April 7, 2023
Proposed Rule Would Prevent Categoric Bans on Transgender Athletes in School Sports While Giving Schools Discretion to Limit Participation
On April 6, 2023, the Biden administration proposed a new rule that would prevent total bans on transgender athletes in school sports, but would allow carveouts for some restrictions at the discretion of schools. The ...... Read More
March 23, 2023
U.S. Supreme Court Rules For Deaf Student in Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools, unanimously ruling 9-0 that families will not have to exhaust the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ...... Read More
January 3, 2023
2023 Legislative Update for School Districts
The following laws related to education were created or modified during the 2022 year and are already affecting or will affect California school districts in 2023 and beyond. If you have questions on any of ...... Read More
October 18, 2022
Campaign Donation Restrictions Expand to Local California Elected Officials
Senate Bill 1439 (“SB 1439”) significantly impacts campaign contributions to local elected officials and gives rise to new potential conflicts of interest. Effective January 1, 2023, SB 1439 extends existing prohibitions on campaign contributions under ...... Read More
October 10, 2022
New Law AB 2449 Modifies Brown Act Teleconferencing Procedures
On September 13, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2449 (“AB 2449”) into law. Effective January 1, 2023, AB 2449 establishes four periods with differing options for remote access to, and member attendance ...... Read More
October 3, 2022
Newsom Signs AB 152 Extending COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave
On September 29, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 152 (AB 152), which immediately extends the availability of COVID-19 paid supplemental sick leave for covered employees through December 31, 2022. California’s existing COVID-19 ...... Read More
August 17, 2022
California Supreme Court Rules that Penalties for Violating Rights of the Disabled Under Unruh Civil Rights Act Do Not Apply to Public School Districts
In a recent case involving a special needs student who was assaulted while on a public school campus, Brennon B. v. Superior Court, the question before the California Supreme Court was whether school districts can ...... Read More
August 5, 2022
California Senate Bill 197 Extends Key Housing Element Rezoning Deadlines, Expands Funding Opportunities
On June 30, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 197, which grants local jurisdictions in California with housing element due dates in 2021 additional time to complete any necessary rezoning. SB 197 also addresses the ...... Read More
July 5, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Football Coach’s On-Field, Post-Game Prayers Protected Under First Amendment
On June 27, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court (“Court”) issued its decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, ruling 6-3 that Joseph Kennedy, a part-time football coach at Bremerton High School, a public school in ...... Read More
June 16, 2022
AB 1655 Would Make Juneteenth an Official State Holiday for California Public Schools, Community Colleges, and the California State University Systems
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation into law that established June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday. Assembly Bill (AB) 1655, introduced by Assembly Members Jones-Sawyer, Mia Bonta, and Akilah Weber, ...... Read More
May 31, 2022
New Law AB 1276 Imposes a State-Mandated Local Program to Regulate Single-Use Foodware Accessories and Standard Condiments
AB 1276, authored by Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, was signed into law on October 5, 2021. The goal of AB 1276 is to reduce the use of and waste generated by all single-use food service products.[1] ...... Read More
May 13, 2022
CEQA Notice and Filing Requirements Changed Under AB 819
Assembly Bill 819 (AB 819) took effect on January 1, 2022. The key changes for local public agencies to be aware of are the new communication, notice, and filing requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). AB ...... Read More