Berkeley will be able to run its own coordinated homeless outreach teams starting next year under a state law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 30. The measure, Senate Bill 479, was written by state Sen. Jesse Arreguín, a Democrat and former Berkeley mayor, and was signed alongside a second bill, SB 692, aimed at abandoned vehicles.
What SB 479 changes
Until now, state law let only counties operate homeless "multidisciplinary personnel teams," groups that bring together outreach workers, mental health staff and housing agencies and allow them to share confidential client information so they can coordinate care. SB 479 extends that power to cities that serve as their own local health jurisdictions. Arreguín's office lists Berkeley, Pasadena and Long Beach, along with the City of Oakland, as eligible.
The bill text requires each participating city to write protocols on what information the team may share, post them on its homelessness or social services webpage within 30 days of adoption and send a copy to the State Department of Social Services.
SB 692 and abandoned RVs
The companion bill lets cities and counties dismantle abandoned vehicles that are too damaged to tow, including RVs and cars that were used as living space and left behind after encampments are cleared, according to The Daily Californian and Arreguín's office.
What local leaders said
Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii said in Arreguín's announcement that moving someone off the street takes steady outreach, mental health care and coordinated services, and that the bills give cities better tools for what remains after an encampment is cleared. Arreguín said the state has provided funding but local governments need tools to coordinate services.
The Daily Californian reports both bills passed the Assembly and Senate without a dissenting vote. They take effect Jan. 1, 2027.