CA AB131

Establishes Round 7 of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program with a $500,000,000 appropriation effective July 1, 2026, contingent on recipients having obligated at least 50% of their Round 6 awards and substantial completion of Round 6 disbursements

Creates multiple new CEQA exemptions for housing-related rezonings that implement approved housing elements, agricultural employee housing projects, wildfire risk reduction projects (prescribed burns, defensible space, fuel breaks), day care centers, health clinics, food banks, and advanced manufacturing facilities on industrial-zoned land

Exempts from CEQA high-speed rail maintenance facilities and passenger rail stations that have been evaluated in prior environmental impact reports and incorporate applicable mitigation measures

Extends the CEQA exemption for small disadvantaged community water system projects from January 1, 2028 to January 1, 2032, and expands eligible projects to include sewer service for communities with inadequate sewage treatment systems

Requires the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to map eligible urban infill sites statewide by July 1, 2027 and update infill project guidelines at least every two years starting January 1, 2027 to address rigid requirements and reduce frivolous litigation

Excludes staff notes and most internal electronic agency communications from CEQA administrative records for projects that do not include distribution centers (50,000+ sq ft) or oil and gas infrastructure