The California Senate has passed Senate Bill 549 (SB 549), authorizing Los Angeles County and other municipalities to purchase fire-damaged lots at minimal cost for the development of low-income housing. The bill enables the creation of "Resilient Rebuilding Authorities" that can use taxpayer funds, including property taxes, to acquire these lots and convert them into affordable housing projects. These authorities are required to allocate at least 40% of their funds toward low-income housing construction. The legislation represents a shift in policy, as it contradicts previous assurances by Governor Gavin Newsom to homeowners regarding government acquisition of such properties. The bill aims to address housing shortages by repurposing fire-ravaged land but has prompted concerns among some residents about the use of their property taxes for this purpose.