Assemblywoman Soria’s Housing Bill Package Signed into Law

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced), released the following statement after Governor Newsom signed her Housing Bill Package (AB 457 & AB 36):

AB 457 – The Farmworker Housing Act

“The Farmworker Housing Act (AB 457) will increase the supply of low cost housing for our Central Valley farmworkers. California farmworkers are the backbone of our Ag economy, now they will have more access to safe, dignified housing.”

AB 457 applies a streamlined approval process and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption to affordable farmworker housing developments within 15 miles of farm or grazing land in the Counties of Fresno, Madera, and Merced. 

AB 36 – Prohousing for All

“California already has enough red tape from the state when it comes to building additional housing in California. AB 36 promotes effective local solutions that streamline the development of affordable housing in small, rural communities. California has an affordability problem, and housing is at the top of that list—this law will help to change that.”

AB 36 will now direct the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to determine if small local governments qualify as “prohousing,” using information they already must provide—rather than requiring them to fill out another separate and duplicative application. This law levels the playing field for state housing funding, and enables small and large cities to compete on equal footing. 

For the latest information on our legislative bill package, please visit our website and social media accounts. 

Facebook: @Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria

Instagram: @asmesmeraldasoria

BlueSky: @esmeraldasoria.bsky.social

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Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District, which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.