BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2087
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 13, 2010
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Paul J. Cook, Chair
AB 2087 (Torres) - As Amended: April 6, 2010
SUBJECT : Veterans' housing.
SUMMARY : This bill would expand the definition of home to
include residences with 2 to 4 units, inclusive, that satisfy
specified requirements.
EXISTING LAW
1.Provides for farm and home purchase benefits for qualifying
veterans under the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act of
1974, and subsequent acts, which are collectively referred to
as the CalVet Home Loan program.
2.Defines "home" for purposes of this program to mean a parcel
of real estate upon which there is a dwelling house and other
buildings that will suit the needs of the purchaser and the
purchaser's dependents as a place of abode, which includes a
condominium, as defined, and a mobilehome. Current law
3.Allows the California Department of Veterans Affairs to
finance a veteran's purchase of an individual share (unit)
within a cooperative.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown.
COMMENTS : M & V code does not mirror the IRS code that allows
veterans to purchase duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. A
change in the M&V code would allow CalVet to make these type of
loans to veterans. This will allow Veterans to be able to
purchase this type of housing which may be helpful for extended
family housing. It will also provide dwellings that are
duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes that would be the best format
for cooperative housing as identified in AB 1330 passed last
year.
AB 1330 (Salas) which was enacted last year, authorizes the
California Department of Veterans Affairs to set up a pilot
project for the purpose of operating co-op housing projects for
veterans. the California Department of Veterans Affairs s
sponsoring this bill, to add two- and four- unit multifamily
housing units to the definition of home because they feel this
AB 2087
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change is necessary to allow cooperative housing as a possible
use under the CalVET program.
Veterans benefit from a living situation which includes other
veterans. By expanding the definition of home to include two
and four multi-family units, this bill is intended to permit
veterans to collectively purchase a duplex or four-plex so that
they can live in a supportive environment.
Stated Goals
If it is the California Department of Veterans Affairs' goal to
enact legislation that would allow it to finance cooperative
housing projects for veterans, the committee may wish to examine
whether adding affordability language would be in keeping with
the intent of AB 1330, which was to provide an affordable
housing product to veterans and their families.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
American Legion, Department of California
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by : Eric Worthen / V. A. / (916) 319-3550