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NewsTimes of San DiegoSeptember 6, 2026San Diego

California legislature passes bill to ban work requirements and time limits for federal housing assistance

The California Legislature has passed a bill that prohibits state housing authorities from imposing work requirements or time limits on federal rental assistance recipients. This measure serves as a preemptive block against proposed federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules that would allow local agencies to implement such restrictions.

housingrental assistancepublic policystate-federal relationslow-income housing
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Why It Matters

If signed by the Governor, this law will protect over 900,000 Californians currently relying on federal housing assistance from potential new eligibility restrictions that could lead to loss of housing.

Key Facts

  • The California Legislature passed a bill prohibiting housing authorities from enforcing work requirements or time limits on federal rental assistance.
  • The bill is a direct response to proposed federal HUD rules that would permit local agencies to implement these restrictions.
  • Over 900,000 Californians currently rely on federal housing assistance.
  • If signed, California would be the first state to explicitly forbid these requirements for housing agencies.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto the legislation.
  • HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated the proposed federal changes are intended to encourage self-sufficiency.
  • Data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates 65% of non-elderly, non-disabled HUD voucher households were working or had recently worked in 2024.
  • Nineteen states and the District of Columbia formally opposed the HUD proposal in May.
  • Federal HUD rules for Medicaid will require recipients to document work hours and requalify twice a year starting in 2027.

Who's Mentioned

organizationDepartment of Housing and Urban Development“Federal agency proposing the rule changes”organizationNational Housing Law Project“Organization that sponsored the California bill”personMatt Haney“Assemblymember who carried the bill”personScott Turner“HUD Secretary”personDonald Trump“President whose administration proposed the HUD rule changes”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California who must sign or veto the bill”personLila Gitesatani“Staff attorney at the National Housing Law Project”