In response to California’s ongoing housing crisis, a new bill proposes allowing college students to sleep in their cars on campus. The proposal, introduced by Assemblymember Corey Jackson, aims to provide a temporary solution for students facing homelessness. With one in four California community college students experiencing homelessness last year, the need for immediate action is pressing.
Jackson’s bill would require community colleges and the California State University system to establish overnight parking programs for students. Without such programs, students often resort to sleeping in their cars off-campus, which can be unsafe and unwelcome. The bill is not intended as a permanent solution but as a stopgap measure while long-term housing solutions are developed.
Despite its intentions, the bill faces opposition from the California State University and community college systems, which cite funding and logistical challenges. Jackson argues that these institutions must do their part to address the housing crisis, even offering to waive liability and delay implementation until funding is available…