New Bill Would Ban Homeless Encampments Near California Schools

Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover (Folsom) has introduced a bill that would ban homeless encampments within 500 feet of schools, daycare centers, parks, and libraries in California. Although AB 257 is unlikely to gain traction in the Democratic Legislature, it adds to a growing discussion about homeless encampments near schools.

Last year, both the Los Angeles and Sacramento city councils passed 500-foot restrictions for homeless encampments near schools and daycare centers. The policy deeply divided progressives and led to raucous protests that shut down city council meetings. 

Bob Erlenbusch, Executive Director of the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, calls Hoover’s bill “mean-spirited.” He claims the restrictions would bar homeless people from around 47,000 locations.

Hoover says the goal isn’t to make life harder for the unhoused or to prevent them from accessing services. This is about the children. 

“This is a multifaceted issue,” he told the Sacramento Bee. “[AB 257] is not the solution to homelessness, I’m not claiming that. But in the short term, it’s critically important that we make sure these public places are safe for our kids.”