Civil Actions: writs: housing development projects.

Senator Caballero's proposal to expedite judicial review of housing permit denials would establish strict timelines for courts to hear and decide these cases. The legislation creates a new fast-track process requiring courts to schedule hearings within 45 days of filing and issue decisions within 75 days, while giving these cases priority over other civil matters in both trial and appellate courts.

The bill outlines specific procedures for local agencies to compile and certify administrative records within 15 days of receiving a petition. These records must include all relevant decisions, filings, transcripts, and documents used to deny housing permits. While local agencies typically bear record preparation costs, petitioners may opt to prepare records themselves and recover costs if they prevail. The Attorney General and Department of Housing and Community Development would gain authority to file petitions alongside project applicants.

To ensure courts meet compressed timelines, presiding judges could request temporary judicial officers specifically for these cases. The measure applies to projects ranging from single residential units to larger developments, with petitioners required to file within 90 days of a local agency's permit denial. This builds upon existing expedited review procedures currently used for First Amendment-related permits.