California Passes Controversial SB 79, Overriding Local Zoning for High-Density Housing

California's Senate approved the controversial SB 79, a landmark housing bill that overrides local zoning laws to allow for significantly denser housing near transit hubs. The bill, which passed after intense debate and protests from some residents concerned about changes to single-family neighborhoods, permits buildings up to nine stories tall near major transit stops. While the Los Angeles City Council opposed the bill, support surged after a deal with the State Building and Construction Trades Council, which dropped its opposition in exchange for amendments ensuring union jobs on certain projects. The bill now heads to Governor Newsom's desk.