Judge Blocks L.A.'s Attempt to Dismantle Homeless RVs

Ruling halts city's implementation of new state law allowing removal of inoperable vehicles

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:39pm

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A judge has blocked the city of Los Angeles's attempt to dismantle abandoned or inoperable recreational vehicles, resulting in a legal win for Westside homeless advocates. The judge ruled that the city does not have the legal authority under Assembly Bill 630 to carry out the RV removal program, stating the law only applies to Los Angeles and Alameda counties, not the city of Los Angeles itself.

Why it matters

This ruling highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding homelessness and local governance, with the distinction between city and county authority under AB 630 proving critical. The decision demonstrates how narrowly tailored legislation can be subject to interpretation and challenge, complicating efforts by local officials to address issues like public safety and waste disposal concerns associated with RV encampments.

The details

AB 630, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October, increased the financial threshold for Los Angeles and Alameda counties, allowing them to dismantle vehicles worth up to $4,000 without auctioning them. The city council in Los Angeles voted 12-3 in December to instruct the City Attorney to 'immediately' implement AB 630, but the lawsuit brought by the CD11 Coalition for Human Rights argued the city was acting illegally. The judge agreed, stating 'AB 630 provides no such authority to the City of Los Angeles.'

  • In October 2026, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 630 into law.
  • In December 2026, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12-3 to implement AB 630.
  • On February 22, 2026, the judge ruled to block the city's implementation of AB 630.

The players

Curtis A. Kin

A Superior Court judge who ruled that the city of Los Angeles does not have the legal authority to carry out the RV removal program under AB 630.

CD11 Coalition for Human Rights

A group representing individuals and organizations advocating for the rights of unhoused people, who brought the lawsuit against the city's implementation of AB 630.

Shayla Myers

An attorney representing the CD11 Coalition for Human Rights, who argued the city was acting illegally and wasting taxpayer resources.

Traci Park

A Los Angeles City Councilmember representing coastal neighborhoods, who expressed dismay over the ruling and called it a setback for addressing public health and safety concerns.

Mark Gonzalez

The Assembly Member who authored AB 630, and is now working on a new bill to extend disposal authority to all 88 cities within Los Angeles County.

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What they’re saying

“The goal is not to penalize unhoused individuals, but to address criminal activity associated with some RV encampments.”

— Mark Gonzalez, Assembly Member

What’s next

Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez is working on a new bill to extend disposal authority to all 88 cities within Los Angeles County, in an effort to address the legal issues highlighted by the judge's ruling.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the complex balance local governments must strike between addressing public safety concerns and protecting the rights of unhoused individuals. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, Los Angeles will need to find a path forward that considers the needs of all its residents.