The Assembly Appropriations Committee in California convened on May 14, 2025, to address the pressing issue of student homelessness, which has reached alarming levels across the state. During the meeting, committee members discussed the urgent need for increased student housing, highlighting that tens of thousands of students are currently experiencing homelessness.

A key focus of the discussion was the introduction of Assembly Bill 893, which aims to facilitate the construction of mixed-income housing units. Proponents of the bill argued that allowing developers to build more affordable housing options could significantly alleviate the student housing crisis without requiring extensive state funding. They emphasized that existing services and on-campus housing are insufficient to meet the needs of the growing student population.

The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders, including representatives from California YIMBY, who expressed strong support for the bill. They noted that building housing for all income levels would not only benefit students but also help moderate rents for faculty and the broader community.

Committee members acknowledged the severity of the issue, with one member citing that up to 10% of students at UC Berkeley have faced homelessness. The discussion underscored a collective commitment to streamline housing development processes to address this crisis effectively.

The bill received a motion and a second for approval, although some members abstained from voting. The committee's support for Assembly Bill 893 marks a significant step toward tackling the student housing crisis in California, with hopes that it will lead to more accessible and affordable housing solutions for students statewide.