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Bill To Halt Mass Ellis Act Evictions In San Francisco Revived

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- A bill that would allow the city of San Francisco to limit the mass eviction of tenants in rent-controlled properties has squeaked through the state Senate after the author agreed to make changes.

SB1439 by Democratic Sen. Mark Leno of San Francisco would modify the state "Ellis Act," which allows landlords to evict all tenants in a building when they want to sell a property and get out of the rental business.

Leno says real estate speculators are abusing the law and driving up rents in San Francisco.

But after his bill failed to pass a day earlier, Leno agreed Thursday to make changes to differentiate between family owners and big business interests.

SB1439 passed with the bare minimum votes needed, 21-13, with some Democrats still opposed.

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