government shutdown — for the full duration of the shutdown and 30 days after the shutdown ends and backpay is authorized. The bill also would have barred landlords from charging late fees or interest during that window.

To qualify, a tenant would have had to submit written notice within 15 days of missing rent, along with documentation — a furlough notice, a stay-at-home order, or a pay stub showing zero earnings. Tenants would have owed all deferred rent within 30 days of their first full paycheck with retroactive pay. Landlords who violated the bill faced civil liability of up to $2,000 per knowing violation.

The California Apartment Association opposed the measure, arguing that when federal policy creates financial hardship for workers, state rent assistance — not a mandate on private landlords — is the appropriate remedy. The association also challenged the bill’s eligibility standard: it required only federal employment status, not demonstrated financial hardship, meaning a household with multiple wage earners could have claimed protection even if the shutdown barely touched their finances.

The bill cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee 10–2 in April before Senate Appropriations placed it on the suspense file May 11. CAA, which opposed the bill, worked to defeat the measure. For background on the bill when it was moving, see CAA’s March coverage of SB 1155.