CA AB2002

Establishes the Regional Early Action Planning Fund in the State Treasury to provide councils of governments, regional entities, and local jurisdictions with one-time funding for planning activities related to the 7th and subsequent regional housing need assessment (RHNA) cycles

Requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to distribute funds on a population basis to qualifying councils of governments or regional entities, with applications accepted starting 39 months before applicable housing element due dates

Authorizes fund expenditures for RHNA methodology development, technical assistance to jurisdictions, temporary staffing, consultant services, infrastructure planning, and establishing regional or countywide housing trusts

Limits administrative costs to 5% of an entity's total award and requires annual reporting on expenditures and suballocations, plus a final report on outcomes and housing impact upon full expenditure

Exempts the department's implementing guidelines from the Administrative Procedure Act's rulemaking requirements