Local government: homelessness.

Senator Pérez's legislation prohibits local jurisdictions from enacting or enforcing ordinances that restrict organizations and individuals from providing support services to people experiencing homelessness. The bill establishes statewide protections for activities related to basic survival needs, including the provision of food, water, blankets, and immediate health and hygiene assistance.

The measure defines support services broadly to encompass legal services, medical care, and other forms of assistance, while explicitly excluding the distribution of construction materials like plywood. Local jurisdictions - including cities, counties, and special districts - must allow these support activities regardless of existing ordinances. The bill's findings cite data showing over 187,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in California, with more than 308,000 accessing services annually.

The legislation applies to all California municipalities, including charter cities, based on the Legislature's determination that addressing homelessness requires consistent policies across jurisdictions. This statewide approach aims to maintain access to services that, according to the bill's findings, can be disrupted when local ordinances penalize survival-related activities. The measure does not require new funding or create additional programs, focusing instead on preventing restrictions on existing support efforts.