Local educational agencies: reserve funds.

Assembly Member Bonta's housing initiative establishes new pathways for local educational agencies (LEAs) to convert their real property into housing developments, directing the Department of Housing and Community Development to create an online notification system and provide technical support for these projects by January 2027.

The Department must develop and maintain a web-based form allowing LEAs to register their interest in housing development on their properties, then publish this information online. To support these projects, the Department will offer technical assistance either directly or through qualified third parties, including legal firms, financial advisors, and housing consultants. This assistance encompasses guidance on land use regulations, funding opportunities, feasibility analysis, and regulatory compliance, along with review of development agreements and referrals to specialized experts.

The legislation prioritizes support for LEAs serving high-need student populations or operating in areas with substantial housing costs or educator staffing shortages. While the Department may provide legal guidance, the bill explicitly states this does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the Department bears no liability for obligations LEAs incur through these activities. The measure builds upon existing departmental authority to assist with housing development for university and college communities by extending similar support to K-12 educational institutions.