By Gary Warth
April 3, 2026
A slate of state and federal bills aimed at addressing homelessness, housing access and behavioral health is advancing through legislative committees, with several measures carrying potential implications for San Diego.
Here’s a look at key proposals:
SB-1016: Expanding access to court-ordered mental health evaluations
Introduced by Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), Senate Bill 1016 has evolved from an intent bill into a proposal aimed at expanding access to mental health evaluations for individuals with severe, untreated mental illness.
The bill would allow any individual to request a mental health evaluation through the state’s CARE Court process if a person is considered a danger to themselves, others or is gravely disabled.
While similar authority exists under current law, proponents argue SB-1016 would better integrate evaluations into the CARE system. Critics note counties, including San Diego, often rely on first responders instead of formal evaluation requests, raising questions about effectiveness and consistency.
The bill is currently under consideration in the Rules Committee.
AB-1708: Prioritizing smaller cities for homelessness funding
Assembly Bill 1708, introduced by Assemblymember José Luis Solache Jr. (D-Los Angeles), would prioritize cities with fewer than 300,000 residents for Round 7 Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding.
The bill requires Continuums of Care to accept applications exclusively from smaller jurisdictions during an initial 30-day period before opening funding to others.
To qualify, cities must demonstrate compliance with housing elements, adopt local encampment policies and participate in regional homelessness action plans.
The measure is scheduled for an April 15 hearing after a prior hearing was postponed.
In San Diego County, 17 of 18 cities fall under the population threshold, potentially expanding direct access to funding for smaller jurisdictions.
AB-2094: Using public land for affordable housing
Assembly Bill 2094 would establish a pilot program to develop affordable housing on underutilized public land through 2030.
The proposal emphasizes public ownership, mixed-income development and streamlined approvals. It is currently under review in the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.
AB-1676: Expanding involuntary treatment under Laura’s Law
Assembly Bill 1676 would expand Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) by allowing courts to order involuntary medication for individuals with serious mental illness.
The bill would also allow treatment teams to request law enforcement assistance to transport individuals for care. It is scheduled for an April 7 hearing.
AB-2146: Streamlining access to supportive housing
Assembly Bill 2146 would create a “Direct Access to Supportive Housing” designation to speed up placements for people exiting homelessness.
The bill would allow individuals referred through coordinated entry systems to self-certify as homeless, eliminating documentation barriers that often delay housing placements. A hearing is scheduled for April 22.
AB-2351: Tracking shelter capacity
Assembly Bill 2351 would require cities and counties to include detailed shelter bed data in annual general plan reports, aiming to improve transparency and accountability around local capacity.
The bill is scheduled for an April 15 hearing.
AB-2766: Expanding housing support for vulnerable students
Assembly Bill 2766 would require public colleges and universities to prioritize housing for foster youth and homeless students and defer housing-related costs for eligible individuals.
The bill is scheduled for an April 14 hearing.
Intent bills: Early-stage proposals
Several intent bills remain in early stages, including proposals to:
- Establish a Supportive-Recovery Residence Program (AB-1556)
- Create an Office of Youth Homelessness Prevention (AB-1899)
- Develop a statewide homelessness prevention strategy (AB-1924)
What it means for San Diego
Taken together, the measures reflect a broader policy shift toward prevention, housing access and expanded eligibility for vulnerable populations — priorities that align with ongoing efforts across San Diego County to reduce inflow into homelessness while increasing exits to housing.
