SB 50, the “More Homes Act”, the controversial housing bill which would have required cities to meet housing goals, has once again died in the State Senate. The bill was narrowly defeated 18-15 on Wednesday afternoon, with six senators declining to vote. It was re-introduced Thursday morning in a final effort to get the bill through before the Jan. 31 deadline. The bill encourages new developments within urban infill areas while addressing displacement with protections for renters and preserves communities. It would focus development in transit-rich, job-rich neighborhoods, ensuring that the State will be able to meet its climate change goals and encourage the use of public transit. State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) resurrected the bill by holding a hearing for it in the Rules Committee (of which she is Chair) this week. The bill had previously been stalled in the Appropriations Committee by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge).
