L.A. wanted to dismantle homeless RVs. A judge just shut that down - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by David Zahniser

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A Los Angeles judge has ruled against the city's plan to tow and destroy broken-down recreational vehicles (RVs) under Assembly Bill 630, handing a legal victory to homeless advocates. The bill grants authority to counties but not cities within those counties, meaning LA City cannot enforce its program without explicit state permission. This decision highlights ongoing tensions between local governments and activists over how to address homelessness while balancing public safety concerns. The ruling emphasizes that AB 630 specifically allows only Los Angeles County—not individual cities like Los Angeles—to dismantle RVs valued up to $4,000. The bill was designed to streamline the process of removing abandoned vehicles deemed a public hazard. However, homeless advocates argue that such measures disproportionately target vulnerable populations, as RVs often serve as crucial shelter for unhoused individuals. City officials have pushed back, with Councilmember Traci Park expressing frustration over what she sees as an obstruction to public safety initiatives. She emphasized the dangers posed by inoperable RVs, including crime and environmental hazards. Meanwhile, advocates argue that the ruling underscores the importance of protecting homeless residents' rights, asserting that legal challenges are necessary to prevent further encroachment on their basic needs. This case matters because it touches on critical issues of homelessness, property rights, and public safety. It also raises questions about the balance between local governance and state-imposed limitations, as well as the ethical obligations of cities to protect their most vulnerable populations. The ruling could set a precedent for how other jurisdictions handle similar conflicts in the future.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/22/2026