Papan Bill to Streamline Housing Element Review Approved by the State Legislature

• David Burruto
• District Director
• 650-349-2200
• [email protected]

Sacramento, CA - Legislation authored by Assemblymember Diane Papan to improve the review and certification process for local housing elements has passed the California Legislature and is now on Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for signature.

Assembly Bill 650 addresses the persistent challenges cities and counties face in obtaining timely certification of their housing elements as part of the state's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process overseen by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) intended to expand zoning opportunities for housing. The bill also places new responsibilities on HCD to provide actionable feedback to local governments, reducing delays and supporting California's housing production goals.

"AB 650 takes critical steps to improve clarity, fairness, and accountability in the housing element process," said Assemblymember Papan. "By requiring timely, specific feedback from HCD and extending key planning timelines, we are helping local governments plan effectively for growth while keeping California on track to meet its urgent housing needs."

Under AB 650, HCD must identify and explain any deficiencies in draft or adopted housing elements it deems noncompliant with state law and provide specific text or analysis to bring those elements into compliance. The bill also extends several timelines in the RHNA process-such as moving up consultations between HCD and regional councils of governments (COGs) to 38 months before housing elements are due, and providing local governments additional time to incorporate feedback-giving jurisdictions more certainty as they work to meet housing targets.

"Too many cities have faced repeated delays and changing guidance despite working in good faith to comply with state housing laws," Papan noted. "AB 650 protects these communities from unfair penalties while ensuring state agencies are full partners in the planning process."

The measure also sets a December 31, 2026 deadline for HCD to create a standardized reporting format for local housing efforts and improve transparency for local jurisdictions.

"This bill strikes the right balance between state oversight and local flexibility, ensuring every jurisdiction has the tools it needs to deliver real housing solutions for Californians," said Papan.

Assembly Bill 650 is now enrolled to the Governor who has until October 12, 2025 to sign or veto the legislation.

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