AB 653 passes the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee with Bipartisan Support
(SACRAMENTO) — In response to the housing crisis impacting California families, the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee approved AB 653, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton). This legislation proposes creating the Federal Housing Voucher Acceleration Program, which would offer housing search assistance, landlord incentives, and deposit resources to help tenants with housing vouchers find and secure rental units.
“Federal housing choice vouchers are an effective tool that our state receives from the federal government to increase housing stability and fight homelessness,” said Majority Leader Reyes. “This critical resource is being underutilized, leaving millions of federal dollars on the table that could help low-income families find safe and affordable housing. Through AB 653, we can facilitate the use of vouchers to help residents who qualify for them in finding and securing housing.”
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program that assists very low-income individuals and families in affording housing in the private rental housing market. According to the nonprofit Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the program remains a highly effective tool to reduce homelessness, housing instability, and improving positive outcomes for families and children. Unfortunately, thousands of these vouchers are left unused in California every year. AB 653 will be heard next in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.