California Senate Rejects Bill That Would Prevent Tickets For Sleeping In Cars

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Lawmakers have rejected a bill that would block California cities and counties from giving parking tickets to people found sleeping in legally parked cars.

AB718 by Assemblyman Kansen Chu, a San Jose Democrat, was meant to help homeless people who are fined and sometimes end up in jail after sleeping in their vehicles.

Sen. Ben Hueso of San Diego, a Democrat who presented the bill Monday, says he lived in his car for two years while attending college.

The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty says three in four California cities prohibit resting or lodging in cars. Courts and homeless advocates say the rules are selectively enforced.

Local government and police groups that oppose AB718 say parking lots aren't designed for living.

The bill failed on an 18-14 vote.