Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with full possession and control of the state highway system, including associated property, and authorizes the department to require the removal of any encroachment in, under, or over any state highway. Existing law authorizes the department to establish maintenance programs related to highway cleanup, as specified.

This bill would require the department to establish a dedicated liaison to, among other things, facilitate communication with local governments and relevant state agencies with regard to addressing homeless encampments within the state highway system and to oversee the development and implementation of delegated maintenance agreements between local agencies and the department in which both work together to reduce and remove homeless encampments within the department’s jurisdiction. The bill would authorize the department to grant a single general entry permit for the duration of a delegated maintenance agreement to conduct activities authorized by the bill. The bill would require the department to submit an annual report to the Legislature summarizing specified information and recommendations regarding homeless encampments.