Bill > AB279

This bill establishes a structured process for updating school library standards in California every eight years, beginning in 2028. The Superintendent of Public Instruction will be responsible for considering revisions to school library services standards in consultation with the State Board of Education. If revisions are recommended, the Superintendent must assemble a diverse group of experts including teachers, teacher librarians, principals, administrators, university professors, technology representatives, and new additions like nonprofit representatives with expertise in multilingual education. The bill requires that half of the expert group be credentialed teacher librarians. The Superintendent must then hold at least two public hearings to gather input on the proposed revisions, following open meeting guidelines. Within 18 months of convening the experts, the Superintendent will present revised content standards to the State Board of Education, which must then adopt, reject, or modify these standards within four months. If the board modifies or rejects the standards, they must provide detailed written explanations. Importantly, the implementation of this bill is contingent upon appropriate funding being allocated in the annual Budget Act or through other legislative funding mechanisms.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB279