"California Passes Bill Prohibiting Forced Evictions of Arrested Tenants"

California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 1418, which would prohibit mandatory evictions or exclusions for tenants and their families based on criminal histories or encounters with law enforcement. The bill aims to combat "crime-free housing" policies that disproportionately affect Black and Latino renters and contribute to gentrification. AB 1418 would make many of these laws unenforceable, while still allowing landlords to initiate nuisance-related evictions or screen tenants based on their own discretion. The legislation was inspired by a 2020 investigation by the Los Angeles Times, and its passage is seen as a significant step towards racial and criminal justice reform in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 14 to sign or veto the bill.