Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senator Scott Wiener have welcomed a recent ruling by the California Second District Court of Appeal affirming the constitutionality of Senate Bill 10 (SB 10). The bill allows local governments to permit denser housing, overriding local restrictions, to address the housing affordability crisis in the state.

Attorney General Bonta expressed his satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "All along, we have been arguing that SB 10 is constitutional. Today, the California Second District Court of Appeal ruled in our favor." He also extended his gratitude to Senator Wiener for his role in authoring SB 10 and commended his team for successfully defending the law.

Senator Wiener echoed the sentiment, calling the ruling "a big win for all Californians struggling under our housing affordability crisis." He emphasized the significance of addressing the housing crisis at the state level and praised the Department of Justice for their work on the case.

The Attorney General's commitment to improving housing access and affordability was further highlighted by his recent sponsorship of a bill with Senator Wiener. This bill aims to enhance the Attorney General's ability to enforce state housing laws through civil penalties against non-compliant local governments. Additionally, Attorney General Bonta recently secured a court order mandating the approval of a mixed-use affordable housing project in La Cañada Flintridge, citing the city's lack of a compliant housing element.

The court's decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to tackle California's housing challenges, with both Attorney General Bonta and Senator Wiener emphasizing the importance of proactive housing policies at the state level. A copy of the appellate court’s decision can be accessed for further reference.