Newsom Vetoes Homeless Program Transparency Bill, Calling it Redundant

The governor said requirements calling for more transparency and reporting by these housing programs were already included in the state’s 2024–25 budget.

A homeless man sits on a suitcase on a street lined with tents in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 22, 2023. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Legislation in California related to increased transparency and accountability for a state homeless assistance program was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on July 15 because he said he believes it’s similar to language included in the newly signed 2024 budget.

Assembly Bill 2570—which was introduced by Assemblyman Joe Patterson and approved by the Legislature with bipartisan support—would have required the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention program, which provided grants to local jurisdictions, to submit an annual report to the governor and the Legislature on operations and accomplishments.