California lawmakers to tackle housing crisis, immigration

FILE -- In this Jan. 25, 2017 file photo protesters hold signs as they listen to speakers at a rally outside of City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. California lawmakers return Monday, Aug. 21 , from a monthlong break with a busy agenda that includes tackling the state's housing crisis and deciding whether to make California a statewide sanctuary for people living illegally in the U.S.. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu,file) FILE -- In this Jan. 25, 2017 file photo protesters hold signs as they listen to speakers at a rally outside of City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. California lawmakers return Monday, Aug. 21 , from a monthlong break with a busy agenda that includes tackling the state's housing crisis and deciding whether to make California a statewide sanctuary for people living illegally in the U.S.. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu,file)

By Associated Press August 19, 2017 4 min read

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California lawmakers return Monday from a monthlong break with a busy agenda that includes tackling the state’s housing crisis and deciding whether to make California a statewide sanctuary for people living illegally in the U.S.

Here’s a look at some of the high-profile issues the Legislature will tackle in the last four weeks of business this year. They reconvene in January for the rest of their current two-year session.

HOUSING

With Californians facing high and rapidly rising housing costs, Gov. Jerry Brown and top Democratic lawmakers put housing at the top of the agenda for the Legislature’s return.

Brown, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon agreed to advance a package of housing bills.