Local government: homelessness.

Summary of SB 634: Local Government: Homelessness

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: SB 634
• Introduced: February 20, 2025
• Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 521, Statutes of 2025.
• Author: Assemblymember Pérez
• Coauthors: Lee, Kalra, Haney
• Vote Requirement: Majority
• Fiscal Committee: No
• Local Program: No

Purpose and Intent

SB 634 aims to address the homelessness crisis in California by prohibiting local jurisdictions from enacting or enforcing ordinances that restrict the provision of support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The bill recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue primarily driven by systemic factors such as housing unaffordability and institutional racism, rather than individual failings.

Key Provisions

1. Prohibition on Local Ordinances:

   • Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, city and county, or special districts) are prohibited from adopting or enforcing ordinances that:
     • Prevent individuals or organizations from providing support services to homeless individuals.
     • Restrict assistance related to basic survival activities, such as:
     • Providing food and water.
     • Offering blankets and pillows for sleeping.
     • Protecting individuals from the elements.
     • Other essential health and hygiene activities.

2. Definitions:

   • The bill defines key terms, including:
     • "Act related to basic survival": Activities that support immediate personal health and hygiene.
     • "Homeless": Defined as per federal regulations (Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations).
     • "Support services": Non-housing services aimed at assisting homeless individuals.

3. Statewide Concern:

   • The bill asserts that homelessness is a matter of statewide concern, thus applying uniformly to all cities, including charter cities, and not just local municipalities.

Impact

• Target Population: The bill directly impacts individuals experiencing homelessness by ensuring they can receive essential support services without legal repercussions.
• Community Support: It aims to reduce barriers for community organizations and service providers working with homeless populations, facilitating a more compassionate and effective response to homelessness.
• Legal Framework: By limiting local governments' ability to criminalize acts of survival, the bill seeks to alleviate the punitive measures that often exacerbate the challenges faced by homeless individuals.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was introduced in February 2025 and underwent several amendments and committee reviews before being approved by the Governor on October 10, 2025. It is now law and will be implemented across California.

Conclusion

SB 634 represents a significant legislative effort to reform how local governments address homelessness, emphasizing support and compassion over criminalization. By removing legal barriers to essential services, the bill aims to foster a more humane approach to one of California's most pressing social issues.