Department of Transportation: homeless encampments.

Senator Blakespear's California Homeless Encampment Collaboration Act establishes a coordinated response between the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and local governments to address homeless encampments on state transportation property. The legislation creates a dedicated liaison office within Caltrans to facilitate communication with local jurisdictions and oversee the development of district-specific joint action plans for encampment resolution.

Under the bill's provisions, Caltrans must develop comprehensive action plans in partnership with cities and counties where encampments exist on department property. These plans include assessments of encampment locations and impacts, strategies for connecting residents with shelter and services, and specific timelines for addressing identified sites. The department may allocate legislative funds to support temporary housing, outreach programs, and environmental restoration efforts in collaboration with local partners.

The measure establishes district-level advisory committees comprising representatives from local governments, state agencies, and relevant departments including the California Highway Patrol, Housing and Community Development, and Environmental Protection Agency. These committees provide implementation guidance while annual legislative reports track outcomes and recommend improvements. The bill defines formal "delegated maintenance agreements" through which Caltrans and local jurisdictions can coordinate their encampment response efforts within shared geographic areas.