CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2021–2022 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill
No. 2663

Introduced by Assembly Member Ramos

February 18, 2022

An act relating to homelessness.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 2663, as introduced, Ramos. Youth homelessness.
Existing requires the Governor to establish the California Interagency Council on Homelessness, and requires the council to, among other things, set and measure progress towards goals to prevent and end homelessness among youth in California.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to support young people experiencing homelessness and to prevent and eradicate homelessness among California’s youth, and would make related findings and declarations.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: NO   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1) Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and questioning (LGBTQIA+), youth of color, and former foster youth who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity.
(2) The loneliness, lack of formal support systems, and social isolation they are experiencing have increased depression, anxiety, and substance abuse within these communities.
(3) Many youths are struggling to access timely, trauma-informed mental health services.
(4) The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the rate of education disruption, family conflicts, and youth under 18 years of age being “kicked out” of their homes.
(5) Extra consideration should be included to address challenges in rural areas, including a lack of resources, limited public transportation, and food insecurity amongst unhoused youth.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to support young people experiencing homelessness and to prevent and eradicate homelessness among California’s youth.