Bill > SB373

This bill enhances oversight and accountability for nonpublic, nonsectarian schools that provide special education services, particularly those located outside of California. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the bill requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to conduct more rigorous certification and monitoring of these schools, including reviewing policies on restraint and seclusion, examining behavioral intervention practices, and ensuring pupil safety. The bill mandates that local educational agencies perform more comprehensive monitoring visits, including in-person interviews with pupils to assess their perceptions of the school and services. Additionally, the bill requires nonpublic, nonsectarian schools to provide pupils with a copy of their rights and procedural safeguards, ensure confidential communication with their education team, and maintain clear grievance reporting processes. For schools outside California, the bill introduces additional certification requirements, such as reviewing abuse prevention protocols and ensuring staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse or neglect. The bill aims to improve the quality of special education services and protect the rights and well-being of pupils with disabilities by increasing transparency, accountability, and oversight of nonpublic, nonsectarian schools.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB373