Several education-related bills have cleared the state Legislature and are awaiting the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newson has until Oct. 13 to veto the bills or they will become law.
Courtesy photo
By Edward Henderson
Contributing Writer
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers advanced several key education-related measures to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk prior to the Sept. 13 deadline to pass bills for the 2024–25 legislative session,
Among the bills are Senate Bill 510, by state Sen. Laura Richardson, D-Inglewood, requires the Instructional Quality Commission to consider including content on the historical, social, economic and political contributions of African Americans during the Spanish colonization of California, the Gold Rush Era, and Antebellum periods.
“SB 510 ensures that students learn about the economic, social and political contributions of African Americans, as well as their resilience in the face of systematic oppression,” Richardson said in support of the bill. “By including African American perspectives in the broader context of history, economics and civics, the bill helps foster greater understanding of the ongoing fight for equity and justice.”
Richardson’s bill is one of the pieces of legislation included in the California Legislative Black Caucus’ “Road to Repair” bill package.
Currently, most textbooks and other instructional materials often minimize or exclude the contributions of African Americans.
Supporters say, this legislation would help to make history instruction more accurate and inclusive.
SB 510 was signed by Newsom on Aug. 28.
Senate Bill 640, by state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Napa, will allow qualified high school students who have taken the required courses and maintained an appropriate grade point average to receive mailers directly admitting them to participating California State University campuses.
“We should make it as seamless for our students to go from 12th grade to the next stage of their education as it was for them to go from sixth grade to seventh grade,” Cabaldon said in a release. “Direct admission removes the application hurdle that stops some students from going to college and relieves the fear that they won’t get in anywhere.”
The legislation aims to make it easier for students to apply to CSU campuses, as navigating the application process has proven to be a barrier to entry for some qualified students.
After the Legislature approved the bill Sept. 10, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled it and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration.
Assembly Bill 1264, authored by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino, would require the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to develop regulation to bans ultra-processed foods in schools. Ultra-processed foods are defined as any food or beverage high in saturated fats, sodium or specific added sugars or sweeteners.
“Our public schools should not be serving students harmful ultra-processed foods filled with dangerous chemical additives,” Gabriel said. “In California, Democrats and Republicans are joining forces to prioritize the health and safety of our children and we are proud to be leading the nation with a bipartisan, science-based approach.”
The bill requires schools to start phasing out ultra-processed foods by Jan. 1, 2028. A complete ban would start July 1, 2035, excluding food served at school fundraisers.
After the Legislature approved AB 1264 Sept. 12, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled the bill and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration.
Assembly Bill 1224 by Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, D-Anaheim, increases the number of days a substitute teacher can teach in California public school classrooms from 30 to 60 in general education and 20 to 60 in special education.
“The increased flexibility will reduce classroom instability and learning disruptions that affect students with disabilities the most,” Valencia said in a release. “With greater stability in the classroom, students are able to establish rapport with their substitute teacher, leading to better educational outcomes.”
With California’s continued teacher shortage, proponents of the bill highlighted the need for continuity between teachers and students in hard-to-fill subject areas including special education, math and science.
On Sept. 22, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled the bill and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration after the Legislature approved it Sept. 10.
Assembly Bill 1454, by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, updates statewide reading instruction curriculum to close learning gaps. It also requires the state Board of Education to adopt instructional materials that align with evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills and updates training standards.
“Strong reading skills are the foundation for every student’s success, and our action today demonstrates a big commitment to improving California’s reading and literacy rates,” Rivas said in a release. “This legislation is a critical step and will improve literacy outcomes for California’s students.”
The proficiency gap in reading between Black and Hispanic students in California compared with white and Asian students is among the widest in the nation.
On Sept. 24, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled the bill and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration after the Legislature approved it Sept. 13.
The governor has until Oct. 13 to sign or veto all legislation. The bills that Newsom does not veto before that deadline will automatically become state law.
Edward Henderson is a reporter for California Black Media.
