Government Relations - Legislation Archive
SB 692 Special Education Inclusion Act
Introduced 2021-2022 session – Signed into Law 2022
Summary: Existing state policies and practices incentivize the segregation of students with disabilities into separate classes even when students are capable of performing at grade level. This bill would incentivize districts to place students with disabilities in the most inclusive environment that is appropriate by adding an existing federal indicator (least restrictive environment) to the state accountability dashboard. It would also incentivize districts to provide general education teachers with training and professional development on teaching strategies related to the most common mild/moderate disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and autism.
Equity Impact: This bill addresses the state’s low inclusion rates in K to 12th grade and furthers movement towards a single system in which “all kids are general education kids first.” Inclusive programs have been shown to increase academic and graduation outcomes for both special education and non-special education students.
AB 2806 Early Learning Mental Health Reimbursement
Introduced 2021-2022 session – Signed into Law 2022
Summary: Children of color are suspended or expelled from preschool and childcare at 3 to 4 times the rate of White Children. This bill would prohibit suspension and expulsion in state preschool and childcare programs and increase funding for early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) which is used to provide teachers and families with training and support on positive behavior intervention and behavioral health.
Equity Impact: This bill addresses disproportionate suspension, expulsion, and identification practices that target children of color and contribute to the school to prison pipeline as early as preschool/childcare.
AB 2827 Title 22 Inclusion Barrier
Introduced 2021-2022 session – Signed into Law 2022
Summary: Just 36% of California children with disabilities have access to an inclusive preschool program. This bill would remove antiquated regulations that effectively segregate children with disabilities from their peers while still ensuring that all children remain safe and supervised.
Equity Impact:
This bill reduces barriers to inclusion of children with disabilities and moves the state towards a single system in which “all kids are general education kids first.”
AB 2034 LEA BOP Audits
Introduced 2021-2022 session – Reintroduced in 2022-2023 session as AB 483
Summary: Schools are one of the primary providers of physical and mental health services for children. The Local Education Agency Billing Option Program (LEA BOP) is intended to help reimburse schools for the health and mental health services they provide; however, punitive state administration of the program prevents schools from drawing down federal funds. This bill would make changes to how the state monitors and provides support to schools participating in LEA BOP thereby increasing funding for student health and mental health services.
Equity Impact: More mental health resources positively correlate with fewer suspensions, expulsions, and absences. This bill would increase federal funding for student health and mental health services, regardless of health insurance provider or disability status.
2021 Legislative Platform Archive