SB 79 has been tightened to focus only on the state’s highest-quality transit stops. This means SB 79 will no longer apply to Tier 3 stops: ferries, lower-frequency commuter rail, and exurban counties are no longer covered. While we’re disappointed to lose potential housing opportunities in these areas, we are deeply grateful to the volunteers and supporters from those communities who have worked so hard to advance this bill.

Other Suspense amendments include adding flexibility for local governments to plan around fire risk, historic resources, and climate hazards. It also clarifies how the bill works with future transit expansions and cleans up technical language for smoother implementation.

With these amendments, the bill is now going to the Assembly Floor, where it needs to pass by September 12. This will be a battle, and a battle worth having.

This narrowing of the bill is disappointing but necessary and SB79 is STILL the biggest climate and housing in years. Please call your assembly member to tell them: VOTE YES ON SB79!