An act to amend Section 65915 of the Government Code, relating to housing.
Impact
The enactment of AB87 is intended to ensure that local governments can retain control over housing development standards, particularly regarding transient lodging. By excluding transient lodging from the Density Bonus Law provisions, the bill aims to protect neighborhood integrity while still promoting the construction of affordable housing. The bill is also designed to work concurrently with Senate Bill 92, indicating a legislative strategy to bolster housing development while keeping localized control intact.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 87, also known as AB87, amends Section 65915 of the Government Code regarding the Density Bonus Law. This law mandates that cities and counties provide developers with density bonuses and other incentives for housing developments that include specific affordable housing provisions. AB87 clarifies that local governments are not required to approve concessions or reduce development standards for transient lodging included in housing developments. This modification aims to streamline the process and limit the applicability of density bonuses for certain types of accommodations within the housing projects.
Sentiment
The legislation surrounding AB87 has been met with mixed sentiments. Supporters argue that it limits the excessive granting of density bonuses that can lead to undesirable transient lodging in residential areas. Conversely, there are concerns that this legislation might hinder the development of much-needed affordable housing projects due to the restrictions it places on concessions that might have been beneficial for developers willing to include more affordable units in their projects. This tension highlights the ongoing debate between promoting housing development and maintaining community standards.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the bill's provision that restricts local governments from granting concessions related to transient lodging in housing developments. Critics argue that this could deter developers from including affordable housing units since the incentive structure may not be as appealing without the flexibility in development standards for all aspects of housing projects. As a result, the dialogue on AB87 underscores a broader conflict between housing needs and local zoning regulations, which frequently reflects community values and concerns.
Payment rates established for certain substance use disorder treatment services, and vendor eligibility recodified for payments from the behavioral health fund.
Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.