A new chapter is opening in California's housing landscape as a ban on "crime-free" housing ordinances goes into effect on January 1st. This landmark legislation, Assembly Bill 1418 signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, dismantles policies that have barred individuals with criminal convictions from accessing secure housing across several jurisdictions in the state.
For many Californians who have served their time, finding a permanent residence has often been an uphill battle. Local "crime-free" ordinances, while intended to enhance community safety, have resulted in unintended consequences. These policies, in effect, penalized individuals for their past, creating a cycle of. . .