SACRAMENTO (KRON) — A bill that would protect homeless people who live in their cars from fines and vehicle impounds has passed through the California Assembly.
Under Assembly Bill 718, local governments would not be able to punish people caught sleeping in their cars.
The bill passed with a 54-to-12 vote. It will now move onto the Senate.
San Jose Assemblyman Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) wrote the bill; saying his bill lifts a burden from Californians who have lost jobs and homes.
According to the national Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty says three in four cities in the state ban resting or living in cars. Los Angeles is one of the cities with a ban, but the state’s largest city is currently reconsidering its ban on living in cars after losing a court challenge.
Courts and homeless advocated have voiced concerns about selective enforcement of the rules.
Opponents of the bill say that parking lots aren’t designed for living.