By CHARLOTTE KRAMON, ALEX VEIGA and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
In a rare bipartisan effort for a deeply divided Congress, the Senate has passed a broad bill to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable. The bill passed on Thursday would reduce regulations, regulate corporate investors and expand how housing dollars can be used to build affordable homes and rentals. It now heads back to the House, which passed a separate version earlier this year. It is unclear whether President Donald Trump would sign it after declaring last weekend that he won't sign any new measures unless Congress passes legislation that would require voters to show proof of citizenship.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill that will remake California's landmark environmental protection rules. Newsom says the overhaul is essential to address the state's housing shortage and resulting homelessness crisis. Newsom had threatened to reject the state budget passed last Friday unless lawmakers overhauled the California Environmental Quality Act. The 1970s law requires strict examination of any new development for its impact on the environment. The governor and housing advocates maintain that the environmental rules were well-intentioned but put up bureaucratic roadblocks that have made it increasingly difficult to build housing in the state.
