LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed a new law that could help ease California's housing crisis.

The law removes barriers, allowing apartments to be built near busy transit hubs. The goal is to help alleviate the housing shortage, but some local leaders say the plan is flawed.

The law encourages more housing construction by allowing developers to build affordable multi-family housing near public transit stations throughout California, even if local zoning laws would normally prohibit it.

"It does allow mid-rise apartment buildings within a half a mile of Metro stations, Metrolink and Rapid bus service where the bus lines are physically separated," said state Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat.

Wiener says his bill is critical in helping California get out

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