Local educational agencies: reserve funds.

Assembly Member Bonta's proposal establishes new mechanisms for local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop housing on their properties through enhanced coordination with the Department of Housing and Community Development. The department would create an online form by January 2027 allowing LEAs to register their interest in using agency-owned real property for housing projects, with submitted information made publicly available on the department's website.

The legislation outlines a comprehensive technical assistance program for LEAs pursuing housing development. The department would provide support directly or through qualified third parties, including legal firms, financial advisors, and housing consultants. This assistance encompasses legal guidance on land use regulations, information about funding sources, project feasibility analysis, regulatory navigation, and help with developer agreements. The department would prioritize assistance to LEAs serving high-need student populations or located in areas with housing affordability challenges or educator staffing shortages.

The bill specifies that technical assistance from the department does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the department bears no liability for LEA activities undertaken through the program. This addition to existing housing law, which already enables the department to assist with university and college housing development, creates a structured pathway for LEAs to explore housing projects while maintaining clear boundaries regarding institutional relationships and responsibilities.