California Bill Allows Students to Sleep in Cars Amid Housing Crisis

In response to California's escalating housing crisis, Assemblymember Corey Jackson has proposed a bill allowing college students to sleep in their cars on campus as an immediate remedy for those experiencing homelessness. The legislation, which aims to mandate community colleges and California State University campuses to establish safe overnight parking programs, has cleared its first legislative hurdle but faces significant opposition from both educational systems, citing funding and logistical concerns. Jackson argues that the state is in a homelessness crisis, emphasizing the necessity of providing students with a safe place to sleep despite the bill not being a long-term solution. Current statistics reveal that one in four community college students in California has faced homelessness in the past year, with rental costs exceeding the national average by over 30%. Critics of the bill highlight the need for structural reforms rather than temporary measures, yet supporters view it as a pragmatic approach to a dire situation. A successful pilot program at Long Beach Community College serves as a potential model for the proposed legislation, showcasing the feasibility of providing safe parking for students in need.