Committee advances AB 939 to let nonprofits buy income-restricted homes earlier

Assemblymember Schultz presented AB 939 as a narrowly tailored fix to a timing issue in California’s density-bonus law that can leave income-restricted homeownership units vacant for six months or more. Schultz said current law prevents nonprofits from acquiring units during the entitlement phase and requires a six-month (180-day) delay after certificate of occupancy before certain nonprofit transfers can occur; AB 939 would remove that 180-day resale restriction when a developer is under contract with a nonprofit affordable-housing organization.

"This allows developers to reduce holding and marketing costs while ensuring that homes reach income-qualified families more efficiently," Schultz said. Debbie Arekall, introduced as CEO of Habitat for Humanity of California, testified in support and described the bill as a "no cost fix" that preserves the intent of the earlier law while providing nonprofits a pathway to buy and qualify homebuyers earlier. Industry supporters, including the California Building Industry Association and other housing advocates, registered support during the hearing.

Committee members asked to be added as coauthors during the discussion. After motions and seconds, the chair announced AB 939 "out on a roll call" and recorded voting participation during the roll call announcement in the transcript. The committee record will contain the formal roll-call tally and coauthor list when posted.