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A proposed bill in California aims to address the urgent needs of homeless community college and state university students by allowing them to sleep in their cars as part of a response to the ongoing housing crisis in the state.
According to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California, the state has some of the lowest homeownership rates and the highest housing costs in the United States, with rental prices soaring to approximately 50% above the national average.
The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Corey Jackson, is seen as a short-term strategy to alleviate the struggles faced by students amid California’s long-standing housing challenges. Jackson, who holds a doctorate in social work, introduced the legislation in March, which mandates the leaders of California’s state universities and community college districts to establish overnight parking programs for students by the end of 2026. This would involve coordination with “basic needs coordinators and campus security” to ensure safety and support for students utilizing the program.
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Jackson emphasized the importance of this bill, stating, “This bill confronts a harsh reality for many of our students who are sleeping in their vehicles or other displaced settings as they are unable to find affordable housing, and that’s jeopardizing their education. What I am proposing is practical, immediate relief, overnight parking programs that turn campus lots into safe, temporary havens while the state works on lasting solutions.”
Recent findings from a survey conducted by the Community College League of California revealed that nearly 60% of community college students in California face housing insecurity, with one-quarter identified as homeless.
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While various legislative initiatives in California this year aim to fund student housing or streamline building regulations, Jackson is focused on providing immediate support for students dealing with the housing crisis. Despite having faced criticism for an earlier version of this bill that failed to progress last year, his 2025 proposal successfully advanced through the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
The proposed legislation has sparked significant national debate as it is reviewed. Critics from both conservative and progressive viewpoints voice concerns about California’s housing policies. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher criticized the bill, asserting that it reflects a failure of Democrats to resolve the housing crisis. “After wrecking affordability in California, Democrats have nothing left but bad ideas,” he stated. “Letting students sleep in cars proves their policies have completely collapsed.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has not publicly commented on this pending legislation but noted the state’s efforts in homelessness management. A spokesperson highlighted that while homelessness rates are climbing nationally by over 18%, California’s rate is significantly lower at approximately 3%, and the state has expanded its shelter capacity considerably since Newsom took office. This follows a trend of addressing the issue that they claim outperforms other states in the nation.
However, the criticism surrounding Jackson’s bill continues. Fox News contributor Hugh Hewitt expressed his disapproval of the proposal, stating that it perpetuates the housing crisis rather than offering a viable solution. He pointed to the lack of adequate housing as the root of the problem, arguing that the state’s policies have neglected to address this fundamental issue.
Brendan Hartnett, a progressive policy advisor, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Newsom should focus more on tangible solutions for affordable housing rather than engaging in social media endeavors. He underscored that the inability of students to find stable housing should be a priority for the administration.
This ongoing conversation around student homelessness and housing instability reflects broader issues within California’s economic landscape, as stakeholders continue to grapple with effective solutions to a complex and growing problem.
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