Advocacy Update: Board Positions on Reactive Bills

//byline Scott TerrellDirector of Government Relations, AIA California AIA California Finalizes 2025 Legislative Bill Positions The AIA California Board of Directors routinely reviews and takes positions on legislation that impacts the architecture profession—whether that impact is positive or negative. At its April 24, 2025 meeting, the Board finalized positions on 61 bills. A full list of bill positions is available here. This year’s Legislative Session saw 2,397 bills introduced. Among these were numerous proposals addressing issues closely aligned with AIA California’s policy priorities, particularly in the areas of housing and climate action. Key topics included CEQA reform, permit streamlining, building code updates, density bonus laws, adaptive reuse, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), pro-housing designations, passive housing strategies, tax credits, zoning changes, and homeowners insurance reform. AIA California staff conducted a thorough review of all introduced bills, identifying approximately 100 with direct relevance to the profession. These were assigned to three subcommittees—Climate Action, Housing Steering, and Advocacy Advisory, comprising about 40 AIA CA members collectively. Each subcommittee evaluated the legislation and made recommendations to the Board. The Executive Committee then reviewed those recommendations before the Board voted to adopt formal positions. As bills often undergo significant amendments during the legislative process, AIA California actively monitors updates and brings any substantially altered legislation back to the committees and Board for reassessment as needed. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a closer look at some of the most impactful bills this year and what they mean for the profession. To view the complete list of AIA California’s 2025 bill positions, click here.

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