California Construction News staff writer
As California prepares to welcome 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed several new laws with a focus on affordable housing, public safety, and community well-being.
“California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on,” Governor Newsom said. “Through partnership with the Legislature, we’re strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing more resources for our communities. These practical reforms protect what matters most while creating more opportunities for all Californians.”
The new measures come as California continues to grapple with housing shortages, homelessness, and rising costs of living. The new laws signed into effect focus on expanding housing availability, improving living conditions for farmworkers, and making it easier for cities to develop emergency shelter facilities.
Among the most notable changes are new laws designed to accelerate the development of affordable housing throughout the state. These laws aim to reduce barriers to housing construction, hold local governments accountable for delays, and ensure that the most vulnerable communities are prioritized.
Here are just some of the laws taking effect in 2025:
- More housing in more communities: SB 1037 cracks down on local governments that block or delay approved housing, imposing penalties up to $50,000 per month — funds that go right back into supporting affordable housing in those same areas. Meanwhile, AB 3093 updates the rules so cities and counties must plan for everyone’s housing needs — especially folks at the lowest income levels — so that all Californians can have a place to live.
- Expanding emergency shelter options: SB 1395 makes it easier to develop and operate interim housing, including emergency shelters and navigation centers. These facilities provide more than a place to stay – they connect people with housing assistance, health care, and other services to help them get back on their feet.
- Expanding farmworker housing: AB 3035 makes it easier to build new farmworker housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties, helping agricultural workers live closer to their jobs and spend more time with their families.
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