Stay informed on the latest planning-related legislation with monthly updates from APA California’s Policy and Legislation team. This page features timely insights and summaries of key bills, legislative deadlines, and policy trends impacting the planning profession across the state.
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APA California Legislative Update: October 2025
APA California’s VP for Policy and Legislation, Technical Advisors and Chapter Lobbyist presented an extended Legislative Update Session in Monterey, featuring Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. Governor’s actions on 2025 bills are pending until October 13; slides from the conference are now available.
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APA California Legislative Update: September 2025
The California Legislature adjourned its 2025 session on September 13, passing several major bills, including updates important to planning practice. One significant development is SB 415, which amends AB 98 (2024) by providing more flexibility and clarity for jurisdictions regarding new warehouse standards and truck route requirements. Jurisdictions outside the Warehouse Concentration Region can adopt…
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APA California Legislative Update: August 2025
After a month-long summer recess, the Legislature returns on August 18 for the final month of the 2025 Legislative Session. Nearly all high priority bills that APA California is tracking are continuing to move and will now be considered in both houses for final floor votes before being sent to the Governor. This session ends…
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APA California Legislative Update: July 2025
By Reuben Duarte, Vice President of Policy and Legislation and Lauren De Valencia, APA California Lobbyist Legislature Breaks for Summer Recess After several weeks of policy committee hearings and negotiations on the state budget, the Legislature is preparing to adjourn for their summer recess on July 18. Nearly all high priority bills that APA California…
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APA California Legislative Update: June 2025
The Legislature recently met a key deadline, passing bills to the other house by June 6. Major planning-related bills are progressing as APA California addresses issues and offers technical guidance. Policy committees have resumed and will review these bills again before the Summer Recess on July 18.
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APA California legislative update: May 2025
The Appropriations Committees will meet May 23 to review high-cost proposals in the “Suspense File.” Facing a $12 billion deficit, fewer bills may pass, though key planning bills are expected to proceed. Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision of $321.9 billion reflects this shortfall. The Legislature aims to pass bills by June 6, with policy committees…
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APA California Legislative Update: April 2025
The Legislative Session is underway with numerous bills in policy committees aiming to meet upcoming deadlines. Housing and homelessness remain top priorities, intensified by recent fires and losses in LA County, prompting a surge in planning-related bills. A bipartisan group has introduced a major 22-bill permitting reform package targeting faster housing approvals, which APA California…
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APA California Legislative Update: March 2025
The Legislature introduced over 2,350 bills for the 2025 session. APA California is tracking 300 bills on housing, homelessness, and fire recovery in LA County. Key topics include land use, fire issues, permit streamlining, and CEQA. APA California engages with legislators and sponsors to provide feedback. The Legislative Team meets monthly with Section Representatives to…
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APA California Legislative Update: February 2025
The February 21 deadline for introducing new bills is near, and APA California has noted several relevant to planners. Many proposals address housing, homelessness, and LA County’s fire recovery, with others focusing statewide on land use and fire-related issues.
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APA California Legislative Update: January 2025
The 2025 Legislative Session began on January 6, with a bill introduction deadline of February 21. Key issues include housing, homelessness, infrastructure for climate goals, and new legislation in response to LA County’s recent fires. Many bills of interest to planners are expected this year.