Asm. Blanca Rubio

Existing law establishes the State Board of Education, and requires the state board to adopt rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the laws of the state, to govern the public elementary and secondary schools of the state. Existing law requires the state board to determine all questions of policy within its powers. Pursuant to these powers, the state board has adopted a policy known as the California English Learner Roadmap State Board of Education Policy: Educational Programs and Services for English Learners, also known as the EL Roadmap Policy, for the stated purpose of assisting the State Department of Education in providing guidance to local educational agencies with respect to educating English learners attending California public schools. Existing law establishes the State Department of Education, under the administration of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and assigns the department numerous duties relating to the governance and funding of local educational agencies. This bill would require the state board to, on or before March 15, 2026, develop and adopt a "California English Learner Roadmap: Parent Toolkit" that will be made available to families served by school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools that are implementing the EL Roadmap Policy. The bill would require the state board to convene a workgroup to assist in the development of the parent toolkit, as provided. The bill would require the department to develop forms that may be used by parents of English learner pupils to request services from the pupil's teacher or administrator as it relates to the parent toolkit. The bill would establish the English Learner Roadmap Implementation Grant Pilot Program with the goal of locally planning and implementing the EL Roadmap Policy. The bill would require the department, on or before September 1, 2025, to award no more than 8 one-time grants of up to $1,500,000 per grant and no more than 4 one-time grants of up to $750,000 per grant to school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools, as provided. The bill would require the department to, among other things, determine application procedures and selection criteria for grant awards, review applications, identify and determine how data will be collected and shared with the public, and meet quarterly with leaders from the grant recipients for specified purposes. The bill would require grant recipients to submit to the department specified data as it relates to the grant received. The bill would require the department to submit to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature a progress report on or before January 31, 2027, and, on or before December 1, 2028, a final report, with specified information about, among other things, the successes and challenges of the grant program, as provided. This bill would make implementation of its provisions contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature, as provided.

Under existing law, a person between 6 and 18 years of age who is not exempted by law is subject to compulsory full-time education. Existing law excludes a child under 6 years of age from the public schools, subject to specified exceptions. Existing law requires a school district maintaining a kindergarten to admit a child who will have their 5th birthday on or before September 1 of the school year. Existing law also requires a child who will have their 6th birthday on or before September 1 of the school year to be admitted to the first grade of an elementary school. Existing law authorizes a child who has been lawfully admitted to a public school kindergarten or a private school kindergarten in California and who is judged by the administration of the school district to be ready for first-grade work to be admitted to the first grade, as specified. This bill, beginning with the 2026–27 school year, would require a child to have completed one year of kindergarten before that child may be admitted to the first grade at a public elementary school, except for a child who has been lawfully admitted to a public school kindergarten or a private school kindergarten in California, but has not yet completed one school year, and is judged to be ready for first-grade work, as specified, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law requires the Secretary of State to establish a statewide system to facilitate removal of duplicate or prior voter registrations to facilitate the reporting of election results and voter and candidate information and to otherwise administer and enhance election administration. Existing law also requires that certain voter registration information be provided to, among others, any person for election, scholarly, journalistic, or political purposes, or for governmental purposes, as determined by the Secretary of State. This bill would allow the Secretary of State to apply for membership with the Electronic Registration Information Center and, if that application is approved, allow the Secretary of State to execute a membership agreement with the Electronic Registration Information Center on behalf of the state. The bill would require the Secretary of State to ensure that any confidential information or data provided by another state remains confidential, and would authorize the Secretary of State to transmit confidential information or data pursuant to that agreement. The bill would prohibit the disclosure of any information or data related to citizenship and certain types of driver's licenses and identification cards, as specified. The bill would also authorize the Secretary of State to adopt regulations necessary to implement these provisions and would require the Secretary of State to receive a certification from the Department of Technology that all proper cybersecurity protections are in place before sending any data or information to the Electronic Registration Information Center.

Maddy summaryThis California Assembly resolution encourages the U.S. Congress to pass legislation creating a National Infrastructure Bank to fund critical repairs and upgrades for roads, bridges, dams, and other public works. The bill cites reports from the American Society of Civil Engineers highlighting billions of dollars in investment gaps and poor conditions affecting California's transportation and water systems. It advocates for a financing model that uses existing federal debt rather than new taxes, aiming to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and prioritize projects in disadvantaged communities. The resolution formally requests that federal leaders adopt this approach to address the state's urgent infrastructure needs.

Maddy summaryThis California House Resolution condemns the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump and calls for an end to political violence. The measure highlights the event where Trump was wounded while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and notes that one attendee died and others were injured while trying to protect him. It urges the state to foster a political environment based on respectful discourse and nonviolence. The resolution is a formal statement of the Assembly's stance and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates September 2024 as California Wine Month to honor the state's wine industry. It directly affects wineries, grape growers, and related businesses by celebrating their economic and cultural contributions. The measure uses a formal resolution to proclaim the month, highlighting the industry's role in jobs, tourism, and sustainability. No new laws or regulations are created; the change is purely symbolic and commemorative.

This measure would recognize the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 27, 2024, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Filipino American History Month to recognize the long-standing contributions of Filipinos to California and the United States. It directly affects state officials and the public by designating a specific month for commemoration and education. The resolution highlights historical milestones, including early Spanish-era interactions, the development of Filipino communities in cities like Stockton and San Francisco, and the significant roles Filipinos played in agriculture, shipbuilding, and military service during World War II. By formally acknowledging these events, the bill aims to promote awareness of Filipino American heritage within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 22, 2024, as Kimchee Day in California to honor the traditional Korean dish and its cultural significance. It acknowledges the long history of kimchee, the contributions of Korean Americans, and the dish's recognized health benefits and growing popularity in the United States. The resolution directs the Assembly's Chief Clerk to send copies of the document to the author for distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Transgender History Month in California to recognize the state's significant contributions to transgender history and activism. The resolution highlights key historical figures and events, such as early Indigenous gender variance, the Cooper Do-nuts and Compton's Cafeteria riots, and the founding of major support organizations. By formally acknowledging these milestones, the measure aims to educate the public about the long-standing presence and struggles of transgender people in California.