LEGISLATURE RETURNS NEXT WEEK, BILL INTRODUCTION UNDERWAY

Last month, Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon jointly announced the Legislature has amended its return date from January 4 to January 11, in light of the rising number of statewide COVID-19 cases. State lawmakers are introducing a wide range of measures, and WMA has begun screening and identifying specific bills of interest.         

ASSEMBLYMEMBER DAVID CHIU, SENATORS ANNA CABALLERO AND STEVE BRADFORD INTRODUCE FOLLOW-UP BILLS TO EXTEND LANDLORD TENANT RELIEF ACT OF 2020   

Assemblymember David Chiu and Senators Anna Caballero and Steve Bradford have introduced AB 15 and 16 and SB 3, respectively. AB 15 (Chiu) extends AB 3088 until the end of 2021 and SB 3 (Caballero) extends it until the end of March 2021. WMA is opposed to AB 15 and supports SB 3.

WMA assembled a coalition of allied rental property owners concerned with the above-mentioned bills. We recognize that the Legislature wants to ensure people affected by COVID-19 have a roof over their head; however, the coalition believes that the Legislature should also ensure that property owners, their employees, and those companies servicing our properties can survive the crisis. 

SENATOR CONNIE LEYVA REINTRODUCES MOBILEHOME PARK RENTAL RELIEF MEASURE     

WMA opposes Senate Bill 64 by Senator Connie Leyva, which adds Civil Code Section 798.63. It would require, among other things, that park management allow residents additional time to pay rent, utilities, and other charges due to hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also prohibit eviction for 7-day notice violations. The bill bears a striking resemblance to Senator Leyva’s failed SB 915 from last year.

WMA ENGAGES WITH STATE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE REGARDING COVERAGE ISSUE    

Last month, WMA lobbyists engaged the Department of Insurance to discuss the growing inability to obtain insurance in wildfire-prone areas.  WMA’s legislative team is working with the Department of Insurance to seek ways to provide access to affordable insurance for property and liability coverage.

WMA JOINS COALITION OPPOSING FAST-TRACK ELECTRIFICATION OF NEW HOMES

WMA joined a coalition of organizations opposed to recent changes being proposed by the California Energy Commission to fast-track the electrification of new homes and apartments.  The coalition, which includes the California Building Industry Association, the California Business Properties Association, and many others, has expressed concern that such a policy will drive up home prices, energy costs and hurt workers during a global pandemic.