Plain English Breakdown
The bill text states the DASH designation begins July 1, 2027, but does not specify which specific units qualify beyond meeting 'prescribed criteria.'
AB-2146: Faster Access to Supportive Housing
This law creates the DASH designation starting July 1, 2027, allowing sponsors of certain supportive housing units to use faster paperwork rules and accept self-certified homelessness statements for tenants.
What This Bill Does
- Establishes the California Direct Access to Supportive Housing (DASH) designation beginning July 1, 2027.
- Requires sponsors of qualifying units to notify state agencies about their eligibility for DASH status starting in 2027.
- Allows expedited compliance documentation standards that include accepting a self-certification affidavit signed under penalty of perjury as proof of homelessness or risk thereof.
- Permits sponsors to accept tenant referrals from sources outside the coordinated entry system if more than 180 days have passed since notifying the main referral system about an available unit.
- Requires coordinated entry systems to refer multiple prioritized households for each available unit whenever possible, rather than limiting them to a single referral.
- Mandates that state agencies review compliance documentation by January 1, 2028, submit a report by April 1, 2028, and implement revised requirements by July 1, 2028.
Who It Names or Affects
- Sponsors of supportive housing units funded by programs such as Homekey or No Place Like Home.
- Prospective tenants who are chronically homeless, homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
- The California Housing and Homelessness Agency and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.
- Coordinated entry systems that refer people to housing.
Terms To Know
- DASH designation
- A label for supportive housing units established in 2027 that allows for faster tenant screening and documentation rules.
- Self-certification of homelessness
- An affidavit signed under penalty of perjury where a person states they are chronically homeless, homeless, or at risk of homelessness, used as proof instead of other documents.
- Coordinated entry system
- The main referral process that matches people needing housing with available units.
Limits and Unknowns
- Expedited paperwork rules only apply to the extent not prohibited by federal law.
- Sponsors can use outside referrals only after waiting more than 180 days from their initial notice to the coordinated entry system.
- Revised compliance requirements depend on a review report due in April 2028 and must be implemented by July 1, 2028.