California Senate Bill SB186 Latest Draft

 BILL NUMBER: SB 186INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Knight FEBRUARY 6, 2013 An act to amend Section 65580 of the Government Code, relating to land use. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 186, as introduced, Knight. Land use: housing element. The Planning and Zoning Law requires each city, county, and city and county to prepare and adopt a general plan that contains certain mandatory elements, including a housing element that analyzes existing and projected housing needs. That law includes legislative findings and declarations relating to housing. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to those findings and declarations. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 65580 of the Government Code is amended to read: 65580. The Legislature finds and declares  as follows:   all of the following:  (a) The availability of housing is of vital statewide importance, and the early attainment of decent housing and a suitable living environment for every Californian, including farmworkers, is a priority of the highest order. (b) The early attainment of this goal requires the cooperative participation of government and the private sector in an effort to expand housing opportunities and accommodate the housing needs of Californians of all economic levels. (c) The provision of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income households requires the cooperation of all levels of government. (d) Local and state governments have a responsibility to use the powers vested in them to facilitate the improvement and development of housing to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community. (e) The Legislature recognizes that in carrying out this responsibility, each local government also has the responsibility to consider economic, environmental, and fiscal factors and community goals set forth in the general  plan   plan,  and to cooperate with other local governments and the state in addressing regional housing needs.