California Democrat pushes bill to let homeless college kids live in their vehicles

A new bill in California is seeking to address the housing crisis faced by homeless community college and state university students in the Golden State. With California having some of the lowest homeownership rates and most expensive housing in the U.S., rent prices are around 50% higher than the national median. The proposed bill aims to provide a short-term solution to the state’s ongoing housing struggles.

Assemblymember Corey Jackson, a progressive California Democrat with a background in social work, introduced the bill in March. The bill would require the chancellors of California state universities and the governing boards of community college districts to develop an overnight parking program by late 2026. This program would include basic needs coordinators and campus security to ensure the safety of students sleeping in their cars on campus grounds.

Jackson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that many students are currently sleeping in their vehicles or in other unstable living situations, which is affecting their ability to focus on their education. The bill aims to provide immediate relief by turning campus parking lots into safe havens for homeless students while long-term solutions are developed.

A survey conducted by the Community College League of California in 2023 revealed that nearly three out of five community college students in the state are housing insecure, with one in four experiencing homelessness. This data underscores the urgent need for action to support these vulnerable students.

While there have been other legislative proposals in California aimed at addressing the housing crisis, Jackson’s bill stands out for its focus on providing immediate relief to homeless college students. Despite facing criticism from stakeholders, a similar version of the bill passed the Assembly Higher Education Committee this year after failing to gain traction in the previous legislative session.

Critics of the bill, including California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, have raised concerns about the state of California’s housing market and the failure of past policies to address affordability issues. However, supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to help students in crisis and provide them with a temporary solution while broader housing issues are addressed.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office declined to comment on the pending legislation but highlighted the state’s progress in addressing homelessness compared to national trends. Newsom’s administration has created over 71,000 year-round shelter beds, double the amount from the previous five years.

Despite the bill’s critics, supporters like progressive policy advisor Brendan Hartnett argue that more focus should be placed on addressing California’s housing crisis to prevent students from having to sleep in their cars. The proposed bill represents a step towards providing immediate relief to homeless college students in California.

As the debate over the bill continues, it remains to be seen how the California legislature will address the housing crisis faced by vulnerable students in the state.