Overview of Key Education Bills in California
Legislators have returned to the statehouse for a four-week session aimed at finalizing which bills will be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature. The deadline for getting an up or down vote in either the Senate or House appropriations committees is August 29, with legislation needing to reach Newsom’s desk by September 12.
While most bills that make it this far are likely to pass, several education-related bills remain under negotiation and could face challenges. These include measures defining antisemitism in schools and increasing oversight of hybrid and online charter schools. Here are summaries of twelve K-12 and higher education bills worth watching.
Senate Bill 98
Author: Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Pasadena
What will it do: The bill would require school districts, California State University, each California community college district, and Cal Grant qualifying institutions to notify students, faculty, and campus community members when federal immigration enforcement is confirmed on campus. Notifications must include the date, time, and location of enforcement, as well as a link to additional resources.
Why is it important: While many schools provide guidelines on how to engage with federal immigration enforcement officers, there is no legal requirement to notify the community. This bill aims to create a sense of security and maintain schools as “safe spaces” for students, especially in light of ongoing raids and fears of detention and deportation.
What’s next: The bill passed the Senate in June and was approved by the Senate Education Committee and the Assembly Higher Education Committee in July. It is currently under review by the Assembly Appropriations Committee with a hearing scheduled for August 20.
Upshot: The bill is expected to pass the Assembly Appropriations Committee and take immediate effect once signed into law by Newsom.
Senate Bill 323
Author: Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Pasadena
What will it do: The bill would revise the California Dream Act application to clarify that it is open to any student eligible for state aid, regardless of their eligibility for federal financial aid.
Why is it important: The bill addresses concerns that U.S. citizens from mixed-status families may avoid applying for federal student aid due to technical barriers and privacy concerns. The California Student Aid Commission supports the bill, noting that the lack of a defined policy has created uncertainty for students.
What’s next: The bill awaits an August 20 Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing.
Upshot: The bill is backed by numerous groups and has no registered opposition.
Assembly Bill 477
Authors: Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay
What will it do: The bill would increase teacher and classified school employee salaries by 50% over the next decade and incrementally boost statewide school funding through the 2036-37 school year.
Why is it important: Teachers earn 23.5% less than other college graduates with comparable degrees, which deters potential candidates from entering the teaching profession.
What’s next: The bill passed the Assembly Education Committee unanimously but was referred to the suspense file and may be heard next year.
Upshot: Funding the raises could be challenging, as they are expected to cost tens of billions of dollars over the next decade.
Senate Bill 640
Author: Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Napa
What will it do: The bill aims to simplify admissions for qualified high school students to California State University (CSU) by sending direct mailers to eligible students.
Why is it important: Many academically qualified students fail to enroll due to difficulty navigating the admissions process. This measure builds on a pilot program in Riverside County.
What’s next: An appropriations hearing is scheduled for August 20.
Upshot: The bill has no opponents and is supported by the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Senate Bill 790
Author: Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Napa
What will it do: The bill allows the governor to sign onto the Interstate Agreement on Online Course Standards (SARA), provided it does not interfere with California’s consumer protection laws.
Why is it important: California is the only state not part of SARA, which would allow colleges to enroll out-of-state students more easily. However, some opponents argue that SARA lacks protections against fraud.
What’s next: The bill heads to an Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing on August 20.
Upshot: The bill has mixed support, with strong backing from the University of California and opposition from the California Federation of Teachers.
Assembly Bill 1264
Author: Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino
What will it do: The bill requires schools to phase out harmful ultra-processed foods (UPFs) by 2028 and prohibit their sale after 2035, except during fundraisers.
Why is it important: Nutrition experts highlight the health risks of UPFs, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which disproportionately affect low-income communities.
What’s next: The bill has passed policy committees and is on the Senate Appropriations Committee suspense file.
Upshot: The bill is likely to pass if it clears the Senate Appropriations Committee, given its bipartisan support.
Assembly Bill 1348
Author: Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, D-Bakersfield
What will it do: The bill adds immigration enforcement actions to the list of reasons for which schools can request average daily attendance (ADA) credit, until June 30, 2029. Students must also be offered independent study when such requests are made.
Why is it important: Recent increases in immigration enforcement have raised concerns about students missing school to avoid encounters with agents.
What’s next: The bill was recently read by the Senate Appropriations Committee and referred to the suspense file.
Assembly Bill 1400
Author: Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, D-Merced
What will it do: The bill creates a pilot program allowing 15 community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs in nursing.
Why is it important: California faces a nursing shortage, and this bill aims to address it by prioritizing underserved areas.
What’s next: The bill awaits a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Upshot: Similar bills have been vetoed in the past, and current opposition from four-year universities may hinder passage.
Assembly Bill 1454
Authors: Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, and Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park
What will it do: The bill provides evidence-based reading instruction resources, training, and materials for teachers, focusing on phonics and the science of reading.
Why is it important: Reading proficiency is critical for academic success, yet only 40% of third graders meet grade-level standards. The gap between Black and Hispanic students and white and Asian students is among the widest in the nation.
Upshot: A similar bill failed last year, but recent efforts and a $200 million budget allocation have increased its chances of passing. Newsom is expected to sign it soon.