Amazing news! Our priority housing bill, ‪AB 418‬, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown! This strengthens early lease termination provisions for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and elder/dependent adult abuse. If a survivor is a tenant in an unsafe living environment, they will be able to break the lease with a statement from a counselor or caseworker. AB 418 made this provision permanent (it was due to sunset in 2016). On top of that, this law reduces a survivor’s rent obligation from 30 days to 14 days. We’re very appreciative of Assemblymember David Chiu for authoring this bill!

Just before ‪‎AB 418‬ passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Partnership’s Krista Niemczyk shared two survivor stories that highlight the critical need for for this bill. Watch her testimony below. Please note: these stories contain some descriptions of violence.