Bill > SB539

This bill addresses school facility construction and modernization by expanding the existing Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act to include provisions for health and safety projects related to emergencies like wildfires and floods, not just seismic events. The bill allows school districts to apply for hardship assistance when school facilities are at risk, and introduces innovative approaches to expedite construction and approval processes. Specifically, it authorizes school districts and state agencies to use machine learning to automate and streamline permitting, approval, and construction procedures. The bill also mandates a collaborative review process beginning in July 2026, requiring the State Department of Education, State Architect, Office of Public School Construction, and State Allocation Board to work with the Government Operations Agency to identify improvements in school design and construction processes. Every five years, these agencies must submit a report to legislative committees outlining process changes that can streamline school construction approvals and funding, with the first report in December 2026 focusing on specific priorities such as establishing review timeframes, developing alternative project delivery methods for emergency reconstruction, and identifying potential legislative changes to facilitate school facilities construction. The goal is to make school facility development more efficient, adaptable, and responsive to urgent community needs.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB539