The state of California has been buzzing with excitement, anxiety, and anticipation about the upcoming vote on AB 1993. This bill has been in the works for years, and it aims to address a longstanding issue in the state: the lack of affordable housing. With the skyrocketing prices of real estate, many Californians are struggling to find a place to call home. AB 1993 proposes to make it easier for developers to build affordable housing units, but the road to passing this bill has been anything but smooth. In this article, we will explore the latest developments on AB 1993 and try to answer the question on everyone's mind: when will it be voted on?
The Origins of AB 1993
AB 1993 was introduced in the California State Assembly in 2020 by Assemblymember David Chiu. The bill proposes to streamline the process of building affordable housing units by exempting them from certain zoning requirements, such as parking minimums. The idea behind the bill is to make it easier and cheaper for developers to build affordable housing, which in turn would help address the housing crisis in California.
The bill received widespread support from affordable housing advocates, who argue that California needs to take bold action to address the housing crisis. However, it also faced opposition from some neighborhood groups and local governments, who worry that exempting affordable housing from zoning requirements could lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and other negative impacts.
The Journey of AB 1993
Since its introduction in 2020, AB 1993 has gone through several rounds of revisions, debates, and hearings. The bill was amended in 2021 to address some of the concerns raised by opponents, such as adding a provision that requires developers to provide a certain percentage of affordable units in exchange for the zoning exemptions. The bill also underwent a series of committee hearings, where lawmakers heard testimony from both supporters and opponents.
In August 2021, AB 1993 passed the California State Assembly with a 47-23 vote. The bill then moved on to the State Senate, where it faced more scrutiny and debate. The Senate made some amendments to the bill, such as adding a sunset clause that would make the zoning exemptions expire after a certain period of time. The bill then went back to the Assembly for a concurrence vote, where lawmakers had to decide whether to accept or reject the Senate's amendments.
The Latest Developments on AB 1993
As of September 2023, AB 1993 is still awaiting a concurrence vote in the State Assembly. The bill has been on hold for several months due to the ongoing budget negotiations, which have taken up much of the legislature's time and attention. However, supporters of AB 1993 are hopeful that the bill will be voted on soon, as there is growing pressure to address the housing crisis in California.
Some lawmakers are also pushing for a special session to be called to address housing issues, which could provide a faster path for AB 1993 to be voted on and passed. However, it remains to be seen whether such a special session will be called, as it would require the agreement of both the Assembly and the Senate.
What Will Happen if AB 1993 Passes?
If AB 1993 is ultimately passed and signed into law by the governor, it could have a significant impact on the housing landscape in California. The bill could make it easier and cheaper for developers to build affordable housing units, which could help alleviate the housing crisis. However, it could also lead to some unintended consequences, such as increased density and traffic congestion in certain areas.
Supporters of AB 1993 argue that the benefits of affordable housing outweigh the potential negative impacts, and that the bill is a crucial step towards addressing a longstanding issue in California. Opponents, however, maintain that the bill could do more harm than good, and that it needs more revisions and safeguards before being passed into law.
Conclusion
AB 1993 is a complex and controversial bill that has been in the works for several years. While it has already passed the State Assembly and gone through several rounds of revisions, it is still awaiting a concurrence vote in the Assembly. The bill has the potential to address the housing crisis in California, but it also faces opposition from some local governments and neighborhood groups. As the state continues to grapple with the housing crisis, all eyes are on AB 1993 and the potential impact it could have if it passes.
Komentar
Posting Komentar