Summary:

Signed into Law in September 2025, SB-748 is a crucial response to California’s urgent homelessness crisis.  With 187,000 Californians lacking stable housing, and a growing number living in cars or RVs, this bill is a significant step towards addressing the issue.

Why SB-748 Matters

• California accounts for 25% of the nation’s homeless population, with two-thirds sleeping outdoors.
• Vehicle-based homelessness is rising, creating safety and sanitation challenges.
• Local jurisdictions require funding and clear guidelines to effectively manage encampments and facilitate the transition of individuals into permanent housing.

What SB-748 Does

1.       Adds Safe Parking Sites to ERF Program

o   Funds can now be used for:

§  Acquiring property for safe parking

§  Operating sites and extending hours

§  Providing services at these sites

§  Removing and storing abandoned vehicles when necessary,

2.       Application Requirements

o   Local jurisdictions and continuums of care applying for ERF grants must include:

§  Detailed plans for safe parking sites

§  Strategies for connecting residents to interim or permanent housing

3.       Enhanced Reporting

o   Quarterly reports to legislative committees starting 1 April 2026

o   Annual summaries to the Governor and Legislature on program outcomes and best practices  

Legislative Journey

• Introduced: 21 February 2025
• Passed Senate: 28 May 2025 (38–0)
• Passed Assembly: 8 September 2025 (76–1)
• Enrolled: 13 September 2025
• Presented to Governor: 22 September 2025  

Implications

For Local Governments

• We must design safe parking programs with clear operational and service plans.
• Prepare for quarterly compliance reporting.

For Homeless Service Providers

• Opportunity to expand outreach to vehicle dwellers.
• Integrate safe parking with housing navigation services.

For Residents

• Safer, regulated spaces for those living in vehicles.
• Increased access to sanitation, security, and housing pathways.

Challenges

• Funding Gaps: ERF allocations depend on legislative appropriations.
• Operational Complexity: Managing safe parking sites requires coordination with Law enforcement, sanitation, and social services.
• Community Pushback: Some neighborhoods resist safe parking programs.

Bottom Line

SB-748 is a pragmatic step toward addressing California’s homelessness crisis by recognizing the reality of vehicle-based living.  It pairs funding flexibility with accountability measures, aiming to create safer interim solutions while pushing toward permanent housing.