California governor signs package of bills giving state more power to enforce housing laws

California cities will face increased state scrutiny and penalties for resisting housing and homeless shelter construction due to new laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, D. Supporters claim the new laws are essential for building affordable housing and preventing local governments from ignoring state regulations.
The Attorney General can impose civil penalties of over $50,000 monthly for cities and counties failing to adopt required housing plans. Gov. Newsom’s administration has spent roughly $40 billion in an attempt to build affordable housing, and another roughly $27 billion towards the state’s homelessness problem.