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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 25 - Resolutions Supporting California Senate Bills 28, 38, 569, and 757 Work Study City Manager’s Office www.santa-ana.org/cm Item # 25 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report May 20, 2025 TOPIC: Resolutions for Positions on Various State Legislative Proposed Bills AGENDA TITLE Resolutions Supporting California Senate Bills 28 and 38 (Umberg), 569 (Blakespear), and 757 (Richardson) RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt the following resolutions in support of state legislative efforts aligned with the City’s goals of enhancing the quality of life for residents through community safety, housing stability, and criminal justice reform: 1. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA SENATE BILLS 28 AND 38 BY SENATOR THOMAS J. UMBERG TO STRENGTHEN TREATMENT COURT STANDARDS AND REENTRY OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM; and 2. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 569 BY SENATOR CATHERINE BLAKESPEAR, THE HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT COLLABORATION ACT, TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; and 3. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 757 BY SENATOR STEVEN RICHARDSON, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT – NUISANCE ABATEMENT, TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN LOCAL AUTHORITY AND CONTROL GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No Resolutions for Positions on Various State Legislative Proposed Bills May 20, 2025 Page 2 5 0 6 2 DISCUSSION The City of Santa Ana remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents by advancing community well-being, public safety, and equity through thoughtful policies and strategic partnerships. In support of these priorities, staff recommends that the City Council adopt three resolutions endorsing key state legislative proposals introduced during the 2025 legislative session. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS Senate Bills 28 and 38 (Umberg) SB 28 standardizes treatment court practices statewide, improving outcomes for participants in drug, mental health, and veterans courts. SB 38 creates the Second Chance Program, which provides reentry services including housing, workforce development, and mental health care for formerly incarcerated individuals. Both measures support Santa Ana’s dedication to restorative justice and comprehensive community safety. The City has submitted letters of support for both bills. Senate Bill 569 (Blakespear) SB 569 addresses homelessness on state transportation property, where coordination with Caltrans has historically been limited. This bill would establish a dedicated Caltrans liaison, authorize delegated maintenance agreements, and improve cross-jurisdictional collaboration without imposing unfunded mandates on local governments. The bill promotes timely and humane responses to encampments. Santa Ana submitted a letter of support recognizing the bill’s alignment with local needs. Senate Bill 757 (Richardson) This bill strengthens local authority to enforce nuisance abatement through liens and special assessments for properties that violate building and fire codes. SB 757 requires reinvestment of collected fines into enforcement efforts and mandates a hardship waiver process to ensure equity. It supports Santa Ana’s ongoing commitment to safe and well- maintained neighborhoods. The City submitted a formal letter of support for SB 757 through the Legislature’s Position Letter Portal. Each resolution affirms the City’s legislative advocacy role and expresses clear support for these bills, enabling staff to further engage with state legislators and coalitions to ensure passage. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT There is no environmental impact associated with this action. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Resolutions for Positions on Various State Legislative Proposed Bills May 20, 2025 Page 3 5 0 6 2 EXHIBIT(S) 1. Exhibit 1 – Resolution in Support of Senate Bills 28 and 38 (Umberg) 2. Exhibit 2 – Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 569 (Blakespear) 3. Exhibit 3 – Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 757 (Richardson) Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 1 of 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA SENATE BILLS 28 AND 38 BY SENATOR THOMAS J. UMBERG TO STRENGTHEN TREATMENT COURT STANDARDS AND REENTRY OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana submitted position letters to the California State Legislature Position Letter Portal for SB 28 and 38 to reaffirm the City’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana is committed to advancing equity and public safety through evidence-based alternatives to incarceration and enhanced rehabilitation opportunities for justice-involved individuals; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill (SB) 28, authored by Senator Tom Umberg, establishes clear and consistent statewide standards for treatment courts, including dru g courts, mental health courts, and veterans treatment courts, ensuring that all participants across California receive high-quality, effective, and equitable access to services that reduce recidivism and support long-term recovery; and WHEREAS, SB 28 directs the Judicial Council to develop best practice standards for treatment courts, enhancing transparency and accountability in how these courts operate and making certain that public funds are used efficiently and effectively; and WHEREAS, SB 38, also authored by Senator Umberg, establishes the Second Chance Program to support local agencies and community-based organizations in helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reenter society, with services including housing support, job training, mental health care, and education; and WHEREAS, SB 38 promotes long-term public safety by investing in people reentering the community and helping them become stable, contributing members of society, thereby reducing repeat offenses and strengthening families and neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, both SB 28 and SB 38 reflect the City of Santa Ana’s values of restorative justice, smart rehabilitation, and a holistic approach to community safety. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana, that: Section 1. The City of Santa Ana hereby supports Senate Bill 28 and Senate Bill 38 and urges the California State Legislature to pass these critical measures to improve treatment court operations and expand reentry support services across the state. Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 2 of 2 Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2025. ________________________________ Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2025-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on _______________. Date: ______________________ ________________________________ City Clerk City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 1 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 569 BY SENATOR CATHERINE BLAKESPEAR, THE HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT COLLABORATION ACT, TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana submitted a letter of support to the California State Legislature Position Letter Portal for S enate Bill (SB) 569 to reaffirm the City’s commitment to the enhancing the quality of life for all residents; and WHEREAS, homelessness is a critical issue facing the State of California and the City of Santa Ana, with many individuals residing in encampments on or near state transportation property, which continue to lack proper oversight and response to issues related to these types of concerns and have become a blight on cities across California; and WHEREAS, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) o wns and operates significant land areas within Santa Ana, including rights -of-way along highways and freeways and the Department of Motor Vehicles Santa Ana Office , where encampments often develop and pose serious public health, safety, and environmental concerns; and WHEREAS, Caltrans currently faces barriers in coordinating with local governments regarding the response to and management of homeless encampments located on its property in a timely manner; and WHEREAS, SB 569 by Senator Catherine Blakespear — the California Homeless Encampment Collaboration Act — would require Caltrans to designate a dedicated liaison to serve as the primary point of contact for state and local agencies addressing homeless encampments on Caltrans property; and WHEREAS, SB 569 would authorize Caltrans to enter into delegated maintenance agreements with local governments and provide general entry permits for the duration of those agreements to streamline interagency response efforts; and WHEREAS, SB 569 does not incorporate funding language, instead includes language in SEC. 3. Section 130.4 Subsection (c) that specifically states that the Legislature shall not be required to provide reimbursement to local governments for services rendered pursuant to delegated maintenance agreements for addressing homeless encampments; and Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS, SB 569 further requires Caltrans to prepare an annual report summarizing homeless encampment activities and recommendations, promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term strategic planning; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana supports legislative efforts that enable effective and compassionate management of homelessness while ensuring public safety, health, and local coordination; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana thanks Senator Blakespear for continuing to advocate on behalf of local governments and believes that SB 569 will improve cross- jurisdictional collaboration and lead to more effective solutions to address encampments on transportation property. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana, that: Section 1. The City of Santa Ana supports Senate Bill 569 (Blakespear) and urges its swift passage and enactment by the California State Legislature and the Governor. Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2025. ________________________________ Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 3 of 3 AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers _ CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2025-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on _______________. Date: ______________________ ________________________________ City Clerk City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 1 of 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 757 BY SENATOR STEVEN RICHARDSON, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT – NUISANCE ABATEMENT, TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN LOCAL AUTHORITY AND CONTROL WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana submitted a letter of support to the California State Legislature Position Letter Portal for Senate Bill (SB) 757 to reaffirm the City’s commitment to the enhancing the quality of life for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana is committed to protecting public health, safety, and the quality of life in all neighborhoods through effective enforcement of building, housing, and fire codes; and WHEREAS, properties that fall into disrepair or violate safety standards can create serious public nuisances, posing threats to the well-being of residents and placing undue strain on municipal resources; and - WHEREAS, local governments, including Santa Ana, frequently fa ce challenges in addressing such nuisances due to limited enforcement tools and financial constraints associated with prolonged code enforcement actions; and WHEREAS, SB 757, authored by Senator Steven Bradford Richardson, seeks to expand and strengthen the authority of local governments to collect civil fines for certain nuisance abatement violations through the imposition of liens or special assessments, thereby providing a sustainable mechanism for funding code enforcement activities; and WHEREAS, SB 757 requires that revenue generated from these fines be reinvested into local enforcement of state and local building and fire code standards, ensuring that resources directly support community safety and compliance efforts; and WHEREAS, SB 757 requires local agencies to provide a process for hardship waivers to protect financially vulnerable individuals from undue burden, and ensures fairness by mandating a reasonable opportunity for property owners to cure violations — except in cases of immediate danger to health or safety; and WHEREAS, these provisions align with the City of Santa Ana’s values of equity, fairness, and effective public policy that supports safe and healthy communities; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana believes SB 757 will improve public safety, reduce blight, and provide meaningful tools for holding property owners accountable while safeguarding community interests. Resolution No. 2025-XXX Page 2 of 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana that: SECTION 1. The City of Santa Ana hereby expresses its strong support for SB 757 (Richardson) and urges the California State Legislature and the Governor to enact this legislation to improve local government enforcement of nuisance abatement laws. SECTION 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council. ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2025. ________________________________ Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers _ CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attach ed Resolution No. 2025-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on _______________. Date: ______________________ ________________________________ City Clerk City of Santa Ana