SB 1344: Civil actions: housing development projects.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law provides that in a civil action brought by a plaintiff to challenge a housing development project that meets or exceeds the requirements for low- or moderate-income housing, a defendant may seek an order requiring the plaintiff to furnish an undertaking as security for costs and damages that may be incurred by the defendant if the bringing of the action would result in preventing or delaying the project, as specified. Existing law limits the liability of the plaintiff who must furnish the undertaking to $500,000. Existing law also permits a defendant in a civil action challenging the approval or permitting of a priority housing development project, as defined, to bring a special motion to strike the pleading. Existing law requires the court to deny the motion to strike if the court determines, based on the pleadings, affidavits, and administrative record if applicable, that the plaintiff has established a probability of prevailing on the claim.

This bill would increase the above-referenced liability limit to $1,000,000. The bill would also generally apply the above provisions to priority care developments, as defined, that provide supportive housing or other housing assistance in connection with behavioral health services and other specified purposes.

This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 529.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure proposed by SB 916 to be operative only if this bill and SB 916 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 29, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 811, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 29, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 811, Statutes of 2026.
3. September 29, 2026Approved by the Governor.
4. September 29, 2026Approved by the Governor.
5. September 3, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
6. September 3, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
7. August 27, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 31. Noes 5. Page 6027.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
8. August 27, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 30. Noes 5.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9. August 26, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
10. August 26, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
11. August 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 61. Noes 9. Page 6617.) Ordered to the Senate.
12. August 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 61. Noes 9. Page 6617.) Ordered to the Senate.